With next-generation consoles releasing right around the corner, the PlayStation 5 is set to launch on November 12th, 2020, and replace the PlayStation 4. It will have a fair number of great launch titles and the benefits gamers will see to both the games and their quality of life experiences with the hardware are rather evident.
The world is currently dealing with a global pandemic though and a $500 purchase can be tough to justify. Let’s now look at 10 games coming out before 2021 that may push you in the direction of snagging the console before Christmas this year.
10 Godfall
In 2013 the Xbox One launched with a title called Ryse: Son of Rome and the PlayStation 4 had a game called Knack. Both of these were the definition of launch titles as they were subpar games that were designed to show off the new hardware and didn’t focus on actually being well-designed or crafted titles. Godfall very much seems to be that game for the PlayStation 5 as it hasn’t managed to capture the attention of anyone despite numerous outings showcasing its melee looter gameplay loop.
9 Watchdogs: Legion
Watchdogs: Legion released in late October on current generation consoles and early reviews detailed how the game’s hardware-intensive mechanics struggle. The game lets players recruit any single person walking around the open-world into their underground resistance group. You can build the team you want and recruit whatever type of individuals you desire. It seems like the type of game that might be best served to be played and enjoyed on the powerful new capabilities of the PlayStation 5.
8 Immortals: Fenyx Rising
Immortals: Fenyx Rising is an open-world adventure game from Ubisoft that’s equal parts Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It was once called Gods & Monsters before its name was changed due to a lawsuit by the company that makes famous energy drinks.
It’s unclear if the family-friendly art style will aid in reducing the criticisms of Assassin’s Creed’s open-world design, or if the stripped-down nature of the game will make these flaws even more apparent by comparison.
7 Bugsnax
At this point, it’s safe to assume that if you’re the type of person looking into pre-release things regarding the PlayStation 5 you’re likely familiar with Bugsnax. This game is a weird combination of Pokémon Snap, Bioshock, and Viva Pinata. On the surface, it looks like a family-friendly adventure involving food-inspired animals, but something sinister lays under the surface. It was recently announced that it will also be the PS5’s first PlayStation Plus free title during the month of November, the launch month of the console.
6 Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War
Every year there seem to be two certainties in the gaming industry. The first is that a new Call of Duty title will be releasing, and the second is that it will be that year’s best-selling game. Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War is much more than a wordy video game title, it’s the first release in a post-Call of Duty: Warzone world. Warzone is Call of Duty’s free-to-play battle royale title and fans are eagerly anticipating the reveal of how it will seamlessly integrate into the new annual release for the series as it will set the precedent moving forward.
5 Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
With Cyberpunk 2077 getting pushed to December of 2020 it looks like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla is primed and ready to be the premier third-party launch title for next-generation console gaming. Despite the game having a marketing deal with the Xbox platform, PlayStation 5 owners should expect to see this game to have great performance on their system as well. If you’re not into superheroes then this might be the open-world game worth picking up and playing on the launch day of the PS5.
4 Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
Some may argue that “old game is old” but despite Marvel’s Spider-Man launching in 2018, the remastered version makes a case for itself. It will look to improve overall performance across the board while at the same time reducing loading times and added graphical enhancements.
It’s hard not to talk about this remaster without mentioning the bold choice Insomniac Games made in recasting the face model for Peter Parker, making him look less like Andrew Garfield and much more like the current reigning web-slinger, Tom Holland.
3 Cyberpunk 2077
With Cyberpunk 2077 recently getting delayed to December 10th, 2020 it’s not out of line to anticipate another possible delay that pushes it out of 2021. That being said, the level of hype and anticipation for CD Projekt Red’s next AAA role-playing adventure can’t possibly grow any higher. The game has players navigate a futuristic landscape where people modify their bodies with cybernetic enhancements, but the criminal underbelly is alive and thriving as if its modern-day New York City. Here’s hoping it actually releases in 2020.
2 Demon’s Souls
Demon’s Souls is a launch title for the PlayStation 5 and a ground-up remake by Bluepoint Games and SIE Japan Studio. Before Dark Souls grew in popularity and became what it was, FromSoftware developed and released its beloved predecessor, Demon’s Souls. Though the game is known for its difficulty, it should be understood that the reason these games are beloved is due to the well-designed action combat and the immense feeling of accomplishment and victory one feels after defeating a boss.
1 Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Marvel’s Spider-Man was released in 2018 to critical acclaim and was a Game of the Year contender. That game followed in the footsteps of the fantastic Batman Arkham series by Rocksteady Games and now Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is following in the footsteps of Peter Parker’s 2018 adventure. Though the game is also coming the PlayStation 4, the enhancements and level of performance it will have on the new hardware have clearly been outlined by Sony. They want you to know Miles’ story is worth the $500 entry fee to next-gen.
NEXT: 10 Things To Consider Before Upgrading To The PlayStation 5
