Latest Features
Live Watch Koch Primetime Right Here
Prime matter
Koch Media, and its various subsidiaries including Deep Silver and new publishing label Prime Matter, will be joining the E3 2021 hype train this week with a livestream of its own. The publisher’s already told us what not to expect: basically all of its big brands. Tune in from 12PM PDT/3PM EDT/8PM BST. Koch Primetime (11th June,...
Feature E3 2021 Predictions Quiz - 20 Questions to Get You Hyped for E3
Can you beat E3?
2020 saw E3 disappear completely, breaking our impressive five-year streak of hosting an annual E3 community quiz here on Push Square. But in case you haven't heard, E3 is back for 2021 — and so is our quiz! We've got 20 yes or no questions lined up below, and we kindly ask you to help us predict E3 2021. Just for the record, E3...
Reaction Partnerships Show PlayStation Empowering Creators, And Avoiding an Acquisition War
Sony's direction
On the eve of a Microsoft press conference, it’s hard not to be wary of the dreaded ‘a’ word if you’re a PlayStation fan: acquisitions. Oh, the dreaded acquisitions. Xbox’s well-publicised buyout of Bethesda changed everything; all bets are off when it comes to the Redmond juggernaut now, and it has the luxury of deep...
Round Up What Was Announced at Summer Game Fest: Kickoff Live?
All the PS5, PS4 reveals
It's time to put the PlayStation controller down for just a second and tune in to a series of livestreams across the next seven days or so to see what's next for the gaming industry. Geoff Keighley got the annual online celebration rolling with a Kickoff Live showcase dedicated to his own Summer Game Fest promotion,...
Talking Point Did Summer Game Fest: Kickoff Live Blow You Away?
Keighley delivers the goods
The summer season of game reveals is well and truly underway as Geoff Keighley starts proceedings with a kickoff show dedicated to the Summer Game Fest. The popular host is once again acting as a sort of adjudicator that brings together all of these gaming showcases under one roof, but his own livestream had lots of...
Feature Koch Media Announces New Publishing Label, Prime Matter, with 12 Upcoming Games
Here's everything you need to know
Koch Media isn't a well-known name like EA, Activision, or Ubisoft, but it's a major player in the gaming space. Part of Embracer Group, a conglomerate that also includes THQ Nordic, the company is a leading European distributor and publisher, with its own suite of IPs you'll probably have played before. Under the...
Live Watch Summer Game Fest: Kickoff Live Right Here
Blow the whistle
E3 2021 is underway, except it’s not. But it kinda is. Aw, this year is a confusing one! So, Summer Game Fest: Kick Off Live is a new event from Geoff Keighley, which you can kinda consider to be a curtain raiser on E3 2021 – even though it’s not actually part of E3 2021! Think of this like summer version of The Game Awards,...
Talking Point What Do You Expect from E3 2021 Next Week?
The big one
E3 – and various other associated gaming events – returns next week, after a pandemic enforced hiatus in 2020. While even we’re still struggling to understand what to expect from the event, the E3 2021 Timetable is mostly locked in, featuring live broadcasts from the likes of Ubisoft, Square Enix, and more. Sony’s not currently...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 379
Ninja master
From freezing to utterly sweltering: the weather’s about as unpredictable as Sony these days. It’s been a bit of quiet week for PlayStation, aside from casual confirmation of God of War Ragnarok coming to the PS4. That went down about as well as you can imagine. Sammy Barker, Editor: I, perhaps foolishly, decided to start...
Hands On NEO: The World Ends With You Brings a Stylish Afterlife to PS4
Put a pin in it
A little-known but well-loved entry in Square Enix's JRPG pantheon, The World Ends With You is a unique experience with gorgeous art from Kingdom Hearts director Tetsuyo Nomura. The game looked at concepts like social media influence and memetic learning way before those things were as pervasive as they are today. Nomura's designs,...
Talking Point Did Sony Lie About PS5?
Generational divides
“We believe in generations.” It’s another quote from PlayStation boss Jim Ryan that will likely haunt him for the rest of his career, similar to the comments he made about some classic Gran Turismo games a half-decade ago. The executive’s generational declaration must be considered in context: it was publicised at a time...
First Impressions F1 2021 Shifts Up a Gear with New Story Mode, Two-Player Career, and More
Life in the pit lane
Codemasters has been making officially licensed Formula 1 games for many years now, and it's reached a point where petrolheads can purchase them with confidence. The team has gradually built up its simulation of the popular motorsport, tinkering with the formula each year to get players closer to feeling like they're a real part...
