A Call of Duty, Ghost Recon, Luigi and open-world game all in the one month? Yep, we’re in the middle of gaming’s biggest release period. Here’s what we recommend:
Call of Duty Modern Warfare (PS4, XBO, PC)
Another Call of Duty hitting the market isn’t entirely surprising, we were taken aback by how much we enjoyed the single-player portion of this year’s entry. After forgoing a main campaign for Black Ops 4, Modern Warfare provides solo players with a tale that might not win any awards, but provides plenty of spectacle.
There’s little doubt this is one of the best single player shooter experiences in years (and yes, that includes the one with Jon Snow). The multiplayer meanwhile is what will keep most players hooked for the months to come, with plenty of new modes to explore.
Our pick of the litter: Gunfight’s incredibly cramped, incredibly tense and frantic shootouts. Gear up.
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Luigi’s Mansion 3 (Switch)
The Luigi’s Mansion series has always been somewhat of a quiet achiever for Nintendo, and this third entry is no different. That said, it’s certainly the strongest in the trilogy so far, with plenty of new environments that help develop the series’ signature spooky charm.
Gooigi (a green, malleable clone of Luigi) is also a fun addition to the mix, creating new puzzles to get the brain ticking.
Those looking for a serious challenge will likely be left wanting due to a steady stream of health sent your way anytime you take a hit, and the slightly clunky controls still seem to be an issue, but they’re easy to forgive and won’t wipe the smile from your face while playing. Luigi’s Mansion 3 is classic Nintendo fare that Switch owners owe it to themselves to check out.
Ghost Recon Breakpoint (PS4, XBO, PC)
While 2017’s Ghost Recon Wildlands became a surprise hit for Ubisoft, the more recent Breakpoint is a little less successful. At its heart the game offers a fun open-world to run around with friends – it just unfortunately lacks the required polish.
Enemy AI can be quickly manipulated and a handful of bugs undermine the overall experience – even with Jon Bernthal providing plenty of gravitas to the main story beats.
That said, Ubisoft has acknowledged there’s a problem here, and has promised radical updates to the game’s foundations, which is promising for those willing to give Breakpoint a chance. For everybody else, check out fellow Ubisoft shooter The Division 2 until then.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz HD (PS4, XBO, Switch, PC)
After lying dormant for many years, Super Monkey Ball is back, but Banana Blitz HD isn’t exactly the return to form fans might’ve hoped for. For the prettier update the series’ primary mechanics remain intact, meaning you’ll tilt stages to move your selected primate around to collect bananas or duel bosses.
However, being some strange issues arise from trying to replace the original game’s motion controls. Uninspiring mini-games don’t help sell the package, leaving the question as to why the devs didn’t try to revive the beloved debut entry or try something original instead.
Concrete Genie (PS4)
Above all, Concrete Genie has to be commended for trying something different in a landscape obsessed with explosive shooters and battle royales. It follows the plights of Ash, a young boy who escapes an increasingly darkening world and the pains of bullying by turning to his sketchbook.
Without spoiling too much, it’s your job to help Ash restore brightness to his hometown through spreading an abundance of art around its walls via a magical paintbrush.
Though you can’t truly freestyle to your heart’s content, you’ll gradually discover new designs that allow for plenty of charming creations. Even better is that the motion controls almost enhance the experience and make the whole thing a breeze.
Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered (Switch, PS4, XBO, PC)
When it first released back in 2009, Ghostbusters: The Video Game proved to be the rare exception to the rule – a great film tie-in that was an absolute treat to play which added to the series’ canon.
This remaster provides the perfect opportunity for newcomers to join in on the bustin’, however outside of some slightly spiffier visuals, there’s not really all that much new here, and many of the game’s faults remain in place.
Still, this is the best way to play the unofficial third Ghostbusters movies and enjoy its stellar story and writing. Just don’t expect to be blown away.
The Outer Worlds (PS4, XBO, PC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxlflrh_Pzw
With Bethesda almost universally shitting the bed of late with a string of controversial decisions, developer Obsidian Entertainment has rolled on in and capitalised on the chaos with what is an incredibly deep, absorbing and enjoyable RPG. After being awoken decades later than you expected, you find yourself amongst a faction-filled world dominated by violence and corporate freed – leaving you to bring some peace or chaos to proceedings.
The whole thing feels almost dangerously close to Fallout, but aside from potential legalities above our pay grades, that’s great news for us, meaning you can enjoy plenty of consequential decision making, shootouts and quirky characters. Highly recommended.
MediEvil (PS4)
Sir Daniel Fortesque might not retain as much popularity amongst Sony’s more recent line-up of famous faces, but this remake does an admirable job of attempting to bring him back into the limelight.
The original 1998 story remains the same, meaning you take the skeletal shoes of Sir Dan as he is accidentally resurrected by his greatest enemy. This gives the former knight the perfect opportunity to become a hero and save his kingdom.
What follows is largely beat-for-beat the same game, for better and for worse. That means frustrating camera issues, distant checkpoints and occasionally sketchy controls are back. If you can get past that, you’re in for a quirky adventure that’s never looked better.
