Ganepark32

Don't remember the last time I updated my gaming diary and I've been meaning to post it so I'll post what I've completed and what I'm playing currently and have sitting waiting to play/buy. Not done bad in terms of getting things completed so far this year. July was a very slow month as I was dealing with some mental health issues but I've picked it up again and tracking ahead of what I'd hope to finish for the year (which was only 30 titles so well over that now). Now, as for what I'm playing, I've currently got the following on my various platforms either started or needing started (though only 2 haven't been started): Control + expansions (PS4) - bought the digital deluxe version a few months back because of the timed expansion for the PS4 (played it fully last year on Xbox One) but I'm not yet finished the main game let alone touched the expansions Deus Ex Mankind Divided (XBO) - I've had a hankering for replaying this as I love the world and we'll likely not get the final part of the trilogy any time soon so I'm making my start in Prague and enjoying it immensely Forza Horizon 3 + DLC (XBO) - already played the base game but its getting delisted and I've never played the expansions so thought I might as well pick it up before its too late Ghost of Tsushima (PS4) - not sure when I'll go back to this as I was getting burned out on it as a result of doing more of the optional content. Great game though The Last Campfire (XBO) - not started but looking to this weekend Lost Words - Beyond The Page (Stadia) - I had a £10 voucher for Stadia and used it for this. Haven't tried it but will settle down with it at some point. Going to pick up a Razer Kishi for playing on my phone and see how I get on Manifold Garden (XBO) - played through a good portion and really enjoying the gravity bending puzzles No Straight Roads (XBO) - done the introduction but haven't jumped back in as I've so much else to play PGA TOUR 2K21 (XBO) - playing through the career on easy so whipping through it easily but enjoying it so far Remnant From The Ashes Complete Edition (XBO) - tried the base game on Gamepass but wasn't massively fussed but ended up with a code for the comppete edition so might go to it at some point Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time (XBO) - haven't started this yet. Got a code for this alongsode Remnant and PGA Tour 2K21 as I won Major Nelson's Friday code giveaway the other week. Never watched the show but will probably try it at some point Spiritfarer (XBO) - played an hour so far and love it. Looks gorgeous and has a lot of personality. Can't wait to sink more time into it Superhot: Mind, Control, Delete (PS4) - got free because I bought the original and what I've played has been great as it's more Superhot, so what's not to love Undermine (XBO) - its a rogue like dungeon crawler and while I'm not fussed for rogue likes normally, I'm really enjoying this. Played just under 10 hours and got through about half of the floors so far but plenty left to go. It's coming to Switch soon so anyone who likes rogue likes/dungeon crawlers should give it a look So that's what I'm playing currently. Yet I've got my eye on a few more things I'll likely jump into in the coming weeks and months: Tell Me Why, Wasteland 3, Hypnospace Outlaw, Drake Hollow (these 4 are all on Gamepass which helps massively), Windbound (not decided on if I'll pick this up or not, hasn't reviewed well), Lair of the Clockwork God, Hotshot Racing, Destiny 2 expansions (they're coming to Gamepass and I thought I'd run through them before they head to the vault in November), Mo:Astray, Inmost, Huntdown and Superliminal. There'll likely be more added so even with the current pandemic, there's still a tonne of stuff to play. Thankful to all the devs for keeping my backlog this big even with everything going on. But yeah, plenty played and plenty to play for the foreseeable future.

Another indie hitting in the next couple of weeks to keep an eye out for. Mo:Astray is releasing on Sept. 10th. Its up for pre-order now woth a 10% discount. I've had this on my Steam Wishlist for a while now and heard really good things about it. Finally get a chance to sit down with it in the coming weeks so lookibg forward to it.

