Video games have always been one of the best ways to go on an adventure.
With the press of a button, you can go on unimaginable quests, meet with eclectic casts of heroes and villains, enjoy spellbinding visuals and enchanting music, and more — all from the comfort of your home.
With Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey finally setting sail across the cinematic world, there are a plethora of games on hand that can help keep that sense of wonder going long after those credits roll.
Below you'll find a mix of recent releases from this year, tailor-made to keep you on the edge of your seat. Some can span hundreds of hours and easily consume the summer ahead. Happy gaming!
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced
Fancy setting sail on your own personal odyssey this summer? If the answer is yes, then the timing of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced could not be better. This is a hotly anticipated remake of the 2013 hit game that turns a classic pirate fantasy into a modern must-play worthy of the Gods.
You play as Edward Kenway, a privateer stationed in the West Indies during the Golden Age of Piracy. Seduced by the promise of gold and riches, he becomes a pirate and unwittingly involves himself in the ancient, bloodied battle between the Assassin and Templar orders.
For purists of the original, the plot is largely unchanged. This is still the same sea saga you once loved, except now with additional cut-scenes and missions that fit seamlessly into the narrative. And while some of the original’s slower-paced segments have been cleaned up, the overall pacing of the game improves dramatically.
While the 2013 game is still striking, and many might question the thoughts behind remaking a game that still plays great, Black Flag Resynced is an undeniably beautiful game to play. Brand-new textures galore that you can’t help but gawk at while you parkour through. And the franchise’s now-signature weather system makes an appearance, adding spellbinding drama to any and all scenes, particularly when sailing on the open seas.
Like many entries from the franchise, combat is this game’s signature weapon. And no matter what kind of drama you’re gripped by, sometimes you just want to be a ruthless assassin. Black Flag delivers some neat changes to combat, forcing players to be more strategic in how they dispatch foes, chain combos, and parry attacks. Whether you go the stealthier approach and murder from the shadows, or go in all knives blazing, whether you’re a newcomer or seasoned assassin, the combat feels like some of the best in the franchise.
What’s a remake without some tidying up? Thankfully, Resynced promises sleeker menus that make it much easier to cycle through Edward’s repertoire of tools and abilities. A cleaner world map also entices players to explore the far reaches of the game without ever really overwhelming them (as some recent Assassin’s Creed games are guilty of!). And some of the original’s somewhat frustrating quests are rejigged, offering alternative ways to progress that will suit any kind of playstyle.
You don’t have to have played the original nor the previous entries to enjoy what Black Flag is selling. And there’s enough polish and pizazz on offer to make this return visit to these shores worthwhile. All you need is a spare 35 hours to complete the main campaign and, of course, a sailor’s sense of adventure.
And when you do finish Edward’s campaign, 2018's Assassin’s Creed Odyssey should be your next port of call – for obvious reasons!
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is available to play on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC
Denshattack!
Denshattack! is an action-adventure game that is so unique, so bizarre, and so utterly fun that you need to play it to believe it even exists. Where else could you play as a train, pull off Tony Hawk-inspired tricks to build your legendary status, all while taking down a shady megacorp in the process?
The game is set in a futuristic Japan, where the effects of climate change have forced humanity to live in domed cities connected by rail systems. You play as ramen-delivery driver Emi, who soon finds herself aboard a bonkers adventure, facing off against rival misfits to become a legendary Denshattacker.
The game is brimming with personality and punk attitude, complete with a gorgeous anime-like art style that complements the zany world to no end. Trust that every single environment you find yourself in is a treasure trove of eye candy. Whether you're shuttling through bustling towns, tranquil forests, or a raging volcano, every second of your screen will be ignited by colour.
Combine pristine presentation with great controls, and you’ll find endless joy piloting trains through all manner of cookie levels. With a 10-hour-long campaign and a gradual learning curve, the game promises huge replay potential for passive players and perfectionists alike.
Denshattack! is available to play on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC
Crimson Desert
Released in March of this year, Crimson Desert is an open-world action-adventure game that promises over 60 hours of main storyline, but hundreds more for the coveted 100% completion. As such, it's the perfect pickup for a summer holiday binge and a game you can well and truly get lost in.
The game is set in the fictional land of Pywel, a sprawling land of immense beauty and endless exploration. You play as Kliff, a battle-hardened man determined to rebuild his clan from a faction war. And already, the game feels like the perfect home for fans of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.
But of course, there’s a much larger, mystical destiny Kliff must fulfil in a game that draws upon several genres and inspirations, including the Red Dead Redemption 2, The Witcher, and Skyrim textbooks. Some argue that the game is a jack of all trades and master of none. But if you’re a fan of even one of those examples, then Crimson Desert promises enough in its meaty campaign to totally consume your entire summer, and beyond!
Crimson Desert is available to play on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC
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