Latest Features
Guide Mortal Kombat 11 - All Confirmed Characters
Every MK 11 fighter revealed so far
Which characters have been confirmed for Mortal Kombat 11? Warner Bros has granted NetherRealm Studios another eye-watering budget to make the latest MK game its goriest yet, and with high-profile celebrities like Ronda Rousey attached to the project, you can expect this brawler to be one of the best-selling...
Hands On Snooker 19 Looks for Its Big Break on PS4
In the frame
There hasn’t been a licensed snooker game in almost a decade, which seems unusual when you consider the popularity of the sport. Sure, it’s never going to rival FIFA or Madden, but billiards can be brilliant fun – even if you’re not necessarily a baize buff in real-life. Snooker 19, then, is the first game on the PlayStation 4...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 266
Ice cold
Can you believe it’s April already? We’re struggling to wrap our head around it as well. It does mean, of course, that the sun is starting to shine brighter – even if the weather is still pretty cold. Not that we’ll be feeling it, as we’ll be staying indoors playing games. Here’s what will be keeping us busy this weekend. Sammy...
Poll Are You a Big Borderlands Fan, and Are You Hyped for Borderlands 3?
Hell yeah or heck no?
Phew, Borderlands has come back with a bit of a bang recently, hasn't it? With the official announcement of Borderlands 3 after what feels like a lifetime of waiting, everyone seems to have gone mad for Gearbox's lootin' shootin' adventures. Even the original Borderlands has resurfaced as a PlayStation 4 remaster, which, out of...
Hands On Runnin’ Down a Dream in Sayonara Wild Hearts
Sayonara Bye Bye
One of our favourite booths to visit each PAX East is the Annapurna booth. With an ever-changing, always impressive lineup of interesting titles, it’s usually a highlight of the entire event. This excitement goes all the way back to their first PAX East in 2017, where they brought What Remains of Edith Finch and Gorogoa, and...
Soapbox Sony's Done an Outstanding Job with PSVR
Credit where credit's due
I remember prior to the release of PlayStation VR there was a lot of chatter on this site in particular that Sony would scrap the headset like previous platforms should it fall short of expectations. To be fair, the organisation’s track record isn’t great: the EyeToy was prematurely given the boot, opening the market...
Hands On Can Crash Team Racing Compete with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
We go head-to-head in Activision's remaster
Crash Bandicoot’s re-emergence has been one of the highlights of the PlayStation 4 era, with Sony’s former mascot now very much a part of the mainstream gaming furniture again. With the PSone’s seminal Crash Team Racing representing one of the few times the Mario Kart juggernaut has been put under...
Talking Point Should All Games Have an Easy Mode?
How important is accessibility in gaming?
With the recent release of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the conversation surrounding accessibility in video games has been rekindled. Sekiro's an unforgiving title that even hardcore players can have trouble with, but would it ruin the game for it to have an easy mode for those who just want to take in the...
Hands On Trying To Be a 100% Actual Human in Speaking Simulator
Bringing new meaning to swallowing your tongue
Nestled in an out-of-the-way corner of PAX East hid a curious little booth. A papier-mâché human head with an alarmingly long tongue signified the booth for Australian developer Affable Games’ Speaking Simulator. It was such a bizarre booth setup that our curiosity was certainly piqued. What we did...
Game of the Month Best PS4 Games of March 2019
Students, agents, devils, and demons
Phwoar, March was some month for PlayStation 4. Sony's console was showered with several top quality titles -- especially if you're a fan of fast and frantic action -- and as per usual, we've gathered the Push Square team in order to determine our Game of the Month. After an incredibly close staff vote, here's...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Upgrade Health, Posture, Attack, and Skills
Building a better shinobi
How do you increase your health, attack power, and unlock skills in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? The game ditches the RPG elements found in Dark Souls and Bloodborne, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways to improve your character. In fact, there are loads of opportunities to upgrade certain aspects of the One-Armed Wolf...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Kill Guardian Ape
How to beat the Guardian Ape boss fight
How do you kill the Guardian Ape in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? This fearsome boss fight is one of the game's most outlandish, having you face off against a gigantic angry gorilla in Sunken Valley. His attacks are naturally very powerful, but as always, there are ways to take him down relatively quickly...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Kill All Main Bosses
Guides for all the main boss fights in Sekiro
How many bosses are there in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? How do you beat each boss? There are plenty of powerful adversaries in Sekiro, and odds are you'll die dozens of times trying to take them down. From Lady Butterfly and beyond, the boss fights are varied, occasionally unusual, and surprising. If...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Kill the Great Serpent
How to beat the giant snake and unlock the trophy
How do you kill the Great Serpent in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? You'll encounter this enormous albino snake a few times throughout the game, and believe it or not, you'll get the opportunity to kill it once and for all. While not really a boss fight in the traditional sense, this is still a key enemy...
