Update: It’s back up.

PSN down reports have been coming in today, Monday, July 1, largely from users in North America, and Sony has confirmed on its official website that the PlayStation Network and its assorted services are currently experiencing issues.

Sony’s PlayStation Network appears to be down for many users right now, impacting the ability to use any of the PSN services such as online play, license restoration, friends lists, and more. Sony has acknowledged the outage via the PSN Status page, listing all PSN services as down except for PlayStation Direct.

What are the PSN down reports saying?

Sony’s PSN status page currently lists all services as down, including:

• Account management
• Gaming and social
• PlayStation Now
• PlayStation Video
• PlayStation Store

Depending on your region, you may not be experiencing issues with the PSN at this time. We’ve heard from some users that they are still able to play games online without any problems. It also says that game streaming is being impacted and that “you might have difficulty launching games, apps, or network features. We’re working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.”

The AskPlayStation Twitter account, which usually quickly acknowledges the issues, hasn’t yet said anything about the PSN being down.

The ability to access game licenses can particularly be an issue if you live in a multi-PS4/PS5 household and use primary and alternate consoles to do game sharing with your family members, which requires a “check-in” with the PSN to verify licenses and ownership of games to the users logged to that specific console.

We’ll keep an eye on the ongoing issues and let you know when the PlayStation Network is back up. Until then, you may have issues playing games online of verifying your game licenses on PlayStation platforms. Leave a comment below to let other games know of how your gaming is being impacted so far.

The post PSN Down, Services Including Game Streaming Being Impacted (Update: It’s Back Up) appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

NetherRealm Studios has released a new Mortal Kombat 1 Omni-Man gameplay trailer for the upcoming Invincible crossover DLC, which is out on November 9.

“Omni-Man, also known as Nolan Grayson, hails from the alien world of Viltrum and has long fought to protect his adopted home of Earth as one of the planet’s most powerful champions,” reads the description. “He even raised his son, the hero known as Invincible (Mark Grayson), to follow in his footsteps and carry on his legacy. But the Viltrumite warrior’s true mission was never benevolence – it was conquest. And the Viltrum Empire, hungry for expansion, has no intention of stopping at Earthrealm.”

Check out the Mortal Kombat 1 Omni-Man gameplay trailer below:

Omni-Man will be part of Mortal Kombat 1’s first season pass, which includes several crossover characters, including Homelander from The Boys. It will also feature Peacemaker from The Suicide Squad, who features John Cena’s likeness and voice.

Despite the title, Mortal Kombat 1 is the twelfth mainline entry in the Mortal Kombat franchise and the second reboot after Mortal Kombat (2011). The title takes place in the new timeline made by Liu Kang following the events of Mortal Kombat 11’s story mode.

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The original Hot Wheels Unleashed was a competent arcade racing game with a lot of charm. However, it wasn’t nearly as good as the Hot Wheels DLC that Forza Horizon 3 featured and lacked depth past its core mechanics. Thankfully, developer Milestone is back with Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged, a fittingly named sequel that adds several smart mechanics to an already polished base.

The biggest additions to the gameplay are additional racing mechanics that help the Hot Wheels cars feel much more versatile while driving. There’s a strafe, which allows you to bump into rivals and avoid obstacles, but the real game changer is the ability to jump into the air. This adds a lot to the tracks, which are able to be more layered and play with verticality, along with forcing the player to pay more attention while driving. These are smart changes that naturally evolve the racing and make it a much more engaging experience than the original.

Similar to the first game, the main single-player mode is a giant map filled with different types of races. There’s more variety this time around, with waypoint, drift, and elimination races being particularly fun. It’s all an improvement over the first game, which got repetitive after a while, although some additions — such as a goofy story told through animated cutscenes and underwhelming boss races — aren’t the selling points that they’re meant to be.

Multiplayer is once again a focus, with most of the race types supporting local split-screen multiplayer, which is always nice to see. Online play is much more fully featured this time around with online leaderboards, the ability to party with friends, and solid lobbies that support playlists spanning multiple modes. It even includes cross-play (which includes all systems except Switch), which will make it much easier to find matches.

Of course, no Hot Wheels game is complete without discussing customization, which is a highlight for both the vehicles and the game’s livery and track builders. There are over 130 cars to unlock, and players are able to customize their driving style by upgrading them via a new skill system — which is great if your preferred design doesn’t have the stats you’re looking for. More creative players will also get a kick out of the new sticker editor, which allows players to customize the appearance of vehicles, and the inclusion of more types of parts in the track editor. This really outdoes the original in every way, which is exactly what you want to see from a sequel.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged Review: Final Verdict

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 earns its Turbocharged subtitle as it builds on the original’s base to deliver a more polished and enjoyable sequel. The new mobility mechanics add a lot to the racing, giving Milestone and users more freedom in designing tracks. This is quickly becoming one of the studio’s most enjoyable series and a breath of fresh air in the arcade racing space.

