PLAY – Issue 43, September 2024

PLAY Issue 43: September 2024 — PlayStation’s Next Wave 🎮

Issue 43 of PLAY arrives at a moment when PlayStation owners have an embarrassment of riches to look forward to. The cover celebrates Astro Bot, the little robot who first charmed players in Astro’s Playroom and now returns in a full-scale platforming adventure. The magazine argues that Astro Bot represents something bigger than a single game: a resurgence of family-friendly fun in the big-budget space.

The Hot 50: The Games Shaping the Future

Every year, PLAY’s Hot 50 ranks the most promising games on the horizon. The 2024 list is packed with heavy hitters: Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Monster Hunter Wilds, Star Wars Outlaws, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Marvel Rivals all feature. The issue also checks in on Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, Lego Horizon Adventures, and other titles aiming to make the next twelve months unforgettable.

Blumhouse Games: Horror’s New Indie Champion

A major feature turns the spotlight on Blumhouse Games, the gaming division of the horror film powerhouse. The magazine examines how Blumhouse is backing independent developers to create a new generation of terror, with projects like Fear the Spotlight, Crisol: Theater of Idols, and Grave Seasons. It’s a fascinating look at what happens when a Hollywood horror brand decides to scare players on console.

Previews and Reviews: What to Play Now

The preview section offers hands-on impressions of titles such as Lego Horizon Adventures, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Doom: The Dark Ages. In reviews, the team evaluates Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Alan Wake II: Night Springs, and Still Wakes the Deep. The verdicts are sharp, detailed, and aimed at helping readers decide where their time and money go.

RetroStation and Beyond

For players who love gaming history, RetroStation revisits Batman: Arkham Asylum, Crazy Taxi, and Sly Raccoon, with a brief history of pirates in games. The issue closes with a parting shot on Tomb Raider: Legend, rounding out a packed 116 pages of news, interviews, and criticism.

Why This Issue Matters

PLAY Issue 43 is a time capsule of PlayStation gaming in late 2024. It captures a period when blockbuster sequels, indie horror experiments, and beloved mascots all shared the spotlight. Whether you’re following the Hot 50, curious about Blumhouse’s move into games, or simply looking for your next download, this issue offers a clear, informed guide to what’s worth playing.