With the summer software lull well and truly over, PlayStation gamers are now turning their attention to the holiday season, which is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years. Not only is there a boatload of triple-A titles all competing for our hard-earned cash, but November marks the beginning of a brand new console generation, thanks to the arrival of PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Still, that doesn’t mean PlayStation 3 has run its course; there’s still life in the old dog yet, and Sony’s seven-year-old black box has more than enough heavy hitters lined up for the remainder of the year to ensure your wallets will be feeling lighter than a piggy bank after Christmas.
With the next three-and-a-half months or so packed solid with software and indeed the small matter of a shiny new console, PSU.com thought it would be handy to compile a list of 10 essential dates that every PlayStation gamer should pencil in their diaries.
Check them out below.
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1. Grand Theft Auto V Launch Date – September 17
Rockstar’s eagerly-anticipated crime sequel easily ranks as one of the biggest games of the generation, and after a lengthy wait will finally touch down next week. Featuring the largest game world in Rockstar history – and that’s no exaggeration, just compare the game’s world map to that of San Andreas – plus a comprehensive online component, Grand Theft Auto Online, GTA V looks set to redefine the sandbox experience as we know it.
2. Beyond: Two Souls Launch Date – October 8 (U.S.), October 11 (U.K.)
Quantic Dream looks set to deliver another thrilling, cinematic adventure with its first release since 2010’s Heavy Rain. The PlayStation 3-exclusive supernatural drama stars Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe in a tale that explores the question of life after death, taking place over the course of 15 years. Featuring stunning visuals and a gripping story, Beyond is one game you can’t afford to miss out on.
3. Battlefield 4 Launch Date – October 29 (U.S.), November 1 (U.K.)
DICE is going head-to-head with Activision’s Call of Duty franchise for the second time with Battlefield 4, bringing with it one of the most technically-impressive shooters on the market. Available on both current and next-generation systems, the military FPS packs jaw-dropping visuals, a massive multiplayer offering and gripping solo campaign.
4. Batman: Arkham Origins Launch Date – October 25
The Caped Crusader returns for the third entry in the critically-acclaimed ‘Arkham’ series, which started in 2009 with Arkham Asylum. This latest offering takes place on Christmas Eve, and acts as a prequel with Bats facing off against eight deadly assassins. With a massive open-world to explore and all-new techniques and gadgets to utilize, Arkham Origins is shaping up to be Batman’s greatest adventure yet.
5. Batman: Arkham Origins – Blackgate Launch Date – October 25
The official handheld companion to Batman’s console outing, Arkham Origins Blackgate adopts a 2.5D design while adhering to many of the staples seen in the home console titles. Bats can still grapple, glide and brawl with enemies, with the game’s combat system being built from the ground up for PlayStation Vita and 3DS. With multiple game endings, signature gadgets, plus the ability to put The Dark Knight’s detective skills to good use, Arkham Origins Blackgate successfully brings the Arkham magic from your TV screen into the palm of your hand.
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6. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Launch Date – October 29 (U.S.), November 1 (U.K.)
Ubisoft’s annual stab-‘em-up series continues with Edward Kenway’s pirate-themed stealth-action outing set in the Caribbean during the early 1700s. Black Flag features a rich, beautiful game world to explore, featuring over 50 unique locations outside of the three main cities. Taking to the high seas in Kenway’s ship, the Jackdaw, players will be able to plunder riches from sunken wrecks, islands and crumbling ruins, while using loot to upgrade their ship and battle against competing naval forces. Throw in some PS3/PS4-exclusive content, and you’ve got the quintessential Assassin’s Creed experience.
7. Call of Duty: Ghosts Launch Date – November 5
The Call of Duty commercial behemoth continues this holiday season with the release of CoD: Ghosts, an all-new adventure from series veterans Infinity Ward. Set in the near future after a series of devastating events have nullified the U.S.’s might as a military super power, Ghosts features fresh gameplay mechanics , including the introduction of a canine companion, and an overhauled multiplayer component.
8. Watch Dogs Launch Date – November 19 (U.S.), November 22 (U.K.)
Watch Dogs has all the makings of a blockbuster holiday release. Taking place in sprawling Chicago, the game allows players to wage information warfare by disrupting traffic lights, bank accounts and other electronic devices to turn the tide against your foes as the enigmatic Aiden Pearce. Combining cover-based shooting, stealth and driving, Watch Dogs is one of the most ambitious and exciting-looking new IPs in years.
9. PlayStation 4 Launch Date – November 15 (U.S.), November 29 (U.K.)
This is the Big One, folks. PlayStation 4, Sony’s next-generation console, launches this November priced $399/£349, and brings with it a slew of first and third-party titles showcasing eyeball-popping visuals and silky smooth gameplay. With PS4, Sony’s philosophy is all about creating a system for hardcore gamers while opening up a whole new world of social interactivity, which is illustrated in the likes of Killzone: Shadow Fall and the all-new DualShock 4. Let’s hope you got your pre-order in early to avoid disappointment.
10. Gran Turismo 6 Launch Date – December 6
What’s this, a Gran Turismo title that we haven’t had to wait five+ years for? Nope, your eyes haven’t deceived you – Polyphony Digital is just months away from delivering the next full-fledged GT game only three years after its predecessor. Showcasing sumptuous visuals and packing a massive line-up of tracks and vehicles, GT6 looks set to surpass anything else on the track as the Ultimate Driving Simulator.
Got an essential PlayStation date you think we’ve missed? Shout out about it in the comments section below.