Siren’s Relaunch on PS5 May Have Timed Its Release Window Perfectly

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As a long-time PlayStation fan, I can’t help but feel a rush of nostalgia at the thought of Siren gracing our screens once more. Back in 2003, this game was a breath of fresh air in the horror genre, and it left an indelible mark on my gaming experience. Despite not being a blockbuster hit, its impact is still felt today, with adaptations in movies, mangas, and even a sequel.

Among the notable horror games on PlayStation 2, a game that readily springs to mind for dedicated PS fans is the lesser-known gem called Siren. Originating from Sony Interactive Entertainment and developed by Team Siren (a division of the defunct Japan Studio), this survival horror masterpiece was one of many treasures tucked away within PlayStation’s rich first-party collection during the sixth generation of consoles. Though Siren didn’t achieve blockbuster sales or earn critical acclaim in Western regions, it managed to captivate numerous horror enthusiasts upon its release. The game garnered enough popularity to inspire a Japanese film adaptation, two mangas, and a sequel. Siren saw a reimagining with Siren: Blood Curse on PlayStation 3, serving as an unofficial remake of the series’ first installment. Regrettably, despite Blood Curse’s favorable reception, the Siren series ultimately faded into Sony’s collection of dormant franchises and has since gone silent.

There’s been talk lately about a possible comeback for the game “Siren”. In September 2024, the Korean Game Rating and Administration Board re-rated the original “Siren” for the PlayStation 5 (PS5), sparking speculation that a new version or enhanced edition of the popular 2003 title could be coming to Sony’s latest console. However, a recent leak from the PlayStation system suggests that this rating is not for a modern update of “Siren”, but instead an emulated PS5 version of the original PS2 horror game. The leaked information indicates that this port might be released on October 15, 2024, possibly as part of this month’s selection for the PS Plus Premium Classics lineup. If accurate, it seems like Sony has picked an ideal moment to bring “Siren” to the PS5.

Sony May Have Chosen the Perfect Time to Launch Its Rumored Siren Re-Release

Horror Games like Siren Fit Right In During the Month of October

As a horror enthusiast, October is my favorite month, especially for playing games that truly send shivers down my spine. Titles like Siren, in particular, are a perfect match for the spooky season. The original 2003 game, which I’ve found to be one of the scariest experiences on the PlayStation 2, is set in a remote Japanese village called Hanuda and revolves around a dangerous, zombie-like affliction that has infected its residents. Keiichiro Toyama, the renowned creator of Silent Hill, directed this game, a fact that shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who have played it, given the deep influence of Konami’s iconic franchise on Siren.

The Siren PS5 Port Has the Potential to Be a Big Deal

Despite its gameplay potentially feeling outdated, the narrative, ambiance, and gritty feel of Siren remain remarkably unique and worth exploring. The significance of a PS5 port lies in the fact that if it’s included in PS Plus Premium later this month, it will once again draw attention after spending years in relative obscurity.

That being said, Siren is technically already playable on PS5; however, the version of the game that’s currently available on the console is the 2016 PS4 re-release, which pales in comparison to some of Sony’s recent PS2 ports feature-wise. These days, Sony uses an updated emulator for its PlayStation Plus Premium Classics catalog that adds various quality-of-life improvements to its PS2 games, such as quick saves, up-rendering, rewinding, and custom video filters. A new Siren PS5 port will presumably include all of these features, making it far superior and easier to play than the outdated PS4 version.

Siren Being Re-Released on PS5 May Lead to More Ports of PS2 Horror Games in the Future

It’s possible that some fans might be let down because this unexpected rerelease of the game “Siren” appears to only be a port rather than a remake or remaster. However, if the whispers are true, this move demonstrates Sony’s eagerness to bring some of its timeless PlayStation 2 games onto current-generation PlayStation consoles. Although we may never see a new addition to the “Siren” series, there’s a greater chance than ever before that games like “Siren”, “Siren 2”, and other classic PS2 horror games could receive upgraded versions on the PS5.

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2024-10-06 17:33