Welcome to Urgent Fury

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here Hey, everybody! Sid, Tim, Brett, and I are back this week to talk about the newest game announced this week, Horizon Hunters Gathering, take a look at what’s new in MLB The Show 26, and go down the rabbit hole of games based on 80s action. Stuff We Talked About Next week’s release highlights: Crisol: Theater of Idols | PS5 Romeo is a Dead Man | PS5 BlazBlue Entropy Effect X | PS5 Ride 6 | PS5 Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties | PS5, PS4 High On Life 2 | PS5 Reanimal | PS5 MLB The Show 26 gameplay reveal — Check out updated gameplay along with new modes and features like 11 new colleges, bear down pitching, new Trade Hub, and more. John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando gameplay features — See how the game elevates the co-op zombie-shooting genre with vehicle combat and management, combined with run-and-gun tactics, all set against an 80s action-horror aesthetic. Horizon Hunters Gathering reveal — a new co-op action game from Guerrilla, where up to three players can team up to take down dangerous machines, both big and small, where tactics and teamwork will be essential. The Cast View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Tim Turi – Content Communications Manager, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Brett Elston – Manager, Content Communications, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image O’Dell Harmon Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, SIE Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music. [Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.] View the full article

Last week, we asked you to slow things down and enjoy the rustic life using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here’s are this week’s highlights: jobolts_ shares Atsu playing her shamisen at a camp with the Ainu tribe in Ghost of Yōtei. WildmindVP shares Layla’s cabin in the present day of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. RhodWulfLeon shares a one-eyed owl in a tavern in Star Wars Outlaws. RazinZamee shares Ellie and baby JJ sitting on a tractor in The Last of Us Part II. call_me_xavii shares Aloy standing outside an encampment in Horizon Forbidden West. FlamingHobo666 shares a wizard picnicking near a pumpkin patch in Hogwarts Legacy. Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: Romantic SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on February 11, 2026 Next week, show some love. Share romantic settings and characters from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. View the full article

Dear Trailblazers, the Honkai: Star Rail development team sends their long-awaited regards! We are thrilled to announce that a brand-new world known as Planarcadia will officially be unveiled in Version 4.0 No Aha at Full Moon. This prosperous world, renowned for its entertainment culture, is currently celebrating its unique Phantasmoon Games. This is not only Himeko’s homeland but also the starting point for the Astral Express to set sail once again. This story of The Elation will likewise span an entire year, and the stage will not be limited to Planarcadia—the IPC’s key stronghold, Astropolis, will also make its debut later. Let us witness the convergence of The Past and Future, and join new companions Yao Guang and Sparxie in the Euphoria party of The Elation. An arcadia where clout is king and people are amusing themselves to death Following the journey to Amphoreus, and at Himeko’s suggestion, the Express charted a course for Planarcadia, kingdom of the Elation, to resupply and explore. Planarcadia was once a 2D World in Canvas, but under the IPC’s management, it has been revived from the flatness of a painting to become a vital territory. It is now overseen by Pearl, one of the Ten Stonehearts of the Strategic Investment Department. Today, all manner of local entertainment products have sprung up like mushrooms, with their fame spreading across the entire cosmos. For the first stop on their journey, the Express Crew will arrive at Duomension City, situated in the heart of the arcadia. Unlike the solemn elegance of the Amphorean city-states, Duomension City is a vibrant metropolis defined by its sleek, modern aesthetic. By day, the streets are teeming with people, dazzling the eye with ubiquitous electronic screens and memetic projections. As nightfall descends, the waters of Dovebrook reflect the neon spectacle and bustling nightlife under the bright moonlight. Somewhere within the Dovebrook District lies the fabled World’s End, a tavern that serves as a vital social hub for the Masked Fools, though its exact location remains elusive. Furthermore, you will encounter all manner of bizarre creatures and objects active throughout the streets and alleys. Don’t be surprised, these are the local residents known as imagenae, beings born from painting and imagination. Whether it’s the towering, cool mechatron, the Meowton Station Master handling ground crew duties, or the thundercoil perched atop high towers amplifying the city’s network signals, they have long since integrated into the city’s daily life, becoming companions who live side-by-side with humanity. Speaking of Duomension City, one highlight you can’t miss is Interplanar Jump! There are mysterious entrances scattered all over the place—just dive in to reach the marvelous Duomension. Inside, the