Poll What Review Score Would You Give Mass Effect Legendary Edition?
This is my favourite poll on the Citadel
After delivering our incredibly comprehensive PlayStation 4 review of Mass Effect Legendary Edition this past weekend, it's time to share your own thoughts on the vast collection. The game has been out for more than two weeks now, giving users lots of time to at least complete the first entry in the saga —...
Poll Are You Happy with Your PS Plus Games for June 2021?
Plus or minus?
The PlayStation Plus games lineup for June 2021 has been announced, and we'd argue it's another solid month for subscribers. In case you missed it, PS Plus users get access to three titles — two of which are brand new releases. On PS5, there's co-op focused spy game Operation: Tango. It's flanked by the enjoyable Star Wars:...
Guide Upcoming PS5, PS4 Games for June and July 2021
Ratchet & Clank! Final Fantasy VII Intergrade! F1 2021!
Can you believe we're already at the half-way point for 2021? The first half of the year seems to have vanished into thin air, and with the gaming release schedule warming up, it's not going to slow down. There are some very exciting PlayStation 5 and PS4 games heading our way — let's take a...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 378
Mall brawl
Good grief, how is it the end of May already? After the slowest year on record in 2020, this one is absolutely blitzing by. Blink and it'll be Christmas again. Sammy Barker, Editor: I've been getting back into Steep, so I'll probably chill out with a bit of that this weekend. I've got lots to keep me busy, so I imagine I'll be bouncing...
Poll Are You Sold on Horizon Forbidden West?
Journey to the West
Horizon Forbidden West just got its big gameplay blowout thanks to the latest State of Play livestream, and honestly, we still can't quite believe how good it looks. Guerrilla Games is no stranger to top-quality graphical tech, but Forbidden West might just be the most visually impressive PlayStation title we've ever seen. But...
All Days of Play offers so far
It's that time of year again — the Days of Play sale is back. Sony's annual PlayStation promotion has returned, bringing with it dozens of deals on PS5 and PS4 games and accessories. The sale is live right now, so let's go through all the info you need, as well as some of the discounts you can get your hands on...
Live Watch the Horizon Forbidden West State of Play Right Here
The Old Ones await
Horizon Forbidden West is, without question, one of the biggest games currently announced for the PlayStation 5. The fact that a new State of Play is promising approximately 15 minutes of gameplay footage, then, makes it essential viewing. This broadcast will be focused entirely on Guerrilla Games’ sequel, so don’t expect...
Live Watch the Sonic the Hedgehog Reveal Livestream Right Here
Gotta go fast
As Sonic the Hedgehog celebrates its 30th anniversary, it’s time to get a glimpse of what’s next for the famous Blue Blur. The Sonic Central livestream – scheduled to get underway from 9AM PT / 12PM ET – promises a first look at “some of our upcoming projects, partnerships, and events”. Join us for all of the action live on...
Soapbox Why I'm Not Expecting a PS5, PS4 Press Conference from PlayStation Next Month
Times are changing
Sony moves in mysterious ways these days, which can make predicting the platform holder’s plans a challenge to say the least. Here are a handful of things I’ve observed of late, however: the company’s announcing and showcasing games much closer to release these days; it tends to focus on one title at a time; it’s over E3...
Guide Knockout City: Tips and Tricks for Beginners
How to get better and win in Knockout City
Knockout City is the new "dodge-brawl" multiplayer PS4 game from EA and Velan Studios. It's available now, and if you ask us, it's well worth checking out for its simple but super-fun gameplay. If you're just getting started in the dodgeball-obsessed world of Knockout City, you might find yourself...
Guide Rust Console Edition Guide: How to Get Started
Survive for longer in Rust Console Edition
How do you get start started in Rust Console Edition? This punishing PlayStation 4 survival game unfolds in a persistent online world, where you'll not only need to secure your own safety but will need to deal with unpredictable human encounters. While it's possible to team up with the strangers you meet,...
A "rewrite" of the first game
It's been seven years since the last mainline Samurai Warriors game, and Samurai Warriors 5 is attempting to revitalise Koei Tecmo's hack and slash series with a number of innovations. To find out more about the upcoming action title — which launches for PlayStation 4 on the 27th July — we asked Koei Tecmo president...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 377
Trust the rust
We’re nearing the end of May and we’re yet to enjoy a single day of sunshine here at Push Square Towers. In fact, it’s positively depressing out there. Good thing the sun is always shining on PlayStation – well, depending on what game you’re playing, we suppose. Sammy Barker, Editor: God I’ve got so much to play and I...
