Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales from developer Insomniac Games releases next month, and will continue the story started in their acclaimed 2018 game. This time, though, the mantle has been passed onto Miles Morales (read all about his origin story here), putting Peter Parker in a mentor role. Miles will go up against The Tinkerer, Rhino, and potentially other villains in his own standalone story, but most of all, players can enjoy it on both PS4 and PS5 now. Miles Morales will release on current-gen and next-gen, but what are some of the key differences, you might ask? READ MORE: Seven Features We Want from Next-Gen Consoles Spider-Man: Miles Morales creative director Brian Horton, when asked about what the differences were between the PS4 and PS5 versions in an interview with Game Informer, revealed that the big takeaway from next-gen is ray tracing. "We were able to take full advantage of all the features in the PlayStation 5," said Horton. "One of those things was graphics fidelity; so, you're gonna see ray tracing reflections everywhere in the game on PS5. That's not something we're gonna feature on the [PS4 version]." However, it won't be just ray tracing that the PS5 will have an added advantage over, though. The PS5's new DualSense controller and its capabilities came up, providing Insomniac Games will new ways to experience the game simply by holding the new controller. Horton stated there will be "a rumble" in the PS4 version, but the DualSense's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers will make for a far more immersive experience on the PS5 version. Some of these next-gen features include "bio-electricity to travel from one side of the controller to the other", and swinging having a "resistance on the trigger". Finally, Horton added that the PS5's SSD will allow for near-instant loading times on next-gen - something that the PS4 version won't have. However, recently Sucker Punch Productions managed to create incredibly fast loading times on the PS4 version of Ghost of Tsushima, so its possible that Miles Morales on PS4 won't have majorly long loading times either. Horton concludes that, despite the current-gen and next-gen versions, they will still be "in parity", meaning we won't necessarily see huge differences between either. Spider-Man: Miles Morales releases on November 12th, 2020 for PS4 and PS5.

While the idea of console generations having a major influence on video game development might grate PC players used to a gradual succession of technology, consoles still represent a massive install base (especially for the “AAA” game market). As a consequence, hardware updates often define a new baseline and feature-set that many developers will target. For those of us that game on consoles, it’s always an exciting time with the promise of new hardware features and games that’ll look, perform, and (hopefully) play better than ever. After being drip-fed details about the Xbox Series S|X and PlayStation 5 over the last year – to the point we only had pricing information two months before launch and pre-order chaos – a brief overview of the anaemic launch line-up got me thinking about what I’d hope to see in the next few years, once cross-generations games have given way to next-gen-only titles and the console operating systems had been refined. What changes to the OS, gameplay functionality, and visual features would we like to see this coming generation? More granular gameplay options Most modern releases now offer an incredible number of customisation options. Gameplay difficulty has become granular; HUD elements can be tweaked or disabled; aiming, visual, and hearing assists are common; while control schemes offer extensive remapping options. It’s made the hobby more accessible, but we want to see this degree of customisation applied to gameplay content. In RPGs, give those looking for a shorter, streamlined playthrough the ability to enable only main quests. In open-world games, give us options like “Bandit Camps: Enable/**** off”. In games with basic crafting mechanics, let us swap out for simplified ammunition and healing pick-ups. If your game has RPG-lite progression elements, consider giving players an option to simply unlock everything from the start if it’ll make for a more immediately satisfying experience. I know many of these options are found in “new game plus” modes, but not everyone has time for multiple replays and we need more control over the gameplay experience from the get-go. More modding support Although publishers and developers are inclined to restrict/control the ability to mod even PC games these days, the modding community continues to breath new life into games that allow it by creating unofficial patches to squash bugs, tweaking small variables for quality-of-life improvements, and sometimes creating entirely new content (just look at the Fallout 4: New Vegas trailer below!). We appreciate modifying files in multiplayer games is unwise, and there’s a chance for games to exploit system vulnerabilities, but Bethesda has demonstrated – with Fallout 4, Skyrim: Special Edition, and the recent DOOM remasters – that curated console modding support is viable (though Sony needs to ditch their overly-restrictive approach that doesn’t allow unique, user-created assets). Modding prolongs the lifespan of any game, requiring minimal effort from the developers, and could fill the gaps between official expansions or sequels, giving gamers plenty of reasons to stick with the game. The ability to mod the Skyrim: Special Edition and Fallout 4 have kept these games installed on my Xbox for years. Day-minus-one patches We understand internet connectivity and post-launch content plans make it inevitable developers will continue working on their code after the game has “gone gold” and, overall, the ability to patch games has more pros than cons. However, there have been several examples of titles that are effectively released in a broken state without day-one patches, which can be massive in size and take ages to download depending on your connection. If this trend of day-one patches persists into next-gen, at least set an earlier deadline for the patch and give us the opportunity to start downloading these a day or two before launch. In addition, it must surely be possible to allow those who plan to pick up physical copies to pre-download patch files, allowing them to swiftly apply it after they pop in the disc. Nuanced vibration implementation Apart from driving games – where the rumble feedback is usually a good indicator of surface roughness – I disable “vibration” in every other game as I find it simply distracts me. The implementation is often simplistic, prolonged and out of sync with onscreen actions, and often so violent – even with the intensity set low – that I swear I can hear the motor rattling itself out of the gamepad housing. With both Microsoft and Sony offering refined variations of haptic feedback and trigger vibration next-gen, we're hoping they can rethink and refine the application and intensity of the vibration feature, ensuring it enhances the gameplay experience rather than detract from it. Customizable install options Games are getting big. Many of these games are also multifaceted, offering single-player, cooperative, and competitive modes. While we appreciate a big chunk of any install size might features visual- and audio-related files shared between modes, developers need to let us select what modes we want installed to free up increasingly-limited storage. Based on our experience with several games that already provide this feature, it would also help if developers stop making it mandatory to install modes they assume are important. Every next-gen game that can, should offer the ability to reduce their install footprint, similar to what the Halo Master Chief Collection currently offers on Xbox and PC. Parental controls… for parents I have rubbish time-management skills, a myriad of responsibilities, and a toddler. During the last 6 months spent working from home, sitting down to “play for an hour” at lunchtime could easily devolve into a 2-hour gaming session followed by a mad scramble to catch up on work. The Xbox console can be set to nag you in 30-minute intervals, but we’d like to see more fleshed out features like those offered for child accounts on all consoles. Let us track our gaming time and set more complex reminders. Provide us with the tools to better structure our own work-life-play balance. It's obvious from manufacturer, publisher, and developer infographics that a butt-ton of granular data is being recorded, so why not make this available to the players? A focus on stable framerates over visual fidelity Every console since the start of the “HD” generation has failed to a) hit the promised HD resolution consistently (plenty of Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 games were sub-720p and dynamic resolution scaling is commonplace this generation), and b) rarely ever hold a stable framerate unless it’s core to their gameplay experience (such as racing games, fighters, and VR titles). We're not denying the importance of visuals – especially at the beginning of a new generation when everyone is out to impress – but we “play” video games, we don’t sit a stare at the scenery. Framerate is directly tied to controller and onscreen responsiveness; the quicker the game reflects our input, the more connected we are with the action. As a counterpoint to those who deny they can feel any difference above 30 fps, higher framerates benefit animations blending and the fluidity of visual effects. Developers need to stop claiming their game "targets" a frame rate and optimize the game to maintain it. Games like Gears 5, DIRT 5, and the Halo Master Chief Collection running at 120 fps is probably overkill given how few of us have TVs that go above 60 Hz, but at least it guarantees those games can offer a locked 60 fps mode. If we envisioned the perfect console, this list could go on forever, but these seven features would be a good start. People often argue the quality of a console is determined solely by the games available on it, yet we spend a lot of time navigating the OS, sorting through screenshots and gameplay clips, checking deals on the digital storefront, etc. As such, there's room for improvement beyond just the games. Let us know in the comments below if there are any features you’d like to see on next-gen consoles and in next-gen games.

