The Galaxy Fold isn't the only foldable phone that Samsung has envisioned.

At its developer conference on Tuesday, Samsung debuted a new foldable phone concept. It didn't name the device, but it did provide a decent look at it; it resembles a classic flip phone due to its foldable display that folds in half.

• Samsung has a new plan for the screen for Galaxy Fold 2

Samsung described it as a new form factor that it's now "exploring", pitching it as a device that would "easily fit in your pocket", but also change "the way you use your phone". Hyesoon Jeong, head of Samsung’s  R&D group, said his company wanted to take its existing foldable smartphone technology and re-work it to “become more compact" and apply to new device form factors.

It didn’t detail the device too much. We don't know yet what sort of features or hardware it packs, let alone when it's releasing. The company did segway from the foldable to an upcoming update to its One UI efforts with Android, however. “As a pioneer in the foldable category, we understand that every innovative form factor requires an equally innovative user experience", Jeong said.

Add it all up, and despite early launch issues with the Galaxy Fold, Samsung is obviously just getting started with foldable display technology and software. 

Days after reports claimed PlayStation Vue was up for sale, Sony has announced it is giving its TV streaming service the ax.

The company said it will shut down PlayStation Vue on 30 January 2020. Previously, The Information said Sony was looking for a buyer for the service, which has been reportedly hemorrhaging money since it launched in 2015, despite repeated price hikes. Its failure to succeed comes down to pricey licensing fees and likely because it only had about 500,000 subscribers.

In comparison, Hulu had a total US customer base exceeding 28 million in May 2019, and Netflix had 60 million paying domestic subscribers this past July, while Dish said Sling TV had 2.472 million subscribers as of July 2019. 

“Unfortunately, the highly competitive Pay TV industry, with expensive content and network deals, has been slower to change than we expected. Because of this, we have decided to remain focused on our core gaming business,” Sony explained. “PlayStation fans can continue to access movie and TV content through the PlayStation Store on PS4 and via our partnerships with top entertainment apps.”

• What is Sony 360 Reality Audio and how does it work?

PlayStation Vue offered a variety of so-called skinny bundles for cable cutters, starting at about $50 a month. Services like Dish's Sling and Google's YouTube TV worked similarly. Not only did Sony have them to contend with, but also keep in mind Disney+ and Apple TV+ are both launching next month, while HBO Max and NBC Universal's Peacock are coming next year, too.

CBS also recently merged with Viacom to help pad CBS All Access.

Every one of these companies has been spending billions to have their own original, exclusive content. Sony, on the other hand, has been slow to do the same, so now it's realising that a total exit is its best option.

Microsoft has announced that Xbox One testers can now access its latest Console Streaming feature, which is now available in a limited preview.

The new feature lets you use your own Xbox One console to stream any game to a mobile device, rather than a cloud-based Xbox instance. This is different from the Project xCloud game streaming preview Microsoft is also testing - it's limited to just four games during the preview, while Console Streaming supports all the Xbox 360 and Xbox One titles installed on your console. 

• Project xCloud Preview starts to rollout in UK, US and Korea

Here's how Jonathan Hildebrandt, an Xbox program manager, explained Console Streaming in a blog post on 29 October:

“If you’re an Xbox Insider in the Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead rings in the US and UK, you can now try a preview of Xbox Console Streaming. You’ll be able to play your owned and installed Xbox One games, including Xbox Game Pass titles, on an Android phone or tablet remotely from your home console.”

Interested in trying Console Streaming? Check out setup instructions below.

How to test Xbox Console Streaming

First, ensure you meet the minimum requirements:

1. You need to be an Xbox Insider in the US and UK with a console enrolled in the Alpha or Alpha-Skip-Ahead rings to participate in the preview. Microsoft said it will expand the preview to more rings and regions in the future. Go here to become an Xbox Insider.
2. You need a phone or tablet running Android 6.0 or higher.
3. You need a Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One Wireless Controller.

Next, follow these steps:

1. Once you have all that, download the Xbox Game Streaming (Preview) app from the Google Play Store.
2. The app will guide you through setting up Xbox Console Streaming.
3. As part of the setup, the Xbox Game Streaming (Preview) app will perform a home network test. You must have an upload bandwidth of at least 4.75Mbps (9Mbps preferred), and a network latency of 125ms or less required (60ms or less preferred).
4. Lastly, your Xbox One console must be set to instant-on in the power options.

For additional help, check out Microsoft's blog post and support hub.

Can iOS users test Console Streaming?

No. Like Project xCloud, Console Streaming is limited to Android. However, it uses the same app to access your console over the internet. Microsoft has not revealed whether it plans to bring this feature or Project xCloud to iOS users. 

We’ve come a long way since the mechanical bots of Batteries Not Included, Short Circuit and other classic 80s science fiction.

Possibly to make them more palatable for a home audience, especially if they’re designed to live alongside your family, robot engineers are now making robots to look twee, endearing and even display human-like emotions – and we’ve rounded up 12 of the cutest.

Some are furry, some are tiny and all would be ideal companion.

Buddy the emotional robot

Billed as the world’s first emotional companion robot by its makers Blue Frog robotics, Buddy is part-pet, part-personal assistant, part-playmate for you and your little ones. A touchscreen display, capable of broadcasting video calls and playing games on, doubles up as Buddy’s face and its expression changes based on the robot’s “mood.” When you arrive home, Buddy’s face will light up; if you don’t give it enough attention, Buddy will become grumpy or sad; when its playing, Buddy will smile and laugh. Beyond its emotional features, Buddy can also act as a security camera, smart-home controller, and can be used to set timers or reminders.

PARO

Outside of the home, robots can also be used as companions for people going through therapy, as demonstrated by PARO, a robotic seal built to help reduce stress and boost the mood of people in hospitals and extended care facilities. Its design builds upon a body of scientific research that has shown animal therapy can be used as part of treatment plans for vulnerable people. Fitted with five sensors – tactile, light, audition, temperature, and posture sensors – PARO can respond to touch and a change of environment and will adjust its behaviour to suit. This includes “playing” with their patient, mimicking the noises of a harp seal and moving its body and head in a lifelike way to cheer a patient up. It has been so effective, in 2002 the Guinness World Record officially recognised PARO as the world's most therapeutic robot and it has proved particularly useful in the treatment of patients with dementia.