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The Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 launch trailer has been released for Insomniac Games’ highly anticipated sequel.

“Spider-Men, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, return for an exciting new adventure in the critically acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise for the PS5 console. Nine months after the events of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, we find Miles still enlisting Peter’s help, but when the mysterious symbiote appears, Peter and Miles’ relationships are put to the test,” says the description. “Peter begins to change as he gains symbiote powers, and Miles, Mary Jane, Harry, and the rest of the friend group must help Peter while also facing the impending threats from a cast of new villains like Kraven, Lizard, Sandman, and Venom!”

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the sequel to 2018’s Marvel’s Spider-Man and 2020’s Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Developed by Insomniac, the sequel will feature a variety of famous Spider-Man villains, including Kraven the Hunter and Venom, the latter of which will be voiced by Candyman star Tony Todd. The trailer released earlier this year shows off some of the Symbiote’s powerful new abilities while teasing that Peter is becoming more aggressive as a result of its influence.

The game is set to release for the PlayStation 5 on Friday, October 20.

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We now have our first look at Omni-Man in Mortal Kombat 1 as Warner Bros. Games released the trailer today at New York Comic-Con.

“The realms will tremble under the weight of the Viltrum Empire. Omni-Man approaches our timeline,” says the official description of the video. The character is voiced by his Invincible voice actor, J.K. Simmons.

Check out the Mortal Kombat 1 Omni-Man trailer below:

Omni-Man will be part of Mortal Kombat 1’s first season pass, which includes several crossover characters, including Homelander from The Boys. It will also feature Peacemaker from The Suicide Squad, who features John Cena’s likeness and voice.

Despite the title, it Mortal Kombat 1 is the twelfth mainline entry in the Mortal Kombat franchise and the second reboot after Mortal Kombat (2011). The title takes place in the new timeline made by Liu Kang following the events of Mortal Kombat 11’s story mode.

The post Mortal Kombat 1 Omni-Man Trailer Previews Invincible Crossover DLC appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

NASCAR games are sometimes dismissed by those who don’t play them for being games comprised of mostly left turns. While that’s correct, there’s a lot of depth to simulation stock car racing to explore, and lengthy races allow strategies to be implemented. NASCAR Arcade Rush is a far different spin, as it’s an arcade-style game that features plenty of right turns and doesn’t resemble the actual sport at all.

The coolest part of Arcade Rush is that the stages are reimagined versions of 12 actual race tracks, such as Daytona and Michigan International Speedway. These tracks often take inspiration from the cities they’re based on and aren’t afraid of getting ridiculous, like Homestead-Miami Speedway featuring a giant ring of fire you jump through. The tracks are the one element that really elevates what is otherwise a solid, yet largely unspectacular, racing game.

The problem with the actual racing is that there just isn’t much to it. Sure, you have a turbo meter that you can use to gain speed, and there are boost strips on the track that’ll reward you for driving on them. However, there’s no drifting or another gameplay system on offer that would’ve given the game the extra layer of depth it could’ve used. For a game that wants to be an over-the-top version of NASCAR, it could’ve dreamed a bit bigger with the actual gameplay.

The only unique gameplay system on display, and one I really like since it takes inspiration from actual stock car racing, is that it incorporates pitting. Since races are only three or four laps long, it is purely optional to pit, and it’s not to gas up your vehicle or address damage. Instead, slowing down temporarily through the pit lane will see your nitro gauge completely refilled. It’s a gamble — as you can also find boost strips that give you a tiny bit of nitro — but one that adds some additional strategy that the game definitely needed.

Ultimately, with only 12 tracks, the game doesn’t have a ton of staying power. You do level up and unlock a bunch of customization options (you can get a Tron-style vehicle, which is cool), but there aren’t compelling reasons to keep coming back. Unlocking real-life NASCAR legends as racers or throwback vehicles could’ve been a good incentive, but instead, there are only generic drivers to go up against. Time trials and online play, in addition to the main tournaments, add some replayability but aren’t overly compelling.

