Move over “International Pickle Day”, May 16th has a new claim to number one glory: it’s the launch day of Humanity! Better yet, it will be available on Day 1 as part of the May lineup of the PlayStation Plus Games Catalog, available at no additional cost to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members. Whether you own a PS5 or PS4, whether you’re a PS VR2 or PS VR or TV-only gamer, whether you want to create your own levels or just sit back and enjoy platforming action and puzzle strategy, this year May 16th will mean more than just “National Body Piercing Day”.
So…any questions?
What did I just watch?
We wanted to announce the launch date of Humanity with a trailer that truly reflects the game: fun, a little quirky (in a good way), and featuring an adorable little shiba inu. Oh, and most importantly: clearly, undeniably Japanese.
What better way to do that than to recreate the wild and shiny Japanese PlayStation ad campaigns of the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2 era? (If you haven’t seen them, it’s worth looking on YouTube, I promise)
We were incredibly flattered to hear Humanity compared to classics from that era like Intelligent Cube, Echochrome and Devil Dice (among others), even Katamari Damacy and Parappa the Rapper – all fresh and unique games led by designers from Japan who have broke new ground and did it with style. And whether you played those titles or not, or even played back then, we hope you enjoy the same spirit in Humanity: sleek and different, but with a deeply satisfying experience at its core.
Ok, but what kind of game is it?
In Humanity, you control this shiny shiba inu, placing commands on the ground for a giant horde of marching people to follow. Spin them, jump, float in the air, swim, climb, etc., all to reach the goal (or goals) of each stage. The game gradually introduces these mechanics and more, combining them with each other and new elements to complete the challenge as you progress. Curious to know more? Be sure to check out the gameplay trailer we shared during February’s State of Play.
So why the doggo?
Well I mean why not? The development team explored several different interface approaches, ranging from a simpler generic cursor to one-of-a-human support. But given the relationship between dogs and humans in real life and the story we wanted to tell, it felt natural. If the humans in the game have lost their will, mind, and soul, who would they want to follow without questioning it? A dog! When we tried it, everything clicked.
What is the puppy’s name?
He doesn’t – the shiba in the game is you! You wake up as a shiba inu with no memory of what happened before, including your name.
Why PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium?
Of course, we want as many people as possible to enjoy Humanity’s 90+ stage single-player story mode, but the most exciting part of launching into the PlayStation Plus catalog of games is that it guarantees a massive audience for Our game’s User Generated Content features: A ton of players will be there to create, share, and play each other’s custom scenes from day one.
Wow, is that a boss fight?
That’s right. Humanity’s Story Mode stages run the gamut from action-puzzling, leaning platform-style “action” levels that will test your reflexes, to “brain-twisting” puzzles. leaning back where you could even put the controller down while you ponder something – and everything in between. The game constantly introduces new mechanics, and mixes and matches them with everything you’ve learned so far to feel like you’re always being challenged and never knowing what’s next.
So what East following?
There’s a lot more Humanity to tell: the narrative in our single-player story mode, our optional VR compatibility (PS VR2 or PS VR), unlockable rewards, details about our super-intuitive Stage Creator, all the amazing stuff and crazy things made and shared in the User Stages during our limited time demo, etc.
So keep an eye out for more information and videos in the coming days before May 16th, which this year is not just “National BBQ Day”, but Humani-Tuesday!
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