As more and more video games release either broken or unfinished, we round up seven great must have games (that work!) that you should buy this Christmas.
The video game industry is having a bit of a rough patch at the moment. Despite sales of the PS4 and the Xbox One remaining strong, more and more of the games that are released on them are either broken, unplayable or have massive bugs on them that need giant patches to fix them.
This is completely unacceptable, that much is obvious, but with such a large amount of highly anticipated titles falling prey to launch bugs and errors, it’s harder than ever to figure out which ones are playable and which ones are not.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Spanning PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC, the next seven games have either overcome their troubles or never had any to begin with. Each comes highly recommended.
1. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
The latest addition to the Call of Duty franchise could offer the series’ biggest change since things went from a World War 2 setting to games set in the current to near future. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare goes one step ahead of ‘the near future’ as it’s instead set in 2054.
In the year of 2054 it seems, the PMCs (Private Military Corporations) that many of the world’s armies already rely on in the year 2014, have taken over. They’ll fight any battle for anyone as long as the war wagers can afford it.
As a result of all that money flying around, players get access to the most hi-tech battle gear ever seen in a Call of Duty game. That includes Advanced Warfare’s swanky new exo suit which not only allows players to quickly dash out of the way, but it even lets them jump to ridiculous heights, put up super strong shields and even fire missiles from their shoulders.
These big changes will be available in the game’s much talked about multiplayer mode too, so you’ll be able to take advantage of Advanced Warfare’s new gameplay fun against both AI and real-life competitors.
Available on: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One
2. FIFA 15
Like the aforementioned Call of Duty games, you can expect a FIFA game to be released every single year. With all of the licenses from every big name club, league and player you can think of (as well as the tiny ones you’ve probably never heard of), the FIFA franchise is the go to game if you want to play as Chelsea in the Premier League rather than ‘London FC’ in the ‘English League’ (as is the case with PES).
Licensing technicalities aside, FIFA 15 signals another significant stride forward in the world of football simulation. The big change that publisher EA was boasting about this time round was goalkeepers as those in the net now perform as realistic as ever, with the acrobatic leaps and hopeful dives of the real game being witnessed here.
Not only that but the game is now more emotional than ever before. Players in FIFA 15 frown at bad tackles and get in the faces of those who slid at their ankles whilst missed shots or great goals see disappointed or enthusiastic yells, respectively.
Available on: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One
3. EA Sports UFC
A less established sports game than FIFA 15, however, is EA Sports UFC. After picking up the license when former UFC publisher THQ went under, EA gave their incredible sports sim touch to the world of octagon fighting.
It’s a purchase that seems to have proved successful too as EA’s debut UFC title is great. From the meatiest of right hooks to cartwheel spins and knees to the face, EA Sports UFC’s gameplay is as fast-paced and gritty as the real life sport.
The graphics on this one are also fantastic – with sweat glistening on fighter bodies and the way that blood splatters grossly onto the floor of the octagon. It’s to great effect though and you’ll be able to see just how much damage you’re doing as you take on opponents.
Available on: PS4 and Xbox One
4. inFamous: Second Son
inFamous: Second Son meanwhile, is one of the PS4’s brightest exclusives. Literally.
Second Son stars Native American lead Delsin Rowe as he finds himself imbued with some massively powerful fire abilities. From his flame-y rocket attacks to his thunderous ground pounds, Delsin uses his fire skills to take out the DUP, a shady government organisations that wants to take those with powers out.
Later in the game Delsin also gets some neon powers and with the technical muscle of the PS4 really being put to the test by developer Sucker Punch, Second Son looks absolutely gorgeous.
Available on: PS4
5. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
An Xbox One exclusive now as rather than being a new Halo game (the full version of Halo 5: Guardians isn’t out until sometime next year), Halo: The Master Chief Collection has been released to bring all of the existing Halo games to the newest Xbox console.
In the collection you’ll get reskinned versions of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2, Halo 3 and Halo 4 including both their single and multiplayer modes. Furthermore, not only will you be able to shoot it out against players of those Halo games, but buying Halo: The Master Chief Collection provides you access to the Halo 5: Guardians beta.
That’s not quite a new Halo game, as mentioned, but given just how many fantastic Halo games you’re getting access, Microsoft could almost be forgiven.
Available on: Xbox One
6. Civilization: Beyond Earth
Next up we have the latest version of a generally PC-only franchise. While the Civilization games of old gave us new ways to take over Earth, Civilization: Beyond Earth explores what happens when the Earth is considerably less inhabitable and it also gives us a chance to see what life in Civ would really be like if we won by a space victory.
In Beyond Earth not only is there a massive wealth of new, futuristic technologies from the likes of sci-fi films, pop culture and some very smart science-y stuff (Animal Husbandry be gone!) but there are also alien factions to battle or befriend.
Like Advanced Warfare, this is the biggest change to the turn-based series yet. Arguably some players may miss the old ways of Civ games before but for most, this offers a much-needed shake up to the series.
Available on: PC
7. Dragon Age: Inquisition
Also offering a well needed shake up is Dragon Age: Inquisition. EA and BioWare’s supernatural RPG made a big misstep after the initial, well-received outing of Dragon Age: Origins when Dragon Age 2 disappointed many. Not only did its combat gameplay leave much to be desired but many players also felt that the game’s sections were too closed off for it to be a ‘true’ open-world game.
Inquisition is looking to fix that then, with its world letting you roam around it until your thumbs get tired from twiddling your controller’s analogue sticks. Combat is much improved, with strategic placements of characters and targeting of limbs and other body parts now having a tangible effect on battles. Graphics have been spruced up too and bolts of fire and magic look even more impressive than ever and you can see the battle scars, war wounds and general blemishes on a character’s face.
Available on: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.
Have a game that you think we missed off? Leave a comment and let us know.
