Image: Alex Walker/Kotaku
It’s all about the hardware this week: the launch of the Xbox One X. It all coincides with Melbourne Cup Day, which is kind of convenient since your bosses probably won’t mind you skipping out an hour or two early if festivities kick on a little long.
But as far as the games go, it’s a bit of a mixed bag genre wise. I’m never quite sure how to properly describe Hand of Fate 2, which hits PC and PS4 this week. Horizon gets its long-awaited expansion, and Need for Speed returns too. And for Team Green? There’s a cutesy platformer exclusive in the form of Super Lucky’s Tale.
Oh and: DOOM‘s coming to the Switch this week.
Sonic Forces (PC, PS4, XBO, Switch)
What is it? The latest 3D action platformer in the Sonic franchise.
Should you care? Buy Sonic Mania instead.
Hand of Fate 2 (PC, PS4)
What is it? The sequel to the Aussie made Hand of Fate, mixing deckbuilding, roguelike elements and some third-person combat.
Should you care? The Xbox One version has been delayed by a bit, but PC and PS4 users can still get it this week. I’ll have more to say on HOF2 this week, but it’s fun.
Deer Hunter Reloaded (PS4, XBO)
What is it? It’s that game you play in bars but it’s actually in your home, on a console.
Should you care? There’s a reason Deer Hunter is played in bars, and not at home.
Need For Speed: Payback (PC, PS4, XBO)
What is it? The Need for Speed franchise goes all Fast and the Furious.
Should you care? It’s nice that Need for Speed is back. I kind of wish they’d remaster the older ones though. Like Underground.
DOOM (Switch)
What is it? A lot of putting your foot into demon hellspawn and watching blood splatter everywhere.
Should you care? I mean, obviously, but I’m really cautious as to how well the Switch hardware handles a game like this. That said, DOOM is possibly the most well-optimised game of the last few years.
Ben 10 (PS4)
What is it? A third person action-adventure set in the Ben 10 universe.
Should you care? If you have little ones who love this series, sure. I remember one of the DS games actually being kinda good.
Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds (PS4)
What is it? The follow-up expansion to Horizon: Zero Dawn.
Should you care? Undoubtedly.
Super Lucky’s Tale (PC, XBO)
What is it? A cutesy platformer starring an adorable fox.
Should you care? Yes if you liked Yooka-Laylee, not so much if you never grew up on collectathons.
Nioh: Complete Edition (PC)
What is it? Think Bloodborne meets hell samurai.
Should you care? Wait to see if it’s not completely broken, and if it’s not, hell yes.
Farming Simulator (Switch)
What is it? You can drive a tractor.
Should you care? I mean, there’s other things you can do. It’s Farming Simulator. You should know pretty quickly whether that’s your thing or not. Most people would prefer to play Stardew Valley.
Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers (Switch)
What is it? Cartoon Network characters get crossed with Castle Crashers.
Should you care? Could be a fun for a party game night.
Snipperclips Plus (Switch)
What is it? A re-release of the co-op puzzler, where players work together to create certain shapes and overcome challenges.
Should you care? It’s an uncannily cute game. If you’ve got the original you can get this as DLC.
So that’s pretty much it for this week as far as main releases go. DOOM is a big note for me, as is the Horizon expansion. Nioh is a underrated gem from this year too.
But that’s all a bit of a bummer, because usually when a new console comes out there’s a major launch title to be excited for – but it’s really more a multiplat box at this stage.
Are you picking anything up this week?
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