Sony has had many memorable PlayStation announcements over time, from participating in E3 to revealing titles through their State of Play showcase. The company has been around for a long time, and there have been many games and console announcements. With so many, it’s amazing to look back on what games we have got to experience, what didn’t come to fruition, and the ones to expect still.
However, it’s some of the most memorable PlayStation announcements that make the difference. Do you remember the feeling when Death Stranding was first announced? Or $299 PS1 bombshell?The curiosity, the confusion, and even the hype. Sony has a variety of great reveals that still stick to this day. Below, we have the details on some of the biggest PlayStation announcements throughout the years.
Marvel’s Spider-Man
The reveal of Marvel’s Spider-Man is one of the more memorable PlayStation announcements. Players were treated to a surprise when it was shown that a new Spider-Man game was coming. However, it wasn’t so simple, as it was an open world title. The game gave players the ultimate dream of being able to swing around New York City as the iconic superhero. Mix in the freeflow combat of games like Batman: Arkham Asylum, and Marvel’s Spider-Man was a big surprise. Having the game release on the PlayStation 4 was a big move and the title is still a memorable PlayStation announcement.
God of War (2018)
The 2018 iteration of God of War was a fantastic narrative experience. However, it’s reveal during E3 in 2016 will live as one of the most memorable announcements. The trailer gave players a glimpse at a snowy cabin and a young boy checking equipment. In the background, a deep voice can be heard asking questions. Throughout the entire trailer, viewers are unsure of who or what is going on. However, the camera pans to show Kratos from God of War emerge from the darkness. In an incredible moment, the entire theater at E3 erupted in cheers as we saw the revival of an iconic character and series. Plus, having the gameplay feel as fluid and intriguing as it is with a deep story would go on to make it amazing. So good that the title would win Game of the Year at The Game Awards in 2018.
PlayStation 4 Reveal
The reveal of the PlayStation 4 console by Sony is another choice for memorable announcements. Following a few reveals that were not good, mainly the PS3 and the Xbox One (remember? Go use an Xbox 360 if you can’t connect to the internet), the PlayStation console had consumers worried that another blunder was afoot. However, Sony did the exact opposite with the console announcement. They detailed different components of the PlayStation 4 architecture to show what it was capable of. Additionally, gameplay from different launch titles like Killzone Shadow Fall and Driveclub were displayed too. The over two-hour long showcase from Sony remains one of the most memorable announcements, and whenever you think about “when did the PS4 come out?“, you’re naturally reminded of the reveal event. It was a big step in the right direction and showed that the company was bringing gaming into a brighter future.
The Last of Us Reveal
Naughty Dog’s announcement of The Last of Us back in 2011 was a significant paradigm shift. In contrast, it may sound like an exaggeration, but it’s truly not. Naughty Dog was known for titles like Jak and Daxter or Uncharted. But the tone change to something darker with The Last of Us was truly memorable. Showing Joel and Ellie to the world and the grim experience players were to have was a sight to behold. Not just that, but it gave a glimpse at the different enemies: humans and the infected. While a post-apocalyptic journey was already a new experience for the company, this game was upping the ante. Plus, the reveal showcased that as a last-gen PS3 title, Naughty Dog was really testing the limits of the console’s tech.
Death Stranding
Death Stranding’s reveal with PlayStation at E3 2016 was unexpected. Hideo Kojima had started his studio after the falling out with Konami. However, he didn’t come to play during the conference. The renowned developer brought a teaser with him for his first independent project. After his Silent Hills project was canceled, he brought Norman Reedus with him to make a new mysterious project. One that would go on to be Death Stranding. Viewers were treated to an odd trailer of Norman’s character cradling a baby on a beach before it disappears. There were many questions. But the sheer fact of a Kojima and Reedus reunion with a dark tone to it gave players plenty of hype to see what was cooking. Especially after many got to experience PT as a demo. While Death Stranding now has players divided, its reveal will always be memorable.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake
While not a direct PlayStation reveal, Square Enix’s announcement of Final Fantasy 7 Remake was incredible. Players were treated to a cinematic trailer detailing Midgar. It ultimately ends with a close-up shot of Barrett’s gun arm and Cloud’s Buster Sword. The pair are then seen walking through the crowd towards a light. The remake was highly requested by many gamers, especially in an era when remakes were becoming big again. The reaction by the crowd to a full-on remake of one of the best RPGs of all time was a memorable gaming moment. And the big ending? It was released exclusively on the PlayStation 4 for a limited time. The game was a perfect entry point for many new players to enjoy the series, and I was one of them. It used all of the console’s tech to give players a stunning and immersive experience for years to come.
Those are some of the most memorable PlayStation announcements by Sony. When new reveals are made, it’s always an exciting time for players worldwide. In recent times, it is seen as bad or controversial to take risks during reveals. However, it leads to new ideas and experiences. If we didn’t have this in gaming, there are plenty of titles we would miss out on. For example, Naughty Dog taking the risk they did with The Last of Us led to an amazing game to play. One that would go on to become one of the most awarded titles of all time. Sure, sometimes they don’t pan out. But denying or shutting down a new idea before even trying it is something that is going to lead to a worse future for gaming.
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