Little Nightmares 2 looks fantastic. Shame its slipped to 2021 but still, releasing February 11th means it should have some space to breathe. Thought that Teardown looked cool. Liked the idea of setting up a heist and then trying to execute it. Perfect for speedrunning and hopefully with an editor, setting challenges and the likes for friends could give the game some long legs. Interested to see more though. Other than that, its been a little slow so far. But then last year's event was also like this. Edit: Oh, 12 Minutes with Willem Dafoe, James McAvoy and Daisy Ridley? Hell yeah. Wish there had been a release date but still, excited for that. Shame they've followed it up with more Godfall. Is anyone sold on this yet? It really doesn't appeal to me.

Looking forward to playing The Last Campfire but there's a long list of games I've got on the go so who knows when I'll get to it. An interesting tidbit with regards to the game is that it comes from some of the creative team behind the Lostwind games on the Wii. You can definitely see some of that DNA in the style of those games. Anyway, arcade racer Hotshot Racing from Curve Digital, Lucky Mountain Games and Sumo Nottingham is releasing on Switch (and PC, PS4 and Xbox One with Gamepass) on September 10th. Looks good visually. Curious as to the depth of content but could be one to watch.

I think what best sums up this presentation is the fact that World of Tanks isn't even the version on other cobsoles or PC, its the mobile version. I mean if they can't be bothered porting the bigger version over to the Switch that probably tells you what you need to know about some of the developer attitude towards the Switch, that its probably not worth their time. Thats not on Nintendo, obviously, but you would have hoped for some stronger showing from third parties by this point with the Switch selling as well as it is. I do wonder if the Switch is entering Wii territory where devs don't seem bothered in bringing bigger titles over the further we get into the life cycle as its Nintendo's own first party titles that are selling the most comparatively. There's always seemed a bit of peevishiness from third parties towards Nintendo because their titles don't sell as well but it seems that that's always going to be the case. Weird that there isn't that same sentiment on other platforms. Anyway, side track but I am curious as to where the bigger third part titles are beyond the indies. There was nothing there for me anyway. Thankfully, I've got my hands full with indie games so I'm sorted (everybody buy A Short Hike!!! Don't let the visuals put you off, its fantastic). I'm not expecting a general Direct for the rest of the year. Nintendo's plans have clearly been affected by Covid so I'm imagining that if the recent rumours of a more powerful Switch are coming, I wonder if games that would have been announced are being sat on to get that together to push a strong line up for a newer piece of hardware in the wake of next gen consoles.

I'm looking forward to it. Seems like they've got a better spread of titles this year compared to last, presumably as a result of E3 being cancelled and the Summer Games Fest not really bringing as many big games to the table. Not sure if I'll catch it live or have twitter refreshing in the background But looking forward to seeing Little Nightmares 2 for the first time in action. I'm still not sure they'll hit their 2020 date but I hope there's a date at the end of the trailer for this year as it's something that could easily do well at the end of the year especially of it launches on the next gen consoles at launch. Though perhaps the biggest thing I'm hyped to see is the return of Turrican. I have fond memories of playing that on an Atari ST and the Megadrive game and can't wait to see what they do with it. Hopefully they stick to 2D but as long as it looks like Turrican, sounds like Turrican and plays like it then I'm all in, especially if it comes to consoles. 2020 has been such a weird year and to see Turrican, one of the most unlikely IPs to return, return is about right for the year but bring it on.

The Last Campfire, from Hello Games, is set to release on Apple Arcade later this week (27th August I believe) but Nintendo have updated the game page on their websites in North America and Europe, putting a price up for the eventual Switch release ($14.99/£13.49). It's set for release this Summer and with their now being a price and the Apple Arcade release date, I wouldn't be surprised to see a date very soon. Might get a date during Opening Night Live on Thursday, which is the 27th so it could launch alongside the Apple Arcade version. Fingers crossed anyway that its either this week or follows the same pattern that Amanita Design did with Creaks where they released that 10 days later on consoles after the Apple Arcade release. Obligatory trailer for to remind what the game was. Liked the look of it when it was shown a few years back at the Game Awards so looking forward to playing it (that Game Awards appearance is what makes me think we'll see a showing on Thursday with either a shadow drop of release date for next week). Edit: Also looks like we'll be seeing Little Nightmares 2 at Opening Night Live on Thursday also. The game is still slated for a 2020 release so I wonder if we'll get a new trailer showing gameplay (there was rumours early on that this one might be more 3D movement as opposed to the original which while allowing you to move along the Z axis was still primarily a 2.5D puzzle platformer) and a release date for later this year, if it hasn't slipped which it doesn't seem to have done so far.

