Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls series is undoubtedly one of the most popular and influential RPG franchises in gaming history. With the recent acquisition by Microsoft, the studio is taking the necessary steps to ensure that their next entry, The Elder Scrolls 6, delivers on its high-quality promises of a true next-gen title. While Bethesda's current Creation Engine (based on the previous Gamebryo Engine) has been a hot topic as it was first adopted to make The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, with the company also using it for development on Fallout 4 and Fallout 76. Now, Bethesda has assured that the engine will once again receive a massive overhaul leading into its next few games. READ MORE: Review: Super Mario 3D All-Stars In a recent statement by Bethesda's Todd Howard, the game director stated, "With each new console cycle, we evolved together. From bringing mods to consoles with Fallout 4, now over a billion downloads, to the latest technologies fueling Xbox Series X/S." Seemingly learning from their past errors, the studio is now taking the extra steps to overhaul the engine once again. "These new systems are optimized for the vast worlds we love to create, with generational leaps not just in graphics, but CPU and data streaming as well. It's led to our largest engine overhaul since Oblivion, with all new technologies powering our first new IP in 25 years, Starfield, as well as The Elder Scrolls 6," Howard added. It seems like both Starfield and The Elder Scrolls 6 will receive the biggest overhauls of the engine to date, which hopefully means they will be able to also smoothen out the creases. As critically acclaimed as both Skyrim and Fallout 4 were, the Creation Engine was also heavily panned for its numerous technical issues. Bethesda's insistence to keep the engine for Fallout 76 led to the project containing a plethora of bugs and glitches - something that has mostly been rectified in new updates, but is still plagued by its engine limitations. This bodes excellent news for their two upcoming titles, especially for The Elder Scrolls 6 which is one of the most anticipated upcoming games of the next generation. The Elder Scrolls 6 and Starfield are currently in development.

Super Mario 3D All Stars is a 3-in-1 package of classic games including Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy. Gamers over the past three decades might have played these titles or might have missed out on them completely. Nevertheless, this package now exists and is available for Nintendo Switch fans to enjoy. Bafflingly though, this compilation of games is only available for a limited time (Seriously, how much more anti-consumer can you get than limiting the sale of your back catalog after bringing it back for modern gamers to enjoy?) Super Mario 64 itself is the oldest game of the trio here. It originally released on Nintendo 64 way back in 1996 and was one of the most successful Mario games of all time. In 2004 we got an enhanced DS port and that went on to sell incredibly well too. The Super Mario 64 in the Super Mario 3D All Stars remake is the “Shindou” version of the game which refers to the updated Japanese re-release version of the title. Interestingly, it’s not the enhanced DS remake. The control mechanics from more than two decades ago aren’t as fluid and responsive as modern day games... Fans of Super Mario 64 might be disappointed to know that the game runs in 720p at 30 FPS in both handheld and docked modes. Playing this version of the game on Switch might feel slightly dated since it doesn’t take up the full screen and the visuals aren’t exactly stellar. The control mechanics from more than two decades ago aren’t as fluid and responsive as modern day games but with a little bit of practice, you’ll get used to it. If you played the original game way back in the day and enjoyed it, there is absolutely nothing stopping you from enjoying it here on Switch again. It is still as excellent a game as ever. Super Mario Sunshine arguably got the “worst” (And I use that word extremely lightly) treatment of the trio of games here. For those that played the original Super Mario Sunshine on Gamecube, you’d know that the analog controls were a key aspect of the gameplay involving Mario’s F.L.U.D.D water pack. The Nintendo Switch control solution works but it doesn’t feel as great as it should be. Super Mario Sunshine runs at 1080p and 30 FPS and can be played at a 16:9 ratio in docked mode. In handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch, it looks great and plays great too. Cleaning up Isle Delfino is an enjoyable experience and being able to play it in short bursts on the go is a major plus. Super Mario Galaxy, the star of the trio of games, has been bumped up to 1080p at 60 FPS and looks fantastic on Switch. It also plays like a modern Switch game albeit with some slightly modified controls to accommodate the lack of a Wii Nunchuk. The Switch version of Super Mario Galaxy is excellent and is worth the full price of the package alone. The soundtrack is still as amazing as it ever was and being able to play through one of the greatest Mario games of all time in 1080p is incredibly welcomed. The Switch version of Super Mario Galaxy is excellent and is worth the full price of the package alone. Super Mario Galaxy uses a modified control scheme as mentioned above and Nintendo decided to make use of the Switch’s touchscreen. This breaks the gameplay immersion somewhat since you’ll have to touch the screen every now and then to perform an action such as picking up Star Bits or alternatively use a detached Joycon for motion controls. It’s not a major problem but it does make you realize just how great the Wii was with its Nunchuk and motion controls back in the day. The Super Mario 3D All Stars package is ultimately a barebones package of slightly updated Mario games that have been ported to Nintendo Switch. There aren’t any major changes to these games and that’s great but at the same time, Nintendo could have rewarded fans a lot more with some additional content such as concept art. We do have access to all three games' OSTs and there’s a music player mode which is great, but we would have liked to have seen all three games updated to 1080p in docked mode or perhaps even given the same remaster treatment as some of the other titles Nintendo have worked on recently, such as Link’s Awakening and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon DX. Speaking of the music player mode though, the game lets you play the soundtracks with the Switch screen disabled. This is great if you want to throw the Switch into a backpack and play the OST through a set of earphones while you commute somewhere. It’s a nice touch and one that’s quite welcome especially since Super Mario Galaxy’s OST is a masterpiece. Overall, if you are a fan of Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine or Super Mario Galaxy, or haven’t played any of these titles, this compilation package will definitely appeal to you. Be sure to pick it up now while you can because as of March 2021, you won’t be able to purchase this package either digitally or physically.

