Pitching the PlayStation 5 - 10 exclusive launch games that will help Sony win the next generation
This is a year where we will get next generation consoles… Feels exciting, doesn't it!
It's the year when you can finally give your setup a healthy update. For some with PS4 pros or Xbox One X's, these improvements may seem small. But to someone like me, who has managed to keep his 2014 launch PS4 running, the change is going to be eye-wateringly significant.
Both Sony and Microsoft are preparing for what I'm confident will be one of the best console launch windows in history. They've both already made their mistakes in previous generations and learnt from them. You will see no more than 2 minutes on the media/entertainment features, while they know the best way to get everyone hyped is to just announce a tonne of exclusive games.
Exclusives are the key to winning any generation, so what should Sony announce? What should come to the PS5 in the first 6 months that will secure them the victory?
I've had a crack at pitching a launch lineup of 10 games. Some of these are really pie in the sky (polyphony digital have never been known to be punctual), but let me dream!
1. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Imagine the scene. The PlayStation 5 launch event opens with an orchestra (please, Sony. You’ve got to do this again), performing a piece that feels very heroic. Epic in its crescendos, as the violin melody soars and we see that telltale “Sony Interactive Entertainment presents” screen that tells the viewer to sit back.
Something big is about to happen. Then we see it - a next generation New York city and the web slinger in all his 8K glory. Insomniac are now part of the PlayStation family of exclusive developers, and it will be great to see them take to the stage with a big sequel for the launch window of the PS5.
2. A new Crash Bandicoot
Vicarious Visions were toying with the idea of a full-blown sequel to this platformer, after the success of the N. Sane Trilogy remaster.
As many interviews pointed to them not saying “no” explicitly, but giving it the classic “wait and see” response, it would be massive to get a next gen Crash Bandicoot sequel that stays true to the gameplay of the original.
3. Horizon 2
When Guerilla Games decoded to take a bold step outside of the comforts of their Killzone IP, they dropped probably one of the best, most creatively energised games of this generation. An Zelda-style RPG with the interesting quirk of fighting ruddy robot dinosaurs.
It was mental and I absolutely loved it - plus, given the sales stats, it’s clear that they had to go back to the well. What it “going back to the well” meant bringing it back as a launch title for Sony’s new powerhouse of a console? The Decima engine would truly sing on that beast!
4. A new Dino Crisis
This one is interesting… Way back in December, it was reported that Capcom had just filed a new trademark for the name and I get that they’re currently a bit busy with the Resident Evil 3 remake. But bear with me, what if this was a timed exclusive on the PS5?
Have the start of the trailer be a little mysterious like the Resi-evil 2 one was - from the first person perspective of a raptor walking through a corridor until it strikes. First question will always be “...Jurassic Park?” Then you drop the whole “oh snap, it’s Regina from Dino Crisis” reveal on screen!
5. A new SOCOM
OK, bare with me on this one. I’ve been burnt hard for not including SOCOM on previous game lists (one about PS2 classics that deserve a remake), and I stand by that decision. It doesn’t deserve a remake, it deserves a renewal of vision for a new generation of gamers.
A single-player SOCOM with AI team members will not work this time round. However, a team-based online free-roaming game certainly will. Think Ghost Recon without the grinding. Just massive maps that enable you to plan missions your own way. So what? Same as a lot of sandbox shooters, what will make this special? Three words. Free. To. Play. Drop the price tag, as it’s been clear that the exclusive studios have been hunting for that Fortnite level of addiction. Having something free to play from the first day on PS5 would certainly be nice to have.
6. A new Ridge Racer
This one is more of a throwback to the PS2 launch for me, and something to really show the racing pedigree on PlayStation. Ridge Racer V was a mind-blowing step up in graphical prowess from my PS1, and they’re able to pull it off with simple, linear tracks that they can really focus on making beautiful.
Imagine what they can do with all the teraflops in this monster. A simple arcade racer-come-eye porn to show off your latest piece of hardware.
7. God of War 2
God of War got the beautiful orchestral treatment for its rebirth on the PS4, and after the thoroughly critical and sales success of Kratos’ latest adventure, it only makes sense to make a sequel.
Will it happen at launch? Probably not, but if it did, that would be another incredible badge on the PS5’s Cub Scout jumper. In reality, expect some sort of really brief teaser with an early 2022 release window penned.
8. Grand Theft Auto 6
Like I said, some of these are pipedreams. I’ve got a feeling that GTA6 is probably nowhere near release at the end of 2020. But to have Rockstar’s next big game on your stage along with some PlayStation-exclusive DLC/early access to the online multiplayer. That would be a massive acquisition for Sony!
9. Half-Life: Alyx on next gen PSVR
I get it. At the moment, Half-Life: Alyx is being used to forward Valve’s own VR ambitions on Steam. But console deals for their own IP have happened before, and I think it would be a great get for Sony to really turbo boost their own consumer interest in Virtual Reality.
10. Gran Turismo 7
Yes, Gran Turismo Sport is doing really bloody well for Polyphony Digital, and that could just be a simple free download. I’m talking about an honest-to-God single player GT experience.
It has all the graphical show off-iness of the aforementioned Ridge Race, to make you really happy about your PS5 purchase. But beyond that, it would give you something really chunky to sink your teeth into on release.