Poll Who's Your Favourite Mass Effect Legendary Edition Squadmate?
Everybody's here
With the release schedule slowing down a bit for the time being (don't worry, it gets a lot busier in June), we wanted to go with a fun Friday poll this week. In case you somehow didn't know, Mass Effect Legendary Edition is out right now, and we're thoroughly enjoying Commander Shepard's quest to stop the Reapers all over again...
Talking Point What Free June 2021 PS Plus Games Do You Want?
When will June 2021's PlayStation Plus lineup be announced?
What’s the June 2021 PS Plus lineup? When will the free June 2021 PlayStation Plus games be announced? There's no doubt that PS Plus is enjoying arguably its best period since the PS3 days, with a wealth of quality software being given away. June 2021 sees the return of Days of Play,...
Hands On Knockout City Could Be Your New Favourite Multiplayer Game on PS4
It's a knockout?
To be honest, our time playing Knockout City in a recent review event hasn't changed our opinion much at all. After spending time previously with the beta, we came away quite impressed with what Velan Studios has made, and as the title launches on PlayStation 4, we find ourselves itching to play more. The game, an online multiplayer...
Poll How Excited Are You for This Summer's Gaming Events?
Hype judgement
Yesterday saw the confirmation that Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest will return next month in a much-condensed version. The man behind many of gaming's biggest events will host a kick-off show on 10th June 2021 before handing it over to publishers who wish to do things on their own terms. Just two days after the digital event we've...
Buggin' out
We've always been big fans of Earth Defense Force here at Push Square (we've lost track of how many times we've used "EDF! EDF! EDF!" as an article tagline). The meme-worthy series has been around for a while at this point, and it's about to reach a whole new level of absurdity with Earth Defense Force: World Brothers, which launches for...
Talking Point Should Sony Have Its Own Controller Design Lab?
More colours, more customisation
PlayStation controllers are all the rage nowadays. PS5 pads are selling well, PS4 controllers were some of the previous generation's best-selling accessories, and last week's announcement that more colours are on the way for the current-gen gizmo went down a treat. While there's no way of tracking pre-order numbers,...
Poll What Review Score Would You Give Resident Evil Village?
Bloody reunion
Resident Evil Village has been out for just over a week now, and as always, we want to hear your opinion. Capcom continues its first-person streak with its latest horror release, once again sticking players in the bloodied shoes of faceless protagonist Ethan Winters. This time around, Ethan's got to contend with all kinds of creatures...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 376
My favourite remaster on the Citadel
A tardy week in the PlayStation Nation has come to a conclusion, but we did still get a couple of new PS5 controller colours and the Mass Effect Legendary Edition out of it. We’ll be using this slow period to recharge ahead of E3 next month. Sammy Barker, Editor: After a busy review and preview week, I’m...
Poll Did You Buy Mass Effect Legendary Edition?
Back to the future
After a whole console generation of waiting, Mass Effect Legendary Edition is finally here — a fully remastered and party reworked collection of all three games in BioWare's original sci-fi trilogy. What a time to be alive! Many an existing Mass Effect fan will no doubt have already had Legendary Edition pre-ordered, but we...
Guide All Free PS4 Games, Offers Included in Play At Home Initiative 2021
Everything you can get free of charge
What free PS4 games are included in the Play at Home initiative 2021? What offers are included in the Play at Home initiative? Sony is bringing back its Play At Home scheme this year to help continue combating the COVID-19 pandemic by offering free PlayStation 4 titles as well as offers on select services. In...
Hands On Mass Effect Legendary Edition Is a Massive Upgrade That Plays Better Than Ever
Good to see you, Commander
We've waited an entire console generation for BioWare to finally remaster the Mass Effect trilogy, but it looks as though our patience has been rewarded with a collection that goes above and beyond. Ideally, we would be bringing you a full review of Mass Effect Legendary Edition right now, but we simply haven't had it long...
Talking Point Returnal Story and Ending Explained - What Does It All Mean?
Let's get spoilery
Returnal has been out on PlayStation 5 now for a while, which means that a bunch of you have hopefully reached its conclusion by now. A big part of the game's appeal, aside from its slick bullet hell action, is its intriguing, mysterious story. Who exactly is Selene? Why has she ended up on the hostile planet Atropos? What's with...