Somnox sleep robot

It may be lacking the facial features or expressions of the Buddy and Lovot machines, but Somnox’s Sleep Robot has been designed to be more cuddly. In a literal sense. As its name suggests, and thanks to its curved shape, you can spoon the Sleep Robot in bed and it will simulate breathing rhythms to help you regulate and slow down your own breathing to make it easier to relax and sleep. It can also play a variety of sounds, including a guided meditation or heartbeat and, if you wake in the night, motion detection sensors will switch the Sleep Robot’s features back on to help you drift back off.

Woobo

While the Somnox Sleep Robot is aimed at adults, the Woobo is a furry robot being firmly marketed at children. Not too dissimilar to the design of a Furby, yet with more smarts, the Woobo features a touchscreen display in the centre of a rounded, fluffy body and below a pair of soft ears. Like Buddy, this screen showcases a range of Woobo’s facial expressions but can also run apps and games designed to teach your child how to read, write and solve maths problems. An onboard voice assistant can answer your child’s questions and you can even use Woobo to set reminders for your kids, from telling them when to brush their teeth to when to go to bed, or send them messages. 

Leonardo

In a similar, furry vein, the Leonardo robot looks like a cross between a dog, fox and Mogwai from 1980s classic, Gremlins. Named after Leonardo Da Vinci, the social robot is 2.5ft tall and is covered in fake fur. It was the first robot created by the Personal Robots Group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in partnership with animatronic experts at the Stan Winston Studios, NASA, Toyota and DARPA. Its purpose is to show how robots can work alongside humans and it uses its motors, sensors, and cameras to mimic human expressions, interact and track objects. It wasn’t built as a consumer product, instead being used and developed as part of Navy and astronaut training schemes.

Kiki

Less soft and cuddly than others in this list, but no less cute, is Kiki. Built by ex-Google employees now trading as Zoetic AI, Kiki was “created for those who can't manage an animal pet, but want to care for and raise something just as delightful.” As a result, it looks like a pet dog – or cat, depending on how you see it – and it acts in a similar way to a real-life animal by learning from its owner and developing a personality depending on how its interacted with and cared for. For example, if you’re mean to it, Kiki might ignore you but if you show it love and affection, it will play and interact more with you. It can even “growl” at the vacuum. This means each Kiki is different and unique to their family.

Bocco Emo

Four years after Yukai launched its original Bocco, a humanoid robot used by families to send messages and remotely take care of loved ones, the Japanese firm revealed an “emo” version at CES 2019. Called Bocco Emo, the robot moves its head and says hello when it senses someone is nearby. It also lights up its eyes, shakes its antenna and makes cute sounds in response to emotional words – such as “happy” and “tired.”

Qoobo

From the same engineers behind the Bocco and Bocco Emo is Qoobo. It looks like a cat without a head or limbs and consists of cushion and tail covered in soft, fake fur. The robotic mechanics are housed inside the cushion and you can buy it with either in “husky grey” or “French brown”.  When you sit and stroke the cushion, the tail swishes and wags in appreciation, which is said to help lower stress levels.

Yume Neko Smile

If you prefer your robot pets to actually look the animals they’re supposed to be, try the Yume Neko Smile. Made by Sega Toys, and translate from Japanese to Dream Cat Smile, the Yume Neko is covered in fake fur and is fitted with tactile sensors throughout the body that can determine how they’re being touched, and it will react appropriately. For example, patting it on the head and scratching it will make it purr and rub up against your hand. Pulling its tail or petting it too much will make it angry.

Robi

The only humanoid robot in this list is the super cute Robi. It measures just 34cm tall and walks, talks and dances, thanks to its 20 motorised joints. Robi can turn its head and pelvis 360 degrees, while microphones in its ears can detect where a person’s voice is coming from allowing it to turn its head in that direction. Its onboard voice assistant can speak and understand more than 250 words, phrases and commands and has an infrared remote emitter in its forehead meaning it can be used as a universal remote control. Because, why not? It is possible to buy Robi pre-assembled, or you can build it yourself, week-by-week, with a magazine.

PaPeRo Petit

Slightly shorter than Robi, but more advanced, is the PaPeRo Petit from NEC. Measuring just 24cm, it is crammed full of sensors that lets it recognise faces, spot people or pets using its heat sensor or ultrasonic sensor, hear voices while cutting through surrounding sounds and reply to questions and conversations. NEC claims these features mean the PaPeRo Petit is “almost on the level of talking with a family member or friend.”

Lovot - the love robot

Most robots are built with practical features in mind and their cute designs tend to come later. The Lovot robot is the opposite. A portmanteau of the words Love and Robot, Lovot has been built purely “to be loved by you.” As its makers explain, “we have used technology not to improve convenience or efficiency, but to enhance levels of comfort and feelings of love” and Lovot does this by reacting to its owner’s mood. If you’re feeling sad, Lovot will approach you for a hug, or it can sing a relaxing song when you’re stressed. Of course, despite its Japanese maker’s claims about it only being built as a companion, Lovot does also feature navigation technology, cameras and smart sensors meaning it can be used to keep an eye on your home. In one example, it’s shown doubling up as a baby monitor.

HBO has finally rubberstamped the first Game of Thrones spinoff, although it's not the one you might have been expecting.

House of the Dragon is being created by GoT author George RR Martin, along with co-showrunners Miguel Sapochnik and Ryan Condal.

Based on Martin's Fire & Blood and set 300 years before the events in Game of Thrones, the series will consist of 10 episodes and tell the story of the House of Targaryen.

#HouseOfTheDragon, a #GameofThrones prequel is coming to @HBO.

The series is co-created by @GRRMSpeaking and Ryan Condal. Miguel Sapochnik will partner with Condal as showrunner and will direct the pilot and additional episodes. Condal will be writing the series. pic.twitter.com/9ttMzElgXm

— Game of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) October 29, 2019

Sapochnik, who directed the Battle of Bastards and The Long Night episodes - among others - will take the helm on the pilot and "additional episodes".

There is no date set for release yet.

• If you love Game of Thrones watch these shows next

There is also no word on why HBO cancelled the other, better known prequel series that was being developed by showrunner Jane Goldman (Kingsman: The Secret Service, Kick-Ass).

Starring Niaomi Watts, the untitled show reached the pilot stage but Deadline reports that Goldman has recently emailed cast and crew telling them the series is no more.

It was to be set thousands of years before Game of Thrones, feature the origin of the White Walkers and was originally green-lit in June 2018.

