Games

Online games are often targeted by cheaters, and developers usually work to prevent this with secure systems and penalties. But in games where you collect items – like Marathon and ARC Raiders – cheating can be particularly frustrating. Losing to a cheater means losing valuable items you’ve worked hard to get. ARC Raiders players are already experiencing this issue, as cheating remains a persistent problem in the game.

As a big RPG fan who loves playing games from the first-person perspective, it’s honestly tough to find really good ones. But out of the options available, a few really shine. I’m ranking these based on how good they are overall – not just how immersive the first-person view is. Honestly, if you’re like me and always looking for something fresh to play on the PS5, these are all definitely worth checking out!

First released in Japan in January 1997, Final Fantasy 7 was a groundbreaking game for the Final Fantasy series – it was the first to use 3D graphics and appear on a console other than Nintendo. The game follows Cloud Strife, a former soldier, as he becomes involved in a battle to save the planet. He and his friends face opposition from the powerful Shin-Ra Electric Power Company and a formidable warrior named Sephiroth. Final Fantasy 7 is famous for its surprising plot twists, and one shocking moment remains particularly memorable for players. The story is now being revisited in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, with the final installment still in production.

Many PC gamers are frustrated by how complicated things have become over the past decade. For years, we’ve seen a trend of needing multiple programs – like game launchers within launchers – just to play a single game. While big publishers are now putting games back on Steam, they often still require you to also install their own separate apps, such as EA App or Ubisoft Connect. This results in a cluttered and frustrating experience, with extra software getting in the way of actually enjoying the game.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduced a unique concept called Paradox Pokemon – versions of existing creatures from the past and future. Players can discover these in the Paldea region’s Area Zero. The Indigo Disk expansion added even more Paradox forms, including new takes on classic Legendary Pokemon like the Legendary Beasts of Johto and the Swords of Justice from Unova. Now, a fan has created their own version of a Paradox Pokemon, reimagining a beloved Legendary from the original Pokemon games.

Even simple games, like Donkey Kong Bananza, have obvious heroes and villains – the apes working for VoidCo are the bad guys, and Donkey Kong and Pauline are the good guys. But the most compelling games often blur the lines between right and wrong, and these are the ones worth exploring. They can even make you think about your reasons for playing.

Facing growing competition from games like Marvel Rivals, Blizzard responded by significantly revitalizing Overwatch. They relaunched the game – dropping the ‘2’ from the title and making substantial changes – which ultimately led to Overwatch surpassing Marvel Rivals in the number of players. The recent ‘Reign of Talon’ update has already added five new characters, yearly story arcs, and numerous gameplay improvements, establishing a more consistent and sustainable future for the game.

Microsoft has recently made several changes in leadership for its Xbox division. Asha Sharma is now the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, taking over from Phil Spencer, and Matt Booty has been appointed as the head of content. These changes initially caused some concern, with Xbox co-founder Seamus Blackley predicting a decline for the brand. However, a recent interview with Matt Booty suggests those fears might not come true.

The Sims 4 has been a hit for over ten years, celebrating its 12th anniversary this year. Players love creating families within the game and watching those families grow through many generations. It’s already tough to keep just one Sim alive, but managing multiple generations is a real challenge! While The Sims is one of the most beloved life simulation series, its age and popularity don’t protect it from bugs that can seriously disrupt a player’s game.

Xbox fans hoping for more games only available on Microsoft platforms might be disappointed, as that doesn’t appear to be the immediate plan.