Black History Month

This month we are celebrating black history by looking at iconic names across the games, tech and film industries.

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Top 10 PS4 All-Time Best Games

10. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

The Mass Effect series is one of the most critically acclaimed video game franchises in modern memory, and they’re all brought together under one roof in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition. With souped-up 4K graphics and over 40 DLCs included from the original games, this isn’t just an essential piece of gaming history you’ll spend dozens of hours in - but an absolute bargain to boot.

9. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Trying to describe the pleasure of playing a game like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is difficult to do without sounding like a masochist. The combat is gruelling. But the reward for persevering and improving is a rich tapestry of story, visuals and sound. Nothing is more rewarding than finally hitting every parry, every dodge, and finally using your sword to strike down an enemy who has bested you a dozen times. 

8. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

The conclusion of smart-mouthed treasure hunter Nathan Drake’s story (for now) was a fitting end for one of Sony’s biggest mascots. Spilling with clever puzzles, detailed level design and clearly an insane amount of historical research, this game is clearly filled with all of the heart of a passionate team. Don’t worry if you haven’t played any of the previous. It’s very accessible, even if you’ve never touched the series before. 

7. Spider-man

Nobody expected that a franchise tie-in game would become one of the best gaming experiences on the PS4, but Spider-man surpassed all expectations. This iteration of Peter Parker is already a fan favourite. The original storyline has incredible highs and lows, cinematic action and tear-jerking moments. Packaged with tight combat mechanics and ridiculously fun web-slinging through a near-perfect recreation of New York City, there’s nothing not to like. 


6. Days Gone

Days Gone had a second wave of popularity over lockdown when fans discovered that a sequel had not been picked up by Sony. The disappointment is understandable - Day’s Gone is one of the best survival sandbox experiences on the PS4. You play a gruff biker named Deacon, a survivor of a zombie apocalypse, as he motorcycles his way from camp to camp fighting hordes of literally hundreds of zombies - sorry, freakers - at a time.

5. Grand Theft Auto V

Although technically part of the previous console generation, GTA 5 is still one of the best games on the PS4. Switching between three separate characters throughout the story could have easily been mishandled, but it’s part of what makes the game so fantastic. It’s a near-perfect third-person shooter with a focus on gun combat and fast driving, mechanics which it absolutely nails. It’s also a GTA game, so you know. Expect adult themes.

4. Resident Evil Village

Village had big shoes to fill after its predecessor Resident Evil 7 reinvented the series to such universal acclaim - but it has no problem living up to expectation. With genuine scares, incredible visuals and some spooky humour on the side, Resident Evil Village brings back some action-adventure focus (a la RE4) that dropped out in RE7’s more survival-driven gameplay. Play it alone with the curtains drawn for the best possible experience!

3. The Last of Us Part 2

The Last of Us is a game that needs no introduction. Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic action-adventure title wowed both fans and critics with its compelling characters and nuanced storytelling. Set 7 years after its predecessor, The Last of Us Part 2 picks up Joel and Ellie’s story. With one of the most shocking stories ever told in gaming, more of the same competent gameplay and the best-looking visuals from this console generation, The Last of Us Part 2 is a piece of art that everyone should experience.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Set in a huge and beautiful game world spilling with rich characters and story, The Witcher 3 will be talked about for years to come. It’s a masterpiece of game design. But be warned - combat is a lot more tactical than it seems. If you’re used to rushing in, you’ll find this game very difficult. There are also two huge DLCs that rival standalone games - making this an unmissable experience. 

1. God of War

This 2018 revamp of the classic series is technically the sequel to 2010’s God Of War III, but the tone is so different you can’t blame them for naming it to draw in a new generation. Orgies have been traded for fatherhood. You’ll still find gore, but it’s no longer indulgent. This perfectly woven story is told through almost faultless gameplay and creates one of the best games available right now - full stop.