NASCAR Arcade Rush Review: Final Verdict

NASCAR Arcade Rush lives up to its name and delivers a fun, non-simulation racing game that features reimaginings of some of the most iconic racing tracks in the USA. However, it isn’t outlandish and exciting enough to completely win over an average arcade racing game fan, nor is it a love letter enough to NASCAR to make it a must-own game for stock car racing enthusiasts. Instead, it’s in the middle ground, where if you dig both, then you’ll have a good time, but you’ll still find yourself moving on to other games sooner rather than later.

Disclaimer: This NASCAR Arcade Rush review is based on a PS5 copy provided by the publisher. Played on version 1.001.000.

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We finally have a Final Fantasy VII Rebirth release date for the upcoming second part of Square Enix’s ambitious Final Fantasy VII remake project.

When is the FF7 Rebirth release date?

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will be released for PlayStation 5 on February 29, 2024.

“The Unknown Journey Continues… After escaping from the dystopian city of Midgar, Cloud and his friends set out on a journey across the planet. New adventures await in a vibrant and vast world – sprint across grassy plains on a Chocobo and explore expansive environments,” says the official description. “Players wishing to experience the Final Fantasy VII remake project so far can pre-order the Twin Pack, which includes Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, the graphically enhanced and expanded version of Final Fantasy VII Remake.”

Check out the FFVII Rebirth trailer below:

The post Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Release Date Announced in New Trailer appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

PlayStation players have been treated to a surprise cooperative release in the form of We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip. A two-hour, bite-sized iteration in the series, it gives players a taste of the series’ inventive co-op gameplay that can be seen more in-depth in past titles like We Were Here Together and 2022’s We Were Here Forever.

Just like Forever, cross-play is available, and you can team up together via in-game IDs. The process is pretty painless, although it adds a step when you just want to play with someone on the same console. After a quick tutorial sequence that introduces you to your in-game walkie-talkies and the basic controls, you’re left to work together with a partner to solve puzzles and take a trip from the cutely named boat that the game’s title references — the FriendShip.

There’s not much of a story here, but there are three trials for players to take on. The first one is pretty simple and similar to what other asymmetric co-op games have done in the space, like Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, by having one player describe what symbols they can see while the other player looks for matching ones. To make things a bit more challenging, these wind up being timed, and performance is broken into graded tickets you can get of bronze, silver, and gold variety. It’s a fun time, although the differences in some of the symbols are too small, and it’s too easy to fail in what seems like a cheap manner as a result.

The second trial is the only real puzzle, as it has players moving colored pedestals and floor pieces. It’s quite convoluted and way too difficult to describe via text, but basically, you have to think a step ahead as the other player’s choices impact what the other can do their next turn and vice versa. If both players don’t have patience and the willingness to engage with the puzzles, this can become quite frustrating and a negative experience. And even if you both grasp the puzzle, it’s not a particularly fun one as it is quite time-consuming as you try to get a high score over 10 turns.

The third and final challenge is the high note for the game, as it measures trust by having the two players work together to get through an obstacle course. After one of the characters is gassed, they can’t trust their vision and must be guided through a series of obstacles and invisible walkways. This is easily the most fun as it is enjoyable even when you come up short and really takes advantage of the unique cooperative gameplay. There is some added difficulty for the more advanced maneuvers, though, as the sometimes imprecise controls and delay between the players could cause some failures, but this was one we were able to complete fully after giving it enough attempts.

We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip Review: Final Verdict

We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip is a fun diversion for up to two hours, but there really isn’t enough meat here for it to be more than that. More of a relationship test than a full-fledged game, its third trial is absolutely the highlight of the experience. While it’s worth going through once, don’t expect it to reach the highs of the previous entries or offer too much new to the winning formula.

Disclaimer: This We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip review is based on a PS5 copy provided by the publisher. Played on version 1.001.000.

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Three things in life are certain: death, taxes, and yearly Madden games. Madden NFL 24 doesn’t feature as drastic an overhaul of last year’s installment, but uses it as a base to meaningfully add depth to its core modes and add some overall polish. This works in its favor, as the on the field gameplay looks and feels great and allows the team at EA Tiburon to add some awesome new additions like the superstar showdown mode.

The biggest additions come in the franchise and superstar modes, which have been revamped in a number of ways. For example, training camps are back and the game includes over 20 minigames that allow for a fun way to improve your team before the season starts. Additionally, a number of smaller tweaks have been added like unique draft generators and a suite of new commissioner settings like trade difficulty and the ability to set home field advantage. The former ensures that yearly drafts don’t get dull and the latter adds even more customizability.

