Tokyo Game Show 2024 PlayStation booth recap: hands-on report

Join us for a tour of the PlayStation booth at the Tokyo Game Show 2024, featuring some memorable photo ops as well as hands-on with a few anticipated PS5 games. Let’s dive into the booth plus gameplay reports for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Sonic x Shadow Generations, Dragon Quest III HD-3D Remake, and Metaphor ReFantazio.

At the PlayStation booth, visitors can take a look at the PS5 Pro console – displayed publicly for the first time and set to be released on November 7 – and also play Final Fantasy VII Rebirth or Gran Turismo 7 on the new console. Additionally, the entire lineup of the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection is also displayed at the booth.

SIE is showcasing an exciting lineup of PS5 titles, including Astro Bot and the highly-anticipated Monster Hunter Wilds. Let’s dive in!

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater | Publisher: Konami

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a remake of the 2004 game Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater for PS2. I had a chance to play a versus mission at the PlayStation booth.

As Snake descends into the jungle, he calls up his mentor, The Boss. The excellent voicework for these iconic characters immediately brought me back to my PS2 days with the original. The map design, where players move between sub-areas, is also faithfully recreated in the remake. While it may have been highly possible to create a single large map using today’s advanced technology, the sub-area design helps make each jungle section feel distinct.

The new high-definition visuals are stunning, with the character’s textures and the jungle’s atmosphere being realistically rendered. The change in the camera angle, from bird’s eye view to third-person, also elevates the immersive feeling of exploring the dense jungle. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a game that not only feels novel with its updated graphics and controllability but also brings a wave of nostalgia as it remains faithful to the original story, dialogue, and map design.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake | Publisher: Square Enix

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, launching on November 14, is a vivid reimagining of the beloved 1998 RPG The game provides richer aesthetics by adding 3D effects to pixel-based backgrounds. The pixelated characters and monsters coexist harmoniously with the 3D backgrounds, and I was captivated by the meticulous depiction of the rippling water surfaces and the details of the interior decorations. The scenery also gradually transitions from day to evening to night as time passes.

With the new Monster Battle Road feature, I was able to send three captured monsters into battle arenas against other teams of creatures. While you can’t directly control the monsters, you can still choose from four preset tactics to influence your monsters fight. I learned that frequently switching tactics paves the road to victory.

During the playthrough, I also explored the Skyfell Tower and battled against the boss bandit, Robbin’ ‘Ood. Just as in the original, combat is based on random encounters. Instead of assigning actions to each party, I opted for a group command for some AI combat actions. The combat offers three options for speed, so I chose the quickest option for fast-paced, hassle-free battles. Waiting for me at the top of the tower was Robbin’ ‘Ood and his three henchmen. Skillful use of spells, special skills, and recovery commands is key to toppling these lethal foes.

Metaphor: ReFantazio | Publisher: Atlus

Metaphor: ReFantazio, launching October 11 on PS5 and PS4, is a new IP from the creator of the Persona series.

In the Dungeon modes, Occupied Cathedral, I explored with friends who possessed awakened abilities, Archetypes, and experienced a unique combat system called Fast & Squad. Combat began with enemy encounters that triggered a turn-based command battle called Squad. However, against lower-ranked opponents, I could immediately assault them with a Fast Attack, defeating them with a single blow instead of initiating a turn-based fight.

The Squad command battle is based on Atlus’s signature Press Turn Battle system. You can use the Press Icon to determine how many actions are remaining for each turn since normal attacks, stronger attacks called Synthesis, and Archetype skills each consume a different amount of press. Notably, attacking the enemies’ weak points don’t consume Press and provide more options for additional actions. The thrill of a successful strategy is matched only by the disappointment of a failed one, creating an emotional roller-coaster where every decision carries significant weight. This intensity and excitement are particularly palpable during combat against formidable foes. The stylish ultimate move skill Synthesis perfectly capture the essence of Persona.

In Journey mode, I traveled on the gauntlet runner and mingled with friends to find out more about their identity and what they mean to my character..

Sonic X Shadow Generations | Publisher: Sega

Sonic Generations is remastered with new content featuring Shadow in this high-speed action-adventure, launching on October 25.

I dropped into the Space Colony Ark: Act 1 from Shadow’s storyline, guiding the hedgehog through a space station with lightning-fast reflexes. With missiles, lasers, and robots all trying to halt my advance, the power of Chaos Control helped meoutmaneuver them.

Later in the game, I faced a familiar but stronger boss, Metal Overload, from a 2003 PS2 Sonic game. For this part of the game, Doom Surf is the only way of traversal as the stage is set on the ocean. Using L1 and R1, I spun to deflect the enemy’s missiles to attack the boss. Between jumping over a barrage of lasers and dodging the boss’s tail swiping, this game is packed with endless action and kept me on my toes the whole time. 

You can also find the recent hands-on reports for my experience with Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Dynasty Warriors: Origins at Tokyo Game Show 2024.