The next generation console fits perfectly in the entertainment center. They hum softly when it starts up. The controller has a fresh scent when it comes out of the box and feels cool in the hand. Everything is ready. The only things players need right now are some snacks and some games.

But which is the best? That’s the big question. There have been a few titles out but few that show the potential of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Most of the next generation offerings arrived in my mailbox ahead of the system launch. It’s a flood of titles, but I can get some time with most of them. Here are the ones that stand out the most and highlight what the new engine can do.

“Soul of Satan”: Sure it’s a remake, but the predecessors of the legendary “Souls” series show off the incredible graphics the PS5 can drive. From the start, the details and atmosphere will impress the players. Sometimes, “Demon Soul” almost looks like that Trailer Blur Studio created by the company for the game “Dark Souls”.

Even though the game is more than a decade old, director Hidetaka Miyazaki’s designs endure, showing just how influential and forward-thinking the project is. Despite all the eye candy, “Demon’s Souls” will not suit everyone. The level of difficulty and evil design will demand perfection from gamers. However, at the same time, few experiences are as rewarding.

“Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales”: This is another showcase title for the PS5 but wrapped in a more mainstream packaging. The game is based on the bones of 2018’s “Spider-Man,” but Insomniac sets Spidey in this biracial version of Harlem during the holiday season.

That decision, together with the power of the console, creates an experience that differentiates “Miles Morales” from previous adventures. Ray-tracking and improved visuals jump off the screen, while Miles’ poison attacks and invisibility make for a different gameplay. All of this is tied to a big story in personal drama and backed by one of the best video game soundtracks of the year.

“Watch Dogs: Legion”: The third entry for this series is the biggest deviation from the formula set in 2014. The reason it is high on my list is because it demonstrates Xbox Series X ray tracing capabilities. With its fluorescent lights and rainy weather, London is the perfect showplace showing some fidelity visuals that can be achieved on next generation consoles.

With ray tracing, light is modeled on each surface so that its reflection is reflected on the glass. Walking on the sidewalk, players can see billboard advertisements that are reflected on the surface of the puddle. Reserving good looking graphics, updated gameplay led by creative director Clint Hocking gives you a reason to play and explore as you recruit nearly everyone in town to join DedSec, the squad of hackers wrong.
“Assassin’s Creed Valhalla”: Although not a ray-tracing spectacle, this entry for Ubisoft’s flagship series highlights other Xbox Series X features. Especially, players will appreciate the ultra-smooth 4KFrame rate and blazing fast loading times.

The Eivor adventure through Norway and England is a huge mission and will take hours to complete. With fast load times, players will spend less time waiting between fast travel jumps across the map. The flow rate of the picture jumps off the screen, even though the light may not be as attractive as “Legion”. If players are looking for a beautiful and long saga to wade through during the holidays, “Valhalla” should be the top candidate.

“Astro Playroom”: This short but cute platformer comes pre-loaded on the PS5 console, and it’s a great way to understand the magic behind the DualSense controller. This love letter for the PlayStation brand takes players through the history of the console family, and it’s filled with references to first-party titles, old mascots, and even this year’s game candidate.

While longtime fans will appreciate the details, innovative use of DualSense is a flagship. Using a bow and arrow, the player can feel the tension in the strings via adaptive triggers. Meanwhile, firing a machine gun will give players the sense of recoil that comes with firing a heavy gun. The level design shows how haptics and microphones can add to the immersive experience.

This is a game heavily influenced by Nintendo and shows how Sony can borrow that magic and put it into its own console.

The next generation console fits perfectly in the entertainment center. They hum softly when it starts up. The controller has a fresh scent when it comes out of the box and feels cool in the hand. Everything is ready. The only things players need right now are some snacks and some games.

But which is the best? That’s the big question. There have been a few titles out but few that show the potential of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Most of the next generation offerings arrived in my mailbox ahead of the system launch. It’s a flood of titles, but I can get some time with most of them. Here are the ones that stand out the most and highlight what the new engine can do.

“Soul of Satan”: Sure it’s a remake, but the predecessors of the legendary “Souls” series show off the incredible graphics the PS5 can drive. From the start, the details and atmosphere will impress the players. Sometimes, “Demon Soul” almost looks like that Trailer Blur Studio created by the company for the game “Dark Souls”.

Even though the game is more than a decade old, director Hidetaka Miyazaki’s designs endure, showing just how influential and forward-thinking the project is. Despite all the eye candy, “Demon’s Souls” will not suit everyone. The level of difficulty and evil design will demand perfection from gamers. However, at the same time, few experiences are as rewarding.

“Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales”: This is another showcase title for the PS5 but wrapped in a more mainstream packaging. The game is based on the bones of 2018’s “Spider-Man,” but Insomniac sets Spidey in this biracial version of Harlem during the holiday season.

That decision, together with the power of the console, creates an experience that differentiates “Miles Morales” from previous adventures. Ray-tracking and improved visuals jump off the screen, while Miles’ poison attacks and invisibility make for a different gameplay. All of this is tied to a big story in personal drama and backed by one of the best video game soundtracks of the year.

“Watch Dogs: Legion”: The third entry for this series is the biggest deviation from the formula set in 2014. The reason it is high on my list is because it demonstrates Xbox Series X ray tracing capabilities. With its fluorescent lights and rainy weather, London is the perfect showplace showing some fidelity visuals that can be achieved on next generation consoles.

With ray tracing, light is modeled on each surface so that its reflection is reflected on the glass. Walking on the sidewalk, players can see billboard advertisements that are reflected on the surface of the puddle. Reserving good looking graphics, updated gameplay led by creative director Clint Hocking gives you a reason to play and explore as you recruit nearly everyone in town to join DedSec, the squad of hackers wrong.
“Assassin’s Creed Valhalla”: Although not a ray-tracing spectacle, this entry for Ubisoft’s flagship series highlights other Xbox Series X features. Especially, players will appreciate the ultra-smooth 4KFrame rate and blazing fast loading times.

The Eivor adventure through Norway and England is a huge mission and will take hours to complete. With fast load times, players will spend less time waiting between fast travel jumps across the map. The flow rate of the picture jumps off the screen, even though the light may not be as attractive as “Legion”. If players are looking for a beautiful and long saga to wade through during the holidays, “Valhalla” should be the top candidate.

“Astro Playroom”: This short but cute platformer comes pre-loaded on the PS5 console, and it’s a great way to understand the magic behind the DualSense controller. This love letter for the PlayStation brand takes players through the history of the console family, and it’s filled with references to first-party titles, old mascots, and even this year’s game candidate.

While longtime fans will appreciate the details, innovative use of DualSense is a flagship. Using a bow and arrow, the player can feel the tension in the strings via adaptive triggers. Meanwhile, firing a machine gun will give players the sense of recoil that comes with firing a heavy gun. The level design shows how haptics and microphones can add to the immersive experience.

This is a game heavily influenced by Nintendo and shows how Sony can borrow that magic and put it into its own console.