Next-generation gaming is here, and the PlayStation 5 delivers a playing experience you’ve never had before…
Best Games on PS5
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
If you played Marvel’s Spider-Man on PS4, then you will have a good idea of what to expect in this follow-up. It’s not a true sequel in the sense that it’s built on the same engine and in the same world as the original. Instead it offers a full new story and extensions to the already awesome gameplay, now with added DualSense support and next-gen visuals. Returning to the lighting fast, combo-heavy combat and riveting action scenes is too good to resist.
Demon’s Souls Remake
Test yourself in this incredibly immersive, medieval action-RPG where death confronts you at every turn. Atmospheric and brutal, it’s not for everyone, but if you have the patience and tenacity to master your swordplay and explore with care, few games are as thrilling and rewarding.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
The Call of Duty series needs no introduction, and its debut on PS5 is everything we could have hoped for. The 1980’s set single player campaign is riveting on its own, but then you add in the co-op fun of Zombies and a huge array of multiplayer experiences, including an increase in vehicles and some fresh spins on the classic online play. A worthy first-up purchase.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Ubisoft don’t always get it right with its celebrated Assassin’s Creed series, but Valhalla is a winner. In fact, it could be the best game in the series to date. You spend less time grinding and managing loot, and more time achieving goals that have purpose. The Viking setting is breathtaking, and you’ll have plenty of fun experimenting with the combat, exploring its beautiful world and forging your story.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Don’t let its cute aesthetic put you off; there’s still plenty to love about the classic 3D platformer. Especially when you can enjoy it in co-op with mates or even kids. There’s nothing particularly new here, yet it feels innovative due to the way the strengths of the DualSense are used in exploration, combat and puzzle solving.
The Pathless
Easy to miss in the launch window, this PS5 exclusive offers an indie gaming experience with triple-A trimmings. This is a unique game that presents open-world gameplay in a new way, combing an inspired movement and combat system to give you a liberating sense of freedom. It’s not a long game, but if you’re looking to expand your gaming boundaries, it’s well worth a look.
The Peripherals
It’s been a tricky year to launch a new console. The COVID-19 pandemic has put stress on the entire hardware supply line, from manufacture to point of sale. As a result, there were some delays getting the first run of peripherals and accessories into the market. But by the time you read this, everything should be available. So, what should you consider?
Pulse 3D Wireless Headset:
One of the big selling points of the PlayStation 5 is the way it delivers audio. Using a new engine called Tempest, the system gives listeners a 3D audio experience where sound bounces around the game world believably, hitting your ears as it would in the real world. As you’d be aware, Sony has massive a technology range and are experts in headset design. So, its own PS5 headset, called the 3D Pulse, is a worthy purchase. It’s the first headset to truly maximise the new Tempest engine and give you a taste of the new age of gaming audio.
HD Camera:
Despite its generic name, the new HD Camera is purpose built for the PS5 and not only turns the new console into a streamer’s paradise, but will definitely play a role in the next era of virtual reality. It’s smartly built so it can clip onto the top of your TV. Plus, with its dual wide-angle, 1080p lenses, it can take a lot in no matter how small your playing space. The console comes with background removal software, which means it’s ready to cut you out and overlay you on your gameplay stream. When combined with the DualSense’s built-in mic, you can launch your influencer career in no time.
DualSense Charging Station:
Let’s not beat around the bush; getting a second DualSense is a significant extra expensive. But it’s worth it. The controller itself is a brilliant step forward in the way we can immerse ourselves in a game world through the device in our hands. And since you can’t play PS5 games without a DualSense, if you want to get into couch multiplayer titles like Sackboy: A Big Adventure, FIFA 21, Worms Rumble and Fortnite, you’re going to need one. So, why not go all out. The Charging Station not only provides an elegant place to store your controller, but allows you to quickly charge two controllers without taking up a USB port.
Media Remote:
For many, a console is more than just a place to play games: it’s the home’s entertainment hub. If that’s you, then it could be worth investing in a Media Remote. It’s a much more user-friendly way to interact with the non-gaming content on the PS5 than the DualSense controller. It even comes with buttons that will directly leap you from the dashboard into Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and Spotify.
By CHRIS STEAD
For the full article grab the January 2021 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
