In the game for Christmas
THE LATEST GAMING, COMICS & TECH TRENDS
THE first doors on the advent calendars have been opened, and the tasty chocolate hidden behind have been devoured. And as Santa prepares his pre-flight checks, we take a look at the handful of games hitting consoles very early this month.
There’s a fresh Just Cause outing, Hello Neighbor gets a prequel, and Playstation fans can enjoy a wave of nostalgia as the classic console gets a makeover.
PLAYSTATION CLASSIC
Release: Out now
IF YOU’RE old enough to remember the joy of buying your first PlayStation way back in the 90s, then you’ll understand why I’m so excited about getting my hands on this little beast.
This mini PS classic comes pre-loaded with 20 games, a virtual memory card, and two controllers so you can share the fun.
Among the titles on the console are Destruction Derby, Cool Boarders 2, Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto, Mr Driller, Twisted Metal, and Tekken 3.
My thumbs are already aching.
OVERRIDE: MECH CITY BRAWL
Release: Out now
BATTLE some of the cutest robots you’ve ever seen and ‘mech’ (see what I did there) a name for yourself in this giant brawler.
Each 80-second battle takes place in different cities which you can lay waste to as you marmalise your opponent.
There’s a roster of 12 mechs, each with their own fighting styles and finishing moves – and you can customise your giant robot to add your own style and flair. Alongside the solo campaign, you can play in local co-op with up to four friends, or go online for more multiplayer fun.
With the 3D locations mapped on real cities however, you will get a pang of guilt when you flatten a national landmark..
JUST CAUSE 4
Release: Out now
RICO Rodriguez is back, and this time he’s trying to uncover the truth about his past. This is the sequel to 2015’s Just Cause 3, and is set on the island of Solís, which is as deadly as it is gorgeous.
Avalanche Studios developed Just Cause 4 on a new version of its Apex game engine, and as such it claims that the AI characters are smarter and more tactical than the last outing.
The new engine also means that the game has diverse and extreme weather effects including blizzards, sandstorms, tornadoes and thunder and lighting – all adding up to make Rico’s preferred mode of transport – the hang glider – absolutely terrifying.
The game will not be getting a co-op mode, but the single player campaign will be topped up with DLC expansion packs, which should be available not long after the game launches.
BATTLE PRINCESS MADELYN
Release: December 6
THIS gorgeous looking indie game follows the journey of young knight in training Madelyn, and her ghostly pet dog Fritzy.
Starting life as a Kickstarter, teaser trailers show the game giving off a serious Ghosts’ N Goblins vibe, as
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Solve puzzles, battle through castles, graveyards and swamps with retro gameplay that’s bound to appeal to both old-school gamers and new players.
HELLO NEIGHBOR: HIDE AND SEEK
Release: December 7
THE evil and mysterious mustachioed neighbour is back in this gruesome, and oddly touching prequel. Hide and Seek looks at the events that happened to the neighbour’s family, that lead to him becoming the sinister recluse we’ve all come to love/hate.
Hello Neighbor was the surprise horror hit of 2017, having gained an almost cult following on its addictive alpha release.
Part The Burbs, Part Rear Window, you have to break into your neighbour’s house to uncover the secret hidden in his basement.
The clever AI means the neighbour modifies his actions based on your gameplay, meaning you have to alter your tactics every time you venture over the road, or end up as a bump in the turf.
Definitely a game to keep your eye on.
WINTER SOLDIER #1
WHILE a question mark hangs over his fate in the cinematic universe, in the comic realm, Buck Barnes is all about redemption.
Having escaped death, the loss of identity, and a life of murder, the man known as the Winter Soldier has worked hard to atone for his sins. In this new series, we see the Winter Soldier working hard to help others turn their lives around – giving them the same chance he was given.
Written by Kyle Higgin, with artwork by Rod Reis, Winter Soldier #1 is out now priced £3.35.
DAREDEVIL CANCELLED
THE unthinkable has happened, following the axing of Iron Fist and Luke Cage, Netflix has canned the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. And it would appear that Daredevil’s producer was as stunned by the decision as the fans.
Writing on Twitter, Sam Ernst said: “Had a last lunch yesterday with the Daredevil writers. Sushi provided by our Captain, @ erikoleson. Marvel execs there too, just as stunned as we were. More than lunch, really: a wake. A show gets cancelled, all those characters we love die. Why I hate my job. Why I love it, too.”
With Daredevil gone, fans now fear for the future of Marvel’s surviving Netflix series Jessica Jones and The Punisher. Only time will tell.
SLEEP WRAPS
FILMING has wrapped on the latest Stephen King movie, Doctor Sleep.
This sequel to the horror master’s 1977 book The Shining, tells the story of Danny Torrance who, now an adult, is still struggling with his gift – and the memory of his father. Played by Ewan McGregor, it shows Danny struggling with many of his father’s personal demons, while elsewhere in the world an evil force is on a collision course. Due in cinemas in January 2020.