As far as big rumors within the gaming Siri’s concerned there have been rumors floating around about Konami doing something big with the Metal Gear Solid series. Recently, there has been a claim from a YouTube gaming channel called RedGamingTech that Konami plans on remaking the original Metal Gear Solid from ‘98. As many people know the original Metal Gear Solid title that appeared on the PS1 during the late 90’s was considered to be one of the greatest games of the 32-bit era. Also, the Metal Gear Solid game from ‘98 was considered to be one best installment within the entire series and earned over $51 million shortly after its release. Metal Gear Solid is considered to be legendary as a action-adventure stealth game and received universal praise following its release. There were minor issues that people had with the game includes me rate issues along with a somewhat complicated storyline.
However, if the rumors of a remake for the ‘98 Metal Gear Solid game are true this is Konami’s chance to fix the issues that existed in the original version of the game. Also, as far as Metal Gear Solid receiving an in-depth remake is concerned opposed to simply being remastered it will be interesting to see what Konami plans on doing in terms of gameplay. According to RedGamingTech the Metal Gear Solid remake is supposed appear on the PS5 along with PC quite possibly next year. The same source also claimed that Konami plans on remastering Metal Gear Solid 2,3 and 4 in high definition with the release dates of those games being unknown as well. Hopefully, Konami reveals more information about the claims made by RedGamingTech if they are indeed true. The idea of seeing classic Metal Gear Solid games on PS5 is one that would appeal to long time fans of the series. A series of old Metal Gear Solid games would also be one of the many big attractions for the PS5 if they were re-released sometime between 2021-2022.
As many people know Super Mario Odyssey was released for the Nintendo Switch back in October 2017. Since then Super Mario Odyssey has ended up becoming one of the most successful video games on the Nintendo Switch. Since its release Super Mario Odyssey has reached over 18 million copies in sales and has become the sixth best selling video game on the Nintendo Switch. In fact, Super Mario Odyssey right now is the 10th best selling Mario game of all-time which is very impressive since the series has been around for about 35 years now. Seeing how successful Super Mario Odyssey has been since its initial release along with the strong critical reception the game has received; many people are anxious to know whether or not Nintendo plans on producing a direct sequel for Super Mario Odyssey. The gameplay involving Cappy while collecting Power Moons in various kingdoms and transversing throughout various levels both 2D & 3D made Super Mario Odyssey an memorable experience. The plot for Super Mario Odyssey included the same formula that you would normally see in Mario games with Bowser kidnapping Princess Peach but with new settings and a slight twist at the end of the game.
Super Mario Odyssey has managed to surpass the likes of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario 64 in terms of sales since its release. It would be surprising if Nintendo did not have any plans to make a direct sequel to Super Mario Odyssey with similar gameplay along with a different that follows the events of this game. As it currently stands Super Mario Odyssey has been around for a few years now and is still a huge attraction in retail for the Nintendo Switch. Its hard to predict whether or not Nintendo will make a direct sequel for Super Mario Odyssey but there are many people who hope that it becomes a reality.
We finally learned more information regarding the PS5 in relation to its upcoming release in Q4 2020. It has recently been revealed that the PS5 will be released on November 12th in the countries of Japan, America, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. The Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc drive version of the PS5 will also appear everywhere else around the world on November 19th with the release price being $499.99. For those who want purchase the Digital Edition of the PS5 they will be able to do so for $399.99. The pre-orders for the PS5 start on September 17th and can be done through local retailers or the PlayStation website. The inclusion of features such as Blu-ray tracing, haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and lightning fast loading speed seems very appealing to those who are looking forward to the next generation of gaming. There are upcoming titles for the PS5 that the world is looking forward to seeing including GodFall, Spider-Man Miles Morales along with Final Fantasy XVI.
