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8 of the best games for your new 2021 PlayStation 5 - The Verge
10 of the best games for your new 2021 OLED Switch - The Verge
Best 2021 Mobile Games - GameSpot

8 of the best games for your new 2021 PlayStation 5 - The Verge

Posted: 25 Dec 2021 07:00 AM PST

The PlayStation 5 was released in November 2020, but it's still incredibly hard to get. The chip shortage has rendered it nearly impossible to log onto your favorite retailer's site and order one. In other words, among the no-doubt massive amount of people who want a PS5, very few are actually able to get one these days.

But if you are one of the lucky people who have just got one (or are hoping to get lucky soon), or if you have a friend who was able to score one, we've put together a list of great PS5 games to play this holiday and beyond. If you take our recommendations, you'll have so much gameplay to enjoy that you probably won't need any more until early to mid-2022 — which is the release window for Sony to launch its much-anticipated Horizon Forbidden West and God of War: Ragnarok.

So here are eight great games for your PS5.

Deathloop

In this first-person shooter, developed by Arkane of Dishonored and Prey fame, you assume control of Colt, who's trying to bust out of a wicked time loop. He initially doesn't remember much about himself, where he's at, or what he's trying to do, but you'll uncover the game's many secrets and learn how to take back control.

Deathloop feels fresh, despite being yet another time-looping adventure where some of your progress resets after each run. The gunplay is fun, and the difficulty will likely leave you gripping the controller, yet it's not too hard. It takes advantage of the DualSense controller's adaptive triggers and haptics to deliver a more tactile experience.

This game usually costs $60, but recent sales have seen prices fall to $40 or lower, so keep an eye out for deals.

An intricate mystery that also happens to be an amazing action game

Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition

If you're looking for a game that'll immediately make you pat yourself on the back for your investment in the PS5, grab the Miles Morales Ultimate Edition. It comes with the expansion that lets you control Miles Morales, but it also includes a remastered, ready-for-PS5 version of 2017's Marvel's Spider-Man. It's just a fantastic value all around and easy to recommend since it's so fun to swing from building to building.

If you've played any of the Batman: Arkham games, you should quickly feel at home with the controls and combat of these Spider-Man games. There's plenty of fun traversing through this fictional depiction of New York City, and the freeform combat will leave you marveling at all of the cool combos that the likes of Peter Parker and Miles Morales can pull off.

This bundle originally released for $70, but recent sales have dropped the price to around $50. Don't sweat it if you pay full price for it, though, since you're basically getting two games in one package.

There's plenty of fun traversing through this fictional depiction of New York City

Returnal

Returnal is an action third-person shooting game that's difficult yet rewarding. The game's design will see you playing the same stages on repeat, dodging waves of bullets (presented in an alluring bullet-hell fashion) and trying to get the upper hand on tough foes. It can feel like a grind early on, but you're accruing knowledge, perks, and interesting weaponry along the way that should keep you motivated.

This game emphasizes rapid movement and very deliberate use of your in-game skills and items, so despite what the game footage might imply, it's not solely a run-and-gun affair (though it can feel more like one when you're doing better at the game). In addition to fun gameplay, Returnal has some of the most striking art designs in a recent game, and its sound delivers some haunting tunes.

This game debuted for $70, but you can sometimes find it for around $50.

A roguelike third-person shooter that puts you in the shoes of Selene, an astronaut tormented by a seemingly never-ending time loop.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Insomniac Games' latest Ratchet & Clank adventure was built specifically for the PS5, and as such, its graphical presentation has veered even further in the direction of Pixar movies, with expressive characters and incredibly detailed environments. Of course, it shares the DNA with those older Ratchet & Clank games, so you can still expect a fun, lighthearted romp that'll have you performing wild stunts and upgrading a whacky assortment of weaponry. Unlike many of the games on this list, Rift Apart is a solid game for people of all ages to play, and it's fun enough just to enjoy watching someone else play through it.

This game usually costs $70, but recent sales have seen it available for as low as $50.

A fun, lighthearted romp that'll have you performing wild stunts and upgrading a whacky assortment of weaponry.

