WEB UPDATE
Exciting releases see Spidey revamped alongside other well-loved franchises
I’LL say this for 2020, after what felt like a faltering start in March, it’s moving at a fair old pace now. It’s a new month, and November heralds the arrival of some intriguing titles – which is lucky, as most of us are essentially unable to leave the house at the moment.
After years of waiting, players eager to get their hands on Cyberpunk 2077 are going to have to be patient a little longer as developer CD Projekt Red has pushed the game’s release back to December 10. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t still new titles being released that are worthy of your attention.
There’s a remastered version of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit for racing fans, Gears Tactics finally lands on the XBOX, and SpiderMan swings in with a fantastic new adventure.
And if all that wasn’t enough, Microsoft and Sony unleash their new consoles, the XBOX Series X, and the PlayStation 5.
MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN MILES MORALES
(PEGI 16) PS4, PS5 Release: November 12
I WAS surprised and delighted to see this title announced during Sony’s PlayStation 5 showcase back in June. A follow up to the stunning PS4 game, Marvel’s Spider-Man, this builds and expands on that universe with a brand new story.
This time it’s all about Miles Morales, (the kid who took over the Spider-Man mantle after the death of Peter Parker in Ultimate Marvel, an imprint with a separate continuity from the mainstream Marvel Universe), and star of 2018’s superb Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Initially there was confusion over whether the game would be an expansion to that 2018 title.
Although reportedly smaller in scope than the original, you’ll help Miles master his new powers to become his own Spider-Man.
NEED FOR SPEED:
HOT PURSUIT REMASTERED
(PEGI 7) PS4, XBOX ONE, Switch, PC Release: November 6
ALMOST exactly 10 years since it first hit consoles, EA is releasing a remastered version of the muchloved Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit.
Pitting wily racers against the Boys in Blue, Hot Pursuit won fans with its exhilarating chases, and breathtaking scenery. Play as an outlaw or a policeman as you tear up the roads.
The remaster comes with all the original’s DLC, plus a few additions such as new achievements, vehicle wraps, and an updated photo mode.
The game also supports crossplatform multiplayer, so you can play with your friends no matter what system they’re on.
While console players might be blown away by the newly improved graphics, PC gamers may struggle to see much difference to the 2010 version.
ASSASSIN’S CREED VALHALLA
(PEGI 18) XBOX ONE, XBOX SERIES X, PS4, PS5, PC Release: November 12 THE Assassin’s Creed franchise shows no signs of stopping, with Valhalla marking the 12th major instalment in the series.
A successor to 2018’s Odyssey, Valhalla is set in 873 AD, and recounts the story of a Viking invasion of Britain. Playing as Eivor, a Viking raider you become embroiled in the conflict between the Brotherhood of Assassins and the Templar Order.
The variety of weapons available to play with has been expanded, and there’s the addition of Odin Sight, which sees the return of the Eagle Vision game mechanic. There’s also a greater focus on stealth, both for traversing the
game world and in combat.
One of the first titles to get a release on the new consoles, it looks like a thing of beauty.
GEARS TACTICS
(PEGI 18) XBOX ONE Release: November 10 THOSE jammy PC gamers have had this incredible title to themselves for far too long.
Gears Tactics is a big, brash, brutal turn-based strategy game set 12 years before the first Gears of War.
Tactics combines the series’ signature fast-paced visceral action and character-driven storytelling with customisable squads, upgradable weapons and massive boss battles.
While not without its flaws, (it can get a bit repetitive) Tactics is largely a breath of fresh air in the world of Gears. There’s hours and hours of gaming here to keep you entertained.
DESTINY 2: BEYOND LIGHT
(PEGI 18 XBOX ONE, PS4, PC, Stadia Release: November 10
A MAJOR expansion to Destiny 2, Beyond Light will see some big changes to gameplay.
With new powers and new content, Beyond Light sends players to Jupiter’s icy moon Europa, to uncover lost secrets from the past, including the dark power of Stasis – which creates ice and cold-based damage.
Two characters from the game’s original release make a return – the Exo Stranger from the first Destiny campaign, and Variks from the House of Wolves expansion.
There’s also a new season (a concept which essentially divides Destiny 2 content into different time frames), Season of the Hunt which sees the welcome return of Guardian, Uldren Sov, for the first time in two years.