The onslaught of indie games continues as Lair of the Clockwork God has been announced as coming to the Switch (as well as PS4 and Xbox One). Game is a mix of platforming and point and click but as weird as that sounds, it's reviewed well so far from its PC release so could be one to watch. Its supposedly up for pre-order with a discount. Crazy good couple of weeks for indie games though. Jenny LeClue - Detectivu is also releasing next week alongside the likes of Hypnospace Outlaw and Windbound and that's just off the top of my head and with having had Spiritfarer, Manifold Garden and A Short Hike (seriously, buy this game. Ignore the visual style as the game is just so wholesome and a joy to play. Think BOTW's openness mixed with Animal Crossing) just release this week.

Ended picking up A Short Hike even though I've got and played the PC version. Its just a lovely chilled game and it's something the missus will love so she'll get to experience it for the first time and I'll get to enjoy being in that world again. Also grabbed Manifold Garden and Spiritfarer, though both of those are on my Xbox One. Wanted to play both of those on my TV and as I have a Switch Lite and I'm getting a tad fed up of the jet engine noises coming from my PS4, thought I'd grab them there. Most likely pick up Inmost over the weekend and Hypnospace Outlaw (I'd forgotten this was in the showcase and its something I've got on my Steam Wishlist) next week. Plenty of indie games to play with all that and Superhot: Mind Control Delete on my PS4. Also got Ghost of Tsushima to get get through as well as Control again before the Alan Wake DLC too. Then I'll have Battletoads on Thursday this week and Tell Me Why, Wasteland 3 and No Straight Roads next week. Plenty to keep me occupied then... and yet there's stuff on the indie sale on Switch that I'm interested in. Hmmm...

Pretty good showcase. Some big hitter indie games in there. The Goose Game multiplayer update at the end felt flat compared to everything else, might have put that earlier and changed its place with say Spiritfarer or something. Still, quite a few things there that I'll pick up for playing handheld on the Switch. Can't wait to play Hades as I love Supergiant Games and the stuff they've put out (though I will admit I thought the announcement was going to be Pyre coming). Others like Haven will be played on either my PS4 or Xbox One. Doubting that Subnautica will run well on the Switch given the issues that the PS4 version had (and still has) but its a fantastic game and nice to see that the Below Zero is finally coming to consoles Oh, and buy A Short Hike. It really is a lovely game. Curious what the price will be as it's just over a fiver on both Itch.io and Steam but there is a pretense for games coming to Switch to experience a bump in price. Edit: A Short Hike is £6.29 so not much of a price increase there. Also, so close with the Inmost date. I guess with so many other indies releasing today, they felt it better to save it for Friday. Looking forward to trying that one too.

Hades, Spiritfarer and Subnautica out of the gate is awesome, especially with Spiritfarer releasing today. And A Short Hike finally comes to the Switch. Been a while coming but so happy many more can play the game as its fantastic and easily one of the best from last year. If you're looking for a nice relaxed experience, please play it! Oh Manifold Garden releasing today as well! This is a great Indie World so far.

Sadly, this has been delayed out of the Holiday 2020 window to Q2 2021. Understandable but still a shame as it was one of the games I was most looking forward to for the PS5 launch period. With how everything is going in France, Arkane Lyon having more time so that their staff aren't crunching and can stay safe is definitely the right call. I'll still be there when it launches as I'm a big fan of Arkane's work. I also suspect this will only be one of several holiday 2020 titles that we see slip in the coming weeks and months, especially with Halo Infinite slipping as well.

