Metal Gear Solid 2 E3 2000 Showcase

Konami’s Metal Gear Solid burst onto the seams in 1998, and immediately wowed gamers with its twisted yet engaging plotlines, tactical espionage action, and of course – the memorable boss fights. Fans waited with bated breath for a good look at its sequel, and Konami delivered it with Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty during its E3 2000 presentation. Gamers across the globe were stunned by the sheer graphical powerhouse that was MGS2. From the massive scale of the Big Shell to at the time realistic facial models of characters to the rain-soaked environments, there was no shortage of impressive graphics in the trailer which finally ends with the much-anticipated 2001 release date.

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

From the very first reveal, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart was something special. The texture work, character models and gorgeous environments, not to mention details like fur and ray traced reflections, looked incredible. But all of this is supported by incredible texture streaming technology, and seamless loading between areas thanks to the console’s SSD. If any title could be compared to a Pixar film in terms of visual fidelity, then Rift Apart may be it.

The developers have now spoken to GamesRadar on the matter, and explained how one small but significant element helps the sequence become indistinguishable from reality. The game’s replay mode as seen in the recording features a shaky camera which, while unsuitable for gameplay, adds a lot of depth to the game’s immersion, along with fantastic lighting and environments.

“Add the lighting, with that beautifully rainy weather, add the realistic environment, and that’s it,” Ride 4 executive producer Michele Caletti said. “Remove one ingredient from the recipe and it wouldn’t work.”

Caletti says developer Milestone is extremely grateful for all the support that the game has been getting after the video going viral. The developer also revealed that this also helped bolster sales figures for the game. Calleti also said that its upcoming titles will be leveraging the power of current-gen hardware to allow for gameplay that crosses this reality threshold a lot more often.

Italian developer Milestone has been quite prolific with its output of motorcycle racing games, and their most recent racing sim, RIDE 4, launched on last-gen consoles and PC in a few months back, in October. Now, the game is out on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S as well.

Leveraging the new consoles’ SSDs and more powerful hardware, RIDE 4 can run at a resolution of up to 4K, as per Milestone, and a frame rate of 60 FPS. Meanwhile, on the PS5, the game features support for DualSense features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

RIDE 4 is out now for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC. You can learn more about the racer in our interview with producer Luigi Crocetta, conducted a couple of months ago, through here.

In our review of the PS4 version, we gave the game a score of 6/10, saying, “For series veterans, RIDE 4 will be an enjoyable experience, but for newcomers, there will be times where it will feel like the game won’t actually let you play it.” You can read our full review through here.

Turning feels slow and sluggish. It felt at times like my PS4 controller was lagging. I would input a turn on my controller, but my bike would have a noticeable delay before it actually turned. This, coupled with the game’s staunch refusal to actually teach beginners anything in the tutorial, leaves yoi baffled, unsure if the problem is with the control scheme or the beginner’s lack of understanding of the gameplay mechanic. Either way, it quickly saps any enthusiasm you may have had for the game. This is only made even worse by the fact that the tutorial is completely mandatory. You quite literally cannot leave or skip the tutorial, and the game denies you access to any of its main content until you complete it.

Depending on how quickly you figure out the game’s obtuse design, you could waste several minutes or even an hour or more beating yourself against the tutorial. The game offers no actual help, no tooltips, explanations, or prompts to help you learn from your mistakes. This means that, unless you’re already a seasoned veteran of the franchise, you’re very likely to hit a wall, literally and figuratively, before you even get the chance to play the actual game.

"Right out of the gate, RIDE 4 makes a underwhelming first impression."

However, this doesn’t mean RIDE 4 is a poor game. Particularly with regards to the visuals, the game actually stands out well. The bikes are gorgeous, the rider animations are fluid and believable, and even the character models look pretty decent. There’s a lot of different kinds of make and model of bikes, and the game does a good job of simulating the differences in their weight, steering, and other characteristics. Weather effects, too, are pretty well modeled. Different terrains and weathers affect traction, steering, and acceleration in different ways. From a physics perspective, the game actually offers a strong simulation. But unfortunately, the controls’ lag follows you throughout the experience, hampering an otherwise solid representation of the sport.

As someone who has reviewed a fair number of racers in the past, I was able to get the hang of the game, but for newcomers, the game fails to explain different event types, or what the changes you make to your bikes actually do. Just about everything in the game is left to you to figure out on your own. Simulation-wise, RIDE 4 is a deep game, and there is a lot to learn here. But the issues I mentioned previously make the game feel confusing, and unwelcoming.