Top 10 Xbox One All-Time Best Games

In the years since launch, the Xbox One has consistently brought some truly staggering games into our lives. While it is very difficult to narrow down the immense selection available to just 10, the list below will give you the best of the best. Whether it's a gift for someone or just some inspiration for your next game purchase, read on...

10. Doom Eternal

Armed with a shoulder-mounted flamethrower, a wrist-mounted blade and upgraded guns and abilities, the demonic invasion of Earth will be no match for you. As hordes of blood-thirsty demons come at you from every angle in this hellish horror shooter, the action comes thick and fast - be prepared for a lot of gore as you fire up your chainsaw and become an unstoppable army of one.

9. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Fus-ro-dah! It simply isn’t a gaming best-of list without keeping a spot for Skyrim, and for good reason. This fantasy epic – now available in everything from VR to handheld – is at its best when played on a good old-fashioned home console, and the Xbox One edition enhances the original game to staggering new heights. The living, breathing world of Tamriel is an absolute beauty on the Xbox One and still looks, feels and plays as good as ever. A masterpiece.

8. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

“Bravo six, going dark”. After a rather mixed few years in the Call of Duty universe, Modern Warfare reboots the iconic 2007 entry with great aplomb. Boasting the most intense, fast-paced and graphically proficient campaign in the series thus far, Modern Warfare is a must-own shooter worth picking up for the story alone. The fact that the game also delivers phenomenal multiplayer is just a wonderful bonus! 

7. Resident Evil: Biohazard

Turning the iconic franchise on its head, Resident Evil: Biohazard is an exhilarating rollercoaster thrill ride that will rattle your bones and leave you breathless. Tasked with sneaking through a spooky old Louisiana mansion searching for your missing wife, you will encounter some of the most harrowing sights in modern horror gaming. Not for the faint of heart, but Biohazard is an absolute masterpiece of game design and atmosphere. 

6. Halo: Master Chief Collection

Halo needs no introduction! It just isn’t Xbox without Master Chief. Beautifully remastered, this must-own collection bundles together one of gaming’s most beloved legacies onto one disc and it is truly momentous. Being able to experience the original Halo trilogy on the Xbox One with stunning updated visuals is a feast of delights for any gamer. And with new content due to be added in December, this one is essential.

5. Fallout 4

With an unprecedented scale and a truly staggering amount of quests, collectables and levelling up, Fallout 4 is a game that will consume your life – in the best possible way. This richly designed post-apocalyptic wasteland is bursting with content, not to mention improved gunplay and combat mechanics since the critically-acclaimed Fallout 3. Fallout 4 is an essential RPG that reminds us what next-gen consoles are capable of. 

4. Red Dead Redemption II

What do you get if you take Grand Theft Auto and put it in the old West? Why you get Red Dead Redemption II of course! With breathtakingly gorgeous visuals, rich character development and one of the most engrossing stories in modern gaming, Red Dead Redemption II is a truly essential title that words cannot do justice for. Ride into Red Dead Redemption and you will be absorbed by gaming’s most authentic worlds. Yee-haw, partners! 

3. Halo Infinite

How is it enhanced: 4K, HDR

It's been a while since we've seen Master Chief on top form, but Halo Infinite is here to rectify that, and then some! This is a near-perfect homage to everything we loved from the Bungie series with a modern twist. You are set loose to traverse a vast and open world with heaps more autonomy and a wide arsenal of iconic vehicles, guns and foes. The single-player campaign shines best in the heat of battle when you really remind yourself why this game deserves to be in the run for best new shooter.

2. Grand Theft Auto V

But while Red Dead Redemption II is a staggering masterpiece in itself, GTA V is Rockstar’s finest hour. While technically part of the previous console generation, this remastered update added a surprisingly effective first-person mode and graphical enhancements that made the already stunning game truly burst off the screen. With flawless gun combat and driving mechanics and a narrative to die for, GTA V is one of the finest games of this or any generation. 

