What gamer doesn't want to add new games to their collection over the holidays? Especially so soon after the launch of a new console, as is the case with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Luckily, there's only one next-gen exclusive on both platforms: Bluepoint's Demon's Souls Remaster for the PS5. Even Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition is available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X | S. Other games, such as Sackboy: A Big Adventure and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales are available on PS4 and PS5.
In this list, then, we'll be highlighting some of the best buys for the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 this holiday season 2020.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
ESRB: T
Price: 49,99 $
Platforms: PS5, PS4
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Following in the footsteps of Marvel's Spider-Man in 2018 on PS4, Spider-Man: Miles Morales lets a fantastical new Spidey take center stage as New York's main webslinger. Although the main campaign only lasts around seven hours – a similar runtime to Uncharted: Lost Legacy – it's a gripping, action-packed adventure.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales basically improves on everything from the 2018 title, which you can read more about in our review, where we said "it's better than its predecessor in almost every way" and that "combat , streamlined UI, story, and the overall length of the game is near perfect.”
Those who pick up the Ultimate Edition of the game on PS5 (physically or digitally) will also receive the Marvel's Spider-Man Remaster. Those who purchase the Miles Morales Standard Edition can upgrade to the Ultimate Edition from the game's main menu for $20.
The PS4 version of Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales can be upgraded to the PS5 version for free.
Souls of the demon
ESRB: M
Price: 69,99 $
Platforms: PS5
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The game that essentially launched the Soulsborne RPG subgenre, Demon's Souls is a remaster (almost remake) of the PlayStation 3's first Souls title.
It stays as true to the original as possible, bringing dramatic improvements to the game's graphics (as expected) and sound design. It also makes it easier to understand some of the more confusing elements of the game, such as World and Character Tendency.
Still, Souls games aren't for the faint of heart, and Demon's Souls is no different, challenging players every step of the way in a way similar to its spiritual successors: Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. .
Despite being a faithful remaster of a 2009 title, Demon's Souls continues to hold its own. Our 9/10 review has this soul-crushing masterpiece regaining its rightful place in the Soulseborne pantheon, saying, "Demon's Souls is an instant classic, one of those rare tales that stands triumphantly alongside the original as an essential experience.
Sackboy: a great adventure
ESRB: AND
Price: 59,99 $
Platforms: PS5, PS4
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Sackboy: A Big Adventure marks the return of one of Sony's most lovable mascots, this time in an incredibly fun and essential 3D platformer (LittleBigPlanet is technically 2.5D).
SABA's charming tale takes Sackboy through five worlds and a host of unique and varied scenes full of secrets. A time trial mode extends playtime, and all of Sackboy: A Big Adventure can be played in local co-op (online co-op is coming later in 2020, but wasn't available at launch).
Our praise-filled review said that, "With an A-list cast, great graphics, and solid co-op gameplay, Sackboy: A Big Adventure successfully proves that Sackboy can thrive without the creative mechanics of LittleBigPlanet, while still making tribute to his It's truly wonderful to see this PS3 icon return once again, and hopefully this isn't the last we see of him."
The Last of Us 2
ESRB: M
Price: 59,99 $
Platforms: PS5 (backwards compatible), PS4
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Aside from CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 and, perhaps, Sucker Punch's Ghost of Tsushima, Naughty Dog's The Last of Us 2 was undeniably the most anticipated game of 2020. As a follow-up to one of the most Sony's most successful and enduring ones, TLoU2 had a lot to live for.
Arriving at around 30am, TLoU2's campaign is as much a tour de force as it is divisive. Talking about it here could probably spoil the whole experience for those who haven't played it yet, but it's a story that sticks with players whether they like it or not.
The combat is improved and more creative than the original, and aside from Ghost of Tsushima and Demon's Souls, it's the best game on PS4 or PS5.
It's not perfect, as we said in our review: "The Last of Us 2 does so much right, from its gripping story to its eye-catching level design. But at the same time, there's more than a few things that Naughty Dog could, and probably should, have behaved differently.”
But it's an essential experience that no Sony fan should miss.
Fantôme by Tsushima
ESRB: M
Price: 59,99 $
Platforms: PS5 (backwards compatible), PS4
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Developed by Sucker Punch Productions, the same studio behind the Infamous and Sly Cooper franchises, Ghost of Tsushima is a third-person action-adventure game set during the 1274 AD Mongol invasion of the island of Tsushima.
As Jin Sakai, players strive to repel invaders through dozens of missions and a 20-hour campaign. Combat varies between patient stealth and ranged attacks like the Ghost or methodical yet powerful sword fights like the Samurai.
The world made by Ghost deserves a special mention, showcasing the remaining power of the PlayStation 4. On PS5, the game can take advantage of boost mode, running at a constant 4K 60fps.