From what I understand, they've slowly been releasing bits of artwork for the game and the composer has put out teasers for some of the music but its all been tucked away as almost ARG style things to find for fans. I know they've said they won't be talking about it again until its nearing release so tomorrow might be a good opportunity but I also think it'll slip into next year just because of the scope of the game their making and with Australia having problems with a rise in Covid cases again. Yeah, my mistake. Had to look up on the Sunmer Games Fest page and you're right, it is the 27th. Feels rather drawn out SGF with not a huge amount as part of it but hopefully ONL will be a good end piece to the summer with plenty of next gen game footage (please no more CG or teaser trailers). I've been reminded of what is a good candidate for a shadow drop tomorrow: Inmost. It was announced as coming last year, is out now on Apple Arcade and the devs are teeing up a release for consoles at the end of the months so a possible appearance and shadow drop tomorrow night.

I'd expect the $599 price tag to be accurate or close to it. There's a reason neither Microsoft or Sony are willing to go first on the price point, beyond Microsoft not wanting to be undercut (which looks very unlikely given the cost of production for these consoles). That price point is likely it as the PS5 will likely fall in line with that. What does that mean for a price over here? Probably £550 or a straight up conversion to £599, tho that later price point may be the straw that breaks the camels back in the UK for some (thats why I do think there will be a ceiling of £550 for both the Series X and the PS5. The PS5 digital will possible come in at £500 if it follows that price point). Expect Microsoft to heavily push the All Access monthly price plan for launch. Without Halo Infinite, they need a hook to get people through the door and launching the console with a monthly payment plan for 24 months that includes Gamepass at a good price (I'm expecting maybe £30-£40 a month) might be enough to push sales in the run up to Christmas, especially if the pandemic get worse than it is and if the advent of Brexit and job losses starts to take its toll it could sell well to parents for their kids as opposed to putting down several hundred on the day without a game. I've been saying it for a while but the monthly All Access plan could help move units and is something people shouldn't dismiss. It won't offset the hype for the PS5 but it could keep Microsoft in a closer race in the initial launch year.

Interesting timing. There'd normally be an Indie World/Direct around the time of ComicCon which wouldn't have been too far from now if everything was running as normal. So do wonder if this'll be a bit of a bigger Indie showcase. I'd love news on Silksong but I'm not expecting it. Team Cherry seem to have the axe to the grindstone and are working away at it but I suspect it'll slip to next year just to give them plenty of time to finish everything up with the PC and Switch versions (and I suspect that there will be a want to try and get it out on next gen platforms too). Other than that, I suspect we'll hear a release date for Röki as the devs have said it'll come late summer. Cloudpunk is coming to the Switch and physical pre-orders are dated for early October so there might be some announcement/confirmation of that. Mo:Astray is likewise slated for some point this year for Switch so we might get official confirmation there. Dicey Dungeons is due so maybe a date for that as well. Dreamscraper was announced for the Switch wasn't it? Its just gone into early access on PC so there might be some news there. I'd suspect those are all likely as opposed to Silksong (tho as I say, I'd love to be wrong and have new Silksong info). With Gamescom next week (Opening Night Live is on the 25th) and this happening this week, I wonder if the oft rumoured Direct set for late summer might happen next week. Not going to go into that but in years previous, around ComicCon, a general Direct always followed an Indie World/Direct the week after. This year is anything but normal but next week would be the right time for the general Direct, especially with all the rumoured of the Mario Remaster Collection and Skyward Sword.

I'm actually surprised at just how well its reviewing. 9s and 10s across the board. That generational leap visually and tech wise is certainly impressive though. Being able to stream all that global location data to make up countries and smaller airstrips is insane and a perfect example of how cloud integration can push certain games forward. I'm curious to see what it'll be like but there's no way my PC would run it at all. Its coming to the Series X so there's a chance I could give it a go there down the line. Still, kudos to Asobo for creating the game as it really does look impressive.