HBO has clearly switched its preference to the telling of a more recent backstory.

The 16th annual Pocket-lint Awards will be taking place in a couple of weeks in association with EE, celebrating the best products and devices across 19 categories spanning smartphones and tablets to cars and smartwatches.

As usual, we have been running a series of features over the last few weeks, each of which dives a little deeper into the respective categories to not only list the nominations within them, but explain what the category itself is looking for.

There are five or six nominees for each category, and here we are concentrating on the second of the wearable categories - Best Smartwatch 2019 - which focuses on devices that offer style and features beyond fitness tracking.

The Short Listed nominees for Best Smartwatch 2019 are:

• Huawei Watch GT 2
• Michael Kors Runway
• Tag Heuer Connected Modular 41
• Michael Kors Access MKGO
• Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch
• Apple Watch Series 5

You can click on each of the titles above to read our full reviews on each nomination, which will give you an idea as to why they have been nominated.

Voting in the 16th annual EE Pocket-lint Awards is now open so you can let us know which one of these great devices you think should win the Best Smartwatch award for this year and give us your verdict on all, or some, of the other tech across the 18 categories.

To vote for your favourite, head to our Best Smartwatch 2019 voting page and score the products you think should win, enter your email address, and hit the submit button.

Winners will be announced at an exclusive event in London on 14 November in association with EE. Voting closes on 3 November.

Samsung has previewed a smaller version of its Galaxy Home smart speaker at its 2019 developer conference. 

The Galaxy Home Mini was previously tested in Korea - which Koreans could sign up for on Samsung's site, but now it has been seen in the flesh, photographed below by SamMobile.

Again powered by Samsung-owned AKG, the speaker also has volume up and down touch controls on the fabric at the top, as well as a mic mute button and an action button to invoke Bixby (just like the Amazon Echo has for physically calling up Alexa).

The SDC 2019 sighting and Korean test programme follows a long list of rumours and regulatory evidence (such as from the US's FCC) pointing to a smaller version of the AKG-powered speaker with the Bixby voice assistant on board.

However, there's something a bit odd and that's the absence of the full-size version of Galaxy Home. That speaker was first announced at last year's Galaxy Note 9 event over 14 months ago and we're still waiting for it.

We did see it in some kind of action at CES 2019 in January - we could make a request for Bixby to play some music from Spotify, for example, but it wasn't a full demo and it was clear that Samsung felt it wasn't ready for us to check out fully. 

We now believe that both speakers will be available in retail stores fairly soon.

• Check out our Galaxy Home Initial review

There are lots of things to think about when choosing a new compact camera – what do you want to use the camera for? Perhaps you want a versatile, all-rounder for a vacation or travelling. Maybe you want a camera with a bonkers-long zoom?

Here at Pocket-lint we've been cutting through the abundance of compact camera releases over recent years, including the creme de la creme of last year's models and earlier, as relevant.

• Black Friday is just around the corner – check out our pages for the best Black Friday US deals and Black Friday UK sales

We've broken down our list of great compacts into sub-headed categories to make things easier to digest. You name it, we've got you covered. So without further ado let's guide you through the top compact cameras to save you time when it comes to buying one from your local shop or online.

Best do-it-all compact

Panasonic Lumix TZ90 / SZ70

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Panasonic's TZ-series has long been a favourite and the Lumix TZ90 (SZ70 in the USA) is one of its top-end do-it-all compacts (although it has been replaced by the altogether similar TZ95). It even has a built-in electronic viewfinder to the rear, which is helpful to see an image direct to the eye when sunlight makes the rear screen tough to see.

The TZ90's premier feature is its 30x optical zoom lens, which encompasses wide-angle (24mm equivalent) for those group shots, or can zoom right in (to a 720mm equivalent) to make far-away subjects appear large in the frame. There are more advanced cameras in this TZ series (the TZ200 springs to mind) but they tackle different feature sets.

With decent autofocus, excellent image stabilisation, a tilt-angle LCD screen for selfies, and a whole roster of other top features, the TZ90's aspirations make it the one-stop shop for all things. The only downside, really, is limitations to low-light image quality and. 

Read our full review:Panasonic Lumix TZ90 review

Pocket power

When it comes to something small and pocketable, but where image quality needs to be a step above a conventional small-sensor compact or smartphone, there are various models to choose from. Such cameras tend to have shorter zoom lenses in order to retain best sharpness and clarity, while offering more advanced optical features such as wider maximum aperture for better low-light shooting or creating that pro-looking, soft-focus background effect. 

Canon PowerShot G7 X II

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The big sell of the G7 X Mark II is its larger-than-typical sensor. It's called a 1-inch sensor (note: not a physical measurement), meaning larger on-sensor pixels that can better digest light for clearer image results.

Although the G7 X II doesn't opt for the smaller scale of the Sony RX100 series (further below) and there's no viewfinder, there's still a lot to enjoy about Canon's revamped take on the 1-inch market. Plus the price is within reach rather than super-high like Sony's advanced offerings.

This G-X series camera outshines the slender G9 X, is more pocketable than the earlier G5 X and others in the range, without compromising on the performance front.

Read our full review:Canon PowerShot G7 X II review

Panasonic Lumix LX15 / LX10

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The Panasonic Lumix LX15 is high-end, but comes minus the highest-end price point. It's a significant chunk of cash less than the Sony RX100 (further below), and competitive against the Canon G7 X Mark II (above) too.

Crucially the LX15 comes with a best-in-class lens: a 24-72mm f/1.4-2.8 equivalent, which will help to open up creative possibilities. That wide aperture at the wide-angle setting means plenty more ability when it comes to low-light conditions.

There's even an aperture control ring, a nod to the earlier LX7 model from years gone by, to simplify controlling the camera. Add a touchscreen, great autofocus abilities and a stack of other top-end features, including 4K video capture, and there's almost nothing we don't like about the LX15... except its odd name (we'd have opted for LX10, as it is called in the USA). 

Read our full review:Panasonic Lumix LX15 review

Superzoom without the scale

Panasonic Lumix TZ100 / ZS100

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Now here's an odd one out, as you can probably tell from looking at the TZ100's small scale (or ZS100 in the USA). Superzoom, you say? Well it kind of is, kind of isn't. This pocketable camera combines a large 1-inch sensor, similar to that of the FZ2000 (further down the page), but condenses the lens to a 10x optical zoom with a more limited aperture range, in a body that's more akin to the TZ90 (further up the page).

