A new console means new (racing) games. We collected all launch titles for the upcoming PlayStation 5.
Photo credit: DIRT 5 / Sony PlayStation
The future is nearly here – and it is packed with brand new Triple A titles, indie game surprises and prequels of some of the most popular video game series. The next generation PlayStation 5 will be released in November this year and comes with a wide variety of launch titles. Among this long list of games, three racing gems are also hidden. Let’s take a look at all release titles so you know if you should jump right to the pre-order link for the new console.
North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea: November 12, 2020
Rest of the world: November 19, 2020
China: To be announced
See you in November! pic.twitter.com/CjrQ65rJ5a
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) September 16, 2020
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed by developer Ubisoft is one of the most popular video game series. In the newest title Valhalla, time travel takes the player back to the Dark Ages as they enter the world of Viking Eivor in 873 AD. The main character can be played as either a male or female version. Eivor flees from their war-shaken home in Norway and has to lead their clan to Britain to settle in new lands. However, the Vikings clash with the British Kingdoms and have to fight to survive.
Pro tip: you can pre-order the PS4 version for $10 off at Amazon and then later upgrade the game to PS5 for free.
Astro’s Playroom
Astro’s Playroom by Japan Studio is pre-installed on PS5, so everyone will be able to play the game right away. The little robot Astro Bot is the mascot of PlayStation and lets you explore all PS5 features in their playroom. The next-gen console comes with the new DualSense controller and 3D audio which can be tested in this game.
Bugsnax
With Wild Horses’ Bugsnax, an indie game joins the list of launch titles and takes you on a crazy journey. Players slip into the role of a newspaper reporter who ventures across the mysterious Snaktooth Island. The reporter is invited to document the weird creatures that are inhabiting the island, called Bugsnax. As the name suggests, they are half bug and half snack. There are over 100 species to capture and they can also be fed to the natives of the island, Grumpuses.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Publisher Activision announced a title that might have caught the interest of some Formula 1 drivers, as several of the racing stars revealed that they enjoy playing CoD. A new Call of Duty will be available soon. Black Ops Cold War is set in the early 1980s during the Cold War. In the campaign mode, the player follows CIA officer Russell Adler who chases an alleged Soviet spy. As the multiplayer mode is usually the main attraction of any CoD-title, the new game comes with additional customizations, modes and features.
In Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare released in 2016, Mercedes-Benz legend Lewis Hamilton had a cameo as a character. Who knows, maybe we will get to see another F1 driver in-game as well? Lando Norris would be a suitable character as the McLaren racer enjoys the game so much, he even played some matches straight after achieving his first podium in July.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Why publish one CoD when you can also serve fans of other genres with the same series? Call of Duty: Warzone is not a classic CoD, but a Battle Royale version in the same universe. The multiplayer allows up to 150 players to enter a match and play against each other in different modes, the main ones being Plunder and Battle Royale.
Demon’s Souls
Bluepoint Games have prepared a special highlight for the PS5 launch: a remake of their 2009 PS3 masterpiece Demon’s Souls. According to the trailer, the new version not only comes with updated graphics, but also features a different level design and combat system. As the online servers of the original version are no longer operating, the new PS5 game also offers the chance to stroll around in the cursed Boletaria with friends again, or fight them in a pvp combat.
Destruction AllStars
Finally, it’s time for the first game on this list that features cars and racing action! While Destruction AllStars from developer Lucid Dreams is neither a simulator nor your classic arcade, it promises top entertainment. The trailer of the vehicular combat game shows futuristic arenas full of obstacles, high-speed crash action, crazy characters and satisfying destructions.
Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
Hack-and-slay title Devil May Cry 5 from Capcom was released in March 2019. Protagonist Dante stages a comeback with the upgraded Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition. The base game was extended and includes some special features, such as Vergil being a playable character, the Legendary Dar Knight mode where you have to fight against a horde of enemies at once, or a Turbo mode which increases the gameplay speed.
