The 10 Best Games From PlayStation’s New State of Play, Ranked

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The June 2025 PlayStation State of Play event stood out as one of the most exciting streams in recent years. It managed to strike a great balance between revealing new titles and providing updates on previously announced ones, all across different gaming genres. This wide range of content made sure there was something appealing for everyone who tuned in.

Even though there were far more than just ten, let me share the top 10 highlights from the State of Play event, listed in order of preference.

Or simply: Here are my top 10 picks from the State of Play, ranked in descending order.

10) Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow

PlayStation appears to have stepped back from PSVR2 development, but it continues to receive a steady flow of indie and third-party games, albeit with less marketing attention. One notable game in this category is “Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow,” which stands out as an intriguing revival of an aging franchise conceptually.

In the trailer, it appears that actions such as extinguishing candles, examining paintings for hidden switches, rummaging through pockets, and unlocking locks are not just typical video game tasks, but rather personal, tactile experiences. This game doesn’t seem like a generic VR title; instead, it leverages its virtual reality capabilities to stand out among other games in the market.

9) Tides of Tomorrow

One intriguing concept showcased in “Tides of Tomorrow” is its innovative idea: What if a game could unfold a dynamic storyline, influenced by other players’ actions, even when they aren’t playing simultaneously? This thought-provoking premise, teased beautifully in the trailer, unfolds through various narrative branches, all set against a vivid but devastated backdrop of unchecked climate change.

DigixArt, the developer behind “Road 96,” previously experimented with storytelling by blending roguelike features into an adventure game, though it faced some stumbles during this process. The success of “Tides of Tomorrow” remains uncertain as it aims for even greater ambition, but its distinctive trailer certainly leaves us intrigued and hopeful that it will carve out a unique path in the gaming world.

8) Pragmata

Pragmata, which had been dormant for quite some time, surprisingly burst back to life in an impressive manner. The latest installment appears to have remnants of The Last of Us and a character-driven action game, but viewed through the perspective of Hideo Kojima. However, it skillfully combines these elements without appearing derivative. Given Capcom’s recent successes, although there may be some apprehension about a game revolving around an irritating child, the publisher has accrued enough credibility to warrant trust in this instance.

7) Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles

Final Fantasy Tactics, a cherished game that’s challenging to play now due to being exclusively available on PS1 and PSP without a digital version, has created quite the anticipation. The excitement was heightened when they announced Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles. What made this announcement even more significant is that it wasn’t just a simple remake. It not only offers the original game with added auto-save functionality, but also an upgraded version featuring voiceovers, a revamped and modernized user interface, visual enhancements, and a new beginner-friendly difficulty level.

6) Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection

It appears that Mortal Kombat is set to receive the rightful compilation with the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection. Notably, developers at Digital Eclipse are renowned for their comprehensive interactive documentaries, as demonstrated in games such as the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, The Making of Karateka, Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection. Given their expertise, they seem well-suited to delve into Mortal Kombat’s significant history.

For decades, the tale of Mortal Kombat has been recounted numerous times, but the allure of experiencing it within a playable compilation is truly enticing. The fact that these games are now made easier to access is also a significant advantage since most of them are virtually unplayable on contemporary hardware. Additionally, having various versions of each game and rollback netcode only serves to make these titles more attractive. It seemed as though Mortal Kombat would never receive a remaster with the respect it deserved, which makes this announcement all the more welcome.

5) Romeo Is a Dead Man

Grasshopper Manufacture has a knack for standing out from the crowd, and that’s exactly what Romeo Is a Dead Man did with its Adult Swim-esque introduction and unconventional gameplay reminiscent of Suda51. The title’s over-the-top violence, eccentric atmosphere, and a protagonist named Romeo Stargazer echo the studio’s past works. While their games haven’t always boasted the best gameplay or linear stories, they’re often praised for their unique styles – something this trailer showcased abundantly.

4) Nioh 3

In a sea of numerous soulslikes, there’s always space for another installment of Nioh. The upcoming Nioh 3 showcases significant visual enhancements compared to its predecessor and introduces various gameplay stances, leading to the trailer featuring a number of intricately designed action sequences. Though it appears to be a typical unveiling, the unexpected demo release has given Nioh 3 a unique advantage.

This early sneak peek at the game offers some insight into what the trailer suggested, even though the actual release is still some time away. The ability to switch between Ninja and Samurai stances during gameplay seems promising, as it provides flexibility in playstyle. Additionally, the larger, more open environments hint at a unique formula, possibly influenced by “Rise of the Ronin.” Creating a limited demo is challenging, but offering a glimpse can be beneficial during a reveal, making it a worthwhile endeavor.

3) Lumines Arise

The creators of Tetris Effect, who drew inspiration for their game from Lumines, have now taken up the challenge to develop another installment in the Lumines series. The upcoming game, titled Lumines Arise, appears to follow closely in the footsteps of the 2018 puzzler, with its lively visuals and catchy soundtracks reminiscent of the original. The harmonious audiovisual experience that made Tetris so addictive is likely to have a similar effect on Lumines, enhancing its gameplay. As the first reveal of the series in some time, this unexpected announcement sets a fresh tone for the franchise.

2) 007 First Light

15 long years of Hitman games from IO Interactive made me wonder if they’d ever venture into new territory. But then came the electrifying trailer for 007 First Light, filled with pulse-pounding scenes and unforgettable moments that eased my doubts about their creative boundaries.

What particularly caught my attention was the fact that IO explicitly presented its version of James Bond as distinct. They delved deeper into his origins and made him the youngest Bond yet, which is intriguing and suggests a departure from traditional portrayals by actors like Sean Connery or Pierce Brosnan. The game offers various playstyles – fighting, shooting, driving, and sneaking – and while it’s uncertain how they will be integrated, this trailer hinted at a promising direction, implying that the production is on the correct path.

1) Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls

This is how you conclude a series. Not only was Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls an unexpected delight, it offered engaging gameplay and boasted visually stunning graphics that left us speechless. The lively artwork, over-the-top animations, and nonstop action made for a visual spectacle that never failed to impress as each new character entered the stage with a bang.

This distinctive artwork showcased Arc System Works’ signature flair, as seen in the subsequent behind-the-scenes video. The use of a chibi-style Ms. Marvel and a sentai-inspired Iron Man hints at exciting developments. While it might not completely bridge the gap left by Marvel vs. Capcom, Arc System Works certainly presents a compelling case for being the studio to create a tag-team Marvel fighting game.

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2025-06-05 19:23