The next generation of gaming hardware is just around the corner, with the promise of various visual improvements made possible through technologies like ray tracing and super-fast solid state storage.
Of course the raw horsepower of the Xbox Series X and PS5 will be meaningless if the games themselves aren’t fun. To get you excited about what’s to come, here is a look at the next-gen titles that are generating the most hype at the moment.
Gran Turismo 7
Early in the life cycle of every console generation it is often a racing game which shows players exactly why it is worth upgrading to the latest hardware. This time around Gran Turismo 7 will step up to the plate to showcase the potential of Sony’s new machine, with early trailers suggesting it will push realism and graphical fidelity to new highs.
Arguably the most important aspect of GT7 is the promise that it will target a much higher frame rate than any of its predecessors. While the PS4’s GT Sport did not manage to hit 60fps, this PS5 racer could even reach 120fps or more, at least in theory.
Higher frame rates have usually been the preserve of PC titles, but both Sony and Microsoft are clearly keen to demonstrate that this is the generation in which both larger pixel counts and better FPS performance can be achieved simultaneously. Of course frame rates are less relevant in other types of games, like slower paced mobile titles and live casino experiences, but for action-oriented racing sims and shooters, this could be a deal breaker.
Cyberpunk 2077
While it will be releasing on current-gen consoles, the really savvy players will wait until CD Projekt Red’s futuristic first person role playing behemoth makes its way to their more powerful successors before making a purchase.
Once again the early footage of the game in action has been enough to turn heads and get tongues wagging, and based on the popularity of the studio’s Witcher franchise, this all-new IP should generate a lot of sales and discussion, in spite of the numerous delays that have plagued its release already.
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
The Assassin’s Creed franchise is another stalwart of the industry which has been there to usher in or straddle console generations, and while Valhalla might not be the best showcase for the potency of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, it should serve as one of the sure-fire hits that draws people to part with their cash.
The series continues to evolve, with this iteration offering players the option to develop communities and take on a managerial role over their supporting NPCs, in addition to all the usual stealth and combat mechanics.
Halo Infinite
While it may have had a somewhat lukewarm reception at its recent gameplay reveal, Halo Infinite could still be the killer app that Microsoft needs to shift units of its new Xbox.
All of the usual Halo tropes are in place, including the Master Chief taking on alien enemies with a variety of weapon types. Where it breaks from its heritage is in offering a more open approach to level and world design, giving players more freedom to tackle challenges as they see fit, rather than funnelling them down a narrow set of corridors and valleys towards an objective.
Horizon: Forbidden West
Horizon: Zero Dawn was a well received addition to the PS4’s catalogue of exclusive, and the PS5 is set to bask in the glory of its gorgeous sequel at some point in 2021.
Once again this game was the star of the show during Sony’s reveal of gameplay, and it should stick to the open-world roots of the original while adding in new abilities, new areas to explore and of course the cutting edge graphics that players crave.
Aside from the official games that have been announced, it will be interesting to see whether the next-gen consoles are able to support emulators and other fan-made hacks and add-ons. Such tinkering is possible on PC and older consoles, although Sony and Microsoft have very much dissuaded this in the past. Whatever the case, as a new generation dawns, gaming fans certainly have a lot to be excited about.