RIDE 4 also lacks content. It offers a decent enough career mode, and a wide variety of tracks and bikes, but outside of the career mode, there’s precious little to do. A quick race mode offers you, well, races. That’s it. There are no challenge modes, none of the exciting content that games like this usually offer to keep you entertained. There’s no legacy option, no challenges, nothing. If you aren’t totally sold by the game’s core racing, there’s just not much to hold your attention. The career mode, meanwhile, is lengthy enough, taking you through several different circuits and tournaments on your way to the championship. The game also features an editor, where you can make custom decals, skins, and other content for your bikes and racers. It’s not terribly deep, but it can be fun to mess around in.

"Visually, RIDE 4 looks like a spectacular modern racing game, but the controls and content scream of a game ten years older."

To it’s credit, RIDE 4 does offer a decent multiplayer offering. It’s the same core race types as the rest of the game, but racing with other people feels a lot more fun. Playing on my review build, there were some issues with the servers. I got disconnected from matches a few times, and there were some latency issues. But when it worked, it was probably the most fun part of the game.

Visually, RIDE 4 looks like a spectacular modern racing game, but the controls and content scream of a game ten years older. The whole time, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was playing something very dated. The game does have some good elements to it. As I said, RIDE 4 is a pretty game, if nothing else. The bikes are gorgeous, bordering on phenomenal for those truly enthusiastic about the sport, and environments are clear and pretty.

The real shame of RIDE 4 is that there’s the bones of a decent racing game here. It looks and sounds the part, and you can tell that there was passion put into it. There’s plenty of bikes and tracks, and they’re all lovingly rendered and animated in beautiful detail. The physics simulation is detailed and accurate, doing a great job of differentiating the various bikes and weather conditions. And when the game isn’t fighting you, it’s possible to have some fun. But the lack of content and leggy controls hold back this game from truly shining. RIDE 4 can be really hard on newcomers, and if that is the case then the game seems utterly uninterested in helping you progress or improve. It simply presents itself to you, demanding perfection at all times and promising little in return.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 4.

Super Mario Bros. 35

This isn’t Super Mario Battle Royale or Nintendo’s answer to Fall Guys but it might just be the closest thing to competitive free for all Mario. For Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, that is. Super Mario Bros. 35 sees players platforming through your typical Super Mario Bros. stage, defeating enemies, gathering coins and whatnot.

The twist is that there 34 other players, visible on-screen, that are competing against you. Players can send obstacles into others’ games, specifically targeting those with the most coins, the least time or completely at random. Coins can be used to purchase items and increase one’s survival rate. The last player standing is the winner.

It’s out on October 1^st 2020 for Switch and looks cool. However, Super Mario Bros. 35 is only available to play until March 31^st 2021. So if it ends up being amazing, savor each and every moment until it’s inevitably gone.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time

We’re finally at the stage where googling “Crash Bandicoot 4” doesn’t automatically bring up Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex. If that’s not progress, we don’t know what is. As a direct sequel to the original trilogy, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is developed by Toys for Bob, the same team behind the excellent Spyro Reignited Trilogy.

Essentially, the space-time fabric has been torn asunder and it’s up to Crash and Coco to find the Quantum Masks to set everything right. Along with playing through each level as either Bandicoot in the main story, players can also experience “alternate timeline” versions. These have Doctor Neo Cortex, Dingodile and an alternate version of Tawna being playable along with own unique enemy placements and traps in levels.

On top of this, there are Flashback levels that provide tougher challenges, N. Verted versions of the same with varying conditions, local competitive and co-op modes, and the option to play in Retro or Modern Mode, the latter providing infinite lives. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is out on October 2^nd for PS4 and Xbox One.

Star Wars: Squadrons

Ever since the days of Star Wars: X-Wing and TIE Fighter, we’ve yet to really see a space combat game capture that magic (at least in the same setting). With how well-received Starfighter Assault was in Star Wars Battlefront 2, a standalone title like Star Wars: Squadrons makes sense. Still, for $40, it’s surprising to see a proper campaign – which takes place after Return of the Jedi and alternates between pilots in the New Republic and Empire – and no microtransactions.

Each side has four ship types to choose from with different components and weapons to customize them with. Multiplayer consists of 5v5 Dogfights and Fleet Battles to eliminate the opposing flagship. Operations, daily challenges and so on will keep things fresh post-launch.

Last year, EA somewhat redeemed its shoddy handling of the license with Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order. We’ll see if it can continue that with Star Wars: Squadrons out on October 2^nd for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

RIDE 4

Though it doesn’t have the biggest budget of most racing sim franchises, the RIDE series is one of the few that’s focused primarily on bikes. RIDE 4 aims to go even further with “hundreds” of different bikes to choose from, dozens of tracks, dynamic weather and full day/night cycles, and even a neural AI system that offers more realistic competition (at least in theory). The single-player experience offers a number of events to participate in, and there’s a new Endurance mode to truly test one’s mettle for longer races. RIDE 4 is out on October 8^th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

FIFA 21

A new FIFA game is coming up – please be excited. For a yearly sports franchise, that too one notorious for its RNG card packs, EA Sports is going out of its way to implement long-requested features in FIFA 21. Match simulation in Career Mode will allow for jumping in and out of matches more intuitively; loan to buy deals are now possible when making transfers; players can now be trained for other positions; and annoying FUT items like fitness and training consumables are gone.

