The world of gaming moves quickly, and as soon as a blockbuster game has been released gamers are looking ahead to the next big release.
Each quarter sees new games being hyped, and with the next generation of machines currently in people’s homes, the lifespan of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One is slowly dwindling away. Developers may try to produce games across the generation gap, but when they do we end up with a horrible buggy mess like Cyberpunk 2077. Of course, if you are gaming on a PC, then the difference between the last generation and next-generation is irrelevant. Such is the world of gaming, some are able to enjoy the latest titles, and others not.
Not everybody can get their hands on a new console, with supply issues dogging the release of both the PlayStation 5 and the new Xbox machines too. There is a lot of hardened gamers out there current sitting on the old hardware, waiting for their chance to grab the new kit. It may be down to supply; it may be down to personal funds and in that instance, a new laptop might be a good choice to get the latest games up and running at home. A new laptop need not be an expensive choice either, large online retailers such as Amazon or Very will often run sales and product discounts, allowing the savvy buyer to pick up electronic goods cheap, which includes new laptops. If you cannot wait for PlayStation stock, or would like to migrate over to laptop gaming, this could be an affordable route.
If you are set on waiting for a new console and need a cost-effective alternative to the latest blockbuster release, then looking through the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One back catalogue could be a wise choice – even a PC gamer may well find some joy in discovering a title that has been around for a while. There is an attraction to finding an old title that you missed, not least in financial terms, but discovering a great game which may cost you the same as a burger and fries is both satisfying and helpful on your budget.
That is why we are helping you out with four games you should be able to grab for $10 or less that are well worth another playthrough, some up to five years after release.
Just Cause 3
The Just Cause series has moved on since the third installment – number four was recently part of the PS Plus December offering. Whilst there may have been a sequel, connoisseurs of the series will tell you to pick up the third game instead. Just Cause 4 was messy, hard to follow and confusing, but its predecessor was not. It might look a little dated now, but the immediate playability and exciting mechanics mean this game is fun to play. What is more important, great graphics or a game that is genuine fun?
Days Gone
Days Gone might be the most expensive on our list, but it should still come in around $10 if you find the right sale. It is a zombie biker tale following gang member Deacon St. John as he fights for survival with his best friend, Boozer. The game combines a good story with some exciting visuals, even if it is approaching two years old. The huge ‘hoard’ battles, where hundreds of zombies must be killed in inventive ways, are super fun and well worth giving the game a second go.
Marvel’s Spider-Man
This year’s big cross-generation release was Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales, a critically acclaimed release. The first game was just as well received and if you did not pick it up the first time, you should now. Even if the Marvel Universe is not an immediate passion, this games stands alone in its own right. The story is strong, the side quests varied, and the gadgets and combat allow for different approaches to situations. It won Wired’s Game of the Year in 2018, placing second with Time, and despite now being three years old, it is still a must-play title.
Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag
We are going way back here, to the launch of the PlayStation 4. The Assassin’s Creed series has moved on, we have had the new trilogy as well as Unity and Syndicate, all of which came after Black Flag. That means you can likely grab this game for the price of a coke and if you did not play it the first time around, it is well worth revisiting. Edward Kenway is a great protagonist, his story is endearing but not overly intrusive and the Caribbean setting still looks good, even seven years after release. The Assassin’s Creed series has evolved since Black Flag, which makes revisiting the game nostalgic without looking significantly dated.