The world recently got to see a reveal trailer Final Fantasy XVI and it was confirmed to appear on PS5 & PC. The official release date for Final Fantasy XVI has yet to be revealed but many people are speculating that it will come out sometime in 2021. While Final Fantasy XV from 2016 was a huge success reaching at least 8.9 million in worldwide sales; many question how good FFXVI will be since director and producer for FFXV are not working on this upcoming installment. In fact, Naoki Yoshida who worked on FFXIV will be the producer for FFXVI along with Hiroshi Takai being the director. The details involving Final Fantasy XVI such as the plot and gameplay are vague as of right now. However, Square Enix is supposed to reveal more information about FFXVI sometime next year; hopefully explaining the plot in depth along with what to expect terms of gameplay.
If you have been a long time fan of Nintendo in general you will be happy to know that the company has decided to bring some older Mario titles to the Switch console. The news regarding Nintendo’s plans to bring older Mario titles to the Switch was recently announced in their Mario themed direct presentation; while celebrating the 35th anniversary of the iconic plumber and the series itself. It has been revealed that several Super Mario games will be coming to the Nintendo Switch on September 18th. The confirmed video games that have been mentioned includes Super Mario 64 (1996), Super Mario Sunshine (2001), Super Mario and Galaxy (2007). It has been reported that a limited production of Super Mario 3D All-Stars will be available between September 2020 up until March 2021. Some of these games are ones that people have waited to see on the Switch console since 2017.
Its pretty understandable why we are getting a limited production of Super Mario 3D All-Stars for the Nintendo Switch especially since nobody ever thought that this would actually happen. Also, producing a limited quantity of Super Mario 3D All-Stars means that more consumers are going to by them with sales possibly spiking during the holiday season in 2020. Its also been promised by Nintendo that Super Mario 3D World will feature extra content in addition to modifications to its gameplay; which will be available in February 12th next year. In the meantime for those who are fans of the older Super Mario Bros games from the 80’s & 90’s they will be able to enjoy the titles from the original Super Mario Bros: All Stars game from ‘93. Titles such as Super Mario Bros I-III along with Lost Levels are now available on Nintendo Switch Online. Super Mario 3D All-Stars sounds like something that will end up becoming one of the biggest attractions that Nintendo will having going for them from Q4 2020 until Q1 2021. What better way to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Super Mario Bros series than to release another All-Stars bundle 27 years later.
As far as big announcements are concerned in relation to upcoming games the world has recently discovered that a new Batman game is set to be released next year. Gotham Knights has been confirmed for a release in ‘21 and it will be developed by WB Games Montreal the same entity that worked on the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham Origins game from 2013. It has been revealed that Batman: Gotham Knights will be released for various game systems including PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Microsoft Windows in a date that has yet to be revealed. A worldwide trailer for Gotham Knights was released on August 22nd and featured superheroes such as Batgirl, Nightwing, Robin and Red Wing. The overall tone of the reveal trailer for Gotham Knights feels dark and the premise to the game’s story is that billionaire Bruce Wayne aka Batman has died due to a “fatal accident”.
After Bruce’s cohorts receive his pre-recorded message following his death Gotham City becomes infested with criminal activity. Based on what was seen in the trailer itself it seems like the Court of Owls and possibly Mr. Freeze will be the main antagonists for Gotham Knights. While the genre Gotham Knights has yet to be confirmed we do know that RPG-like elements will be included within the game. Many are speculating that Gotham Knights will be an action-adventure video game similar to the Batman trilogy from ‘09-‘15. There are many people who are excited Gotham Knights especially since the trailer has a similar vibe to the Marvel Avengers game the recently came out. Hopefully, we will get an official release date for Gotham Knights within the next few months or so before the start of 2021. Gotham Knights looks like its going to be a very promising game that has the potential to exceed the expectations of the masses.
As many people know Apple and Epic Games are apparently feuding right now; which is something that has the entire gaming world buzzing. It has been said that the issues between the two gaming entities stems from Fortnite breaking Apple’s rules by finding away to get around their application purchase system while sneaking in a direct payment method. Apple retaliated against Epic Games by demanding the removal of applications related to Fortnite for iOS and Mac. It should also be noted that recently Epic Games has filed a restraining order against Apple to prevent the company from removing the Fortnite app. Seeing how Fortnite is one of the most popular video games of the 10’s decade many people are questioning whether or not Apple’s actions is good business. Since its inception back in 2017 Fortnite had managed to become one of the most popular video games of the 10’s decade.
