Last updated on November 17, 2025
Sony’s State of Play Japan 2025 was a celebration of Japanese and Asian game development, delivering a packed lineup of fresh gameplay, new game reveals, remakes, DLC expansions, and key release dates. The event spotlighted titles ranging from beloved JRPG classics and deeply atmospheric horror games to innovative indie experiences and competitive fighting games, showcasing PlayStation’s dedication to showcasing Japan’s unique gaming culture on a global stage.
Classic JRPGs Reborn: Dragon Quest VII Reimagined
At the heart of the event was the unveiling of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, a full remake of the legendary PlayStation JRPG originally released over two decades ago. This new version features beautifully updated graphics, reimagined battle sequences, and added story content that includes a new episode where players reunite with grown-up Keifa in a new area. Slated for release on February 5, 2026, for PlayStation 5, this remake aims to captivate both nostalgic fans and new players seeking a premium RPG adventure steeped in classic Japanese storytelling traditions.
Cozy and Cultural: InKonbini and Coffee Talk Tokyo
Complementing the blockbuster titles, State of Play Japan highlighted two slice-of-life experiences that immerse players in Japanese everyday culture. InKonbini: One Store. Many Stories invites players to manage their own small convenience store, interact with customers, organize shelves, and collect capsule toys from vending machines. Launching in April 2026, the game offers a warm and relaxing simulation experience grounded in Japanese store culture.
Coffee Talk Tokyo
Coffee Talk Tokyo, releasing March 5, 2026, carries forward the narrative-driven gameplay of the original Coffee Talk series, but shifts its setting from Seattle to Tokyo. Here, players serve drinks to characters drawn from Japanese mythology and modern life alike, listening to their stories and building connections. Both games not only diversify the PlayStation portfolio beyond high-octane action but also emphasize Japan’s rich cultural heritage with accessible storytelling for a global audience.
New Japanese Horror Experiences: BrokenLore Titles and Fatal Frame II Remake
The horror genre was strongly represented with two new titles from the BrokenLore universe: UNFOLLOW and Ascend. UNFOLLOW explores the psychological impacts of social media through the story of Anne, a young woman escaping an oppressive online-dominant world—launching January 16, 2026. Ascend offers a survival horror adventure with climbing mechanics, set atop the iconic Tokyo Tower and inhabited by entities inspired by Japanese folklore, expected in summer 2026.
Adding to the horror lineup, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly receives a meticulously crafted remake, bringing players back to the eerie Minakami village filled with rituals and ghosts. Designed to maintain the original’s tense atmosphere while modernizing visuals and gameplay, the remake is scheduled for March 12, 2026, making it a must-play for horror fans craving a blend of suspense and Japanese cultural depth.
Action, Racing, and DLC: Expansions to Major Franchises
Koei Tecmo returned to the battlefield with new content for Dynasty Warriors: Origin. The Visions of Four Heroes DLC adds dynamic combat scenarios and an engaging soundtrack, arriving January 22, 2026. Fans of endurance racing have reasons to celebrate with Gran Turismo 7’s Power Pack DLC, which introduces a challenging 24-hour race and additional content, available December 4, 2025.
Capcom continues to support Monster Hunter Wilds with a substantial update on December 16, 2025, introducing the gargantuan Gogmazios monster, plus new endgame and seasonal challenges to keep veteran hunters engaged. Wandering Sword, an RPG with gorgeous pixel art inspired by ancient China, comes with multiple endings and is set for release on May 28, 2026, providing players with narrative depth and exploration in an immersive open world.
Fighting Games, Racing Comebacks, and Roguelikes
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls offers a fresh fighting game experience with legendary heroes like Spider-Man and Ghost Rider, along with iconic arenas like X-Mansion and Savage Lands. The closed beta runs from December 5 to 7, 2025, allowing fans to experience dynamic 4-character team battles.
Tokyo Xtreme Racer returns after decades, bringing street racing thrills and the strategic Spirit Point system to PS5 on February 26, 2026. Additional new games like Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse (a 2D roguelike with co-op, releasing March 5, 2026), BlazBlue Entropy Effect X (a roguelite with a roster of 14 characters, arriving February 12, 2026), and Kyouran Makaism (an action RPG launching January 29, 2026) expand PlayStation’s library with innovative gameplay and fresh narratives.
Exciting Crossovers and Gear
The lineup also featured exciting crossover events such as Pac-Man World 2: Re-Pac teaming up unexpectedly with Sonic the Hedgehog, which launched November 11, 2025. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will additionally introduce a SpongeBob SquarePants content pack on November 20, 2025.
In hardware news, PlayStation unveiled a new gaming monitor with a built-in DualSense controller charging stand, though availability will initially be limited to Japan and the United States.
Conclusion
State of Play Japan 2025 brought a compelling mixture of nostalgia, innovation, and cultural storytelling, showcasing the creativity and diversity of Japanese game development. From storied RPG remakes like Dragon Quest VII Reimagined to culturally rich slice-of-life titles and intense horror narratives, the event illuminated PlayStation’s unique position at the heart of Japan’s gaming scene. Coupled with strategic expansions of beloved franchises and fresh indie projects, 2026 promises must-watch releases that appeal both to gamers seeking epic adventures and those craving immersive, localized experiences.
This lineup strengthens PlayStation’s global appeal while respecting and amplifying Japanese creative voices, setting the stage for a vibrant year ahead. Whether you’re drawn to the adrenaline of street racing, the tension of survival horror, or the charm of daily life simulations, there’s something for everyone coming soon to PlayStation consoles.
Really intrigued by Coffee Talk Tokyo, as I like the franchise and didn’t know that another entry is coming soon! The graphics look faithful to the ambiance, I’d only wish they added more variety in the music. Unfollow also looks interesting, although it’s been a while since I played horror games.