art style of people and imagenae changes, letting you pull off moves impossible in reality, like double-jumping or walking on water. Once you enter the Duomension, you’ll transform into different forms of Trailblazemon, free to explore all the unique and fun content hidden in every corner of the city. In Planarcadia, all conflicts and struggles are resolved through games, the most sensational of which is the Phantasmoon Games. Rumor has it that Aha personally established these games. The victor not only wins an audience with them, but also gains the authority of the Aeon of Elation for one minute. However, the games have no fixed rules—whoever catches Aha’s eye takes the lead. Thus, victory depends entirely on the participants’ capabilities and wit. A mask serves as the entry ticket for all participants, but only eight exist. The ferocity of the competition can be imagined. Not only are the locals of the arcadia, the Xianzhou Alliance, the Masked Fools, and the IPC getting involved, but even the Stellaron Hunters have arrived with their own agenda. Silver Wolf and Blade seem to have already made their move… Are they here for the Phantasmoon Games too? Who will obtain this incredibly precious invitation? Under the facade of Elation, is there some hidden conspiracy? It’s up to you to explore and find the answers. Get a Charming Partner in the form of Aha Instants In Planarcadia, even combat falls under the gaze of The Laughter. When characters of The Elation Path join the team, or when fighting special enemies, you will accumulate Punchlines. As Punchlines stack up and Aha’s excitement peaks, they will personally take the stage, triggering an Aha Instant. During this phase, Aha will lead the team’s Elation characters to unleash Elation Skills one by one. The more Punchlines you have, the stronger the skill effects. After the Aha Instant concludes, all Elation Path characters will receive their unique Certified Banger buffs, adding layers of strategy to your combat. In the new version, Trailblazers will welcome two powerful new 5-star characters to their roster. First up is the Seer Strategist of the Xianzhou Alliance’s Yuque ship: General Yao Guang. Previously a voice without a face in the storyline, she is finally making her official debut. As the senior soror to the familiar Master Diviner Fu Xuan, Yao Guang serves as a vital strategic advisor to the Alliance during dire straits. To the people of the Xianzhou, she is affectionately known as Madam Yao, a goddess of fortune capable of averting crises and divining weal through her calculations. As a Physical character following the Path of Elation, Yao Guang specializes in manipulating the tide of battle with Weal and Woe Lots. Drawing a Weal Lot boosts the team’s Elation and grants Punchline stacks when she uses her Skill. Conversely, during an Aha Instant, she casts a Woe Lot, increasing the DMG taken by enemies while recovering Skill Points for the team. Yao Guang’s Certified Banger buff allows teammates to deal additional Elation DMG with their attacks—and if those attacks consume Skill Points, the DMG is further increased. Furthermore, her Ultimate not only provides Punchline stacks to the team but also immediately triggers an extra Aha Instant, boosting All-Type RES PEN for all allies. Another mysterious 5-star character following the Path of Elation is Sparxie. Bearing a striking resemblance to the Masked Fool players know as Sparkle, she’s the hottest streamer in Planarcadia. In the storyline, Sparxie and Sparkle will appear together to bring the Trailblazer a unique surprise. During combat, Sparxie taps into her streamer persona, opening a livestream room to engage in a PK upvote battle against enemies. Players can continuously consume Skill Points to send random Gifts to Sparxie, regenerating varying amounts of Skill Points or Punchlines for the team. The more Skill Points consumed, the more Punchlines the team gains, resulting in higher final DMG. During an Aha Instant, Sparxie initiates a chaotic lucky draw, dealing massive DMG to all enemies with multiple bounce attacks. Under the Certified Banger state, every time a Gift appears during the PK, Additional Elation DMG is dealt to a random single enemy target during settlement. Additionally, Sparxie’s Ultimate also deals extra Elation DMG. It’s worth mentioning that the limited 5-star characters Black Swan, Evernight, and Hysilens will be featured in the Warp events during the first half of Version 4.0, while Sparkle, Cerydra, and Rappa will appear in the second half. Furthermore, the old partners Black Swan and Sparkle will be receiving buffs. They’ll continue to be your reliable allies in the upcoming journey to Planarcadia. New events galore Alongside the massive Main Story update, Version 4.0’s new events are just as hyped. When taking a break from exploring the arcadia, Trailblazers can invite friends to join the lighthearted Cosmicon Collective battle formidable foes through card duels and strive for the pinnacle of cosmic combat power! Another unmissable event is the operation of Furbobo Weekly. In this event, you’ll experience the busy yet fun life of a magazine editor-in-chief and get a taste of a whole new walk of life. Furthermore, Currency Wars is expanding for the first time, adding new characters and mechanics. The Divergent Universe has also been updated — look forward to the extra fun they’ll bring. ​​ Gaming experience