Games

OUT 8 NOV

FIRST PLAY SONIC FRONTIERS PC, PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, Switch

Although Sonic first burst onto the scene more than 30 years ago as a fresh and fast counter to Mario, fans these days are often more content looking back at the hedgehog’s halcyon 2D days rather than the future. That’s forgivable when the Blue Blur’s 3D outings have been a bit of a mixed bag. But as we’ve had our nostalgia fix for this year with Sonic Origins, it’s time to look forward once more.

In Sonic Frontiers, our heroic hog finds himself stranded on Starfall Islands, which form a new open-zone structure for gameplay. While many are rushing to make Breath of the Wild comparisons, what this means in practice is the same high-speed Sonic action, but more truly three-dimensional than the linear rollercoasters of previous games.

There are still lots of springs, boosters and grind rails to propel you along, but you’re basically free to speed around beautifully expansive environments taking on challenges as you see fit. Gather collectibles and you’ll find ways to unlock more of the map, or take on gargantuan bosses – allowing you to make use of Sonic’s new combat abilities, including one where he can draw a loop trail on the ground to damage enemies.

For those still resistant to this new setup, there are also Cyber Space stages that bring us back to the classic 2D and 3D linear gameplay in familiar-looking locations. So there’s a desire to push things forward while still keeping one foot in the past… in the same way that the game has been designed to perform just as well on ageing hardware like the Switch as on the latest consoles.

FIRST LOOK OUR MINDS ARE BLOWN

WHERE WINDS MEET

PC In recent years, studios from China have been flexing their capacity to hit the big leagues as trailers crop up showcasing breathtaking photorealistic graphics that also mine the country’s rich history and folklore. Where Winds Meet is the latest example, and one that’s galvanised even more attention – not just as it’s backed by major Chinese publisher NetEase, but also because it had its stunning premiere at Gamescom Opening Night Live.

Set in 10th-century China during the end of the Ten Kingdoms era and the start of the Northern Song dynasty, this is an open-world action role-playing game where you play as a swordsman in a time of turbulence. With the epic beauty of Ghost of Tsushima and the historical sweep of Assassin’s Creed, it looks simply gorgeous.

It also promises incredible gameplay depth, including sandbox exploration and interaction that makes us think of Breath of the Wild. And besides demonstrating your acrobatic and combat prowess as a Wuxia warrior, you can use your experience to become a doctor to heal others (and yourself) or get rich as a merchant. We may not have to salivate about the possibilities for too long, as a PC beta is apparently planned for later this year.

BEST OF MORE PROMISES FROM THE EAST

LIKE A DRAGON: ISHIN!

PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, PC Sega’s Yakuza series drops its Western name and returns to its roots as Like A Dragon – and the new era begins with this remake of a period drama spin-off originally made for PS3. Get immersed in making history in late 19th-century Japan when Ishin arrives in February. ONE PIECE ODYSSEY

PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, PC The bestselling manga and anime finally gets its own RPG on 13 January, as you journey with Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates (all playable as a party) who find themselves stranded on a mysterious island in a story written by franchise creator Eiichiro Oda. THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TEARS OF THE KINGDOM

Switch This year may be the first in close to a decade where Nintendo hasn’t released a Zelda game in some form, but we at least finally have an official title for the ambitious sequel to Breath of the Wild, as well as a release date of 13 May. Clear your calendar.

INCOMING

NOVEMBER ● GOD OF WAR RAGNAROK ● POKEMON SCARLET & VIOLET ● HARVESTELLA ● PENTIMENT DECEMBER ● MARVEL’S MIDNIGHT SUNS ● THE CALLISTO PROTOCOL ● HIGH ON LIFE ● CRISIS CORE REUNION