PlayStation’s State of Play presentation for April 2021 has given fans a few inside scoops about upcoming games. While the presentation mainly focused on new Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart gameplay, it also included news about Subnautica: Below Zero and the announcement of a forthcoming PlayStation 4 and PS5 port of Among Us.
New Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart gameplay footage
Most of the highlights for today’s State of Play stream centered around Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. We were given several looks at gameplay, notably including early-game combat and some of the new movement mechanics.
The bulk of the Rift Apart footage centered around Nefarious City, a dystopic-looking town where the evil Dr. Nefarious rules as Emperor. Robotic minions roam the streets as Ratchet seeks out Clank, who has gone missing. Along the way he runs into Mrs. Zurkon, who serves as the game’s weapon vendor across multiple dimensions.
One of the newest tools in Ratchet’s arsenal is an updated dash. It appears almost like a phase-shift mechanic, where the hero is completely invulnerable while dashing, either on ground or mid-air. Wall-running was also on display, apparently functioning as part of a glove-based gadget that tethers the Lombax to specially designated walls.
There were loads of other details on offer, too. Many of the environments are wide-open, and can be traversed using mounts like the Speetle. Creative Director Marcus Smith also mentioned small “pocket dimensions” that exist outside of any known area, new “Dimensional Clank” puzzles, and — perhaps best of all — the return of the Arena.
Subnautica: Below Zero free next-gen upgrades
Rift Apart may have dominated the State of Play stream, but it wasn’t the only game on display. Notably, we got some fresh gameplay footage for Subnautica: Below Zero, including looks at how the game will make use of the PS5’s DualSense controller.
There was also good news for players who haven’t yet been able to pick up their own PlayStation 5 system. Unknown Worlds announced that a free PS5 next-gen upgrade will be available to anyone who purchases Below Zero on PS4, whether physical or digital.
Subnautica: Below Zero launches for PS4 and PS5 on May 14 for $29.99, and pre-orders are open right now.
Ratchet and Clank join Among Us for PlayStation debut
We knew in advance that the April 2021 State of Play would have two indie reveals, but we didn’t quite expect an announcement like this one. Not only is Among Us coming to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, but when it releases, both Ratchet and Clank will be joining the crewmates.
🌟 AMONG US – COMING TO PLAYSTATION 🌟
get ready to welcome a whole new crew on board!!
✨ on PS4 and PS5 consoles later this year
✨ exclusive Ratchet & Clank skin, hat, and pet
✨ crossplay and online multiplayertell your friends but more importantly.. tell your enemies heh pic.twitter.com/E6BduFfNwU
— Among Us 🚀 (@AmongUsGame) April 29, 2021
There’s no specific release date window just yet, but the end of the short teaser revealed a release window sometime in 2021. Hopefully it won’t be too long before PlayStation fans can jump in on the action.
