What are the Best New Games to Buy?

With all the massive games releasing this season, it’s quite difficult for gamers out there to keep track of what’s releasing when and what’s worth picking up (for one reason or another); so, in the spirit of being as thorough as possible, we’ve reviewed 5 of the biggest titles that have released within the last month pr so in one convenient article, rounding up exactly what games have released, if they’re any good, and which one you should buy.

NBA Playgrounds 2

Available on: Xbox One | PS4 | PC | Switch

What is it? If you’re looking for some old-school sporting chaos (and possibly ruining friendships), NBA Playgrounds 2 brings a two-on-two arcade basketball experience that takes hints from NBA Jam and NBA Street, and features current and former NBA players on street courts.

Is it any good? It’s a lot of fun and extremely easy to pick up and play, even if you’re a newcomer to Playgrounds or the NBA 2K franchise. It manages to capture that nostalgic element of retro sports titles, while having enough current-gen pizazz to feel jam-packed with quality. It is slightly cheaper than other games on the market, and doesn’t have a ton of depth, but if you’re looking for something other than FIFA to sink some time into with your buddies, Playgrounds 2 is the answer.

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey

Available on: Xbox One | PS4 | PC | Switch

What is it? The next entry in Ubisoft’s beloved stab-’em-up franchise, this time set in ancient Greece during 431 BC, following the story of two characters, either Alexios or Kassandra.

Is it any good? It’s more of what we’ve come to expect from the series, and rests heavily on what last year’s Assassin’s Creed Origins set-up, rather than breaking the mould or returning to the AC games of old. That’s not a bad thing though, as the game is massive, combat is fluid, it’s breathtaking beautiful, and there is an interesting story to explore; but take note that Odyssey is extremely RPG-focused and can be overwhelming for those used to ‘simpler’ Assassin’s Creed games. It’s brilliant, but give it a try before diving in head-first.

Dragon Quest XI

Available on: PS4 | PC

What is it? The next installation in the Dragon Quest series that features entirely new characters, a beautifully detailed world, finely tuned turn-based combat, and an immersive story that will appeal to longtime fans and franchise newcomers alike.

Is it any good? JRPGs aren’t for everyone, but Dragon Quest XI makes a great attempt to introduce those who have been on the fence to what makes this genre so popular. You get a new, uncomplicated story to lure you in, some streamlined RPG mechanics, an entertaining and well-written plot with English voice-overs, and some spectacularly stylised visuals. Not to mention a surprisingly enjoyable world to explore. What Dragon Quest XI does well, it does very well.

Soul Calibur 6

Available on: Xbox One | PS4 | PC

What is it? The Soul Calibur series is a stalwart in the fighting department, but what sets it apart from the ‘Tekkens’ and ‘Killer Instincts’ of the world is that the series doesn’t just let you beat opponents to a pulp using your bare hands, but instead gives you access to characters that have mastered a number of conventional and bizarre weapons for you to eradicate your foes with.

Is it any good? There’s just something so damn satisfying about Soul Calibur‘s slashy sound design that leaves you struggling not to smile. That old, arcade packaging around this solid fighter has never changed, and you can be rest assured that it’s more than in-tact with Soul Calibur 6. A lot of SC6 will be immediately familiar to fans of the fighting genre, but a custom character creator, a new super-move system, and some sharper visuals will be the most apparent changes that only enhance the accessibility and depth of what Namco Bandai’s long-franchise has to offer.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

Available on: Xbox One | PS4 | PC

What is it? Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 brings the classic CoD action you’ve come to adore, but aims to make this entry the most multiplayer-focused ever, with expanded competitive modes, a much-larger Zombies component, and Call of Duty‘s own shot at the on-trend Battle Royale mode.

Is it any good? To get it out of the way – there’s no single-player campaign, which is a bummer considering that past single-player CoD experiences have been enjoyable. However, everything that is in the game (the trilogy of online modes) is excellent and immediately refreshing thanks to some well-designed new maps, levels, and Zombie scenarios. Even with the mismatch of themes and design, Black Ops 4 knows what it is: a twitchy, extremely-tight fun shooter that’ll give you more than enough bang for your buck if you’re an online gamer and avid fan of the series.

Will you be picking up any of the above games? Let us know below or on Facebook or Twitter!