Not having Fortnite on iOS and Mac could definitely be detrimental to Apple financially; especially considering how Google Stadia apparently does not run on iPhone products. In fact, there has been rumors that Microsoft’s xCloud app will not run in Mac or iOS and will only be available for Android users. This feud that Apple currently has with Epic Games might not do anything more but alienate gamers from purchasing their products in the future. But at the same time if Epic Games violates some type of agreement that it had with Apple then its understandable why the company wants the Fortnite app removed from iOS and Mac products. While Apple’s product lines generally earn millions of dollars for the company on a annual basis; some are questioning whether or not the the absence of Fortnite will have a significant effect Apple on a business level. While its obvious that Apple’s technology is utilized for way more than just gaming; the idea of the company being dramatically affected by the issues concerning Epic Games and not having their applications on their devices is ludicrous.
One of the few topics that has been getting a lot of attention within the gaming world as of late concerns Microsoft’s new xCloud streaming service. We already know Microsoft’s upcoming streaming service will give Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers access to at least 100 different games once the full version of xCloud is released on September 15th of 2020. As of right now Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers have access to the beta version of Microsoft’s xCloud with limited access to 30 games opposed to 100. While Microsoft’s new streaming service sounds appealing to many gamers its one that does not promise 4K streaming similar to its competitor in Google Stadia. Also, there has been speculation that xCloud will appear only for Android devices opposed to anything in the iPhone & iPad family similar to that of Google Stadia. However, it should be noted that Microsoft is expected to have more games that xCloud users can stream versus the Google Stadia.
There have been a variety of Xbox titles that have been confirmed to appear on xCloud including Batman: Arkham Knight, Borderlands 2, Darksiders III, Destiny 2, Devil May Cry 5, Forza Horizon 4, Halo 5: Guardians, Killer Instinct and many more. Right now, its tough to tell how successful Microsoft’s xCloud will become following its upcoming launch in September 2020. But if xCloud is supposed give people a portable Xbox gaming experience with a monthly subscription cost of $14.99 than it could definitely prove as somewhat of a threat to Nintendo’s Switch console despite its level of success since 2017. The downside to Microsoft’s xCloud subscription is that its more expensive than Google’s streaming service with the Stadia which is only priced at 9.99 per month. The idea of having 4K streaming quality for only $9.99 a month sounds far more appealing than what Microsoft is offering with xCloud. But then again if the Xbox Series X manages to fall below Microsoft’s desired expectations within its first year or two they will always have the xCloud to fall back on. While there has been no promise of 4K resolution on Microsoft’s xCloud in the future that could always change sometime later down the line.
The Super Mario Bros series has been around since the mid 80’s during the NES days of gaming. When it comes down to popularity the very first Super Mario Bros game is quite possibly one greatest video games of all-time not only because it helped shape the platform genre of gaming but it was also very successful as well. The original Super Mario Bros game has reportedly sold over 40 million worldwide since its original release and the series itself had only grew in popularity as time passed. While Super Mario Bros 2 was a pretty fun game that allowed players to choose multiple characters including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad it was not as successful as its prequel. Despite, the improvements in gameplay featured in Super Mario Bros 2 it sold less than both its predecessor and successor and was often seen as the black sheep of the trilogy. While the original Super Mario Bros 2 game reach over 7.4 million in sales since ‘88; Super Mario Bros 3 managed to reach over 13 million in sales and was almost every bit as popular as the very first installment within the series. Super Mario World from 1990 which appeared on the SNES was arguably the best game within its series during the 90’s in general.