Hands On Gravity Rush, Freedom Wars Fans Will Feel at Home in Scarlet Nexus on PS5, PS4
Other bother
The disbandment of Japan Studio hit PlayStation fans hard this year, but playing the first three hours of Scarlet Nexus this month left us reminiscing about Gravity Rush and Freedom Wars. Make no mistake, the Bandai Namco action role-playing release very much has its own identity – but if you find yourself yearning for the...
First Impressions Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Is an Eye-Popping Demonstration of PS5's Power
Sony shows us more of Insomniac Games' exclusive
You don’t need a preview for Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, to be honest. That’s probably not what Sony expected us to write after inviting us to a glitzy COVID-free online event, but it’s our takeaway after watching over 30 minutes of unedited gameplay footage and listening to key creative...
Soapbox I'm Beyond Excited for PS5's Next-Gen PSVR
Sammy's feeling the hype
I’ve been thinking about PSVR a lot lately. I loved the original headset, and I’m very proud of how Push Square – in my probably biased opinion – had some of the best virtual reality coverage online at the time. I’ll readily admit that I’ve dropped off a lot since the PlayStation 5 came out – that spaghetti of...
Poll What Review Score Would You Give Returnal?
The cycle repeats
Returnal has been out for just over a week now, and the PlayStation 5 exclusive has been met with a wave of positivity. Just before launch, most reviews painted the intense shooter as a near essential purchase on Sony's new system — but what review score would you give Returnal? That's what we're here to find out. We gave the...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 375
Village people
If you go down to the village tonight you’re sure of a big surprise… It’s been a huge few weeks on PlayStation after a relatively slow start to the year, with Resident Evil Village representing the high-profile follow-up to Returnal in a PS5 double-header. Sammy Barker, Editor: I've got Resident Evil Village installed on my...
Poll Did You Buy Resident Evil Village?
Welcome to the village
Resident Evil Village is here, and we absolutely love it. We gave it an 'excellent' 9/10 in our Resident Evil Village PS5 review, but, as always, we want to know if the latest blockbuster is currently residing on your console. It's fair to say that Capcom's been on a roll for a good few years now, pumping out a number of top...
Live Watch the Lost Judgment Official Reveal Stream Right Here
Yagami's back on the case
Excellent Yakuza spinoff Judgment seems to be getting a sequel, and you can catch the full announcement and reveal via the SEGA livestream that we've embedded below. It all kicks off at 3PM UK time, or 7AM Pacific time. At this point it's worth mentioning that the supposed sequel has already been leaked via the
Feature Resident Evil's Story So Far, Summed Up in 30 Mind-Twisting Minutes
Fasten your seatbelt
Are you picking up Resident Evil Village today? You should: our Resident Evil Village PS5 review already explained that it’s arguably the best instalment since the outstanding Resident Evil 4. But do you need some kind of story recap to get you up to speed? We can help, as we’ve put together a mammoth 30 minute video that...
Feature How Velan Studios, and the Community, Are Shaping Knockout City
Dodgeball multiplayer title is almost here
Velan Studios is not a household name, but despite this, it's been able to make a bit of a splash. Its first release was the Switch exclusive Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, but it's also been building up to the launch of something very different: Knockout City. Published by EA Originals, the multiplayer...
Soapbox 69% of PlayStation's Revenue Is Driven by PS Store, But the Shopping Experience Sucks
Sammy's grudging forking out on PS5, PS4
There are many things I don’t understand in this world – wrestling being the main one, really – but Sony’s recent round of financials had me parroting that emoji where the little yellow guy has his chin perched on his thumb and index finger. A staggering 69 per cent of PlayStation’s revenue for the...
First Impressions Biomutant Is an Open-Worlder with Style and Depth
Furry business
Putting out your first-ever game as a developer is always going to be a difficult task, but when the project generates as much excitement as Biomutant has in years past, that weight of expectation must take its toll sooner or later. Swedish studio X101 finds itself in that precarious position as we close in on the release of its...
Feature What Discord Integration Could Mean for PS5, PS4
Talking shop
Recently, Sony confirmed that it had made a minority investment in Discord, and that it would be establishing a new partnership with the hugely popular platform. But what does that actually mean for PlayStation players? What is Discord, and how could it be integrated into the existing console experience? For the uninitiated, we're...
Movie Review Mortal Kombat (2021) – An Uneven, But Ultimately Enjoyable Film
Flawed victory
The list of game movie adaptations grows ever longer. While the vast majority of them are calamitous misfires, the last couple years have shown that game adaptations can be at least mediocre. Between the latest Tomb Raider, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Detective Pikachu, game movies have finally reached a place where watching them isn’t...