Hands On Beyond Blue Helps Bring BBC's Nature Series To Gaming
Da-Ba-Dee, Da-Ba-Die
Scattered among all of the big titles at PAX East 2019 is a veritable treasure-trove of indie games. One of the titles that grabs our attention right away is an aquatic adventure title, Beyond Blue, from E-Line Media, the team behind the absolutely wonderful Never Alone. A game that blended a great platforming title with a...
Guide New PS4 Games Releasing in April 2019
Every upcoming PlayStation 4 release date in April 2019
What new PS4 games are releasing in April 2019? It’s a slightly quieter month on the PlayStation 4 this time, but there are two big titles waiting at the end of it: Days Gone and Mortal Kombat 11. The former is the next big exclusive from Sony, while the latter practically guarantees a good...
Hands On Dangerous Driving Is Burnout 3 on Burnout 1's Budget
Second hand model
Dangerous Driving is the game Three Fields Entertainment has been building towards for the last few years. The small studio, founded by Criterion's top dogs Alex Ward and Fiona Sperry, first released Dangerous Golf in 2016, a destructive, score-attack golf game that spoke to the developer's intentions. A successor to Burnout, or at...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 265
Test your might
We’ve got a big WAYP this week and your humble host has a very busy weekend, so forgive us for keeping the introduction fairly brief this time. Look at that sunshine outside, though, eh? Lovely, isn’t it? Robert Ramsey, Deputy Editor: I'll be looking to sink a few more hours into Trails of Cold Steel on PS4. I first played it...
Soapbox Sony's Server Shutdown Strategy Is Making the Publisher a Laughing Stock
Sammy's dismayed by the DriveClub debacle
If our gaming future is to exist largely online, then I’m becoming increasingly sceptical of whether Sony deserves my money. The company has built the PlayStation Store into an unparalleled empire, but it’s about to gut popular racing game DriveClub and wipe it from its servers. If you already happen to...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - Tips and Tricks for Beginners
Become a master shinobi
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is finally here, and it provides a very stern challenge -- even for those that have played previous From Software games. Set in a fantastical version of Sengoku era Japan, you'll need to master all the game's systems and features if you're to take down the many foes that stand in your path. In this...
Poll One Week Later, What Review Score Would You Give Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice?
And how difficult is it?
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has been out for a whole week now, and hopefully, that's been long enough for you lot to figure out whether you like the game or not. From Software's latest blood-soaked adventure was met with very positive reviews -- our own included -- but what have you made of the one-armed wolf's story? Whether...
Poll Are You Happy with Your PS Plus Games for April 2019?
Plus or minus?
April 2019's PlayStation Plus games have been announced, but as always, we want to know... Are you happy with them? Next month's selection includes two PS4 games: The Surge and Conan Exiles. Both have rather lukewarm Metacritic scores, and the initial reaction to the lineup hasn't been all that positive, but again, we're here to find...
Guide When Will Borderlands 3 Be Officially Revealed?
And where can you watch it
When will Borderlands 3 be officially revealed? And where can you watch the livestream? Gearbox is, er, gearing up for a colossal announcement at PAX East 2019 this week, as it raises the curtain on its long-awaited sequel to the Borderlands series. You’ll be able to follow all the news from Boston as it breaks, but if...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Get All Endings
How to trigger each ending in Sekiro
How do you achieve all of the endings in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? There are four possible endings to experience in Sekiro, depending on choices you make and your actions in the game's final few hours. You'll need to find all four conclusions if you're to take the Platinum PS4 trophy -- but how do you get each...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Kill Isshin Ashina
How to beat Isshin Ashina boss fight
How do you kill Isshin Ashina in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? If you choose to stick to the Iron Code near the end of the game, you'll be taken down a path that sees you fighting Emma, the Gentle Blade, and then Lord Isshin Ashina himself. If you're struggling to defeat him atop Ashina Castle, read on to find some...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Kill Great Colored Carp
How to beat the Foutainhead Palace fish
How do you kill the Great Colored Carp in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? This optional encounter isn't strictly a boss fight, but defeating it does unlock a PS4 trophy for your collection. Found in the Fountainhead Palace area towards the end of the game, you won't be fighting the Great Colored Carp, and will...