Super Mario World had a beautiful overworld along nice looking 2D sprites, stages and animation with the inclusion of Yoshi. Players could spend days, weeks or even months trying to complete Super Mario World since the game itself had multiple overworld maps and became more challenging towards the end of the game. Super Mario World ended up reaching over 20 million in sales since appearing on the 16-bit SNES console and is considered to be of the greatest installments within the entire series. We then got Super Mario All-Stars for the SNES which was a 16-bit remastered collection of the first three NES Mario games from the 80’s; with the addition of Mario Lost Levels. Super Mario All-Stars was a huge success sales wise and sold over 10 million copies worldwide since ‘93. We also got to see other 2D classics on the SNES & Game Boy throughout the 90’s such as Super Mario Land 1 & 2, Yoshi’s Island and Super Mario RPG which were all critically acclaimed classics that sold millions worldwide as well. The Super Mario Kart game from ‘92 was a nostalgic classic where players were introduced to iconic stages such as: Koopa Beach, Choco Valley and Rainbow Road. By the mid 90’s the world got to see Super Mario 64 & Mario Kart 64 two games that are legendary among the gaming community. While Super Mario 64 managed to sell roughly under 12 million copies for the N64 Mario Kart 64 arguably had the best soundtracks that one would ever hear in a racing game.
While the Mario games from the 90’s were more iconic there was no doubt that in terms of quality the titles we have seen from the 00’s onwards were far more superior games in comparison. In fact, the 00’s was the decade where we got to see the releases of titles such as Mario Kart DS, New Super Mario Bros, New Super Mario Bros Wii, Mario Kart Wii along with Super Mario Galaxy. The New Super Mario Bros series was like a breath of fresh air to many people during the mid to late 00’s because the 2D gameplay was reminiscent to the older installments within the series from the mid 80’s-early 90’s. However, the New Super Mario Bros games provided players with 2D gameplay with 3D visuals in a addition to simultaneous multiplayer mode which not he done on the NES/SNES during the 80’s or 90’s. The New Super Mario Bros game from ‘06 along with its Wii sequel from ‘09 sold over 30 million copies individually and are among the best selling titles within the entire series. We also got to see the release of Mario Kart Wii in ‘08 which became the second best selling Mario game of all-time reaching over 37 million in sales. While Mario Kart Wii might not be the most memorable installment within the Mario racing series it was highly successful due to popularity of Nintendo’s Wii console from late 2006. Prior to the release Mario Kart Wii Nintendo released Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii console in November 2007; Super Mario Galaxy was a critically acclaimed 3D platformer with a fantastic soundtrack and a and a solid plot where the setting takes place in multiple galaxies opposed to Mushroom Kingdom. Super Mario Galaxy had reached roughly under 12 million copies in sales since its Wii release back in late ‘07 is considered to be one the best 3D platformers within the series along with Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Odyssey.
We then look at the 10’s decade and Nintendo gave us some outstanding games such as: Super Mario 3D World, Mario Kart 7, Mario Kart 8: Deluxe, Super Mario Maker along with Super Mario Odyssey. Despite, being exclusively on the Nintendo DS Mario Kart 7 reached over 11 million units in sales following its release in 2011. It was also in ‘11 where Super Mario 3D Land was released for the Nintendo 3DS and managed to reach roughly under 13 million in sales. Super Mario 3D Land in some ways felt like a prelude to Super Mario 3D World which included multiplayer gameplay where players could select Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad. Super Mario 3D World was the type of platform multiplayer game that Nintendo fans wanted to see in the Super Mario series since 90’s. Despite, being an incredible 3D platformer Super Mario 3D World had only reached over 5.8 million in sales which overall is pretty good. However, the Wii-U console was considered to be a flop sales wise in comparison to its competitors along with previous consoles that Nintendo had released with the exception of GameCube. Super Mario Odyssey from ‘17 was without a doubt the best Mario platform game that we got from Nintendo during the 10’s decade. Super Mario Odyssey felt like the 10’s version of Super Mario 64 and included cinematic cutscenes and soundtracks that made the game feel somewhat like a kids movie. Super Mario Odyssey not only received praise from various gaming publications but it also managed to reach over 18 million units in sales since its release in late 2017.