Ultimate Team also supports co-op now, which carries its own modes and rewards; FUT Stadiums have way more customization; and there are also FUT Events for players to compete and collaborate in together. Even if the overall gameplay changes end up falling short, at least the major changes sound worthwhile. FIFA 21 releases on October 9^th for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One.

NHL 21

EA Sports has another title out in October with NHL 21. However, it seems to offer a lot of what fans expect, from Hockey Ultimate Team mode to familiar multiplayer modes like Threes Eliminator, Clubs and so on. World of Chel offers the ability to progress through seasonal ranks for each mode with Club Finals Championships available near the end.

There’s also “Be a Pro”, a more cinematic take on Career Mode where your custom-created player competes professionally en route to the NHL. Dialogue options abound, though given how the story-telling has been in recent EA Sports titles like Madden NFL 21, it’s best to be skeptical. NHL 21 is out on October 16^th and unlike its contemporaries, it’s only planned for Xbox One and PS4.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe

Continuing the trend of bringing every major Wii U title over to the Switch, Nintendo is releasing Pikmin 3 Deluxe for the console on October 30^th with improved visuals and new content. The original is a real-time strategy title with three new Captains to control and up to 100 Pikmin to command, offering co-op and competitive multiplayer modes in addition to the story. Pikmin 3 Deluxe features all of that along with options for lock-on targeting and hints, and increasing the difficulty for some added challenge.

All of the DLC stages from the original are here while new side-story missions focused on Olimar and Louie have been added. Pikmin 3 was pretty well-regarded back in the day so whether you’re a new or experienced player, the Deluxe version might make it worth hopping back into.

Amnesia: Rebirth

Frictional’s critically acclaimed psychological horror series finally returns with Amnesia: Rebirth. Touted as a brand new game, it focuses on Tasi Trianon who’s trapped in the desert with a horrifying creature (or two) stalking her. There’s a fair bit of exploration and puzzle-solving along with managing one’s physical and mental well-being.

But Tasi will also have to contend with her “own hopes, fears, and bitter regrets” in order to survive. If previous games were any indication, then Amnesia: Rebirth should offer another terrifyingly compelling journey. It’s out on October 20^th for PS4 and PC.

Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition

Fresh off its stellar run with Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition, Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires have turned their attention to remastering and enhancing Age of Empires 3. Along with a remastered soundtrack, the visuals have been upgraded to 4K Ultra HD. Judging by the previous game, you can also expect lots of nuanced improvements in terms of character models, textures, animations and environments (while still maintaining the overall look and feel of the original).

Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition will also feature all of the previously released expansions, two new modes with Historical Battles and The Art of War Challenge Missions, and the Swedes and Inca as new civilizations. This is in addition to improved online multiplayer and mod support. It releases on October 15^th for PC.

Ghostrunner

Combining first person platforming with combat and a one-hit mechanic that applies to both enemies and the player, Ghostrunner is a sleek looking title with some unique hooks. Set in the future, your goal is to reach the top of a tower and defeat the Keymaster. A variety of foes will attempt to stop you but there are also plenty of environmental hurdles to overcome.

To that end, players will run, jump, grapple, wall-run, dash and slash through foes to progress, and perhaps replay levels for better times. Ghostrunner arrives on October 27^th for Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch and PC.

World of Warcraft: Shadowlands

The Covenant system and Blizzard’s unwillingness to change it based on alpha feedback is concerning but Shadowlands is still a big deal for many WoW players. It’s the first time they’ll be heading to Azeroth’s realm of the dead; introduces the game’s first level squish, making 60 the default level cap; and provides new ways to customize the core races. One can also look forward to exploring five huge zones, eight new dungeons, a new raid and Torghast, the Tower of the Damned, which provides a roguelike dungeon-crawling experience. And of course, there are four Covenants to join, each with its own campaign, gear and abilities that will add more depth to one’s character.

Again, it’s all very interesting but it remains to be seen if the system provides meaningful choices or hamstrings players who choose the “wrong” Covenant. WoW: Shadowlands is out on October 27^th for PC so we’ll find out soon enough.

Watch Dogs: Legion

A mysterious group called Zero Day has framed hacker collective DedSec for some bombings. As a result, the PMC Albion takes control of London and uses ctOS to trample on human rights. It’s up to the player to recruit new operatives from the populace and effectively liberate the city.

