
State of Play September 2025: The Complete Rundown of Every Major Reveal
Sony’s September 2025 State of Play presentation was one of the most content-packed in recent memory, with big reveals, surprise announcements, and long-awaited updates to some of the most anticipated titles of the coming years. If earlier showcases were accused of being light on meaningful news, this event pushed back hard with a lineup that stretches deep into 2026. From Marvel’s Wolverine and Battlefield 6 to more unexpected surprises like Chronoscript: The Endless End and the remaster of Dynasty Warriors 3, there was no shortage of excitement. Let’s break down everything shown – in detail, with added insights, fan reactions, and why these announcements matter.
Marvel’s Wolverine: Brutal, Cinematic, and Closer Than We Thought
The clear showstopper was Marvel’s Wolverine, closing out the presentation with a full gameplay trailer that left no doubt about Insomniac’s willingness to lean into Logan’s violent side. This wasn’t the slick, quippy spectacle of Spider-Man’s open-world; this was bloodied claws, enemies being ripped apart, and a tone closer to the fan-favorite X-Men Origins: Wolverine – Uncaged Edition than anything the Marvel gaming universe has produced recently. For many fans, that was precisely the point – a stripped-down, more linear focus rather than another sprawling open world.
The footage showcased Logan on a motorcycle, engaging in bar fights, infiltrating snowy wildernesses, and confronting iconic foes such as Mystique, Omega Red, and even a towering Sentinel. Liam McIntyre, best known from Spartacus and Gears of War 4, was confirmed as the voice and motion-capture actor for Logan, adding star power to the performance. The release window was set for Fall 2026, with the promise of another major reveal trailer in Spring 2026. The combination of visceral combat and faithful character work has already won over even some long-time skeptics of Sony’s formulaic action game loop.
Saros: Housemarque’s Next Big Leap
Opening the showcase, Housemarque revealed Saros, the studio’s follow-up to Returnal. Not a direct sequel but a fresh new IP, Saros stars Rahul Kohli as Arjun Devraj, a man stranded on the mysterious and shape-shifting planet Carcosa. Unlike Returnal’s cold alien hostility, Saros presents a world tied to cosmic cycles. As one cryptic line from the trailer put it: “Every time the sun dies, time stretches and tears.”
Gameplay footage showed Devraj wielding eclipse-powered weapons, while also demonstrating new abilities like the Soltari Shield, which absorbs projectiles, and Second Chance, a revive mechanic that gives players another shot after their first death. Exploration will include piecing together Carcosa’s history through scattered Holologs, with the trailer closing on a massive, menacing boss reveal. Saros launches March 20, 2026, and fans already noted its visual intensity and pacing improvements over Returnal – which some criticized for overly long runs with limited progression.
Battlefield 6: Campaign Reveal and Release Date
EA pulled back the curtain on the Battlefield 6 campaign, offering the first look at single-player content for a franchise increasingly dominated by multiplayer spectacle. The campaign seems to be leaning into large-scale chaos while grounding it with character-driven storytelling. With a release date of October 10, 2025, fans won’t be waiting long to see how it compares to Battlefield’s storied campaigns of old, from Bad Company to Battlefield 1.
Nioh 3: Samurai Action Returns
Koei Tecmo confirmed that Nioh 3 will launch on February 6, 2026, exclusively on PS5. The game promises to deepen the series’ blend of brutal difficulty, fast-paced combat, and mythological storytelling. Early previews suggest it’s a natural evolution, bringing richer customization and more elaborate yokai battles.
Zero Parades – For Dead Spies: Espionage RPG with a Surreal Twist
One of the most surprising reveals was Zero Parades – For Dead Spies, a narrative-heavy espionage RPG evoking shades of Disco Elysium. Players step into the shoes of Hershel, a brilliant but unlucky operative navigating a paranoid world of betrayal and impossible odds. The game introduces innovative mechanics like “failing forward” – where narrative progression continues even through failure – and “conditioning,” affecting player choices based on accumulated mental and physical strain. While not arriving until 2026, its surrealist art direction and emphasis on choice-heavy roleplay already sparked curiosity.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
Fans of tactical RPGs rejoiced as Square Enix gave a deeper look at Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. The gameplay overview trailer reinforced the September 30, 2025 release date, highlighting grid-based battles, story depth, and expanded systems that build on the original’s legendary reputation.
