Sony's PlayStation 5 launched with a relatively impressive slate of games, headlined by the Demon's Souls remake from Bluepoint. Since then, a variety of other games have released for the PS5 console, growing its library even further and establishing it firmly as a must-own platform. This summer will do a lot to make the PlayStation 5 an even more appealing prospect, as the system is set to receive a number of big new games, including some important exclusive titles.
The PlayStation 5's summer 2021 lineup is already impressive, though it should be noted that we may not even have the full picture just yet. While games like Horizon Forbidden West will likely have to wait until fall 2021, it's entirely possible that there are unannounced PS5 games set to release within the next few months. Sony will be involved with Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest event, which kicks off on June 10, so maybe fans will get some more information sooner rather than later.
While there may be some surprise PS5 games released this summer, these are five of the most exciting titles that fans know for sure are on the way. For the purposes of this article, "summer" will be defined as the months of June through August, even though the summer solstice isn't technically until June 20.
Chivalry 2 (June 8)
In 2012, Torn Banner Studios released Chivalry: Medieval Warfare. The online melee action game received somewhat mixed reviews at the time of its release, but it still managed to secure a dedicated following of players, remaining popular for years after its release. Now Torn Banner is looking to release Chivalry 2, the long-awaited sequel, which is coming to a variety of platforms on June 8, including Sony's next-generation PlayStation 5 console.
Chivalry 2 should be familiar to those who played the original game. In Chivalry 2, players will be able to utilize a slew of medieval weapons as either the Agatha Knights or the Mason Order in a variety of game modes. This time around, up to 64 players can get in on the action, which should result in even more hectic and intense battles. Other changes include the ability to use many more items in the environment as a weapon and ride horses to speed up travel time, helping players get back into the action as fast as possible.
As far as PlayStation 5-exclusive features go, fans shouldn't go into Chivalry 2 expecting a serious showcase for Sony's next-generation console. However, early reports from those playing the beta have said that the game does make use of the DualSense controller's haptic feedback. Anyone wanting to see for themselves can do so before the game's June 8 release date, as the Chivalry 2 open beta is live now and lasts until June 1.
Anyone interested in Chivalry 2 should note that they don't have to wait for its June 8 release date to give the game a try. A Chivalry 2 open beta is happening right now and lasts until June 1.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade (June 10)
Final Fantasy 7 Remake was a huge exclusive for the PlayStation 4, and the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is set to be an integral exclusive for the PlayStation 5 as well. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is a enhanced version of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, upping the graphical fidelity and adding a host of new features for fans to try out, like a dedicated photo mode. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade should be the definitive way to experience the game, but the most exciting thing about it isn't the base game; the most exciting thing is the Yuffie DLC that will be available for it.
Those buying Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade outright on PlayStation 5 will be able to get their hands on the Yuffie DLC automatically, with the total package retailing for $69.99. However, those upgrade to Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade on PS5 for free will have the option of purchasing the Yuffie DLC for $19.99. The Yuffie DLC will be exclusive to the PlayStation 5 version of the game, serving as a side story that will help fill the gap between the events of Final Fantasy 7 Remake and its upcoming sequel.
Between the new content in the base game and the Yuffie DLC, it seems Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is making a concerted effort to give fans their money's worth. Whether or not its worth the price of admission remains to be seen, but Final Fantasy fans will find out sooner rather than later.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (June 11)
A mere day after the PS5 exclusive Final Fantasy 7 Remake content launches, owners of Sony's next-generation console have a major new release to look forward to in the form of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the latest installment in Insomniac's long-running 3D platforming franchise, bringing the loveable Lombax and his robot companion to the next generation of consoles. This time around, the titular Ratchet and Clank are joined by new playable character Rivet, who appears to be a female version of Ratchet from an alternate dimension.
The gimmick in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is that the characters are able to use rifts to travel between different dimensions. This unique gameplay mechanic is only possible thanks to the PlayStation 5's SSD, and between that and the game's eye-popping graphics, it's clear that Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is taking great advantage of the new console's powerful hardware. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart gameplay presentations have been incredibly impressive so far, and all signs are pointing to it being yet another homerun for PlayStation, growing the PS5's library of impressive exclusive games even further.
Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance (June 22)
Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance is the long-awaited third entry in the Dark Alliance series that started on the PlayStation 2 as Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance. This new take will have improved graphics and ups the number of co-op players to four, though fans will have to wait for a post-launch update if they want to try the game's local co-op functionality. Regardless, Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance has looked impressive so far, and its cast of memorable D&D characters like Drizzt Do'Urden should please fans of the fantasy genre.
Cris Tales (July 20)
Indie RPG Cris Tales was first revealed at E3 2019, and it has remained one of the genre's most-anticipated games ever since. Cris Tales, for the uninitiated, is a turn-based RPG that uses time travel as a gimmick. In Cris Tales, players have to deal with the present, the past, and the future all at once, which should lead to some rather interesting gameplay mechanics and story beats. Pre-release reception for Cris Tales has been extremely positive, and fans will find out sooner rather than later whether or not it lives up to the hype.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits (August 24)
Ember Lab's Kena: Bridge of Spirits has impressed many ever since the game was first revealed during Sony's Future of Gaming Event last year. Compared to games like The Legend of Zelda and Pikmin, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a visually-stunning third-person game where players take on the role of the titular Kena, armed with a powerful staff. Players will use Kena's staff to fight off enemies in the game, while they will use adorable creatures known as "the Rot" to help complete its various puzzles.
The Rot in Kena: Bridge of Spirits are why the game has drawn some comparisons to Pikmin. Players will have to collect the Rot and then use them to solve puzzles and other tasks in the game world. It looks to be a unique adventure for PlayStation 5 gamers, and is quite easily one of the most-anticipated new PS5 games set to release this summer for that reason.