Hands On Battlefield V's Battle Royale Mode Is Too Little Too Late
Putting the flame out
Battlefield V's Battle Royale mode, Firestorm, feels like the game's last chance to capture any sort of significant player base. After a rocky launch in November 2018 that failed to light the world on fire, the promise was made that a significant amount of content would be added to the experience by way of a long, long roadmap...
Talking Point What Free April 2019 PS Plus Games Do You Want?
When will April 2019's PlayStation Plus lineup be revealed?
What’s the April 2019 PlayStation Plus lineup? And when will the April 2019 PS Plus lineup be revealed? We now know that the immediate future of the PS+ service involves two PlayStation 4 games per month, but if they’re as good as March 2019’s offering, then we doubt there’ll be too...
Round Up What Was Announced During Sony PlayStation's State of Play Livestream?
Everything from Sony's inaugural PlayStation Direct
Sony’s first ever State of Play livestream is done and dusted, and the broadcast played host to several announcements, including Iron Man VR and No Man's Sky VR. Feel free to let us know what you thought of the overall event through here, but in case you missed it, we’ve rounded up all of the...
Reaction State of Play Can and Will Be Great Assuming Sony Sticks with It
And you keep your expectations in check
Sony’s State of Play livestream is currently being bombarded with dislikes, which is just about as predictable as the sun rising tomorrow. In this instance, however, it feels just a teensy bit unfair, because the platform holder put together a broadcast that actually exceeded my admittedly low expectations...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Kill the Folding Screen Monkeys
How to beat the Senpou Temple boss
How do you kill the Folding Screen Monkeys boss in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? This unusual boss encounter in the Senpou Temple area is what you'll need to beat in order to progress the story and obtain the Mortal Blade. You'll be whisked away to the Hall of Illusions after ringing the Illusive Hall Bell near the...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Kill Emma, the Gentle Blade
How to beat Emma
How do you kill Emma, the Gentle Blade in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? Late in the game, you'll have to make a big choice that sends the various endings off in different directions, and you may end up fighting Emma. The doctor who helped you for so long now stands as your foe, but fortunately for you, she's not particularly difficult...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Kill Demon of Hatred
How to beat the Demon of Hatred optional boss
How do you kill the Demon of Hatred boss in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? This is an optional boss battle, and maybe the toughest in the game. It comes very late in the game, after the Fountainhead Palace area. You find this boss in the Ashina Outskirts area after backtracking to the Outskirts Wall...
Talking Point What Did You Think of Sony's State of Play Livestream?
Direct rivals
The curtain has closed on the first ever State of Play, which will be a recurring event throughout the year according to Sony – but how did it go? Obviously teething troubles are to be expected, but we did see a couple of neat games during the 20 minute event, including Iron Man VR and Mortal Kombat 11. But did you enjoy watching...
Live Watch Sony PlayStation's State of Play Livestream Right Here
PlayStation Direct?
Sony PlayStation’s brave new era begins now – or does it? With no E3 2018 on the horizon and better communication promised from the higher-ups, we have State of Play – a potentially exciting livestream format likely to be somewhat inspired by the Nintendo Direct. Of course, while there will no doubt be teething troubles,...
Hands On Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy Has No Objections from Us So Far
Pre-order in the court?
We're a mere three cases into the original Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney on PlayStation 4, so we're not quite ready to give you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help us Shuhei, the jury is still out. But we have seen enough to allow us to make a pretty compelling opening statement before we render our...
Guide What Time Does Sony PlayStation's State of Play Livestream Start?
When is Sony's State of Play?
What time does Sony PlayStation's State of Play livestream start? Where can you watch the PlayStation Direct-esque broadcast? And what games will be shown during the inaugural event? We’re about to embark on a new era for PlayStation announcements, so you’ll no doubt want to ensure that you’re perched in front of...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How and Where to Find Lord Isshin Ashina
In which tower is Lord Isshin?