Superstar mode has also been refreshed and is more fun than before. It starts off on the right foot with the player getting to partake in a number of interactive minigames that can boost your draft stock. The path to becoming a superstar continues in the NFL is more varied than ever thanks to the aforementioned minigames and plenty of objectives to complete — giving you a reason to always be invested even when your team is struggling.

However, the best addition is the superstar showdown mode, which is sort of similar to Threes in EA’s NHL games and serves as an extension of The Yard mode from previous years. This arena football mode features three-on-three and six-on-six matches on a smaller and colorful 50-yard field. Scoring is fast with fewer defenders on field, making it a nice reminder of NFL Street. Hopefully, it will continue to get fleshed out in subsequent entries like Three, as it is a blast either solo or with friends.

A lot of the other changes this year are under the hood and aren’t immediately noticeable until you’ve played a few games. This includes a new performance skeleton system called Sapien, which further improves thousands of existing in-game animations and overhauls the different body types of players. When combined with FieldSense, which has seen plenty of new tackle animations and even some jump and dive passes for star players, this winds up being the most realistic looking football game yet.

It is worth noting that I had a few online issues during the game’s first weekend, although it got better over time. For example, I was tossed out of my online connected franchise mode several times due to the game losing connection. There are offline franchise options, so it’s an avoidable issue, but it’s always a bummer when outside issues impact a game mode that doesn’t really need to be always online like a franchise mode.

Madden NFL 24 Review: The final verdict

You can’t go wrong with Madden NFL 24 as the new superstar showdown mode is a compelling selling point for fans pining for arcade gameplay. Plus, the franchise and superstar modes have been improved in a significant way, and it has more long-term staying power as a result. With the core gameplay as solid as ever, EA’s latest football game is a triumphant offering that is more than a roster update.

Disclaimer: Madden NFL 24 review is based on a PS5 copy provided by the publisher. Reviewed on version 1.001.000.

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Milestone S.r.l. is one of gaming’s most consistent developers, delivering multiple worthwhile racing games each year. Its latest offering is Ride 5, which serves as a sizable, current-gen revamp and overall upgrade for the series. No longer held back by a foundation that was created in 2015, Ride 5 delivers one of the best motorcycle racing games yet.

The biggest improvement and selling point of Ride 5 is how beginner friendly it is. Some of the past Ride games were difficult to get into at first due to poorly implemented racing aids. However, Milestone has properly balanced both the aids and the career mode, allowing players to immediately be competitive in races from the very start. Turning assists off and moving to higher difficulty levels over time leads to a more even and rewarding difficulty curve that’s far more encouraging than constantly crashing and burning.

The four-part career mode is the bulkiest part of the game where racers can test their skills. There are over 200 events to partake in, ranging from time attack races to more traditional competitions. Over time, players will go up against 10 main rivals, which acts as a good indicator of how far you’ve come in the career leaderboard that spans over 150 riders. While the presentation isn’t always impressive and lacks an identity, this is a solid career offering that invested players will be able to put dozens of hours into.

With over 30 real and fictional tracks that span the globe and hundreds of real motorcycles to choose from, there’s a great variety on display. Iconic tracks like Daytona International Speedway and the Nürburgring are faithfully recreated. Milestone also gets to flex its muscle with some original offerings, like its Kanto course that has players riding the Japanese countryside past temples. All of these tracks show how it is a truly beautiful game that takes advantage of its current-gen-only status by having stunning visuals and dynamic weather effects.

Sports titles, however, sometimes can lack features when they go through a revamp. Thankfully, that isn’t the case here. The creation suite is impressive, allowing players to make everything from liveries to championships. Local split-screen multiplayer even returns — a first in the series since Ride 2. It’s evident that this wasn’t rushed, and Milestone took its time in actually iterating upon what fans have come to expect from the series.

Other small tweaks have made the overall experience much more compelling, as well. For example, online play now supports cross-platform play, which is always a great addition for more niche online titles and ensures that there’s always a match join. Endurance mode can also be played online, allowing masochists to do massive races that take multiple hours. Additional features are on the way, too, as the Race Director feature, which will allow players to alter the starting grid, set rules, and assign penalties to online races, is coming in a future patch.

Ride 5 Review: The final verdict

Ride 5 is yet another impressive offering from Milestone. By focusing on the current generation of hardware, the motorcycle racer isn’t held back and is able to live to its full potential. It all results in a great-looking experience that is easier to get into than ever before and is just as fulfilling to master.

Disclaimer: Our Ride 5 review is based on a PS5 copy provided by the publisher. Reviewed on version 1.004.000.

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