Earlier this year, director Zack Snyder officially revealed that he will be working on and re-releasing his vision of 2017's Justice League, following a strong social media backing demanding the "Snyder Cut". Historically, the Justice League film was never Snyder's full vision as he had to leave production following a family tragedy. The Avengers director Joss Whedon would end up completing the film, thus creating some tonal inconsistencies. However, it looks like Snyder is ready to put together his own film, featuring a redesigned villain Steppenwolf, the black-suited Superman and possibly Darkseid himself. However, another popular DC villain will be joining the fray. READ MORE: Kojima Productions Reportedly Recording Music for Unannounced Project According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jared Leto will reprise his role as The Joker in Zack Snyder's Justice League. Leto made his debut as the clown prince of Gotham in David Ayer's Suicide Squad. Reception wasn't the warmest for his more gangster/mob boss portrayal of the iconic character, though. Ayer's Suicide Squad, much like Justice League, was not the director's full vision and it was the result of studio interference, possibly leading to less screen time for Leto as well. Since then, Joaquin Phoenix picked up the role in Todd Phillips' excellent standalone Joker film, but it looks like Leto is ready to return to the DC universe again. Leto will be joined by returning heroes, notably Ben Affleck as Batman who was eventually replaced by Robert Pattinson in Matt Reeves' upcoming The Batman. This begs the question whether Margot Robbie will also return as Harley Quinn in Snyder's cut, though we assume that Leto's involvement might be tied to Affleck's backstory regarding the infamous "Jokes on you" teaser sprayed on Robin's suit in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (some have even speculated that Robin become Leto's Joker). Leto, when given the right script, has proven to be a great actor, so we're keen to see if he'll be able to save his role as The Joker following Suicide Squad's middling reception. Zack Snyder's Justice League will debut its four-episode series on HBO Max in 2021.

Kojima Productions, the independent studio formed by famous game creator Hideo Kojima, has been mostly quiet since the launch of their newest game, Death Stranding. The bizarre adventure/sci-fi title would receive limited time PS4 exclusivity before making its way to PC months later. Since then, we've heard little to nothing about what Kojima could be making next. Some have speculated that he's working on a secret horror title, but that's just rumours for now. However, while we don't have an idea of what the game is, it's possible that they're already well into developing it. READ MORE: What's Up Danger: The Origin of Spider-Man's Miles Morales Recently, long-time Kojima collaborator and composer Ludvig Forssell posted an image on Twitter showing an orchestra, with the caption "First 'COVID recording' this year (for undisclosed project). Super happy with the results!" There's no indication in the image of what this project could be, though, so those who usually investigate tear down Kojima's pictures may be out of luck here. Nonetheless, whatever Forssell is recording, it's a safe bet that it's for Kojima Productions' next game as he's a well-known collaborator with the eccentric game creator. First “COVID recording” this year (for undisclosed project). Super happy with the results! pic.twitter.com/bpMrD3jAOB— Ludvig Forssell (@Ludvig_Forssell) October 21, 2020 Forssell had previously worked with Hideo Kojima, notably on games like Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain and Death Stranding, both of which were critically acclaimed for their music and soundtrack compilations. If there's one thing we can be assured of for the next Kojima Productions game, though, it will likely have great music as well. If the rumours of Kojima working on a new horror game are true, then this will be quite a departure for Forssell's usual style. We're curious to see what he brings to a new genre, if that is the case. Kojima Productions are reportedly working on a new project.