So far, the game only seems to be available digitally as there is no physical edition announced yet.
DIRT 5
Another racing game is in the pipeline! Codemasters are working on their next instalment of the DIRT series. As usual, the fifth edition focuses on off-road racing, such as rallycross, but also includes ice racing and Stadium Super Trucks. In addition to the pre-built racetracks, players will also be able to build their own race courses with the Playgrounds feature. You can also check out our review here.
Fortnite
Epic Games’ flagship title Fortnite needs no introduction. Three years after its release, the Battle Royale still counts as one of the most popular games in the entire world. There is not too much information on the changes to Fortnite. It is not going to be a brand-new title, but is said to have improved graphics, is based on the Unreal Engine 5 and wants to take advantage of the new hardware and features of the PS5.
Godfall
The first title released was quite a surprise: Godfall by Gearbox and Counterplay Games. The action role-playing game was described as “loot slasher” by its developer and is set in a fantasy universe that is split into the realms of Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Spirit. The player can choose between five weapon classes and goes on a quest to prevent an apocalyptic event – and apparently collects a lot of loot on their way.
Just Dance 2021
Probably the most physically exhausting game you can play: Just Dance 2021 will open its virtual dancefloor with new choreographies to learn. There will be over 550 songs available to dance to, including recent releases. No full track list has been revealed, but who knows, maybe you can jam out to Sade’s “Smooth Operator” or sing “It’s Friday then it’s Saturday Sunday…what” at the top of your lungs.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
“Spider-Man, Spider-Man, does whatever a spider can”. One of the greatest hits of the PS4 was the action-adventure surrounding the superhero Peter Parker, alias Spider-Man. Naturally, Insomniac Games worked on the next title and will bring a fresh story, new quests and different villains. While it connects to the prequel, Miles Morales is not a mere sequel but a stand-alone game.
NBA 2K21
Of course, one of the most successful sport simulation series will have its annual edition for the PS5 as well. NBA 2K21 is the virtual version of this year’s National Basketball Association, as its name says. This means that all team rosters are updated, and the graphics will be enhanced to PS5 standards.
Observer: System Redux
The psychological horror game Observer: System Redux by Bloober Team was released in 2017. Protagonist Daniel Lazarski has a mission in 2084 Krakow after a plague destroyed the country. Equipped with an augmented vision that allows him to scan his environment and hack into the minds of others, he goes on to search for his estranged son. The PS5 edition will also be an extended and graphically updated version of its predecessor.
Planet Coaster
Planet Coaster by Frontier Developments is a construction and management simulation. Players can put on their building-site helmets and create the craziest rollercoasters and amusement park rides. The creations can also be shared with others, and if you need more direction in the vast sandbox option, there also is a career mode.
Rainbow Six Siege
Ubisoft’s Rainbow Six Siege is one of the most popular multiplayer and esports shooters that launched in 2015. There are no information or game play trailers of the PS5 version as now, but apparently, the game will come with cross-play for the PS4.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Sumo Digital prepared another instalment in the LittleBigPlanet series. Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a standalone game surrounding LBP’s protagonist and mascot Sackboy. The stuffed plush hero has to complete adventures in a 3D platforming world and apparently, there will be a multiplayer mode as well.
Watch Dogs: Legion
More dystopian worlds are waiting to be explored. Ubisoft will bring their third Watch Dogs game to the PS5. The action-adventure game is set in a futuristic, cyberpunk-esque open world London and the player has to recruit different agents to overthrow the corrupt regime. As well as the classic singleplayer mode, there is a multiplayer tool to play the story with friends.
WRC 9
Last but not least, there is another racing game to look forward to. Nacon’s WRC 9 is the official game for the 2020 World Rally Championship. Therefore, cars have the current liveries, the tracks are the official 14 locations and there are over 50 teams as well as the different racing classes. The title has been playable since early September 2020, but will soon come with advanced graphics for the PS5.
Which PS5 launch game are you most excited about? Tell us on Twitter at @overtake_gg!