7 of the most exciting video games this holiday season
As the nights grow longer and the year creeps towards another timely conclusion, us gamers start to get excited. It’s no secret that developers save all their juiciest offerings for the final curtain call–infiltrating Christmas lists is a veritable gold mine in this industry! This year is absolutely no exception. Many of the most anticipated titles have just been or will be launched in the coming weeks. Let me tell you – there are some crackers!
Interestingly, this year, the titles hoping to snag top spot on the wish lists of many are all established franchises. The likes of Red Dead Redemption, Assassin’s Creed, Super Mario, and even Mega Man are all getting a 2018 reboot.
In this short article, I’ll be looking at seven of the most highly anticipated releases of the year. If you’re anything like us, you’ll probably be struggling to contain your excitement over at least one of these titles!
Whilst you eagerly await their release, there are still loads of ways to pass some time on the long winter nights inside. There are free games from the likes of Microsoft, Steam that used to cost a pretty penny but are now free. You could, visit this site and choose one of the last remaining online casinos still servicing the Aussie market, but don’t blink, they will probably be gone tomorrow as the nanny state continues to make decisions for its population. Do this and you can save your pennies for the great video game titles on our list below!
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 picks up where the hugely successful debut title in the series left off. Hey, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
Yes, this is how it will actually look. Wow!
That said, Rockstar Games have made some improvements to the wildly popular outlaw-themed, action adventure title. One of the most notable upgrades made for this year’s edition is the graphics. They’re absolutely stunning. You didn’t know you wanted to see your steed’s muscles pulsating after a fierce chase, did you? Every detail possible has been considered.You’ll even see hyper-realistic footprints in the snow as you roam about the desolate winter plains.
Another improvement to the original title is the sheer scale of the sequel. The game takes place across a huge variety of terrains and given its historical setting (pre-air travel), feels like you could explore as far and wide as your legs will support you.
Due out: October 26
Supported systems: Xbox One and Playstation 4.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Next up is another hugely popular franchise. For this installment of the Assassin’s Creed saga, we’re in Ancient Greece. The plot largely focuses on the struggle between the city states of Sparta and Athens.
The franchise that keeps on giving
Like with Red Dead Redemption 2, the game’s scale is truly epic.The action takes place across a fully open world featuring beautifully constructed visages of the Aegean Sea, breath-taking Mediterranean forests, and sun-kissed tropical islands that in just a couple of millennia wouldn’t be out of place in a “top ten wedding destinations” writeup.
The combination of this extensive arena plus the tried and tested gameplay dynamics of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey prompted IGN to call it: “The most impressive game in the series.” A bold call when considered against the likes of Black Flag, Origins, or Brotherhood. I’m sure a lot of you will have already or be about to decide for yourself this holiday season!
Due out: October 5
Supported systems: PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (Japan).
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Our first Nintendo exclusive is up next. Super Smash Bros.Ultimate is the latest title in a legendary series that made its debut in 1999. Its come a long way since then too. For example, the newest iteration of the franchise features an impressive five times as many playable characters as the first edition.
This is going to be awesome, people!
In terms of other updates, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offers players more of the same just made a lot more current. Of course, there is great fighting, lusciously designed arenas, and obviously, all their favorite Nintendo games.
There are a few new fight dynamics thrown into the mix too. Many of these have been inspired by Super Smash Bros. Melee. For example, players can dodge in the air to avoid any coming onslaughts and charge attacks can be initiated off the ground too. The title also incorporates a load of new game modes too.
Finally, fans of the original games will be pleased to learn that they can play with their original Game Cube controllers – just to give Super Smash Bros. Ultimate that real retro chic!
Due out: December 7
Supported systems: Nintendo Switch.
Fallout 76
The latest installment of the hugely popular Fallout series is also getting released before the holiday season. This prequel strongly encourages online play when compared with the other titles in the franchise. Every other human you encounter is another player from somewhere in the non-virtual world! However, this isn’t strictly a death match. There are consequences for such acts – one of which is being labelled a“wanted murderer”, placing on bounty on your head for other players to earn.
Tis the season to be jolly. So many games so little time. Fallout 76 looks the bomb!
Like with Red Dead Redemption and Assassin’s Creed, the playable environment of Fallout 76 has been massively expanded. The map is meant to be an impressive four times larger than that ofFallout 4. Such a huge area is necessary if the title attracts the huge numbers of players Bethesda is hoping it will.
Due out: November 14
Supported systems: PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One.
Mega Man 11
Here’s another blast from Nintendo’s past revamped for a new generation. Capcom have once again stayed true to the original franchise’s content. Think: Great tunes, and fiendishly hard sections.
That said, many fans of theMega Man 11 series might be put off by the graphical overhaul that’s taken place. Sure, it’s lost a little of its retro charm but if you’re willing to look past that, you’ll find yet another great title to add to the collection.
It might not be as tough as the original Super Nintendo titles, but Mega Man 11 is an excellent addition to the canon.
Due out: October 2
Supported systems: PC, Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One.
Super Mario Party
Looking for something silly to play with your folks during the inevitable lows of family time? Nintendo have you covered with their latest edition of Super Mario Party. Yes, we’re excited for another Nintendo game – it’s almost as though they’ve a new console out or something!
Super Mario Party is a collection of mini-games and digital representations of board games. Thanks to a tweak in the way the main game is played, you’ll be treated many more side games that in previous editions of the title too. This is absolutely something we endorse!
Due out: October 5
Supported systems: Nintendo Switch.
Forza Horizon 4
Fans of racing action rejoice! There’s a brand-new Forza already out and it seriously kicks butt. Behind the title is a collection of some of the finest racing game developers going. The group calls itself Turn 10.
The game itself is a fully open-world racing simulator in which the goal is to become the most celebrated driver at a fictitious petrol-head meet up called Horizon Festival.
The title is an absolute testament to the team’s skill. To say that Horizon 4 is a looker is an understatement. The graphics are simply gorgeous, and players get one of the closest simulations of tearing around both streets and track alike possible. Every detail has been covered – from the scatter of gravel as you miss an apex to the spray of fallen leaves.
Of course, the cars themselves have been equally lovingly created.Care has been taken with dash designs, as well as headlight dynamics and other aspects. The combination of such incredible settings and realistic vehicles puts Forza Horizon 4 in a class of its own.
Due out: October 2
Supported systems: Xbox One.