The PlayStation 30th-anniversary video reignited speculation about a potential Bloodborne remake or sequel. Let's delve into the latest buzz surrounding the game and the recent PS5 update.
PlayStation's 30th Anniversary Celebration: A Bloodborne Finale?
Bloodborne's Appearance in the Anniversary Trailer
The anniversary trailer featured the beloved PS4 exclusive, Bloodborne, accompanied by the caption, "It's about persistence." While other titles also appeared, the inclusion of Bloodborne, particularly its placement at the trailer's conclusion, fueled fan theories about a remaster or a long-awaited sequel.Set to a unique arrangement of The Cranberries' "Dreams," the trailer showcased PlayStation's iconic games, including Ghost of Tsushima, God of War, and Helldivers 2. Each game featured a thematic caption (e.g., "It's about fantasy" for Final Fantasy 7). The "persistence" caption for Bloodborne, however, ignited fervent speculation.
Despite the lack of official confirmation, fan speculation regarding a Bloodborne 2 or a 60fps remaster with enhanced visuals persists. This isn't the first time such rumors surfaced; a previous Instagram post by PlayStation Italia featuring in-game locations sparked a similar wave of excitement.
However, the trailer's ending might simply acknowledge Bloodborne's notorious difficulty, emphasizing the persistence required from players, rather than hinting at upcoming releases.
PS5 Update: UI Customization and Nostalgia
Sony's 30th-anniversary celebrations also included a PS5 update. This update temporarily introduced a classic PS1 boot-up sequence and customizable themes inspired by past PlayStation consoles. Users can now select themes representing various PlayStation generations (PS1 to PS4), allowing for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
The update lets PS5 users personalize their home screen's appearance and sound effects to match older consoles. After installing the update, navigate to "Settings," select "PlayStation 30th Anniversary," and then choose "Appearance and Sound" to customize your home screen.
While the update is well-received, the limited-time availability has disappointed some fans, leading to requests for a permanent option. Others speculate this could be a test run for more extensive UI customization features on the PS5.
Sony's Handheld Console Plans
The speculation extends beyond the PS5 update. Digital Foundry recently corroborated Bloomberg's report on Sony's development of a handheld console for PS5 games. While still in its early stages, this move signals Sony's intention to enter the portable gaming market, currently dominated by Nintendo Switch.
John Linneman of Digital Foundry confirmed their prior knowledge of the project, highlighting the logical step for both Microsoft and Sony to compete in the portable gaming space alongside the rise of mobile gaming.
While Microsoft has been more open about its handheld plans, Sony remains tight-lipped. Both companies face the challenge of creating affordable yet graphically impressive handheld consoles to challenge Nintendo's dominance. Nintendo itself has indicated that more details on the Nintendo Switch's successor will be revealed within the current fiscal year.