FFVII Remake Intergrade

Square Enix's faithful yet exhaustive overhaul of Final Fantasy VII has arrived on PS5 with the Intergrade update that includes an expansion focused on the Yuffie character (that expansion normally costs $20 by itself). For returning fans of FFVII, there's a lot to enjoy here, returning many of the same story beats from the original 1997 version with a fresh coat of PS5-grade polish. Note, however, that this title doesn't cover the breadth of events that transpire in the original game (it ends when you leave Midgar), but it's still a fantastic adventure that'll last you dozens of hours — even more, if you intend to play through the expansion.

This game has seen some steep price drops recently, costing around $40 at times.

A faithful, yet exhaustive overhaul of Final Fantasy VII

Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut

Originally released for PS4, Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut is the definitive edition of the game that both takes advantage of PS5 features (including DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers, as well as fully tapping into its extra graphical horsepower) and features the new Iki island expansion that's filled with new quests and enemies.

Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world, third-person sword fighting game that has your character trying to prevent the Mongolian invasion of Japan. Born into a family of samurai, the story highlights your character's journey of exacting revenge and saving innocent lives and struggling to do so in a way that doesn't go against the samurai code.

This game debuted for $70, and since it was released recently, you might not find many deals. That said, it has dropped in price a few times down to $50.

An open-world, third-person sword fighting game that has your character trying to prevent the Mongolian invasion of Japan.

Astro's Playroom

Astro's Playroom is the easiest game to recommend that you play on your PS5 because a free copy actually came with your console purchase. This action platformer was designed by PlayStation Studios, and it's akin to a 3D Mario adventure game that'll have you running around cleverly designed levels, collecting some fun PlayStation-themed artifacts along the way. It's a relatively short game, taking experienced players just a couple of hours to beat. But for those who are new to games, this is the perfect title that should keep them entertained for a while.

This is akin to a 3D Mario adventure game that'll have you running around cleverly designed levels.

Demon's Souls

Sony's PlayStation Studios has produced a full-blown remake of FromSoftware's now-classic Demon's Souls, which was originally released on PS3. It features all-new visuals and a revised soundtrack, and the PS5 version loads lightning fast and runs like a dream. If you have a penchant for difficult games that require you to be patient and think creatively (at worst, the way these Souls games can beat up on you can feel like a grind), you'll love this game. There's a lot of freedom in how you choose to build your character's strengths, as well as how you tackle the game's many stages.

This title was released for $70, but recent sales have seen it drop to around $50 or so.

A full-blown remake of FromSoftware's now-classic Demon's Souls

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10 of the best games for your new 2021 OLED Switch - The Verge

Posted: 25 Dec 2021 06:00 AM PST

The recent release of the Nintendo Switch OLED has many people rediscovering their love for the versatile handheld or experiencing what it has to offer for the first time. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or have never previously owned a Nintendo console, we've rounded up some of our favorite titles for Nintendo Switch.

The versatility of this console has turned the Nintendo eShop into a fantastic vertical slice of the gaming industry, offering everything from indie platformers to AAA first-person shooters. And the popularity of the console means that if a game can be ported to the Switch, it eventually will be.

You may notice a distinct lack of Marios, Zeldas, and other first-party titles on our list. While we love just about everything that springs from Nintendo, we wanted to shine a light on some of the other games available for everyone's favorite handheld console.

In the case of the latest Switch, all that matters is how much you care about the screen. It has a 7-inch OLED panel, smaller bezels, and bigger speakers than the original Switch.

Hades

The latest hit from indie developer Supergiant Games, Hades is a beautifully rendered roguelike that burst out of early access and quickly accumulated a litany of praise. This snappy brawler changes things up every time you die, forcing you to adapt with the assistance of the thirstiest iteration of the greek pantheon we've ever seen. The closest analog to this title is the also-excellent The Binding of Isaac. However, Hades definitely upped the ante with an exceptionally balanced experience that has some of the best music and writing we've ever encountered in a roguelike.

A beautifully rendered roguelike

Wargroove

If you've been waiting for an Advance Wars title on the Switch, Wargroove is about the closest you can get. This adorable, 16-bit, turn-based strategy game definitely pulls a lot of inspiration from the popular title while injecting its own fantasy-flavored whimsy into the mix. While the rock-paper-scissors combat style will be familiar to anyone that's played Advance Wars, Wargroove adds a handful of new wrinkles such as hero units and special abilities that allow this strategy title to stand on its own merit.

