The Xbox/PC cult classic Scorn is officially making the jump to the PlayStation 5. This news comes shortly after the first-person survival horror title was rumored for such a release.
Known for its post-apocalyptic biopunk setting and art direction inspired by H.R. Giger and Zdzislaw Beksinski, Scorn was developed by Serbian studio Ebb Software and released exclusively on Microsoft platforms close to Halloween in 2022, where it received mixed to positive critical reception and was notably review bombed by players. Praise was directed at its presentation and puzzle-solving, though many found its combat immersion-breaking, unnecessary, and boring. Still, it seems Sony is confident that the average rating might improve with a broader audience.
On the official PlayStation YouTube channel, a new trailer was dropped, confirming a Scorn port that is due out for the PlayStation 5 this fall, a year out from its original release. The video showcases multiple establishing shots from throughout its various Acts, before shifting to gameplay as the unnamed protagonist grabs one of Scorn's many weapons for self-defense. Clips of the player exploring labyrinths, fending off various grotesque enemies, and climbing around unstable landscapes are quick to follow, before the trailer ends with a title drop alongside the release window.
Just before the video ends, a glimpse at the physical Deluxe Edition is shown, consisting of a copy of Scorn, a steelbook case, a digital artbook, and a copy of the game's spine-chilling orchestral soundtrack. Aside from that, no notable changes have been specified for this new version. It is possible that the bug fixes and checkpoint revisions from Version 1.1.8.0 could be installed into this version from the start, but given that the graphics don't look too different from the original despite the PS5's superior hardware, perhaps players shouldn't expect too many coding changes.
Reception among those in the comments appeared just as mixed as it was among gaming critics, with similar complaints lobbied against the combat and some of the puzzles, while some users seemed to despise the game as a whole. More than likely, making Scorn available across more platforms will not affect its critical consensus much, especially since the PS5 release will not have access to the multiple mods that can improve the experience.
Scorn is available for PC and Xbox Series X/S, with a PS5 version coming in Fall 2023.
