LIFESTYLE

With just a month to left before the launch of Sony’s latest 4K gaming beast, we now have a clearer idea of the games that are available at the time of its launch and what’s in store over the coming year. If you haven’t bought into all the hype so far, here’s everything you should know about the PS5 games line-up, from the launch date till 2021.

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (Insomniac Games)

This game is a more focused adventure with Morales finding his feet as a debutant webslinger while diffusing a battle between a tech company and a criminal organisation. Set to feature haptic feedback via the DualSense controller as well as support for the PS5’s 3D audio engine, this will be a key attraction for early adopters. 

Astro’s Playroom (Japan Studio)

Installed free on every PS5, this cute platformer is a follow-up to the well-received PSVR title Astro Bot Rescue Mission. Like The Playroom, which came pre-loaded on PlayStation 4 to introduce the Dualshock 4 and PlayStation Camera, it’s designed to get players acquainted with capabilities of the PS5 and its DualSense controller.

Demon’s Souls (Bluepoint Games/Japan Studio)

The long-awaited remake of From Software’s masterful action role-playing adventure – the cult forerunner of the legendary Dark Souls series. It’s been rebuilt from the blood-splattered ground up by specialist developer Bluepoint Games, with vibrant visuals, dynamic lighting and the promise of new weapons and features.

Destruction AllStars (Lucid Games/XDEV)

Destruction Allstars is, a combined vehicle and on-foot arena combat game developed by ex-staff from two legendary UK studios: Psygnosis and Project Gotham developer, Bizarre Creations.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure (Sumo Digital/XDEV)

This is a 3D platforming adventure set in an open world and enabling up to four players to explore the game together.

Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (Capcom)

Capcom has also specially added hybrid demon-human warrior Vergil as a playable character as well as some wild new game modes to take advantage of the machine’s ability to eliminate heaps of monsters around the screen at once.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (Ubisoft)

The latest in Ubisoft’s series of time-spanning open world adventures has Viking raider Eivor, storming through ninth century England, slaying locals and building settlements.

The Pathless (Giant Squid/Annapurna)

From the makers of ethereal subaquatic adventure Abzû comes another mystical quest, this time following a hunter and their eagle, tracking down cursed spirits on an enchanted island.

Fortnite (Epic Games)

PS fans will undoubtedly be familiar with this battle royale mega-seller but developer Epic Games is putting in the effort, with support for ray-tracing and faster frame rates. Players also get to bring their characters and progression across from previous versions to ensure continuity.

Observer: System Redux (Bloober Team)

Originally released in 2017, this dark cyberpunk thriller has been giving a full next-gen overhaul by developer Bloober Team, adding 4K textures, HDR lighting and, yes, ray-tracing. Featuring the late Rutger Hauer as dishevelled protagonist Daniel Lazarski, it could be the cult hit of the launch period.

Godfall (Gearbox)

Godfall will have you role-playing a mythical warrior, bludgeoning enemies and earning new gear in your quests. The focus is on stylish offensive play and a co-op mode allows friends to soak in the bloodshed together. 

Just Dance 2021 (Ubisoft)

Dancers be in for a jolly great time. With 40 new tracks including songs from Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish and Camila Cabello, Ubisoft’s hyperactive, super-accessible dancing sim will get a PS5 version for launch, but there’s no word on any enhanced features.

Dirt 5 (Codemasters)

The off-road racing sim will get an enhanced version on PlayStation 5, including the option to play at a scorching 120 frames-per-second. The update will be free to those who buy the PS4 version in October.

Fifa 21 (Electronic Arts)

Boasting a new dynamic attacking system, more in-depth career mode and an expanded volta football mode, Fifa 21 is accompanied by a free upgrade to next-gen if you buy it on current consoles. Expect enhanced visuals, faster loading times and enhanced player models and animations.

Bugsnax (Young Horses)

The unexpected meme-friendly hit of Sony’s Future of Gaming event in June, Bugsnax is an offbeat adventure in which players explore an island teeming with collectible insects that also make delicious snacks – sort of like gourmet Pokemon. Created by the makers of cult hit Octodad, it’ll be one of the more idiosyncratic offerings on the launch menu.

Marvel’s Avengers (Square Enix)

Released on current platforms in August, Square Enix’s action role-playing punch-’em-up is getting a next-gen makeover, which will be free to download for owners of the original game. The developer is promising faster load times, boosted resolution and improved textures and armour destruction, and cross-platform co-op play will let you team up with friends on Xbox One.