An adorable, 16-bit, turn-based strategy game

Subnautica

The underwater survival simulator Subnautica is a game that swings violently between serene and stressful and may also be a horror title, depending on who you ask. Subnautica and its arctic counterpart Subnautica: Below Zero are all about crafting and adapting to life in an alien world that is largely aquatic. Once you've solved how to not starve, drown, or die of dehydration, there's still the small problem of trying to get off the planet before you become the lunch of some shadowy predator. No pressure.

Underwater survival simulator

Cuphead

Inspired by the cartoons of the 1930s, Cuphead is a platformer and bullet hell game that's perfect for someone who loves to ice skate uphill. More than just a stylish nod to old cartoons, Cuphead is an unforgiving platformer with a high skill ceiling and little room for error. While it can definitely be frustrating, Cuphead remains an incredibly satisfying and memorable experience.

A platformer based on the cartoons of the '30s

Celeste

Celeste is a platformer that draws heavily from influences like Super Meat Boy and VVVVVV but feels very different. Celeste explores themes of anxiety and depression through its gameplay and the inner dialogue of its protagonist, Madeline, as she struggles to fulfill her grandmother's dying wish. The platforming is tight and responsive, but unlike its more difficult contemporaries, Celeste features an amazing array of accessibility options, which include graphical adjustments for photosensitive or colorblind players, and also allow you to alter the game speed, remap controls, or even toggle invincibility without altering the core gameplay experience.

Explores themes of anxiety and depression through gameplay

Diablo 3

If Diablo 2: Resurrected left you suffering from a bit of whiplash, you can always come back to the loving embrace of Diablo 3, which remains one of the best action RPGs available and is still supported by free seasonal content. The Switch version of this aging RPG may not be the prettiest iteration, but it still runs remarkably smooth on the Nintendo console, even with several players joined in local co-op. Being able to take this game with you wherever you go arguably makes the Switch version the best way to experience this fast-paced RPG.

One of the best action RPGs available

Void Bastards

Another great roguelike on our list draws its inspiration from immersive sims like Dishonored, Prey, or the classic Deus Ex. The cel-shaded monstrosity Void Bastards has you traveling between derelict ships to gather the necessary parts for weapons and upgrades to keep you alive. However, shooting your way out may not always be the best solution. In Void Bastards, the real catch is if you die (and you will die), your replacement might be asthmatic or too tall to access some corridors, which forces you to rethink some of your more reliable strategies. The situation would seem remarkably dire if not for the distinctly British humor that permeates this game.

Travel between derelict ships to gather the necessary parts for weapons

Griftlands

Anyone that enjoys collectible card games without predatory microtransactions should definitely check out Griftlands. The product of Klei (rhymes with play) game studios, Griftlands comes from the same people who brought us games like Don't Starve and Mark of the Ninja. Griftlands is a story-driven sci-fi deck builder where shrewd negotiation is just as important as combat. This is one of the few games where a disarming remark or verbal jab can be just as threatening as a swift punch to the gut. You take on the role of one of three colorful characters, each with their own distinct mechanics and rosters of cards to collect. Each story is full of optional quests and interesting random events that ensure that no two playthroughs are ever the same.

A story-driven sci-fi deck builder

Rebel Galaxy Outlaw

This game is nothing less than a love letter to old-school space pirate sims like Wing Commander: Privateer and Freelancer. Rebel Galaxy Outlaw draws heavily from these influences and modernizes the experience, making it accessible and controller-friendly. As a space-faring mercenary, you'll jump between various missions in an attempt to earn an honest buck, but dodging pirates, fanatics, and the law doesn't come cheap. You'll need every bit of your legitimate (or illicit) earnings to upgrade your ship just so you don't become another bounty hunter's payday.

Jump between missions dodging pirates, fanatics, and the law

Spiritfarer

Boasting an amazing hand-drawn art style and evocative soundtrack, Spiritfarer is a game that feels like a Studio Ghibli movie come to life. The title of the game refers to your job, taking care of wayward spirits and helping them wrap up their unfinished business on the way to the afterlife. Spiritfarer ties in farming and crafting elements that'll be familiar to fans of Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing but introduces poignant themes of loss, affection, and forgiveness in its writing for an experience that's decidedly more mature. The game is complete but is still receiving free, substantial updates to its story.

Take care of wayward spirits on the way to the afterlife

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Best 2021 Mobile Games - GameSpot

Posted: 23 Dec 2021 03:00 PM PST