Played and finished Creaks last week and really enjoyed it. Its by Amanita Design, who are best known for Machinarium but also games like the Samorost series, Botanicula and Chuchel. Unlike those games, which are point and click titles, this one has you directly controlling a character and completing puzzles which isn't much of a change up but the direct control definitely changes up how they've previously set up puzzle sequences and adds some interesting time based and spatial mechanics that require you to think before acting. Its not an especially long game (think I did it in about 5 hours or so) but its really well designed and has a good steady elevation of difficulty and introduction of new ideas that keep you going through. On top of that, its a beautiful game that bears some aesthetic similarities to Machinarium (mainly colour palate but also in how environments are designed and look dilapidated but still feel lived in). Amanita Design know how to do fantastic 2D art work that's quirky and this continues their style. I similarly loved the way they use sound and music in the game (they've spoken in interviews about how adaptive the music is to what's happening in each area, each puzzle and how its used to guide you through puzzles which is a subtle but great use of sound design in gaming). I really enjoyed it. Love the work and style of game that Amanita Design create. Up there as one of my favourites for the year and its definitely worth a look if you're a fan of Machinarium or logic based puzzles games that are quirky. I'll leave a trailer to give a gist of the game but its definitely worth a go for those looking for something different at the moment on the Switch (it's also available on PS4, Xbox One and PC).

In the run up to Skyward Sword being released, it was as if they were reading my mind. I wanted them to go with a water coloured look (check) and I wanted them to do a more open design to dungeons, ala the desert area in Darksiders 1 (check) but the execution missed the mark by a long shot. The limitations of the hardware really did hold the game back but I think the general ideas that they built the game around left a lot to be desired. Seriously, multiple battles with the Imprisoned, poorly designed dungeons and locations and some Twilight Princess-esque collectathon parts (the musical note fish in one are for example) are just some of the things I didn't like about it. Thats before the controls which were good on paper but again didn't really add as much to what I wanted them too (motion controls for swimming were completely unnecessary as well). It would have to be completely revamped for me to be interested because I'd put it as one of the weaker 3D Zelda titles. I'd even put Twilight Princess ahead of it. Thats an opinion that will no doubt ruffle some feathers but as I say, its my opinion (I just liked the darker tone to that game and even with the bait and switch with antagonist, I still think it came together better even with having to collect the twilight tear things). I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out to be true to tie in with the Zelda anniversary next year. I'd prefer the Wind Waker HD remake come over to Switch and the Twilight Princess one as well. They'll probably come too cause if they're bringing Skyward Sword, why not.

Chris Kerr over at Gamasutra with a new article on further allegations out of several of the Ubisoft studios, including allegations that it has gone as far Yves Guillemot and the board favouring to keep abusive staff because they were deemed talented. https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/368010/New_allegations_show_the_cycle_of_abuse_and_misconduct_runs_deep_at_Ubisoft.php I've stuck up for Ubisoft a lot in the past prior to all of this coming out, more so on regards to people ripping into them for the titles their making and such, but I can't support whats happening over there, especially as its very unlikely to change with Guillemot in charge of sorting it out and decisions have been made by himself and the board to pretty much brush some of this aside. I had been looking forward to AC Valhalla because I find the Viking era fascinating but I don't think I can support that title or Ubisoft. It's disgusting how far up and wide spread this is across such a large developer. I obviously want to support those who've worked stupid hours bringing the game together, some of whom will have been put through this abuse, but I also don't want to be propping up a company that has let this go on for so long and who will likely compensate its higher ups, some of whom will be those accused of horrendous abuse of colleagues, handsomely in light of good sales of the game. From the outside looking in, with all these allegations it really does seem like Ubisoft is rotten to the core and sorting this mess out is going to take a long time. It'll take a long time to win over customer trust with this (yes, I imagine that the average consumer isn't bothered about this and that things like Watch Dogs Legion and AC Valhalla will sell really well but I think it'll have an impact on how the studio and its work in general is viewed) but an even longer time to sort itself in the eyes of those in the industry. I'm just shocked that more of this hasn't come out about other developers beyond Ubisoft and places like Riot Games and such. The floodgates are open, however, and i suspect if there is anything similar happening elsewhere, it won't be long in coming.