While the 80’s & 90’s may have been the period where Nintendo released its most iconic Mario games the overall quality of the titles that came out during the 00’s-10’s decade was without a doubt more superior. In fact, many would probably agree that the Mario series has aged like fine wine since the 80’s. It seemed like Nintendo has released more successful Mario games within the past two decades than they did in the 80’s & 90’s. Despite, Nintendo producing more successful Mario games during the 00’s & 10’s decade the very first game from ‘85 is still the most popular game within the entire series after being around for 35 years. While everyone has their own respective opinions on which decade was the best for in relation to the Mario series; everyone can agree that Nintendo has done an incredible job on the series fresh for over three decades which is an incredible milestone within the gaming world.
As many people know Donkey Kong is one of the most iconic names within the gaming world. Ever since the very first Donkey Kong arcade game from ‘81 Nintendo has produced numerous titles within the series that were considered to be classics as it pertained to the platform genre of gaming. However, many people would argue that some of the most successful and high profile games within the entire series came due the 90’s within the SNES/N64 era of gaming. As far as 16-bit platformers are concerned games such as the Donkey Kong: Country trilogy from ‘94-‘96 were considered some of the best titles that Nintendo had produced for SNES. In fact, the Donkey Kong trilogy had reached roughly under million copies worldwide in terms of sales; while each game could give the likes of Super Mario World or any of the three Sonic the Hedgehog games for the Sega Genesis a run for their money. Also, we got to see Donkey Kong 64 for the Nintendo 64 a game that was also successful since it reached over 5.2 million copies in sales since its release in 1999. The success of Donkey Kong 64 was followed after the release of Diddy Kong Racing from ‘97; not only was it the first racing game within the DK set but it too also ended up becoming one of the best selling games for the N64 overall.
Diddy Kong racing reached roughly under five million in sales before the N64 was ultimately discontinued in retail back in 2001. It should also be noted that the Donkey Kong title from ‘94 for Game Boy reaches over three million in sales and is a memorable classic that retro gamers enjoyed as well. If anything the DK series may have reached its peat in popularity during 90’s mainly because the platform genre of gaming declined following that decade. While games like Donkey Kong Country Returns & Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze were attractions on the Wii/Wii-U console during the 10’s decade the series itself was not nearly as popular as it was during the 80’s & 90’s. While everyone has their own respective opinion on which DK games were among the very best many would definitely argue that the most memorable titles within the series came out during 90’s.
One of the few upcoming games that people are talking about right is a title scheduled to appear on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch sometime this year entitled Hotshot Racing. For those who do not know Hotshot Racing is a upcoming arcade styled racing title developed by Lucky Mountain Games & Sumo Digital Ltd with Curve Digital as the publisher. While the official release date for Hotshot Racing has yet to be revealed a full version of the game is expected to appear on Steam before the ended of Summer 2020. Based on what we know Hotshot Racing has a look that somewhat resemblesold 3D racing games from the arcade era of gaming such as Virtua Racing and Sega Rally. There are several screenshots of Hotshot Racing online giving retro gamers a sense of nostalgia as base 3D polygons are utilized in the level designs along with the vehicles themselves.
Based on what we know Hotshot Racing is a single player game that will feature Online PvP, and Online Co-op gameplay. It should also be noted that additional gameplay features such as: Shared/Split Screen PvP & Co-op gameplay will be featured in Hotshot Racing as well. Despite, not being on the same level as Forza Motorsport or any of the games from the Gran Turismo series Hotshot Racing can still be a big attraction in retail within 2020-2021. This upcoming racing game is one that looks very exciting especially since the genre in general could use more arcade styled racers. Hotshot Racing is one of the few retro-like titles within it genre that the world is looking forward to seeing this year; aside from Inertial Drift which is set to be released on August 7th for multiple game systems. Hopefully, we will learn more information about the official release date for Hotshot Racing as it pertains to the PS4, Xbox One and the Nintendo Switch.