Now while that combination doesn't mean it's a stand-out camera for shooting almost everything under the sun, if you're after top quality and a decent zoom range then there's not really anything else on the market just yet that can match it – except, that is for the TZ200 and it's 15x optical zoom lens! – so long as you have expectations in check with what the lens can achieve due to its aperture limitations.

Read our full review: Panasonic Lumix TZ100 review

Best advanced / enthusiast compact camera

Here's where compacts step up a gear. Whether it's all the bells and whistles in the form of hands-on controls, a built-in viewfinder, or a large sensor for optimum quality, there are all kinds of advanced compacts to suit different tastes and purposes. But these typically bigger wedges of camera are not only larger, they tend to demand a more considerable asking price too.

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI

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The Sony RX100 series has gone from strength to strength and in its Mk5 format it's a camera that, at this size, pretty much has it all.

It's small scale enough to be pocketable, yet has a premium build, a pop-out built-in electronic viewfinder and stacks of features – not to mention great image quality and 4K movie capture from its 1-inch sensor and 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 equivalent lens.

If pocketable is priority then this is one of the best options out there. It's a tour de force. And can be found for pretty reasonable prices lately too.

Read our full review:Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V review

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI

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We've left the Mk5 model (above) in this mix as it's quite a different beast to the RX100 Mk6. This newer model breaks the mold for the series by extending the lens yet further for greater versatility.

You'll need deep pockets though – and not on account of its size, simply because its £1,150 asking price is mega. It's a great camera that's worth it for the right buyer. Although there's now a Mk7 model available too, the VII, which brings the series even more up to date.

Read our full review:Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI review

Panasonic Lumix LX100 MkII

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The original Panasonic LX100 was like the company's LX15 (further above) on steroids. It was the first compact camera to feature a large Micro Four Thirds sensor – the same size you will find in top-of-the-line interchangeable lens models – for exceptional image quality. That's a bigger sensor than the Sony RX100 series (also above), delivering equal or better quality overall, more similar to a mirrorless system camera.

The second-generation model here isn't massively different to the first, meaning it maintains those physical retro dials, giving that chunky metal body plenty of personality. There's an autofocus system that will see off a whole range of compact camera competitors, a fast 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 equivalent lens, and brilliant electronic viewfinder. Although there's no tilt-angle screen, which we think is a shame, it does offer the power of touch control.

Read our full review:Panasonic Lumix LX100 M2 review

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III

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Canon's answer to the Panasonic LX100 (above). The G1 X Mark III crams in an APS-C sensor – which is the same size as you'll find in the company's DSLR cameras – for the utmost in image quality.

In one sense, we love the G1 X III. Considering the sensor is that big, the camera itself is small – far smaller than the Mark II model (which had a smaller sensor!). It's hugely capable when it comes to image quality.

But there's a caveat: the 24-72mm f/2.8-5.6 equivalent lens quickly drops down the aperture range, so you'll often be shooting at higher sensitivities when using a little bit of zoom. Sometimes that can counter some of the quality that can be extracted from this otherwise great camera. Plus the autofocus, while decent, isn't as advanced as the Sony RX100 series.

Read our full review:Canon G1 X Mk3 review

Best superzoom

When normal compacts just aren't enough and you want to zoom in on those far-away subjects to make them appear large in the frame, a superzoom – sometimes called bridge camera – is just the ticket. Safari, bird spotting and so forth are well matched to a superzoom camera.

Panasonic Lumix FZ330

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Typically as a zoom lens extends the amount of light it lets in drops, which potentially means image quality can suffer in low-light conditions. Not so with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330: its wide-angle 24mm lens extends all the way through to a 600mm equivalent, all the while maintaining a maximum f/2.8 aperture. And that's been managed without significant impact to the model's relatively trim scale.

This f/2.8 aperture means more light can enter, which is ideal for faster exposures to capture action or to avoid using those less desirable higher ISO sensitivities.

As the replacement for 2012's FZ200, the FZ330 adds a touchscreen and ups the ante in the viewfinder resolution stakes too. It's still dependent on a 1/2.3in sensor size, however, so don't expect complete and utter miracles in the image quality department – for that you'll want a larger yet sensor, as found in something like the FZ2000 (see below).

Read our full review:Panasonic Lumix FZ330 review

Best premium superzoom

If you want that little extra from image quality, while achieving significant zoom, then you'll need to fork out some extra cash for a larger sensor model. The current range is a fight between Panasonic with its FZ1000 and FZ2000 models and Sony with its RX10 Mark III and Mark IV.

Sony RX10 III

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The earlier RX10 II was by no means a disappointing camera, but the RX10 III takes its only real flaw – its lack of zoom reach – and tosses it out the window, thanks to its 24-600mm f/2.8-4.0 equivalent optic.

The result is a bridge camera with a 1-inch sensor that offers a stunning level of flexibility and versatility all from the one lens. If you're ok with the body's big scale, anyway.

Many bridge cameras feel like jacks of all trades, masters of none, but Sony has produced one that truly masters most areas of stills and video photography.

There's also an RX10 IV, which enhances autofocus capability, if you want to stretch even further and spend a little more cash.

Read our full review:Sony Cyber-shot RX10 Mark III review

The camcorder-beater

Panasonic Lumix FZ2000

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The FZ2000 is certainly a big and pricey superzoom, but its premium position is justified for the right kind of user. And with its significant push towards video features, including 4K capture and an abundance of high-end features, that will be for both photographers and videographers alike.

When a normal superzoom won't cut it, the FZ2000's has two things that stand out: enhanced image quality from its 1-inch sensor and an internally focusing lens, which means the optic doesn't physically move throughout its 24-480mm equivalent range.

If you've been looking for a do-it-all body and aren't fearful of a DSLR scale, then as a stills camera there's plenty on offer in the FZ2000. If video is more your thing then we think the FZ2000's considerable capabilities paints a red cross on the door of the enthusiast camcorder market too.

Read our full review:Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 review

Best fixed-lens compact cameras

When money is no barrier and quality is everything, there's a camera for that. DSLR sensor sizes in compact bodies and, typically, a fixed lens (no zoom) that's matched up to its respective sensor for best possible image quality. Here's where the compact goes pro - and these special specimens don't just match DSLR quality, they often better it.

