When thinking of great horror experiences on the PlayStation 2, one of the first games that will come to any hardcore PS fan’s mind isSiren. Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment and developed by Team Siren, a subsidiary of the now-defunct Japan Studio, this 2003 survival horror classic was one of the many gems hidden withinPlayStation’s diverse first-party portfolio during the sixth console generation. WhileSirenwasn’t a smash hit sales-wise and didn’t receive glowing reviews from critics in the West, the PlayStation 2 exclusive drew the attention of many horror aficionados at the time of its release. The title was successful enough to spawn a Japanese movie adaptation, two mangas, and a sequel.Sireneven received a reimagining of sorts withSiren: Blood Curseon the PlayStation 3, a loose remake of the first game in the series. Sadly, despiteBlood Curse’s positive reception, theSirenseries was ultimately thrown into Sony’s chest of unutilized franchises and never heard from again.
Recently, though, rumors have circulated about a potentialSirenrevival. In September 2024, the originalSirengame was re-rated by the Game Rating and Administration Board of Korea for PS5, leading some to speculate that a remake or remaster of the cult classic 2003 title was in development for Sony’s current-gen console. However,a recent leak from the PlayStation backendseemingly indicates that this rating is not for a modernized re-release ofSiren, but rather an emulated PlayStation 5 port of the PS2 horror game. The leaked listing for this port suggests that it’ll be released on May 19, 2025, presumably as part of this month’s PS Plus Premium Classics lineup. If this is indeed the case, then Sony may have chosen the perfect time to bringSirento 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
October is the month of Halloween, and it’s a time when horror games shine brightest. Titles likeSiren, in particular, are a perfect fit for the spooky season. The original 2003 game is widely regarded as one of themost frightening experiences on the PlayStation 2, and for good reason. The title, which centers around a remote Japanese village called Hanuda and the dangerous, zombie-like affliction that’s infected its residents, was directed by Keiichiro Toyama, the famed creator ofSilent Hill. This likely won’t surprise those who have played the game, as the influence of Konami’s iconic franchise runs deep withinSiren’s veins.
The Siren PS5 Port Has the Potential to Be a Big Deal
Its gameplay may not have aged all that well, butSiren’s story, tone, and grungy atmosphere are still fairly unique and worth experiencing to this day. That’s why a PS5 port of the game is a big deal because, if the title is re-released aspart of PS Plus Premiumlater this month, then it’ll finally be brought back into the spotlight after languishing in obscurity for several years.
That being said,Sirenis 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 ofSony’s recent PS2 portsfeature-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 newSirenPS5 port will presumably include all of these features, making it far superior and easier to play than the outdated PS4 version.
The fact that this unannouncedSirenre-release is probably just a port instead of a remake or a remaster will likely disappoint some. Even still, if the rumors are true, this does show Sony’s willingness to bring some of its extensive library oficonic PS2 gamesto modern PlayStation consoles. While a new installment in theSirenfranchise may never come to fruition, at the very least, the chances ofSiren,Siren2, and other PlayStation 2 horror games receiving enhanced ports on PS5 are higher than ever before.
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