If you've made your way to this guide, odds are you've beaten the Genichiro Ashina boss fight in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Well done! After you defeat this boss character, you'll be reunited with the Divine Heir, Kuro. After speaking with him, he'll set you the task of finding and speaking with Lord Isshin Ashina. He...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Unlock 'Guardian Ape Immortality Severed' PS4 Trophy
How to find and beat the Headless Ape
So, you've fought and defeated the Guardian Ape in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice on PlayStation 4. Great! But, hang on -- there's a trophy related to the boss that hasn't popped. What gives? Well, it turns out that beating the beast in Sunken Valley wasn't quite enough to truly finish him off. In this guide, we'll...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - All Gourd Seed Locations
Where to find all Gourd Seeds
Where are all the Gourd Seeds in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? These rare items are what you'll need to improve your Healing Gourd, allowing you to use it more and more times before you have to rest at a Sculptor's Idol. As some are easily missable as you go through the game, this guide will outline where to find each...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 264
Dunk da funk
The gaming gods have blessed us with another gift in the form of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice this week, and so we suspect that’s what a lot of you will be enjoying this weekend. It’s been a pretty packed start to the year, though, with Devil May Cry 4 and Resident Evil 2 to name but two. So what’s keeping your thumbs in motion at...
Hands On Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Is a Harsh and Fascinating New World to Conquer
First impressions of From Software's latest
Whether or not you've played From Software's previous action titles before, you're not prepared for Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Fans of the studio will have to ditch all their Dark Souls habits, as this game plays by its own rules. It's certainly in the same wheelhouse, but Sekiro is a bold and distinct...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Kill Gyoubu Oniwa
How to beat the horse riding boss
How do you kill Gyoubu the Demon in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? Gyoubu Oniwa is quite an iconic boss battle in Sekiro, as he rides around on an armoured horse in an enormous arena in Ashina Outskirts. As you enter the area, he'll make his presence known immediately, riding in and loudly announcing himself. He can be...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - Which Skills Should You Get First?
What to spend your Skill Points on first
As you progress through Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, you'll unlock various skill trees focusing on different aspects of your character, Wolf. In these first few hours, it might be difficult to choose where to spend your precious Skill Points, especially as more trees open up to you as you continue through the...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Kill Lady Butterfly
How to beat the Hirata Estate boss
How do you kill Lady Butterfly in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? She's one of the first major boss fights you're likely to have in Sekiro, and she's a devilishly fast and tricky opponent. You'll encounter her at the very end of the Hirata Estate area, behind a locked door. Below, we'll give you some pointers and advice...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Get Rid of Dragonrot and Restore Unseen Aid
How do you remove Rot Essence?
One of the core mechanics in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is your ability to come back from the dead, providing you with a much needed second chance. Of course, you'll still die a lot regardless. The game is incredibly challenging, and you'll almost certainly resurrect and subsequently perish countless times throughout...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Save Money from Being Lost When You Die
How to keep your sen after death
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an extremely tough game. There's no way of sugarcoating this: you're going to die a lot as you play this title, and it doesn't hold back on penalising you for it either. When you actually die in Sekiro and respawn at a Sculptor's Idol, you'll usually lose half of your money (sen) and half...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - All Prosthetic Tools, What They Do, and Where to Find Them
All weapons for the Shinobi Prosthetic
The Shinobi Prosthetic is a powerful and versatile secondary weapon in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Throughout the game, you'll find Prosthetic Tools which can be installed into Wolf's false arm and provide all kinds of offensive and defensive abilities. From firing shuriken to an umbrella-like shield, there are...
Guide Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - How to Kill Genichiro Ashina
How to beat his two forms
How do you kill Genichiro Ashina in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? This boss is one of the hardest in the game, but not necessarily because of his attack patterns. Once you've delivered two Death Blows, he'll still be alive and kicking, and after a brief cutscene, you'll be back in the fight and he'll have an all new range of...
Feature Sony's State of Play Livestream - What PS4 Announcements to Expect
Direct in your veins
Sony is finally taking a page out of Nintendo’s book and broadcasting its own Direct-esque livestream series named State of Play. The first instalment – which will air from 14:00 PT on Monday, 25th March – promises “updates and announcements from the world of PlayStation”. But what should you realistically expect...