Fujifilm X100F

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Fujifilm has stormed the high-end compact market with the X-range, and the X100F keeps the bar high, upping the resolution and design compared to the previous X100T model.

The X100F isn't going to be suitable for a huge audience as there's no zoom and its retro aesthetic is a specialist thing in itself – but that, in some regard, is all part of what makes this high-end compact so appealing.

It's not the model to pick if you're into close-up macro shooting by any means, as wide apertures render soft images in such situations, but what really sells the X100F is the unique-to-Fuji hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder. And now that comes with a fantastic "electronic rangefinder" option for even more accurate manual focus.

That may all sound bonkers, but it's not: think of a wider-than-100-per-cent optical viewfinder with all the bells and whistles of an electronic overlay and that's what the X100T delivers. You can see beyond the frame's edges to help capture the shot at that decisive moment.

Image quality from the fixed 23mm f/2.0 lens – that's a 35mm equivalent when paired with the APS-C sensor – is so crisp from f/4.0 and below, in part thanks to Fujifilm's own special colour array design and the fact there's no low-pass filter to bypass light diffusion for heightened sharpness. It's perfect for those candid street photography snaps.

Read our full review:Fujifilm X100F review

Fujifilm X70

As much as we've got a lot of love for the X100 series, the smaller-scale Fujifilm X70 actually pips it in terms of preference for us. This 28mm (equivalent) fixed lens compact is like a more pocketable, wider-angle, slightly more consumer focused aid to the X100T. 

Although we'd like a more detailed and faster autofocus system, and are in two minds about the lack of viewfinder, the X70 is otherwise a champion addition to the X-series. It's really all about the image quality, which is why we suspect X100T fans and, to some degree, newcomers will be rushing out to buy this wide-angle wonder.

If you're looking for something more flexible then the Panasonic LX100 (further up the page) is probably the route to go down, not that both models are distinctly comparable.

Read our full review: Fujifilm X70 review

Best full-frame compact camera

Leica Q / Q2

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Originally it was the Sony RX1 which held this spot, as the original fixed-lens full-frame compact camera. Ok, so the Leica Q isn't particularly "compact" and its £2,900 price tag certainly isn't small (if you can find one – they're sold out almost everywhere), but its 28mm f/1.7 lens is so out-of-this-world that it has to take the crown.

It's not a compact for everyone, of course, with that price tag indicating so. But its huge full-frame sensor, which is the same size as found in pro-spec DSLR cameras, is paired with a lens so sharp that its results are incredible. Nope, there's no zoom, but in-camera 35/50mm crop modes go some way to help.

There's a built-in electronic viewfinder (a 3.86m-dot LCOS one, no less) which is wonderfully high resolution, but it ought to activate a little quicker for street work. Add surprisingly speedy autofocus with touchscreen control and  this is every bit the Leica for a new generation.

Sure, it's not a mass market product, as is the case with any fixed-lens camera. But whether you're a staunch Leica fan, or simply a photography fan, the Q is that rare Leica that will transcend users old and new. There's also a follow-up Q2 model, which we're yet to review.

Read our full review: Leica Q review

Elon Musk has pledged to donate $1 million towards the viral tree-planting mission started by MrBeast that's aiming to plant 20 million trees by 2020.

Tesla's CEO is the latest in a long line of internet celebrities to donate to the project. He promised to make the donation after being pulled into the conversation by famous YouTuber Marques "MKBHD" Brownlee:

Goes straight to the Arbor Day Foundation for planting a tree somewhere “in a forest of high need” around the globe  https://t.co/1NTkHJ65md

— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) 28 October 2019

What is #TeamTrees anyway?

Team Trees is essentially a charitable initiative started by YouTube celebrity Jimmy "MrBeast" Donaldson in collaboration with The Arbor Day Foundation. This is a fundraising campaign that's encouraging people to donate to help plant 20 million trees around the world by 2020. 

The seed for this idea was actually planted way back in May, when MrBeast asked the internet what he should do to celebrate reaching 20 million subscribers on YouTube. 

The enthusiastic Reddit community suggested he should plant the trees to save the planet:

Reddit really wants me to plant 20 million trees. pic.twitter.com/peGsq3eBjO

— MrBeast (@MrBeastYT) May 23, 2019

And thus Project TeamTrees was born. 

MrBeast has said that he wanted to make TeamTrees "the largest YouTube collaboration of all time..." and to that end, he has got plenty of other big YouTube content creators involved. Everyone from Casey Niestat to Mark Rober has helped spread awareness of the mission and encouraged people to donate to help reach the goal. Even YouTube has promised to "match the next million" and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has donated $150,000 too. 

How does #TeamTrees work?

This project is essentially supporting The Arbor Day Foundation, a body that claims to be the "biggest tree-planting organisation in the world" and one that's on a mission to help the planet by planting more trees worldwide. 

Each one dollar donation is being used to plant one tree somewhere in the world. Those trees are mostly being planted in "high need" forests and will be the appropriate tree for the area. 

Creators are joining together with a goal:

to raise $20 million dollars
to plant 20 million trees
by 2020#teamtrees

Get involved at https://t.co/HWnMfdbnwq  pic.twitter.com/43i1BnDzVU

— BTube (@YouTube) October 25, 2019

The overall goal is to raise enough money to plant 20 million trees by the year 2020, though raising awareness of the Foundation is obviously an added bonus.

The actual planting of the trees will begin in January 2020 but planting 20 million trees will take a little longer, the hope is it will be completed before the end of 2022.

TeamTrees is also keen to stress it's doing things properly saying "we're working with the Arbor Day Foundation to ensure high survivability rates for all the trees planted as part of Team Trees. Sure, you could plant trees faster, but you'd be risking the integrity of this vision."

Will planting all those trees save the world?

It's unlikely that planting 20 million trees alone would be enough to save the planet. Mark Rober, former NASA engineer turned YouTuber, who is part of the project has acknowledged as much in one of his recent videos. 

"It's important to note with regard to Team Trees that 20 million trees by 2020 isn't going to cure climate change, but it's a step in the right direction and a constructive, positive way to send a message that we see the science and we care." 

If you want to get involved, you can donate at the official site here.

Amazon is hoping the move away from our reliance on smartphones, and our keenness to spend less time looking at screens, will allow Alexa to become the de facto personal voice assistant and win out against Google Assistant and Apple's Siri.

