Introducing next-gen PlayStation titles Hohokum, Doki-Doki Universe, and CounterSpy

Sony has rolled out introductions for three upcoming games approved for the PlayStation 4, PS3, and PS Vita. The first two emphasize experimental design, creative expression, and discovery; the last is an action side-scroller set in the Cold War.

Hohokum (pictured) and Doki-Doki Universe will hit all three systems while CounterSpy is only due out for PS3 and Vita.

First, California-based HumaNature Studios founder Greg Johnson — the designer of ToeJam & Earl — unveiled Doki-Doki Universe, which is debuting as a free download that's essentially a trial version of the game, "where players can fly around a universe and take fun personality quizzes." It includes the Doki-Doki Mail messaging app (also free on mobile devices) for cross-platform chat, which animates messages as you type.

The full game is a role-playing game/simulation/interactive story where players control the robot Model QT377665 (Q3 for short), visit planets, and interact with characters in a quest to find more humanity.

Next, co-creator/artist Richard Hogg revealed HoHokum, a new project from Sony Santa Monica and London-based studio Honeyslug. Players control a "technicolor, calligraphic, worm-like, kite-like being."

Hogg wrote, "One of the main aims for Hohokum is to create something where the usual pressures of video games – constantly being told to do things, fearing failure, and being challenged to earn progress – were all absent."

Finally, CounterSpy comes from new San Francisco-based developer Dynamighty. It's an action side-scrolling game where players must foil the plans of two opposing Cold War Superpowers. The graphics are reminiscent of the '50s/'60s era of James Bond and classic Mission: Impossible television series, along with the flair of Hollywood movie poster designer and filmmaker Saul Bass.

"Although CounterSpy is primarily a single-player game, we are working on some interesting ways to let you compete with friends that go a little beyond traditional high scores," wrote lead designer David Nottingham. "We are very eager to talk about more about our cross-platform plans in future updates, including how the PS3 and PS Vita versions can work with the extended gameplay you can get from also downloading and playing on a mobile device."

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