In our Ghost of Tsushima review, we said, "does a lot of things right. It has fun combat, a wonderfully crafted world, and top-notch sound design. Neither the story nor the characters really appealed to me. moved, even though I could tell both were trying.”
Dreams
ESRB: AND
Price: 39,99 $
Platforms: PS5 (backwards compatible), PS4
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Dreams takes the creative nature of LittleBigPlanet and amplifies it to extreme levels. Essentially a video game/experience creation app, Dreams allows gamers to create almost anything they can imagine, from full-on racing games to short films.
Right now, there are thousands of different dreams to discover in the game (and we've rounded up some of the best early dreams here). Half the fun is seeing what other members of the community have created, learning about their creations, and sharing those creations with other players. The other half is creating experiences yourself, which Dreams makes a breeze.
For those looking to learn how to create video games or animated shorts, there's no substitute for Dreams, at least on the PlayStation platform.
We called Dreams "Pandora's toy box" in our review, praising it for understanding its strengths and playing right into them: "Dreams knows exactly where its sweet spot is. It's a place where creators and users can explore and experience each other's unbridled creativity.It's where ideas can be quickly and intuitively drafted and communicated in real time, and where unfinished creations can live and continue to grow as others come in and “remix” them.”
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
ESRB: M
Price: $59,99 (PS5), $49,99 (PS4)
Platforms: PS5, PS4
Get it on: Amazon (physical), PS Store (digital)
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is the 12th mainline entry in Ubisoft's long-running action-adventure series.
After 2017's Origins took players to ancient Egypt and 2018's Odessey visited ancient Greece, Valhalla takes players back to the medieval period of the very first game - roughly 300 years before the Third Crusade - defining the narrative. of the expansion of the Vikings in Anglo-Saxon England. .
Valhalla is perhaps the most varied title in the series to date, offering plenty of content, including flyts (equivalent to Viking rap battles), as well as returning systems such as settlements. And the writing is the best it's ever been.
We gave Assassin's Creed Valhalla an 8 in our review, saying, "Assassin's Creed Valhalla builds its world around a familiar formula, but with a compelling story and plenty to do, it's a series of games that fans will find it inviting."
Crash Bandicoot 4: it's time
ESRB: AND
Price: 59,99 $
Platforms: PS5 (backwards compatible), PS4
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While 2017's very good Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy brought the first three adventures of Sony's mascot to the PlayStation 4, fans understandably wanted more. Enter Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, the first mainline title in the acclaimed series since 2008's Mind Over Mutant.
In a nutshell, Crash 4 is mostly more Crash. The platformer mostly stays true to its roots, with well-designed levels and challenging yet fun platforming. Graphical improvements and the game world deserve special attention, as do the additions on different "styles of play" and a time trial mode, among others.
There's plenty to do in Crash Bandicoot 4, and it marks a triumphant return to form for the legendary marsupial. Our review says it can be "frustrating" at times, but overall it's "a big step in the right direction" for the series.
Eternal doom
ESRB: M
Price: 59,99 $
Platforms: PS5 (backwards compatible), PS4
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The Doom series has been around the block a few times, but just like Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition, Doom Eternal might very well be the best recent entry in the classic and beloved series.
Doom Eternal is a fluid, ultra-violent adventure through Hell on Earth, taking some of the best parts of 2016's Doom and making them better. The Ancient Gods single-player expansion adds even more locations and demons to traverse while thickening the game's narrative substantially.
Our 9/10 review of Doom Eternal praised the game for its "bloody satisfying weapons, fantastic progression systems, well-crafted combat scenarios, incredible graphics, and satisfying world-building."
The PlayStation 4 version of the first-person shooter will get a free upgrade to a more graphically intense iteration early next year, meaning there's no reason not to buy the version. latest generation now for your PS4 (or PS5) at a low price. .
Resident Evil 3
ESRB: M
Price: 39,99 $
Platforms: PS5 (backwards compatible), PS4
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One of the most notable PS4 games on this list, Resident Evil 3 remake is a well-crafted reimagining of the original PlayStation game of the same name. And of course, it's backwards compatible with the PS5, making it a must-play for those who haven't already made the jump to this version of Raccoon City.
Resident Evil 3 is fast-paced, if a bit short, and developed with multiple series in mind, which is perfect for horror fans with an optimization itch to scratch.
Our Resident Evil 3 reviewer gave this remake a well-deserved 8, saying that while it "doesn't live up to the Resident Evil 2 standard", it makes "shooting and dodging both feel good", and it contains "truly memorable and chilling scenes. . "
Sonic Racing Team
ESRB: AND
Price: 29,99 $
Platforms: PS5 (backwards compatible), PS4
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There aren't a ton of kart racing titles available these days, but Team Sonic Racing does more than enough to scratch the itch on PS4 and PS5. Besides, you know: I have to go fast!
