This week’s PlayStation Store highlights: F1 2018, Guacamelee! 2, Shenmue, Track Lab, more

A core appreciation we have of videogames is their ability to let us experience the impossible. Race at speeds that would terrify us in real life; take an epic road trip; play a pulse-pounding set as an epic DJ; bulk up and fight evil as an unstoppable luchador (who turns into a chicken).

Any of those resonate with you? Good news: you’re in luck with this week’s PlayStation Store releases. Browse your options for an alternative life in our highlights reel for the week, or peruse the full release slate below!

1. F1 2018 Headline Edition

Codemasters presents its latest masterclass in racing simulators with a return to the thrilling tracks, iconic drivers and unmissable atmosphere of F1. Sports fans should check out the game’s Headline Edition, which includes two classic cars – Jenson Button’s championship-winning 2009 Brawn BGP-001 and Ralf Schumacher’s 2003 Williams FW25.

• Pre-order F1 2018 Headline Edition on PlayStation Store now
• Available: 24th August

2. Shenmue I & II

Sample a unique slice of videogame history as Sega’s cult classic series gets an HD update and quality-of-life improvements for its PS4 debut. Shenmue is equal parts life-sim, action brawler and mini-game bonanza whose influence can still be seen today in the likes of Yakuza.

• Buy Shenmue I&II on PlayStation Store now
• Available: 21st August

3. Guacamelee! 2

This week marks the return of the beloved Mexican wrestler to PlayStation with an action platformer packing satisfying combat and delightful humour. Transverse colourful locales, train to earn new abilities and transform into a superpowered chicken (seriously).

• Read more: Gucamelee! 2’s creator reveals the game’s design secrets
• Buy Guacamelee! 2 on PlayStation Store now
• Available: 21st August

4. Track Lab

How do you make music track creation fun and accessible? PS VR’s Track Lab has the answer. An intuitive UI that’s easily navigable with PS Move and a cubed grid to drop and build samples in that feels akin to digital Lego.

• Read more: Unleash your inner DJ with PS VR exclusive Track Lab
• Pre-order Track Lab on PlayStation Store now
• Available: 22nd August

5. Brawlout

A colourful cast of combatants face off in this fun and frantic multiplayer brawler. One for fighting fans, especially those that like to keep clashes local for smack-talk purposes. And as bonus, it features cool guest characters such as a certain Guacamelee!-starring luchador.

• Read more: Multiplayer fighter Brawl gets Hyper Light Drifter, Gucamelee guest stars for PS4 releases
• Buy Brawlout on PlayStation Store now
• Available: 21st August

New demos

Transference

In a surprise launch this week, Ubisoft’s compelling psychological thriller Transference received a prequel demo that’s now available to play on PlayStation Store. It’s one of those titles the less said before playing the better, so take a look now! (Plus, you can play it on PS VR!)

• Read more: Get an early taste of Ubsioft’s thriller Transference with exclusive PS4 demo
• Download Transference: The Walter Case Test on PlayStation Store now

New Pre-Orders

Battlefield V

While pre-orders for EA’s return to the frontline are live already, the publisher announced at Gamescom last night that pre-orders will unlock early access to the game’s open beta. It means you can join the latest rendition of war two days earlier, starting 4th September.