"I think the power of the hands-free ambient user interface keeps you fundamentally connected to the world around you," explains Daniel Rausch, vice president of Smart Home at Amazon to the Pocket-lint podcast. "You can carry that through your home with all the different form factors we make." 

The comments come off the back of the launch of a number of new devices from the company that allow people to stay even more connected to Alexa not only in the home, but when out and about.

The company recently launched Echo Buds, a pair of wireless in-ear headphones to compete against the Apple AirPods amongst others, as well as a pair of connected glasses and even a smart ring you can wear on your finger.

"You might be wearing the Echo Buds, or one of our Day One Edition frames and these keep you fundamentally connected to the world around you using AI," adds Rausch.

The reason for the upbeat attitude even those Amazon's previous efforts to take on the phone industry dramatically failed back in 2014? Because Rausch believes by using our phones, we become disconnected, not more connected with the world around us.

"I don't know about you, but I fundamentally disconnect from the world around me when I pull out my phone. I love my phone, I accomplish lots of things with my phone, but it also disconnects me. The more we [Amazon] can offer through that ambient interface that is with you on the go, the better off our customers will be."

The key message from Rausch it seems, is that Amazon wants to be part of every element of your world, but not your whole world.

You can listen the full interview on the latest Pocket-lint podcast out this Friday.

Whether a game is good or not is often down to personal opinion, but we've crafted this list of fantastic PC games we've enjoyed that you might too.

We've played and reviewed a range of games so you're bound to find something to suit. Whether you're looking for free-to-play Battle Royale, deeply engrossing RPGs or tactical shooters, we've got a bit of everything. 

Here then is our list of the best PC games you can get from a range of platforms, presented in no particular order.

• Upcoming PC games: The best games to look forward to
• Best HTC Vive and Vive Pro games: Incredible experiences to play right now

Best Battle Royale games

Apex Legends

• Type: First-person free-to-play Battle Royale
• What makes it interesting? Hero class system and three-person squads
• Publisher: EA
• Developer: Respawn Entertainment
• Platform: Origin
• Download from Origin

Apex Legends is a surprise hit that came out of nowhere. A Battle Royale game from the creators of Titanfall that's taking the gaming world by storm. This game had over a million unique players in the first day and it's easy to see why. 

• What is Apex Legends? The free to play Battle Royale for PS4, Xbox One and PC explained

This is a Battle Royale game with a twist as it features a few things you don't normally see in this genre. The ability to revive dead teammates, a game mode that only allows three squad players (no duo or solo play here) and, most interestingly, a hero class system that includes various "Legend" characters with different abilities and skills. 

Did we mention it's free?

Cuisine Royale 

• Type: Free-to-play third-person FPS
• What makes it interesting? A WW2 setting with a hilariously enjoyable kitchenware-based armour system
• Publisher: Gaijin Distribution KFT
• Developer: Darkflow Software
• Platform: Steam
• See it on Steam

Cuisine Royale is not just another Battle Royale game, it's also one of the best. Like Fortnite, it's free to play, but unlike the others it doesn't take itself too seriously. 

This game is based off the engine for upcoming WW2 MMO Enlisted and features a range of hilarity and brilliant gameplay that we love. Clever mechanics and interesting game balancing certainly make Cuisine Royale interesting to play.

For example, you can find and equip pieces of armour that offer varying levels of protection as you progress through a match. But that protection comes at a cost as it's made from frying pans, saucepans and other assorted kitchenware which invariably rattles as you move. This noise could give away your position, so is it better to shed the pans and run around in your boxers? Probably. 

Fortnite

• Type: Free-to-play Battle Royale
• What makes it interesting? Building mechanics, easily accessible gameplay and a large player base
• Publisher: Epic Games 
• Developer: Epic Games 
• Platform: Epic
• Download from Epic

It almost goes without saying, but you can't really have a best games list without including Fortnite. It's one of the biggest gaming crazes to have swept across the world. Fortnite might not be a PC exclusive, nor is it necessarily the best game on PC, but it is mighty popular. 

• What is Fortnite Battle Royale? How does it work and what devices can you play it on?
• What parents need to know about Fortnite

Fortnite took the already loved Battle Royale genre and mixed in base-building, cartoon graphics and much more besides to make the game appeal to a wider audience. It's technically free-to-play but also regularly refreshed with new content that can be earned or purchased with a "Battle Pass". These are optional purchases which offer cosmetics such as loading screens, banners, character emotes, different gliders and more. It's certainly not pay-to-win, but it is a lot of fun. 

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds

• Type: Free-to-play Battle Royale
• What makes it interesting? A more serious Battle Royale with cross-platform play
• Publisher: Bluehole/Kakao Games
• Developer: Bluehole/PUBG Corporation
• Platform: Steam
• See offers at Fanatical

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, AKA PUBG, is perhaps the game that kick-started the love for the Battle Royale genre of games that's now turning up in droves. It's far more serious than Fortnite and doesn't have any base building elements, but the people love it.

PUBG started it's life on PC and has since released on console and mobile too. If you're serious about winning chicken dinners, then this is the game to play. It's been updated a fair bit since it launched too so there's plenty of fun to be had for new players and old alike.

Best Role Playing Games (RPG)

Monster Hunter: World

• Type: Open-world action adventure RPG
• What makes it interesting? The "ultimate hunting experience" that's playable with friends
• Publisher: Capcom
• Developer: Capcom
• Platform: Steam
• See offers at Fanatical

Monster Hunter: World is one of those games that PC gamers had to wait for. It released on console in early 2018 and we loved it, but had to wait until August to get stuck in on PC.

Monster Hunter World allows you to play the "ultimate hunting experience" either on your own or with friends. The result of which is a gloriously addictive and endlessly charming game we're sure you'll love.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• Type: Open-world atmospheric RPG 
• What makes it interesting? An incredibly rich story with gruesome and exotic monsters, beautiful wenches and more besides
• Publisher: CD PROJEKT RED
• Developer: CD PROJEKT RED
• Platform: Steam
• See it on Steam

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is quite possibly one of the best PC games of all time. It's been about since 2015, but still plays marvellously. We've sunk around 150 hours into this stunning RPG and loved every minute. 

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review: The best role-player since Skyrim

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an extraordinary feat in game design, with a massive breath-taking world for you to get lost in. From slaying monsters to laying with wenches, the Witcher 3 has it all. 