This racer features a wealth of tracks in addition to a vehicle customization system and a heavy emphasis on team play, which is what the genre needs more of. It's the perfect game for those looking for fun cooperative play, especially if they can't get their hands on Mario Kart.
Our review said that Team Sonic Racing "is different from its predecessors, but it's a new evolution of the series that surprises and exhilarates in a whole new way."
Devil May Cry 5 special edition
ESRB: M
Price: 39,99 $
Platforms: PS5
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The Devil May Cry series took off on the PlayStation 2 and flourished with Devil May Cry 4 on PS4 and Xbox 360, but its return with Devil May Cry 5 ended up producing perhaps the best game in the series despite the gap that separates them and its predecessor.
Sleek and faster than ever, DMC5: SE is nothing but an improvement over the classic PS4 version. Using current-gen technology, the game can be run at up to 120fps on the PS5 and it features a new Turbo mode, which increases overall game speed by 20%.
Not to mention fan-favorite Vergil is now playable in this build. DMC5:SE isn't just about style, it's about substance too.
Our review said "Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition makes a great game even better with a new character, new modes, and overhauled graphics for next-gen consoles."
Final Fantasy 7 remake
ESRB: T
Price: 59,99 $
Platforms: PS5 (backwards compatible), PS4
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Final Fantasy 7 has held a place at the heart of the industry as a whole since its release in the late 90s, and no one knew how the 2020 remake of the classic was going to pan out. Luckily, Final Fantasy 7 Remake turned out pretty good, even though it's only part of a multi-chapter release.
Whether you've played the original PlayStation release or are completely new to its story, FF7 Remake is a game worth playing. Our reviewer gave it a 10 out of 10, saying it "faithfully sets Midgar and the original's enigmatic cast of anti-heroes for a new generation, masterfully weaving its own grand tale in the process."
Yakuza: Like a Dragon*
ESRB: M
Price: 59,99 $
Platforms: PS5 (backwards compatible; *PS5 versions 2/2/2021), PS4
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A new Yakuza title leading into the next generation of consoles, Yakuza: Like a Dragon finally offers series main character Kazuma Kiryu for some new blood and a much bigger setting - there's more to this game than you'd expect. think so.
Although the PlayStation 5 version of this game won't launch until March next year, those who have the PlayStation 4 version of the game and Sony's new console will be able to upgrade to the PS5 version for free, whether they have the physical version or digital version of the game. However, PS4 saves will not transfer to the PS5.
Our 10/10 review of Yakuza: Like a Dragon praised the game for its “new turn-based combat system,” job system, and world. In short, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is "legitimately one of the best modern role-playing games around."
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
ESRB: T
Price: 59,99 $
Platforms: PS5 (backwards compatible), PS4
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A tactical RPG with its roots in classic sci-fi, mecha, and Japanese kaiju tropes, there's not much else like 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. That's partly because of the game's adventure-style storytelling, but mostly driven by its stunning graphics that are a signature of developer Vanillaware.
It's a great buy for fans of mech and kaiju, in particular, or fans of Vanillaware's Odin Sphere or Dragon's Crown. According to our reviewer, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim "mixes clever design with great storytelling, then slips the whole thing into gorgeous style."
Person 5 Royal*
ESRB: M
Price: 29,99 $
Platforms: PS5 (backwards compatible), PS4
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Many claimed that Persona 5 was the best JRPG offering on PlayStation 4, and then Persona 5 Royal came along and blew the original version of the water with lots of new content.
Persona 5 Royal improves on the original game in almost every way, with new characters and locations, an all-new grappling hook ability, and an extended story. It's the perfect addition to any JRPG fan's collection, on PS5 or otherwise.
Our review of the game praised it, saying "even if you've played Persona 5 countless times before, there are still enough differences in how things play out and how you can control your experience. that it is definitely worth playing at least once."
*Note that Persona 5 is one of the free games in the PS Plus collection on PlayStation 5, which means you can try out the original before making an investment here.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners
ESRB: M
Price: 39,99 $
Platforms: PS5 (backwards compatible), PS4
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The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners brings zombie apocalypse survival to PSVR, letting you slash, punch, and slash your way through the familiar The Walking Dead universe setting like nothing else .
This one is a bit of a bonus, as it requires PSVR to play on PS4 or PS5 (where the PS5 even requires an additional PSVR adapter to be up and running). But the hurdles you may have to jump through are worth it. Saints and Sinners is flexible, fast and rich in content. You can read more about Saints & Sinners in our review, where we said, “The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is a can't-miss addition to the VR wild west.
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* Jonathan Moore and Ashley Shankle contributed to this list.
Published on 4 December 2020