optimization Finally, this update will optimize daily system functions for all Trailblazers: Assignments will no longer be restricted by fixed times or characters, allowing Trailblazers to claim rewards and dispatch characters at any time. Additionally, the Relic and Team Lineup systems will also be optimized and upgraded to provide a more convenient gaming experience. After the version update, simply log in and check in to receive 20 Warps, plus claim a free new Outfit for Ruan Mei and a 5-star character of your choice! At the same time, Yao Guang’s Weal Sign event will bring everyone a bonus of 1600 Stellar Jades may the Blessings of Good Fortune be with every Trailblazer on their journey in the new version! In addition, new Trailblaze Attire including a new Outfit and headwear for the Trailblazer will also be unveiled, which is sure to make your journey even more spectacular. Stay tuned for more game details. View the full article

Today marks a monumental step for Guerrilla as a studio, as we announce our new chapter in the Horizon universe: Horizon Hunters Gathering. Play Video With the very first ideas that shaped the world of Horizon, we dreamed of players hunting machines together. We started with a small group of Guerrillas – including myself back in the days as Design Director – and began exploring what that could look like. Drawing on our experience from the Killzone multiplayer titles and the momentum of Horizon Zero Dawn, we set out to bring cooperative action into the Horizon franchise. Since then, the team and the game have grown tremendously. Throughout its development we’ve done extensive testing, patching, and feedback iteration. One of my favorite moments was our first in-studio playtest with the entire team: a special milestone where the vision and hard work from every discipline finally came together in a playable form. It’s always nerve-wracking to share early builds, but moments like that test, as well as today’s announcement, make it worthwhile. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Horizon Hunters Gathering is a cooperative action game (developed by Guerrilla for PS5 and PC) that lets up to three players team up as heroic Hunters to protect a world under threat from deadly machines. Combat is tactical, reactive, and deeply skill-based, building on the tactical precision of the Horizon games while embracing the dynamics of team play. The foundation of Horizon Hunters Gathering centers around challenging and replayable hunts. Today we’re revealing two game modes: Machine Incursion, a high-intensity mission where waves of machines pour out from underground gateways, led by a formidable boss; and Cauldron Descent, a longer, multi-stage trial in which ever-changing rooms push Hunters to their limits, from brutal machine encounters to hidden doors that promise power and reward for teams prepared to open them. Both modes will be available in our upcoming closed playtest through the PlayStation Beta Program on PS5 and PC. We’re excited for players to get hands-on and help shape the game with their feedback. In Horizon Hunters Gathering, you choose from a roster of uniquely skilled Hunters – each with distinct melee or ranged playstyles and weapons – and select Hunter roles further embedded with a rogue-lite perk system to craft the build that best suits your style and your team. These Hunters have their own motivations and personal struggles, which comes together in new stories we want to tell in the world of Horizon. The game has a narrative campaign which will introduce new mysteries, characters, and threats, but we’re keeping it under wraps for now. What we can say is that Hunters Gathering is fully canon and its story doesn’t stop at launch! As you hunt dangerous machines in the wilds, you’ll travel through a range of environments that bring missions and stories to life. Each location offers its own atmosphere, challenges, and opportunities for your team to explore and master together. Between missions, you’ll return to Hunters Gathering: a vibrant social hub where players can connect, prepare, and celebrate victories together. Here, you can customize your Hunters, visit vendors, upgrade gear, and team up for your next adventure. With today’s announcement, we’re beginning a journey we hope to continue with you. Our first, small-scale closed playtest arrives at the end of February; you can sign up via the PlayStation Beta Program and mark your interest in any future Horizon Hunters Gathering playtest on PC or PS5. By the way, Horizon Hunters Gathering supports cross-play between PS5 and PC, plus cross-progression when you are logged in and save your game using the same PlayStation account! Though it’s still early on, you can expect more regular development updates and playtest announcements from us in the coming months. To stay in the loop on all the latest news about the game, we’ve launched a brand-new Horizon Hunters Gathering Discord – we’d love to see you there! On a personal note, this is both an exciting and daunting step for us. Multiplayer games have always been part of our studio’s DNA, and it’s where I began my own career. Bringing a co-op hunting experience into the Horizon universe is something we’ve envisioned for a long time, and we’re approaching it with care, ambition, and passion. I hope the coming months give you a sense of the scale and complexity of what we’ve been building – or better yet, let you experience it yourself in a playtest. On behalf of everyone at Guerrilla, thank you to our Horizon fans and creators who support and believe in us. And welcome to all new Hunters excited to join us on this adventure. Horizon Hunters Gathering is about taking on challenges together – and we’re just getting started. View the full article