Kingdom Come: Deliverance

• Type: Open-world realistic RPG 
• What makes it interesting? An insanely difficult realistic combat system and masses of quests to get stuck into
• Publisher: Deep Silver
• Developer: Warhorse Studios
• Platform: Steam
• See offers at Fanatical

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a fantastically challenging, often frustrating, always enjoyable open-world RPG set in the Holy Roman Empire. You play Henry, a blacksmith's son who finds himself thrust into the chaos of war as his friends and family are slaughtered when a mercenary raid descends on his peaceful village. Henry then sets off on an adventure to aid the locals, fight off the bandits and help fight for the future of Bohemia.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a brilliant RPG for those who love the idea of messing about in medieval times. But don't expect to win every battle as you'll need to learn how to fight first and to earn enough money for good weapons, armour and a decent horse. You're only a blacksmith after all, so being surrounded by knights in heavy armour often results in a painful and messy death. We utterly love this game and all the challenges it throws at us.

PC gamers will also enjoy the fact that this game is challenging for your system. Try running it on ultra settings and you'll be warned those visuals are only intended for future hardware. It's like Crysis but for the new age. 

Assassin's Creed: Odyssey

• Type: Open-world action-adventure RPG 
• What makes it interesting? A massive map to explore and the most RPG-like elements ever seen in the franchise
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Developer: Ubisoft
• Platform: Uplay
• See offers at Fanatical

Assassin's Creed: Odyssey is undeniably spectacular. We thought Origins was great and that Ubisoft would have trouble topping it, but we were wrong. This game is the best and biggest game in the franchise and the most in-depth as well. 

• Assassin's Creed Odyssey review: Sparta-cular

This isn't just another run-of-the-mill addition, but a brilliant open-world outing which is now more RPG-like than ever before. It's also stunning and has no end of places to explore. You'll no doubt sink tens, if not hundreds of hours into this one so it represents excellent value for money, if nothing else. 

Vampyr

• Type: Action-adventure horror RPG 
• What makes it interesting? A dark and miserable setting in post-war London, heavy narrative focus and plenty of choice to bite or not
• Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
• Developer: DONTNOD Entertainment
• Platform: Steam
• See offers at Fanatical

Vampyr is set in London, 1918. The city is ravaged by Spanish flu and is suffering from the aftermath of the Great War. The bodies are piling up and the streets are awash with misery. As if that wasn't bad enough, vampires also lurk in the dark streets and you're one of them. 

• Vampyr review: All talk and no bite

This is an action RPG with a massive focus on narrative and arching storylines. If you love a good chat and the occasional bloodletting then this game is worth sinking your teeth into. 

Mad Max

• Type: Action-adventure RPG 
• What makes it interesting? A fantastic outing in the Mad Max universe with enjoyable combat and car-based fun
• Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Developer: Avalanche Studios
• Platform: Steam
• See offers at Fanatical

Mad Max is getting on now, but that's great because it means it's regularly on sale for next to nothing. It's a cracking game with hand-to-hand combat that feels like the Batman games from Rocksteady Studios, only more fierce and brutal. 

• Mad Max first look review: Vast and furious

It's a massively open-world adventure set in the post-apocalyptic Mad Max universe with a dash of both character and car RPG-like progression. Upgrade your gear, weapons and vehicle to tear up the landscape. Hours and hours of fun. 

Path of Exile

• Type: Action RPG 
• What makes it interesting? The best Diablo type game out there? Plus it's free?
• Publisher: Grinding Gear Games
• Developer: Grinding Gear Games
• Platform: Steam
• Download it from Steam

Path of Exile is one of those games that was great when it first released and has continued to get better ever since. It's an Action RPG set in a dark fantasy world with a heavy emphasis on visceral combat, deep character customisation and good, old-fashioned fun. This is game is also not only free-to-play but also supports singleplayer, multiplayer and co-op gameplay too. 

Best First Person Shooters (FPS)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

• Type: Single-play/Co-op/Multiplayer military shooter
• Publisher: Activision
• Developer: Infinity Ward
• Platform: Battlenet
• See the official site
• See it on Battlenet

Call of Duty Modern Warfare is getting a fresh new outing and is going back to its roots. This time around there's a gripping single-player campaign, co-op gameplay and, of course, multiplayer mode. 

Infinity Ward has really pulled out all the stops with this one in our mind. It feels very much like the original Modern Warfare did back in 2007. Less jetpacks, much more serious stealth action. Fans of the older Call of Duty games will enjoy this one for sure. Once you've finished the campaign, there's multiple co-op levels to play and a rejuvenated multiplayer experience that includes a 64-player mode called Ground War. 

Metro Exodus

• Type: Apocalpytic FPS
• What makes it interesting? Brilliantly story-led post-apocalyptic adventure with stunning graphics and Mad Max feel
• Publisher: Deep Silver/Koch Games
• Developer: 4A Games
• Platform: Epic 
• See offers at CD Keys
• See official site/Epic Store

Metro Exodus is the third outing in the series and another return to brilliance from 4A Games. You take on the role of Artyom who is desperately in search of signs of life beyond the irradiated and desolate ruins of Moscow. Battling for survival against the harsh climate and a wealth of baddies that include everything from bandits, to winged beasts, belligerent mutants and venom spitting spiders. 

• Metro Exodus review: All aboard the superb single-player shooter

There's a real sense of misery and hard times here as you're constantly forced to forage for ammo, gear and supplies to keep your guns firing or stalk through the shadows carefully avoiding death. Later on, a serious Mad Max vibe eeks into the game too and we can't say much without spoiling it, but we loved it. If you enjoyed the previous games, this one is bound to be a hit as well. And on PC it looks absolutely stunning. 

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege

• Type: Team-based tactical shooter
• What makes it interesting? Class-based co-op action with intense close-quarters battles
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
• Platform: Uplay
• See offers at Fanatical

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege originally appeared on the scene in 2014. But it's by no means an old game as it's constantly being updated, reworked and refreshed with new content, characters and maps. 

This game is, in essence, an online tactical shooter which pits one small team of players against another. These teams are split into attackers and defenders who have different objectives - defend/defuse the bomb, hold onto or rescue the hostage or simply eliminate the other team. Each "operator" in the game has a different play style with weapons and gadgets to help them complete their mission. What happens in the game will depend heavily on which characters are being played, so there's plenty of variety and a lot of fun too.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege can also be purchased as a base game for a very reasonable sum - allowing you to work your way through the main operators or you can pay for the complete editions and get access to even more. 