Crimson Desert: Story-Driven Adventure
Pearl Abyss confirmed Crimson Desert will launch March 19, 2026. The new trailer showcased protagonist Kliff’s journey to reunite the Greymanes and rally allies against looming evil. The focus on cinematic narrative storytelling aims to elevate the open-world RPG beyond typical genre fare, echoing the epic ambition of The Witcher 3.
Chronoscript: The Endless End
This imaginative 2D/3D hybrid follows an editor trapped inside a cursed manuscript. Titled Chronoscript: The Endless End, the game merges 3D exploration of the protagonist’s mansion with hand-drawn 2D adventures inside the story itself. Scheduled for 2026, the concept offers a meta-narrative twist on traditional action-adventure gaming.
Code Vein II: Vampiric Sequel
Seven years after its cult hit predecessor, Code Vein II arrives January 30, 2026. Expect a return to anime-styled post-apocalyptic combat, with more refined mechanics and expanded cooperative play.
PlayStation Plus October 2025 Lineup
Sony announced that Alan Wake 2, Cocoon, and Goat Simulator will join the PS Plus catalog on October 7. Additionally, The Last of Us Part II and its remaster will be added, alongside Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for PS5, launching December 8 with planned PlayStation VR2 support.
Gran Turismo 7: Spec III Update
Polyphony Digital celebrated the Gran Turismo series surpassing 100 million sales with a major Spec III update for GT7. Coming December 2025, it introduces new circuits, eight vehicles, expanded data tools, and more, reinforcing the series’ longevity as Sony’s premier racing brand.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Meets Mega Man
In a fun crossover, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will introduce Mega Man and Proto Man as playable racers, alongside a course inspired by Dr. Wily’s Castle. The update hits in early 2026.
Deus Ex Remastered
Square Enix revealed a Deus Ex Remaster, arriving February 5, 2026. Fans were cautiously optimistic, hoping the adaptation retains the depth of the 2000 PC original while modernizing controls for console play.
Halloween: The Game
IllFonic showed off Halloween, its asymmetrical horror game based on John Carpenter’s 1978 film. Releasing September 8, 2026, the game pits survivors against Michael Myers in Haddonfield, blending stealth, strategy, and tension. Fans can expect mechanics like scavenging, guiding townsfolk, and Myers’ terrifying “Shape Jump” ability.
Let It Die: Inferno
The roguelite Let It Die: Inferno was announced, featuring PvEvP modes and brutal survival mechanics as players descend into Hell’s Gate. It continues the franchise’s over-the-top style, now reimagined for PS5.
Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered
Launching March 19, 2026, this remaster bundles the original game with its Xtreme Legends expansion. With upgraded graphics and streamlined mechanics, it’s a nostalgic return for long-time fans.
Last Epoch: Oryboss Expansion
Last Epoch, the community-driven action RPG, arrives on PS5 with its first major expansion, Oryboss. Featuring new classes, customizable skill trees, and time-traveling storylines, it offers solo and co-op play with up to three friends.
The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin
This free-to-play open-world RPG, launching January 28, 2026, puts players in control of Tristan, son of Meliodas, in a new multiverse-spanning adventure based on the manga and anime. It promises both solo and co-op experiences.
God of War 20th Anniversary DualSense
To celebrate 20 years of Kratos, Sony unveiled a limited edition God of War DualSense controller, themed in the Ghost of Sparta’s iconic ash-and-red motif. While some fans called the design underwhelming, it remains a collector’s item priced at $84.99, available for pre-order on October 3, 2025.
Pulse Elevate Speakers
Sony also introduced the Pulse Elevate wireless speakers, set for 2026. Compatible with PS5, PC, and mobile, they feature AI-enhanced noise rejection for voice chat and come in Midnight Black and White.
Final Thoughts
This State of Play was dense, diverse, and divisive – but undeniably memorable. While some lamented the heavy focus on 2026 releases, the sheer quality and variety on display marked this as one of the strongest showcases in years. Whether you’re hyped for Wolverine’s brutal claws, intrigued by Saros’ shifting sunlit world, or nostalgic for classics like Dynasty Warriors 3 and Deus Ex, September’s State of Play proved Sony isn’t slowing down.
1 comment
Saros gave me big Doom Eternal vibes but slower paced, might end up being my sleeper hit