From a gameplay perspective, pretty much any NPC is fair game for recruitment. Complete their respective missions and you can utilize their skills, whether it’s a getaway driver with a unique vehicle, a hacker who’s skilled in drones or a professional assassin. Throw in some co-op support, perma-death for characters (if you refuse to surrender, that is) and multiple approaches to missions, and you have quite the replay value.

Watch Dogs: Legion is out first for PC, PS4, Xbox One and Google Stadia on October 29^th. Those on console and keen on features like ray-tracing may want to hold off for the next-gen versions which release on November 10^th for Xbox Series X/S and November 12^th for PS5.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope

The Curator’s presentation of unfinished horror stories continues with The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope. The story sees a group of college students, along with their professor, trapped in Little Hope. Witch hunting was quite popular back in the late 1600s and it seems the group has some connection to the town.

Much like Man of Medan, different dialogue options can influence the fate of the cast, leading to multiple endings. One can also expect the return of co-op online play and Movie Night Mode which sees up to five players making story decisions. Despite numerous delays, The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope will finally release on October 30^th for PS4, Xbox One and PC.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 4

It’s taken a while for English localization but Falcom’s thunderous conclusion to the Erebonia Arc is nearly here. Following the previous game’s conclusion, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 4 sees the new Class VII continuing forth and rallying support to save the world. Heroes from other arcs like Trails in the Sky and Trails of Zero/Azure will also be appearing to lend a hand, which makes for a fairly sizable roster, and there will likely be even more epic battles with Panzer Soldats and Knights than before. The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 4 is out on October 27^th for PS4.

Second Extinction

It’s no Dino Crisis but Second Extinction should provide some fast-paced shooting action as players either fight solo or with up to two others against hordes of mutant dinosaurs. Launching in early access with four heroes, 10 weapons with upgrades, six missions and several regions, Second Extinction also has a mechanic called the War Effort. This sees the threat level of different regions lowering if players successfully complete missions in them.

However, other regions will see their threat levels rise and this could result in an Emergence Event (which is much tougher than usual missions). Second Extinction will arrive on PC first with Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S versions expected later this year.

Milestone’s bike racing sim RIDE 4 will be coming to PC and current-gen consoles in less than a month from now, but like most other upcoming video games, it’ll also be releasing on next-gen consoles. In a recently published update on the PlayStation Blog, Milestone producer Luigi Crocetta confirmed that RIDE 4 will be launching on the PS5 on January 21, 2020, and also detailed how the game will leverage the console’s new hardware capabilities.

For starters, the game will run at 60 frames per second on the PS5, which it will be doing at a resolution of “up to” 4K (the wording of that might suggest that it’ll be a dynamic resolution). Meanwhile, RIDE 4 will also use the PS5’s SSD for not only “significantly reduced” loading times, but also “a better gameplay experience”, with Crocetta writing, “The SSD will enable faster streaming of textures, allowing us to better immerse players in our environments while they roar around tracks at 300 km/h.”

Meanwhile, like many other major upcoming releases for the PS5, RIDE 4 will also be using the DualSense’s unique features. “Gas and brake levers will have their own resistance to transmit the same sensations as their real-life counterparts,” Crocetta explained. “We are also leveraging haptic feedback to let players feel their vehicle’s vibrations, just like when they ride on the streets.”

RIDE 4 will be releasing for PS4, Xbox One, and PC on October 8.

Motorcycle racing connoisseurs Milestone srl have been pumping out one solid racing sim after another – their last, MotoGP 20, came out less than a month ago – and now we know what’s next on the docket for them. The Italian studio has unveiled RIDE 4, which releases later this year for PC and current-gen consoles.

Promising a revamped career mode, improvements to pit stops, dynamic lighting and weather systems, visual enhancements, and more, RIDE 4 is looking to improve upon its predecessor in various ways. Milestone are also promising advancements to their Neural Network AI, as well as a new Endurance mode. RIDE 4 will also be the first game to see a partnership between Milestone and Yamaha Motor and Bridgestone. You can take a look at the game’s announcement trailer below.

RIDE 4 is out for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC on October 8.

RIDE 3 launched back in November 2018, and in our review, we said, “RIDE 3 may not have the panache and the multiple coatings of polish of some of the other racing sims out there, but thanks to its attention to detail in terms of the bikes themselves, and how well those bikes control, it’s a ride worth taking regardless.” You can read our full review through here.

PROJECT CARS 3

We’ve known for nearly a couple of years that Slightly Mad Studios are are working on Project CARS 3, and while we haven’t actually seen anything of the game, we’re quite optimistic that it’ll turn out great. Both previous games in the series were solid racing sims, while it’d also be foolish to doubt the chops of Slightly Mad Studios. There are never any guarantees with any game, of course, but Project CARS 3 is a game all racing enthusiasts are probably gonna want to keep an eye on.