Hey, everyone! We’re excited to finally share a gameplay overview for Toxic Commando and announce that the game launches on March 12. We’ve been working hard on this one, and we can’t wait for you to get your hands on it. Play Video For those just catching up, Toxic Commando is our take on the co-op shooter genre, blending intense horde combat with vehicle-based gameplay in open environments. We wanted to give you a deeper look at how this project came together and what makes it tick. From concept to chaos The whole thing started with a pitch from Saber Interactive’s CEO, Matt Karch: World War Z meets Mudrunner. Picture enormous hordes of enemies swarming players who need to use a variety of vehicles to survive. We thought it was a cool concept that played to our strengths at Saber, so we dove into research and prototyping. What emerged was something we’re really proud of—a unique blend of vehicle-based gameplay in open environments combined with action-packed fights against massive enemy hordes. Striking the balance: Wheels vs. boots One question we get a lot is how we balanced the driving and FPS aspects. The answer? We didn’t want to force you into one playstyle or the other. Our game design encourages exploration, and it’s up to you how much you want to lean on vehicles to tackle missions. There are obvious benefits to driving—mobility, protection, mounted weapons—but we never want you to feel locked behind the wheel. Our goal was simple: make vehicles fun and beneficial for players who want to use them, then let you decide how much time you spend driving versus on foot. Both approaches should feel viable and, most importantly, fun to play. Co-op that puts strategy in your hands Most missions in Toxic Commando are nonlinear. You’ll have multiple subobjectives that can be completed in any order, which means you and your squad can choose to stick together or split up to tackle objectives in parallel. The choice is yours. Each playthrough also shakes things up with different vehicle spawns and class/loadout selections, so you’ll need to communicate with your team and plan accordingly to create good synergy. We wanted to encourage real player coordination and strategic thinking, adding a fresh layer to the classic co-op shooter experience. Building a world that feels real (and ridiculous) When it came to crafting the lore and universe of Toxic Commando, we had a few guiding principles. First, we wanted a world that felt recognizable but was set in the near future—just advanced enough to have some cool tech without feeling like a massive leap from our own reality. Second, we wanted our characters to be aware of the tropes they’re living through. They’re in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, dealing with completely over-the-top situations that are both terrifying and—let’s be honest—a bit ridiculous. We lean into that with the dialogue and scenarios, which create some really memorable interactions. But here’s the thing: while we embrace comedic elements and want players to have a blast, we’re not interested in making fun of the games and movies that inspired us. We approach this with earnestness because we genuinely love this stuff. ​​ Our love letter to ’80s action horror Speaking of influences, we drew heavily from ’80s films and television. The path to John Carpenter was a natural one: which great director or movies fit into that kind of sphere? John Carpenter’s Escape from New York is probably the most obvious reference, but you’ll also find DNA from Big Trouble in Little China, The Thing, They Live, and Prince of Darkness woven throughout. John Carpenter’s involvement went beyond guidance, feedback, and direction on the story—he also composed Toxic Commando’s music. The team also looked at Dan O’Bannon’s Return of the Living Dead, Lamberto Bava’s Demons, Stuart Gordon’s Re-Animator, and even a bit of The A-Team. What we love about those properties is the big energy and bombastic tone. It wasn’t about copying specific set pieces or scenes—it was about capturing that feeling. There’s a lack of self-consciousness in a lot of late ’70s to early ’90s action and action-horror cinema that we really appreciated. Those characters aren’t winking at the camera; they’re in over their heads and rolling with it. Our characters know what zombies are, but when faced with a horde, they’re not stopping to break the fourth wall or crack wise about clichés—they’re fighting for survival. The past fifty years of cinema have given us wonderful examples of ragtag groups of underdog heroes—from Star Wars to Goonies to Guardians of the Galaxy—alongside true masterpieces of horror. We wanted to blend those ideas: what happens when you drop a bickering found family of action-adventure heroes into a horror movie? That’s the core of what we’re exploring with Toxic Commando. John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is scheduled to be released on March 12. We can’t wait for you to experience this new co-op zombie shooter with a vehicle twist. Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you out there! View the full article