Terrible move in 505 Games part (presuming and hoping its a publisher move and not a decision that Remedy have come to themselves). I've bought the game twice, once on launch day on Xbox One (PS4 was on the fritz then) and then the digital deluxe version on the PS4 earlier this year so don't really see why I should have to purchase a third time for the upgraded experience on next gen, especially when the next gen upgrade will have the game run as intended and without as many of the hiccups as there are in the console versions still. I love the game and I'm so excited for the AWE expansion in 2 weeks but unless this is like at most a fiver upgrade from the digital deluxe edition then I'll leave it. As much as I love the game and would love to see it running more in line with the PC version, not paying a third time. Though, given the backlash to this, I suspect this might change in the coming day to be for anyone who has the digital deluxe and ultimate versions. Can only hope. Anyway, teaser trailer for the new expansion to take that bad taste out of our mouths: Gameplay reveal is happening tomorrow afternoon/evening. Just excited to have the crossover with Alan Wake and see if it'll tie up anything there or set up the wide Remedy Connected Universe that they've announced they're doing with this and their next game.

From what's been shown, I think The Medium is the only thing that isn't releasing for Xbox One, rather Series X and PC at launch which isn't a great advert for pushing your new hardware. So yeah, 100% I agree that there's virtually no native next gen games seemingly coming during the launch period (that we're aware of) for Series X. Thats partly down to Sony putting down money to secure third party exclusives or timed exclusivity deals (as I mentioned earlier, the talk was Sony was willing to put more money on the table whereas Microsoft were not) but I would also wager because developers just aren't there and ready for next gen yet. We won't see a huge number of next gen exclusive titles across both platforms, though more will be available on the PS5 out of the gate should all things go to plan (and even some of those started as current gen titles and have made the jump up to next gen so won't be true next gen titles) this year and for a good part of next year. With Unreal 5 only really hitting beta in early 2021 with a full release towards the end of next year/start of 2022, a lot of games which are already touting that as their next gen engine will be years away yet. Likewise, while we're still getting big titles this year, next year could be a big of a wasteland with that regard on all platforms depending on how long the current pandemic continues and whether it worsens more than it has in the likes of the US. That doesn't really excuse a lacklustre lineup from Microsoft, tho we do need to remember that not everything has been announced so there could be some surprises (there probably won't be tho). Some of their acquisitions have had a couple of years now and should be able to have something ready for the first year but they showed little gameplay and mainly CG trailers during their showcase while claiming that they're have more to show down the line. Well down the line seems to have been pushed further down the line if the current rumours of a delay in announcements are to be believed so Microsoft do need to start thinking about their messaging and getting it on point for launch. I mean, Sony are going to bat with Miles Morales which while being a story expansion to their biggest selling PS4 title, is for all intents and purposes an upscaled PS4 title thats main use of the new SSDs will be to speed up load times. I'm sure it'll be good just like the original (I liked the PS4 game but I enjoyed Sunset Overdrive more from Insomniac) but Microsoft and a return to form Halo should be able to compete with that and without it, they really are fighting a battle that they're unlikely to win. They might not have a big hitter but I imagine they'll be trying to get marketing rights for third party titles to help but as I said earlier, I dont know how much that'll do to offset the quick decline in hardware sales post launch and I imagine much of the money Sony has put down will encompass those same marketing rights. Their biggest asset is still Gamepass and if they can have a big slate of new titles available on that playable at launch, they'll do fine. Not PS5 fine, not by a long shot, but enough to satisfy them out the gate as they will no doubt realise they've dropped the ball without Sony really doing much to counter. Hell, Phil Spencer has even said its fine if you're not wanting to upgrade to their new console. As a Gamesindustry.biz article from a few weeks back said, all platform holders are now in different races so what we think might be them losing out the gate could be what they see as fine

