It’s been a couple of years since the launch of the PS5 and the Xbox Series X, and it’s usually around this time that we start to see the best of what the consoles can offer. We’re over the initial hype of their launch titles, so now we get to see what these consoles can really do. The best titles of the year are always released in the build-up to Christmas, so no matter what video game genres you enjoy playing, there’ll be a game for you. While we’ve already seen some great games this year, we think the best is yet to come.
Saints Row
The irreverent crime sandbox, often described as what Grand Theft Auto should have been, is getting a reboot this year with a brand new set of characters. We’re waving goodbye to Johnny Gat and Steelport City and heading to the city of Santo Ileso. Even though we’re in a new location with new criminal gangs to face, the aim of the game is to gain control of the city in the name of the Third Street Saints, from the rural district of Rancho Providencia to the gambling district of El Dorado. Casinos have been featured throughout Saints Row games in the past, though they’ve never let you gamble. The rumor is that you’ll be able to gamble on this latest release, but we’ll have to wait and see if that’s true. If you can’t wait until the game’s out to get your gambling fix, there are many online casinos worldwide, from the US to the UK to New Zealand. These casinos have fantastic bonuses that give you even more chances to win, whether you’re playing pokies, video poker, or pai gow. There’s a different casino bonus available on almost every site on the market, including matched deposit bonuses, cashback bonuses, no deposit bonuses, and free spins. While the Saints Row casino might be good, they won’t give you offers like that! The casino is just one aspect of Saints Row that we’re looking forward to, and it will be great to experience their wacky sandbox gameplay again.
Gotham Knights
The Batman Arkham Knight games have been some of the best video games of the past ten years. While their original developers are busy making a Suicide Squad game, we’re left wondering what will happen in the Batman universe. Step forward, WB Games Montreal, as they’re bringing us a co-op action RPG set in a DC universe where Batman is dead. This may sound like a massive spoiler, but it isn’t; it’s been all over the game’s marketing materials, and for a good reason. It adds an exciting twist to the Arkham Knight-style gameplay. Without the eponymous Knight to play as we get to explore other DC heroes, such as Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing, and Red Hood. While the game is co-op-focused, you can play single-player and have the AI control your partner. The developers are calling this the biggest open-world Gotham game, so we’ve got high hopes for this one!
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
After Pokémon Legends Arceus reinvented the classic Pokémon game formula earlier this year, Game Freak has reverted to type with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. After all, why fix what isn’t broken? While Legends Arceus was a fantastic look at what a Pokémon game could be, there’s a reason why Game Freak has stuck with the same model for so long – it works. The dual tasks of becoming the Pokémon Champion while trying to catch them all along the way have captured the imaginations of kids and adults alike for nearly three decades. Whenever a new Pokémon game is released, the focus and speculation are centered around what new kinds of Pokémon we can expect to see. Game Freak has only released the three new starters (Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly), the two legendaries, and a handful of early game Pokémon. Still, we can expect more to be revealed as we get closer to the game’s launch. Everyone loves the designs of the new Pokémon, and Lechonk has already become an internet sensation! These games are also set to have new open worlds, such as urban and wilderness areas, without borders between the two, so it will be interesting to see how that affects the layout of this new region. It’s hard not to love a Pokémon game, and we’ll be eagerly waiting to catch them all upon its release! Fans are not only excited about the new game dynamics but also eager to complement their virtual adventures with tangible collectibles. Enthusiasts looking to enhance their Pokémon experience can explore and buy Japanese Pokémon cards online, adding a global and diverse flavor to their collections.