Gaming is an increasingly popular way to entertain us while at home, immersing ourselves within a game is a great way to blow off steam and escape reality for a little while.
From playing puzzle games on smartphone apps or online casino games on computers, to action and adventure games on Xboxs and other consoles, there are many different types of games and devices to enjoy. Since the release of its first console around two decades ago, Xbox has developed a huge library of games that can be bought as hardcopies on downloaded from the Xbox Live Marketplace.
We have now reached the release of the fourth generation of this console, with two new models, the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S to choose from. If you were lucky enough to order in time, you might already have one of these new additions to hand.
The Series X is a powerful upgrade, featuring 8K resolution and the ability to render graphics at 120 frames per second. The Series S is the lower end version that comes with a lower price tag and has less advanced graphics processing abilities. The S is a digital only unit, the first Xbox to be released without a built in disk drive. For this device, all games will need to be downloaded from the Xbox store. Both support real time ray tracing and work with the new Xbox Velocity Architecture to maximise system capabilities.
The consoles’ audio features have also been improved and includes new 3D spatial audio technology. Using special algorithms, the console is able to use sound to create an immersive and life like experience.
Thankfully, both devices support the games you already have for the Xbox One, meaning that you can continue to enjoy your favourite games but on a new and improved console.
From hair-raising horror games to nostalgic cartoon-inspired classics, let’s take a look at some of the best Xbox game releases that 2020 has had to offer so far:
Doom Eternal
Released in March this year, Doom Eternal is the latest game in this first-person shooter series. This campaign features a whole host of new elements and has been widely praised for its combat mechanics, with combat being fast paced and graphically impressive.
There is more storytelling in this release, perhaps a little too much. However, cut scenes don’t interrupt the flow of gameplay and all the usual gore and bloody battle that Doom fans love is included. The soundtrack is of course metal and adds to the thrilling, adrenaline fuelled experience.
In October, a standalone campaign, The Ancient Gods: Part One, was released and takes place after the Icon of Sin has been defeated.
For those looking for a challenging, demon themed game with high level design, then Doom Eternal is not one to be missed.
Resident Evil 3
A remake of the 1999 original, Resident Evil 3 is one of the top horror game releases of the year. Released at the beginning of April this year, it has been praised for its storeline, graphics and seamless gameplay but criticised for its length.
Jill Valentine finds herself to be one of the only survivors in a zombie apocalypse in Raccoon City and must escape bioweapon monster Nemesis who is attempting to kill her and her team in order to cover up Umbrella Corp’s deadly secrets.
The script in this release is spot-on, with Jill as a character being sarcastic and entertaining. It is an action-oriented game with plenty of fight scenes and puzzles to solve. It does in parts feel a little rushed but overall it is a well-made, engaging game.
F1 2020
F1 2020 is the thirteenth racing game in the Formula One series. This release is different from previous versions as it allows players to put together their own F1 team, including driver, engine supplier, teammate and a sponsor. There are also a number of ways you can customise your ten year racing career in the game’s career mode.
There are 22 circuits to race on, including new additions Circuit Zandvoort and Hanoi Circuit. There is a special Michael Schumacher edition that includes a series of exclusive cars, such as the Ferrari F1-2000 and Jordan 191. The option to use the rear view mirror has also been added into the game.
There is split screen racing and the option of steering assist for less experienced players, this makes it the perfect multiplayer game to enjoy with a friend.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated
Cult classic, SpongeBob SquarePants has been remastered and incorporated into a fun, light-hearted game that all fans of the game, young and old, will enjoy. This is the first major SpongeBob game release since SpongeBob HeroPants came out for the Xbox 360 back in 2015.
Players are given the opportunity to play as either SpongeBob or his loyal friends Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks, each of which has their own special skills for them to master. The player must prevent mastermind Plankton from following through on his evil plan that would see his army of robots take over the entire Bikini Bottom.
Characters are faced with dangerous hazards including fire and spikes that they must overcome as they collect Shiny Objects that will help them to defeat the evil robot army.
Battle for Bikini Bottom is an exciting quest that is filled with fun twists and turns, it will certainly have fans of the TV show feeling nostalgic.