I've found most of the supermarket's own brand vegan cheeses are awful for their smell (and I'm not keen on their taste either). Tescos, Sainsbury's and Asda's own brand vegan cheeses smell of wet dog to me and taste like it too which is horrible. The best I've found are things like Violife (especially their cheddar block), though this does begin to stink the longer open. Sheese is great of you can find it. It does smell at bit but tastes great and works really well for pizzas and such. Also got some Green Vie vegan cheese from a local vegan store up here and both the cheddar and mozzarella are great, the latter being maybe a tad stronger than mozzarella would normally be. Melts great and has a good smell that's not too strong. Don't know how readily available it is elsewhere for buying though. Cashew based cheeses are the ones that have tasted the best overall when I've had it eating out but I've yet to find somewhere up here that's selling the stuff to give it a proper try with my cooking.

Definitely a big blow to their launch strategy, especially as they don't appear to have any other new first party titles that are launching alongside the console. I do wonder if they'll still try and put out the multiplayer portion to launch with the console. With that being free to play, they may be inclined to try and put it out in beta form so that there's some form of new Halo out there. Wouldn't be the big gang buster single player campaign that they're touting with Infinite but having access to the multiplayer suite, even in a beta form, would be a good move considering that that still maintains a relatively healthy community and one that's used to betas and on going changes to the general multiplayer load out. There'll be console exclusives at launch as well as upgrades to existing first party games and then of course things like Gears Tactics coming to console but I don't see anything that'll likely scream system seller or show that Microsoft have made improvements to their software lineup out the gate. Comparatively, it's likely that the PS5 will have at least 1 first party title in the form of Spiderman Miles Morales, though this could still change given the current situation in the US, though from what I hear its all hands on deck to get it ready for that at launch so expect to hear about crunch in the coming months there. Given the huge sales numbers of the original, Miles Morales will easily be a system seller even if it hasn't been fully developed with the PS5 in mind (much in the same way that Halo Infinife is, regardless of whatever corporate speak from Sony or Microsoft say). The same can't be said for Halo as its fallen far from grace in recent years. 343 don't seem to have gotten into the right stride with the franchise. While parts of 4 were good, 5 was awful and their talk of going back to what made the original great sounds good on paper but they haven't managed to create a solid focused single player campaign right through so branching into somewhat more open territory with the game doesn't really bode well for overarching mission structure and such. I'd love to be wrong and I'll 100% play the game but it not expecting it to match 3, ODST or Reach levels of good. Its a tough one for Microsoft as they clearly need more time for the game but the launch is locked in at this point. They'll have a reasonable third party lineup with a lot of day and date games for Gamepass (some exclusive to Xbox just as with Sony and the PS5 but expect these to be more AA and indie than AAA quality) but I don't imagine there'll be many huge new games to push the hardware beyond existing third party IPs. So either they've got some other things up their sleeves for launch from their studios (such as potentially launching the multiplayer portion of Halo Infinite given that it'll be free to play) or they've got plenty of third party exclusives, though this latter point doesn't sound likely as talk/rumours say that Sony have spent a lot of money to get many third party games tied up to the PS5 for a timed period of a year or just generally being platform exclusive. I think that makes the lack of Halo Infinite at launch a bigger worry for selling the console to new customers. Regardless of having the big third party games and then perhaps looking best on the Series X (on paper it seems that may be the case tho the difference will likely be negligible when comparing Series X and PS5 versions of games), Sony and the PS4 have shown gamers want big new first party titles and without these at launch, that's a hard sell even to the biggest Xbox supporters. I imagine that they'll focus a lot on the Gamepass angle to push sales out the gate, though I doubt they'll struggle to sell their initial hardware allocation on launch day. Its the aftermath that could hurt them, though Halo Infinite being delayed does grant smaller games some limelight that they would otherwise have not gotten on launch against that title and then Halo Infinite could spike sales of hardware again afterwards but expect a big drop off in sales after launch and for the early part of next year. But yeah, they'll push Gamepass and I suspect that this game of cat and mouse about price may have been for nothing as I think Microsoft will heavily push their All Access program for launch and the holidays, as well as giving an outright price. They'll push a 24 month payment plan of between £39.99 and £49.99 for the console with Gamepass Ultimate included and that may be enough to attract sales because in the current economic climate, especially in the UK where we've officially gone into a recession as of this morning, smaller monthly payments may be more attractive than shelling £500 plus for new hardware right out of the gate with no games (though I suspect that Microsoft will also sweeten the deal for those buying straight up with a couple of free months of Gamepass Ultimate out the gate). I don't know whether that'll offset the lack of a strong first party title at launch, even if they put out the multiplayer in beta form. The PS5 and the Playstation brand have the lead before the race has started and that's with Sony even drawing out their reveal of information about the console. Both will sell through their hardwate allocations at launch but I suspect short supplies and inflated prices on the PS5 side as opposed to lacklustre post launch followup sales for the Series X, regardless of games. Until Microsoft have their first party studio games ready to show they're progessing forward, and that they're up to snuff with say your average Ubisoft game (let's not imagine that they'll jump to Sony level straight out the gate, there'll be a lot of growing pains to start) then they're going to lose a lot if ground to Sony and the PS5 even if they undercut on price and do the All Access program. I'm already set on a PS5 at launch if I can afford and get hold of one before scalpers do. I'll likely pick up a Series X, especially through the All Access plan, as i already pay for Gamepass Ultimate but its not my first choice considering Sony have done a great job of showing me games I want to play now on PS5 (Deathloop and Kena). But really, the Series X will be more for multimedia seeing as it's options for apps and such will likely outstrip the PS5 going by how the One has better app selection than the PS4. As i say, PS5 first and Series X is an after thought but I'll for sure pick one up for The Medium and Hellblade 2 when they come. As for launch period, November was a given. I'd pegged both consoles to launch between November 6th and November 20th and it seems by all accounts the Series X will be out for November 6th going by current leaks. In the end, it comes down to how they message things going into launch without Halo Infinite. They'll sell their initial hardware allocation but if the message is messy with two SKUs that aren't different on the same lines of the PS5 and PS5 Digital then no smaller price point or monthly plan will help.

