Summary
Over the last few decades, PlayStation’s focus has shifted quite dramatically a number of times, usually evolving with each major trend, such as the rise of online gaming in the mid-late 2000s. But for the last decade or so, PlayStation has really kept its focus on building its first-party exclusive library. Whilefirst-party PlayStation exclusiveshave always been important, that’s only gotten more true as the years have gone on, with them now being one of the company’s core pillars. Games likeThe Last of UsandGod of Warare of paramount importance to PlayStation’s identity.
One of the latest major trends in gaming, thanks in large part tolive-service titles likeFortnite, Apex Legends, andCall of Duty: Warzone, has been this concept of the ever-lasting game. Even 30-hour narrative-focused single-player games are expected to somehow retain their player-base for months after launch. It seems as though PlayStation is trying to embrace this trend as well, attempting to revive its recent first-party single-player games with new modes, and it seems to be betting big on roguelikes.
PlayStation Has Two Big Roguelike Modes in the Works
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered’s Roguelike Mode Is More Than a Throwaway Add-On
A potentialLast of Us Part 2remaster was bound to cause some big controversy, especially afterthe full-price release ofThe Last of Us Part 1remakelast year. But this time, it seems as though PlayStation and Naughty Dog have taken fan feedback into account.The Last of Us Part 2 Remasteredis only set to cost $10 for those who already own the original PS4 game, and players are going to get a lot for that $10.
The Last of Us Part 2 Remasterednot only updates the game’s visuals and adds DualSense integration, but it’s also going to add a handful of new modes to the 2020 sequel. The biggest, and likely best of these new modes is “No Return,“a roguelike modethat sees players attempt to conquer a series of challenging procedurally-generated missions in a row, with death resulting in a complete restart. Upon first hearing of this new game mode, many fans expected it to just be a few round-based levels, with not a lot of original content to experience, but that doesn’t seem to be the case at all.
Following some press previews earlier in the week, fans now know quite a bit Last of Us Part 2 Remastered’s No Return mode, and it’s all looking quite impressive. From multiple playable characters to choose from, each with their own unique traits and weapons, to an extensive multi-mission structure that ends in different boss fights, to a surprisingly complex skill tree progression system, No Return is far from an afterthought.
God of War Ragnarok Is Getting Its Own Roguelike Mode
Announced out of nowhere, and probably one of the biggest reveals of the entire 2023 Game Awards ceremony,God of War Ragnarokis getting its own roguelike mode. Titled “Valhalla,” thisGod of War Ragnarokroguelike mode seemingly functions fairly similarly toThe Last of Us Part 2’s No Return mode, seeing players take on the role of Kratos once more as he battles his way through the depths of Valhalla, upgrading various abilities along the way and losing it all upon death. The big difference here is thatGod of War Ragnarok’s Valhalla mode is part of the series' canon story, acting as an epilogue to the events of the sequel, which will apparently see Kratos go on a journey of self-reflection.
To make it even sweeter,God of War Ragnarok’s Valhalla DLCwill be completely free for those who own the game, and it’s set to release in just a few days. BetweenGod of WarandThe Last of Us, and potentially some of the new live-service titles it has in the works, it seems as though PlayStation is really leaning into roguelike gameplay, and it seems to be going pretty well so far.
God of War Ragnarok
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
