It has been a slow start to console generation 8, with a slow trickle of titles and innumerable delays to big name releases. There has been a couple of worthwhile titles on both the Xbox One and PS4 - fewer again if you discount re-releases and remakes - but as the consoles hit the 18 month mark things are still only warming up.
This week, however, has seen arguably the first 'must have' title of the generation, albeit one that demands patience and effort from its players. Also this week, a nostalgic RPG has been been warmly received by players, while a very generous re-release boxset will keep you busy for months. Yes, if you're looking for something new to play this weekend, you've got some very nice options indeed.
Bloodborne (PS4)
If you're a fan of the Dark Souls series (and its predecessor Demons's Souls) the odds are you're either playing Bloodborne right now (and therefore not reading this) or very seriously considering a purchase of a Playstation 4. If you have no idea what the Souls games are about, Bloodborne is a perfect entry point into the beloved but cruel worlds of From Software's action-RPGs - and the closest thing to a PS4 killer app yet.
A spiritual successor to the previous games, Bloodborne is familiar in many respects, but also different in fundamental ways. It's a much faster game, rewarding aggressive play (especially through its devious new health system) but still demanding care and attention. Perhaps most interesting is the new world, with the player exploring a truly terrifying gothic fantasy land - this is certainly more of a straight-up 'horror' than anything in the already grim Souls games. But that sense of challenge, mystery and danger is still present and correct, and director Hidetaka Miyazaki and his team are still masters of nuanced, complex design. And the thrill and joy of finally succeeding remain as potent as ever, even if you'll be seeing a lot of the post-death (and very long) loading screen during your adventure.
Pillars of Eternity (PC, OSX, Linux)
Developers Obsidian (previously of Fallout: New Vegas and South Park: Stick of Truth fame, among other games) must have known they were on to a winner with their Kickstarter campaign before they even launched it. Then dubbed merely 'Project Eternity', fans pledged almost $4 million during their crowdfunding campaign for the unashamedly old school RPG - proof that nostalgia is probably the biggest crowdfunding draw of them all.
Now almost three years later, the game has been released, and it has been raptuorusly received by fans of the 'golden age' of fantasy RPGs. Proudly wearing its inspirations on its sleeve - Baldur's Gate, Planescape: Torment and Icewind Dale being the main ones - this is a game that prides itself on its in-depth systems, smart writing and robust character customisation options. It is being lapped up by fans and critics alike, and is available to download right now. GOG are offering plenty of special versions for those who want a few extras with the base game.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection (Xbox One, PS4)
No point going in to too much depth here. The Handsome Collection brings together Borderlands 2 (and its mountains of DLC) and the more recent Pre-Sequel (making its current gen premiere). Naturally, they've been given a nice coat of paint. For those new to the series, this is a fantastic value package - two meaty games with tonnes of extra content - and a perfect introduction to this colourful, quirky FPS / RPG hybrid. Not essential for those who own the games already (although you can bring your save file over from previous versions if you're upgrading), but for newcomers or those who haven't played one or the other of the games in the box The Handsome Collection will offer plenty of distraction until Borderlands 3 makes its appearance at some point in the future.