The PlayStation 5 is set to launch on November 19th, 2020 in South Africa, and with it comes an option of either a standard PS5 with a disc drive, and the Digital Edition which excludes the disc drive at a lower price point. However, Sony also has a few launch games planned to come out when you pick up your PS5. Let's dive into every confirmed launch title for Sony's next-gen console that you'll be able to play in this absolutely stacked November month of gaming. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales Insomniac Games will launch Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales for PS4 and PS5 (in some parts of the world, that's November 12th), and will be a standalone expanded story to the 2018 game. Players have the option to choose between the standard edition which just comes with Miles Morales, while the Ultimate Edition gifts fans the original Marvel's Spider-Man completely remastered for PS5. Demon's Souls Bluepoint's highly anticipated remake of From Software's legendary Demon's Souls is shaping up to be one of the first true next-gen experiences in gaming. After an impressive gameplay reveal at the PS5 showcase, this is one that Souls veterans certainly do not want to miss out on. Demon's Souls will launch exclusively on PS5 come November 19th (or 12th, once again depending on where in the world you are). Assassin's Creed Valhalla Releasing just a few short days before the PS5, Assassin's Creed Valhalla will also be readily available on the console's launch. Ubisoft are once again leaning heavily into the series' newfound RPG elements, and places us in the middle of the Viking era. The anticipated next entry in Assassin's Creed will also be available for PlayStation 4. Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition Perhaps the most unique entry on this list, Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition will not receive a physical release. Instead - and perhaps to incentivize sales of the PS5 Digital Edition - this Special Edition, which introduces Vergil to the playable roster, will only be available digitally at launch on November 12th/19th. Godfall Gearbox Software and developer Counterplay Games will likely release their action-RPG, Godfall, at launch with the PS5 as well. While this hasn't been confirmed yet, it's still listed as a launch title for the console, meaning you'll get to play it when you pick up your PS5. However, you can also choose to play it on PC as well. Sackboy: A Big Adventure LittleBigPlanet's lovable mascot, Sackboy, will be getting his own little adventure in this upcoming platformer from developer Sumo Digital. For those who may not be interested in the explosive theatrics of the AAA roster, Sackboy: A Big Adventure should provide plenty of quality platforming fun for the family. Destruction All Stars It may not be Twisted Metal, but the colourful vehicular combat of Destruction All Stars might be a big selling point for fans who miss this bygone era of gaming. Combining some of the best elements of the aforementioned Twisted Metal with Rocket League and the cartoonish style of Fortnite, it should be an appealing pick-up and one that potentially kicks off some exciting multiplayer titles for the PS5. Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War We're making an exception for Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War as it technically releases on November 13th - a day after the PS5 hits shelves in major countries on the 12th - but for South Africa where the console launches on November 19th, this will be one of the games readily available for purchase should you choose to wait a week and not get it on current-gen hardware. The PlayStation 5 launches on November 19th, 2020 in South Africa. Are you on the registration form for pre-orders? Sign up here.

Yesterday while the internet was set ablaze about Xbox's acquisition of Bethesda, Insomniac Games, the developers behind Marvel's Spider-Man and the upcoming Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, took to Twitter to answer some fan questions and concerns regarding the upcoming game. The confusion surrounding the nature of the Miles Morales Ultimate Edition was cleared up, but it also brought some bad news for fans hoping to carry their experiences over from PS4 to PS5. READ MORE: Bethesda's 'Iconic Franchises' Will Come to Game Pass For those that don't know, Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition for PS5 will contain both Miles Morales and Insomniac's original Spider-Man game fully remastered for next-gen. We got confirmation that players will eventually be able to purchase the remaster separately (though only digitally, as the developer clarified that there aren't plans to release it physically). For now, the only way to play Marvel's Spider-Man: Remastered is to buy the Miles Morales Ultimate Edition. Sadly, this also means you won't be able to carry your save data over from PS4 to PS5. Insomniac confirmed that the remaster won't allow for cross-gen saves. Marvel's Spider-Man: Remastered will come with a host of upgrades for PS5, such as 4K resolution, 60fps, updated character models and lighting, ray tracing, DualSense haptic feedback and much more. Meanwhile, Spider-Man: Miles Morales will receive a release on both PS4 and PS5, despite previously being revealed only for next-gen. Sony's reasoning for this is to allow a smoother transition for PS4 players to PS5 as everyone will be making the next-gen leap at different times across the next few years. Joining Miles Morales on PS4 will also be Guerrilla Games' Horizon Forbidden West, which was also confirmed to launch on both current-gen and next-gen. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales releases on November 19th, 2020 for PS4 and PS5.