The Pathless continues to look great, love the art style and its a given that the soundtrack will be equally as great with Austin Wintory behind it. Happy to see The Pedestrian coming. Have been eyeing it up on PC for a bit after seeing some gameplay and it intriguing me. Looks great and I'm always up for a good and different puzzle game. Was not expecting to see the release date for the AWE Expansion for Control. I've been waiting for info for what feels like ages but its now so close and I can't wait to see how they tie both Control and Alan Wake together beyond how they've done so already (I have a theory that Dr. Darling is Alan Wake, beyond being played by the same actor). Can't wait to jump in on August 27th. Hitman 3 continues to look great. Amazing you'll be able to play in VR. Didn't need a prolonged gameplay segment of Godfall. I just don't think it looks great. Certainly not to the point to be putting it front and centre for your next gen console.

All DLC included with this as well as new sode story missions. So not simply a straight forward port to the Switch. Most likely gonna play more like the original Pikmin games on the Gamecube. We'll see if they add IR pointer controls as an option. Been rumoured for the longest time though I'm doubtful it's been in development for the length of time its been rumoured to be coming for (people were talking about it in 2017). Changing the game over to the Switch from the Wii U will have taken time, especially for adapting controls and gameplay and to add the new elements, but I think some of the early rumours of this way back when jumped the gun slightly. Good to see it come. I loved the first one, I really liked the simplicity of it and the time limit really fit the game. I didn't like the sequel as I thought the expansion of ideas took away from the game somewhat (I realise I'm in the minority there but it is what it is, my opinion). I'd hope this played more like the original in terms of structure but I suspect it'll be more like 2 so probably not something I'll try immediately put the gate.