New Consoles, New Games, Almost New Year
Welcome back to another edition of KindaGeeky’s GamerGeek Gamer Picks (it’s a working title). What picks have made its way to the KindaGeeky scope this time? Well, games that are out now with the shiny newly released next-generation consoles- PS5 and the Xbox Series X.
This year, gamers unite over the new consoles that’ll make games so buttery smooth, Country Crock might just sue. Terrible jokes aside, both are hitting the holiday wish lists hard- completely sold out from all major retailers at the moment and are expected to restock for Black Friday and later following the few weeks into Christmas. This next generation console is the fastest, most powerful way to play yet with astonishing graphics and increased downloading and processing speeds for a more immersive gaming experience. On top of this, they’re backwards compatible! But let’s be real, it’s not about the statistics and performance- it’s the games. What games can the people play now on the PS5 and Xbox Series X and what can they expect in the near future?
Starting off with the most highly anticipated PlayStation exclusive is Spider-Man: Miles Morales. The titular character has always been a fan-favorite for diehard comic fans, but that popularity cap flew off to the rooftops when Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse made its theatrical release. For those who have not seen the movie, it follows the teenage Miles Morales in his ascent to become the next friendly neighborhood hero and along the way, he comes across other Spidey companions from different universes in a show-stopping collaboration to defeat a league of baddies from, well, destroying the world. The movie was praised for its unique animation, amazing story-line, and top-notch action! It was a major success in the theaters, so naturally, the games that Sony releases in tribute to the Spidey franchises follow suit.
Complete with high-flying action and bad guy bashing goodness, this video game’s take on the popular comic book franchise fulfills all the nerdy needs a gamer could possibly ask for. Since it’s release, Miles Morales has received nothing but positive reviews for its dynamic and explosive game play and story- the perfect kickoff to Sony’s new generation of gaming. The web-slinging action-adventure is out now with a deluxe edition that includes both the first PS4 Spider-Man entry in all of its re-mastered glory and the original title release bundled with unique skins to show off in the city of New York.
Next up on the list is available now for both the PS5 and XBOX series X is Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla. From the old sands of Egypt to the breathtaking plains of Ancient Greece, AC fans have to wonder where Ubisoft will take them next. What they pleasantly didn’t expect was riding the cart back to...SKYRIM! Just kidding- Britain! AS A VIKING! The players control Eivor and just like in Odyssey, Eivor can be male or female depending on the character’s preference and it has little impact on the game’s story as well as their interaction with the massive open world. Much of the mechanics and game play from Origins and Odyssey makes its way to Valhalla with improved utilization of weapons and animal companions as well as improved strategic approaches when dealing with different enemies. As a Viking leader, the player can also lead their own raiding parties in the name of conquest against the Templar Order. It is noted to be the most innovative Assassin’s Creed yet and by the looks of it, Ubisoft took a step in the right direction.
Up next: Godfall. Where to begin? As one reviewer described, if Warframe and Destiny had a super shiny baby- Godfall would be it. GamerGeek’s description? Same concept but if that baby was adopted by Kratos and the cast of Devil May Cry, that would be more accurate. The player controls Orin, some space war-leader that sounds an awful lot like Liam Neeson, who is bent on stopping his brother Macros from ascending to godhood and taking over the universe. It’s a Cain and Abel concept that has been used time and again in gaming, but on this level of literal beauty- it simply works. Similar to Destiny, the players can explore open maps and collect loot from monsters they beat into submission (because money coming out of aliens after backhanding them with a claymore is a concept that makes sense). The loot can be used to upgrade the armor set that players can unlock as they progress (like Warframe). Basically, the more players kill things and grind for loot, the better the stuff and the more doors or areas unlock. It’s a simple premise, but with the plethora of different enemies to hack different weapons into and the challenging boss fights with every map- it is bound to attract gamers that are itching for a fight and a way to test their mechanics and reaction time (the game relies on the five Ds- dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge)!
This one is a personal favorite. Devil May Cry V: Special Edition, an expanded and upgraded version of the fifth installation of the primary DMC series although it is the sixth released by Capcom for the franchise as a whole. The hack-and-slash epitome of the stylish genre makes its way to the PS5 in all of its graphically enhanced glory. Other than the obvious fact that it looks amazing, the optimization in game-play exploration and combat reaches hellish levels of sheer badassity that will make veterans and newcomers of the DMC franchise button mash without a break! What’s higher than that top? The overarching villain, Vergil takes the epicness over by becoming a playable character with his own devilish play style that’ll make the samurais from the Edo bow in respect. What’s the story of DMC5? Well, Vergil hires Vergil’s brother and Vergil’s son to kill Vergil. Confused? Don’t be, not only will the ride make sense, but it’ll be action-packed and full of epic style that’ll have players satisfied as they dish out smoking combos upon their demonic enemies! The game comes highly recommended and was received positively on the original DMCV’s release and this enhanced edition is expected to enrich the experience to returning and new players. It is available now digitally but a physical release is scheduled to release on December 1st.
A special mention calls out to Cyberpunk 2077, the most highly anticipated game of the year...in all of its buggy glory. It’s available now for the PC and the next-gen consoles but at the moment, there are reports across the board of glitches and crashes that kind of made players understand why there were as many delays as there was. While still fun and action-packed with a great story and well-fleshed characters, for a more enriching experience, gamers would be more interested in picking up the game as soon as the patches drop from CD Projekt Red that aim to fix those bugs in the first quarter of 2021. As they say, patience is a virtue, Samurai.
God of War: Ragnarok (official title pending) which has yet to have an official release date and will only be available for the PS5 is also a top pick that is predicted to contend with Cyberpunk 2077 for game of the year! Until that time comes, check out these other different games that are available now! More info can be found below. Thanks for taking the time to read this and remember to stay KindaGeeky!
SOURCES:
XBOX:
PS5:
Spider-Man: Miles Morales -
● https://youtu.be/gHzuHo80U2M
● https://youtu.be/9eoCiv_mKRw
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla -
● https://youtu.be/ssrNcwxALS4
● https://youtu.be/vlk1z44sF18
● https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/assassins-creed/valhalla
Godfall -
● https://youtu.be/P9p_t408_vA
● https://youtu.be/IzKOQ0enWfY
Devil May Cry V: Special Edition -