Sony’s PlayLink range recently launched with quirky quiz game That’s You, which is available right now on PlayStation Plus.
Controlled with smartphones and tablets, PS4 PlayLink games are designed to be enjoyed in social situations, regardless of your skills with a DualShock.
The range is expanding with similar party games like the trivia-based Knowledge is Power, not to mention returning karaoke classic SingStar Celebration.
But Express Online recently had a chance to check out an altogether different PlayLink prospect on PS4.
Developed by Sony London Studio and Flavourworks, Erica is described as a live action video adventure, where players make choices to uncover the truth about a mysterious killer.
Flavourworks claims the whole thing can be wrapped up in around 90 minutes, and that it could potentially replace your movie night.
And judging by our early experiences with the game, Erica could be the title that puts PlayLink on the map.
Erica thrusts players into a shadowy mystery where your smartphone or tablet touchscreen serves as the controller.
You can flip through books, flick open lighters and even wipe the tears from Erica’s eyes with intuitive touchscreen gestures on your phone.
You’ll need to shade in text to solve puzzles, wipe away condensation to check if the coast is clear and brush the dust off an old book before delving into its secrets.
Flavourworks wants to keep you engaged with the story and bring you to closer to Erica, which is why you can expect to interact with something every 15-20 seconds.
Likewise, you’ll need to make some tough choices throughout the course of the adventure – choices that will ultimately change how the story unfolds.
Do you trust the voice on the phone? Will you react to threats with violence? And do you break the seal on a mysterious set of documents, despite being warned not to?
This dark and gloomy adventure doesn’t seem like an obvious candidate for a party, but as titles like Until Dawn have proven, branching games where you need to make quick-fire choices can be a lot of fun when played in groups.
The biggest question mark right now is how Erica holds up on repeat playthroughs. It’s certainly not short on atmosphere and intrigue, but will your choices make that much difference to the ending?
Either way, we’re looking forward to seeing how Erica plays out when it launches exclusively as part of PS4’s PlayLink range.