With the release of the PlayStation 5 (PS5) back in November, we have been treated to some really good PlayStation exclusive games: Marvels SpiderMan: Miles Morales, Astro’s Playroom, Demon Souls and many more. However, the fun doesn’t stop there. Here are some of the PS5’s exclusive games that are coming out in 2021.
Returnal
Returnal is set to be released on PS5 on April 30th, 2021, and is the consoles next big exclusive. The game is a third-person shooter from Housemarque. However, what separates Returnal from different third-person shooters is that it is a psychological horror. After crash-landing on a shape-shifting world, Selene must search for an ancient civilization to escape. To survive, Selene must not only fight extra-terrestrial life forms but also her mind, as she is left isolated and alone. Worst of all, Selene is trapped in an endless Groundhog Day cycle of life – death – repeat. Every time she dies from something on the planet, she is brought back to life, experiencing her crash over again. However, each time this happens, the world begins to change, making it harder to determine what is and isn’t reality.
This is the perfect game to test some of the new features on the PS5. The DualSense controller system is at full use here. For example, as you press the L2 trigger half-way down you’ll aim down your weapons sights. However, if you press it down completely, your weapon will shoot an alternative type of firepower. This could become a bit problematic, especially in intense situations, but we shall wait and see. However, the game seems to utilize the systems 3D spatial audio feature, as, without any visual cues, enemies surround you making you listen to even the smallest of sounds.
With little information about this game and its narrative, I already feel on the edge of my seat and can’t wait to experience it.
Release Date – 30 April 2021
Pre-Order Amazon US | Amazon UK
Deathloop
I was a bit sceptical about putting Deathloop on this list because, technically, it is only exclusive on the PS5 for one year, as it is under a one-year console exclusivity deal. However, I couldn’t resist because it looks like so much fun. Released on May 21st, 2021, Deathloop is an upcoming action-adventure game. The player takes control of Colt, an assassin who wakes up on an island who is stuck in a time loop. Colt’s objective is to take out eight targets before midnight. If he leaves even one target alive, the time loop will reset and undo his work. Just like Returnal, if Colt dies he will wake up at the start of the loop.
Every new loop allows you to uncover new information that you might have missed in the previous loops. Even if you die, you can always try again and prepare yourself for what is to come. What appears to make this game challenging is that there is an assassin called Julianna who is trying to kill you. Julianna can either be controlled by AI or can be played by a fellow player, which could make for a tenser experience. Deathloop tailors to everyone, as the player can approach scenarios either stealthy or go in guns blazing. It is completely up to the individual, and with the addition of multiplayer, Deathloop could be a lot of fun.
Release Date – 21 May 2021
Pre-Order – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Everybody’s favourite Lombax and Robot Sidekick return, in what looks to be one of their best adventures yet. The titular pair must stop an evil robotic emperor’s intent on conquering the universe and exterminate all life. The game is a third-person shooter by Insomniac Games and is set to be released on June 11th, 2021. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart will serve as a continuation to Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (2013).
Visually, Rift Apart looks incredible and it is evident that the game was built to showcase the PS5’s rapid SSD (Solid State Drive). This is clearly evident from the trailer, which was released at the PS5 launch event. In the trailer, we witness Ratchet go through different dimensional portals. When he emerges from the portal a second later, he is placed in a new fully rendered world. Rift Apart takes full advantage of the new SSD and without it, the game would not have been possible. I honestly can’t wait for this game to be released; I was a big fan of the original games particularly Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal (2004) which is a timeless classic. Let’s hope Rift Apart is another stellar addition to the clank series.
Release Date – 11 June 2021
Pre-Order – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an action-adventure game and is set to be released on August 24th, 2021. The player takes control of Kena, a spirit guide who is in search of a sacred mountain shrine. However, the world has become corrupted from evil spirits and it is Kena’s job to restore balance. The game is a mix between action and puzzle-based adventure, and along your journey, you will pick up little creatures who serve as companions called Rot. These little things are adorable, but they help Kena solve puzzles throughout the world. You can enhance their abilities, which will help you uncover secrets.
The game is not open world but it looks absolutely beautiful and vibrant, this is because it is being developed on Unreal Engine. Rich in both texture and depth, the game looks better than most animation films. To enhance the gaming experience, the game will use both the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers on the DualSense controller. The overall length of the game is not as long as some of the other games on this list, this will likely result in it being a cheaper game so that everyone can experience it.
Release Date – 24 August 2021
What Other PS5 Exclusives Are We Hoping For?
Horizon Forbidden West
When Horizon Zero Dawn was initially released, it attracted a cult fan base but over time, it became one of the biggest hits in the PS4 era. Horizon Forbidden West is a third-person action role-playing game that is set in a post-apocalyptic California, Utah and Nevada which is also known as the Forbidden west. Horizon Forbidden West continues the story of Aloy, a huntress of the Nora tribe who must find the source of a mysterious plague that kills everything it infects.
Horizon Forbidden West is an open-world game and if it is anything like its predecessor, the map is going to be huge. Luckily, there is a fast travel option, which suits the PlayStation 5’s SSD which means loading times will be minimal. There will be different areas throughout the map, which have different environments that are teeming with life. The player will encounter enemies and dangerous machines, and its reveal trailer gave us a sneak peek at some of the new machines that the player will encounter, including Crocodiles, Pterodactyls and a Mammoth!
There is no confirmed release date for Horizon Forbidden West yet, but it will likely be released in late 2021 just in time for Christmas. Fingers crossed it doesn’t get pushed back because this could easily be game of the year.
Gran Turismo 7
This is more of a fool’s hope, but one can dream, right? The latest game to be released in the popular Gran Turismo series is set to be released in 2022. It was initially set to be released in 2021, but unfortunately, the pandemic has slowed down production. I really hope the team is able to pull a rabbit out of the hat on this one because the announcement trailer blew me away.
In the three minute reveal trailer, we got an inside look at some of Gran Turismo 7’s gameplay, and it looks astonishing. Gran Turismo 7 is able to run at 4K resolution with high dynamic range at 60 frames per second. This is due to the PS5’s SSD, which will also help reduce loading times so you never have to wait too long before you back right into the action. We also got a chance to learn more about some of Gran Turismo 7’s new features and modes. Career mode, multiplayer and tuning (which was missing from Gran Turismo Sport) will return. The game itself will take full advantage of the PS5 features, such as 3D spatial audio and haptic feedback. Thanks to these new features, Gran Turismo 7 is set to be the most realistic racing game ever to be released.
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