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Set in a staggeringly huge and gorgeous world, The Witcher 3 is widely – and rightly – considered the finest game on the Xbox One. A masterpiece of design, storytelling and combat, you control iconic hero Geralt of Rivia as you embark on a thrilling main story and endless side-quests, each of which packed with enough excitement and intrigue to rival most games’ main narratives. An essential and rewarding example of modern gaming at its finest.

Top 10 Nintendo Switch All-Time Best Games

10. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

A remake of one of the most beloved and bizarre Zelda titles, this has to be one of the best remasters of all time. Taking the original formula, it rebuilds the game into a 3D masterpiece without sacrificing any of the original spirit. Throw in modern conveniences to make it more palatable to the modern gamer, as well as a dungeon builder and you’ve got one of the best Switch games to date.

9. Super Mario 3D All-Stars

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of everyone’s favourite moustachioed plumber, Nintendo have released Super Mario 3D All-Stars, a collection of some of the crème de la crème of the series, featuring Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy. Playing it is like seeing the games the way they were always intended to be seen. The timeless art style finally has the technical support to show them off in all their glory. Whether you’ve played them a million times or just picking them up for the first time, there’s never been a better time to delve into the best of the past. 

8. Splatoon 2

A multiplayer shooter game that’s suitable for kids and not insufferable like Fortnite - whodathunkit? Splatoon 2 definitely fits the bill, replacing blood and gore with vibrant paint without scrimping on the excitement and addictive gameplay. It takes the formula of its predecessor and builds on it with the inclusion of a single-player campaign as well as a smorgasbord of new multiplayer modes. Whether you're flying solo or squadding up, you’re bound to have a good time!

7. Pokémon Sword / Shield

Arguably the most popular handheld RPG series ever, Pokemon Sword and Shield prove the franchise is as strong as it’s ever been. Taking the adventure to a pseudo-London setting, it’s one of, if not the prettiest Pokemon experiences ever. Couple this with a great soundtrack, as well as all the classic battles and exploration fun, and you’ve got one of the definitive Pokemon generations. 

6. Monster Hunter Rise

It’s Monster Hunter, but not as we know it. Much like recent games in the franchise, Rise streamlines the combat mechanics to be much more welcoming to new players. You still overcome mighty beasts in over the top action, only now you don’t have to sift through 20 menus to do so. The other big addition is the Wirebug, a tool that lets you zip around the world map like a feudal Spider-Man, making traversal much faster. This helps to make the world feel much more connected, and despite technically being a smaller game than previous entries, the series feels grander than ever.

5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The king of the kart racers, nothing comes close to Mario Kart on the Switch. With the near-perfect balance between pick-up-and-playability and challenge, MK8D truly does cater for everyone. Whether entertaining your grandparents or duking it out with the best online, you’ll find a satisfying experience no matter what you’re looking for.

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The most complete, immersive and downright best Animal Crossing game to date, playing New Horizons is a joyous experience. There’s so much to see, do and explore as you help build your new home town, and it’s easy to lose several blissful hours doing jobs that would seem mundane in the real world. But such is the magic of Animal Crossing, even the every day is made to feel pleasant. 

3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Nintendo has been perfecting their Smash Bros series for the past 2 decades, an effort that culminates with the near-obnoxiously good Super Smash Bros Ultimate. The fighting/party game boasts one of the best rosters of characters found in any game ever, ranging from Pikachu to Solid Snake to Sonic and even the Wii Fit Trainer (because why not?), and each character feels unique, with a deep move set and individual play style.

2. Mario Odyssey

Mario Odyssey is a belter! Rather than resting on its laurels, Nintendo takes their moustachioed mascot and freshens him up in a new direction; new worlds, new mechanics and new challenges make playing it an absolute delight and a testament to the company’s expertise in game design. 

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - there aren’t enough superlatives to describe how good this game is. Never have we played an open-world game that’s so immersive, so deep and just so gosh darn fun to play. Every aspect of the game is flawless, and the fact it works on a tablet is nothing short of witchcraft. Trust us, it’s worth buying a Switch for this game alone.