Hell Let Loose

• Type: WW2 team-based shooter
• Publisher: Team 17
• Developer: Black Matter Pty Ltd
• Platform: Steam
• See the official site
• See it on Steam

Developed by a small independent team, crafted in Unreal Engine 4 and built with a focus on realistic gameplay, Hell Let Loose is another WW2 game full of promise. This game reminds us of Post Scriptum and certainly seems like a full-on tactical military simulator. 

Although currently in early access, Hell Let Loose is certainly well worth looking at. If you're a fan of more serious military sim style shooters (like ARMA or Squad) then this will certainly tick your boxes. There's a lot of humping around the map, accidental team kills and frustrating moments where you've no idea who killed you, but there's also a lot of fun to be had, especially when playing with friends. 

Teamwork is key not only to your team winning but also to your enjoyment of this one. Get three gamers together and hop in a tank - with one carefully driving, one manning the main gun and one commanding and you'll soon smash your way through enemy lines. You'll also find how tough the WW2 battles were though, when it takes an age to turn your turret or you can barely see a thing through the tiny vision slits in the front. 

Overwatch

• Type: Team-based multiplayer FPS 
• What makes it interesting? Online-only gameplay with a class-based system and brilliantly colourful visuals
• Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
• Platform: Battlenet
• See it on Battlenet

Overwatch is essentially an online-only first-person shooter-slash-brawler with colourful, cartoon graphics and enormously enjoyable gameplay. 

• Overwatch review: Accessible, addictive and awfully good fun

It's a popular eSports game but great for casual gamers too. We thought it was utterly brilliant when we reviewed it in 2016 and it still keeps bringing joy to the masses even now. Overwatch is almost certainly another game design triumph from Blizzard and well worth playing.  

Superhot

• Type: Bullet-time FPS 
• What makes it interesting? Fantastic use of bullet-time and time-manipulation gaming mechanics
• Publisher: SUPERHOT Team
• Developer: SUPERHOT Team
• Platform: Steam
• See offers on Fanatical

Superhot is a brilliantly crafted first-person shooter where time moves only when you move. This makes for some really interesting game mechanics and thoroughly immersive gameplay. 

This is certainly an FPS that requires some thought while you play. You'll need to suss out the situation every time you spawn, but even turning to look around moves time forward and brings on the horde of enemies hell-bent on killing you. Superhot is fantastic and it's even better in VR.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)

• Type: Free-to-play team-based tactical shooter
• What makes it interesting? Twitch shooting with a lack of aim down the sight gun mechanic
• Publisher: Valve
• Developer: Valve/Hidden Path Entertainment
• Platform: Steam
• Download it on Steam

CS:GO is serious business. This is the most recent outing in the Counter-Strike series - a franchise which has always been synonymous with competitive FPS gameplay. It's a popular eSports game and highly thought of too. 

If you love team-based shooters, then this is the one for you. It's also entirely free now, so what's not to love? 

Battlefield 5

• Type: WW2 based team-based shooter
• What makes it interesting? Destruction mechanics, masses of vehicles and weapons to play with and a multitude of gamemodes too
• Publisher: EA
• Developer: Dice
• Platform: Origin
• Buy it on Origin

After Call of Duty returned to its roots and revisited WWII, Battlefield followed suit. 

• Battlefield V review: A state of the art WWII shooter

There were mixed feelings in the community but there's no denying that Battlefield 5 is stunning and features numerous improvements which make it an interesting option for fans of the series or online shooters in general. If you want to try before you buy, there's always the option of a subscription to Origin Access which lets you play a wide collection of games for a small monthly fee. 

Destiny 2

• Type: Online-only FPS 
• What makes it interesting? Quest-based gameplay that can be enjoyed with friends across a variety of incredible locations
• Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
• Developer: Activision
• Platform: Battlenet
• See it on Battlenet

Destiny 2 is thought of by many as a very fine game indeed. An enthralling story certainly makes it a better game than the first. It's also incredibly well designed as it's just as easy for new players to get into as hardcore PC gamers. 

• Destiny 2 review: The perfect blend of MMO and single-player
• Destiny 2 Forsaken initial review: Cayde's dead baby, Cayde's dead

It's quite easy to get lost in all the quests and raids in Destiny 2 and once you start playing this game, you'll wonder where all the hours went. Destiny 2 is almost certainly best enjoyed with friends, but you can play on your own too. 

Insurgency: Sandstorm

• Type: Team-based tactical shooter
• What makes it interesting? Modern combat with an old-school FPS feel
• Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
• Developer: New World Interactive
• Platform: Steam
• See offers at Fanatical

Insurgency: Sandstorm is a team-based, tactical shooter with brutal and lethal close quarters combat. This is a modern combat FPS with an old-school feel. None of the nonsense of modern triple-A shooters, just good old fashioned gunplay and teamwork. 

If you're after a hardcore FPS then this one is for you. Deadly ballistics, light attack vehicles, destructive artillery and incredible audio too make Insurgency: Sandstorm a seriously fun shooter. 

Best open-world/survival games

No Man's Sky

• Type: Open-world space exploration/survival
• What makes it interesting? A procedurally generated universe where no two games are the same
• Publisher: Hello Games
• Developer: Hello Games
• Platform: Steam
• See it on Steam

No Man's Sky first launched in the hazy days of 2016 and, despite the pre-release hype, left many feeling underwhelmed and upset at the lack of multiplayer options.

Several updates later and No Man's Sky is a superb space adventure with improved space stations, enhanced freighter and frigate systems and a multiplayer mode to boot.

• No Man's Sky tips for beginners: Essential things to know to get ahead in the space race
• Amazing photos of space as captured in No Man's Sky

At its core, No Man's Sky is fantastic anyway as it boasts 18 quintillion procedurally generated planets to explore, ensuring that no one journey of exploration is the same as another.  

Rust

• Type: Open-world survival
• What makes it interesting? The freedom to scavenge, forage and build a magnificent base or just create weird and wonderful traps to torment your enemies
• Publisher: Facepunch Studios
• Developer: Facepunch Studios
• Platform: Steam
• See it on Steam

There are many survival games available for PC gamers, but Rust continues to be the most popular. This is an online survival game where you can build magnificent bases, make new friends, explore and survive against a harsh environment and more. There are plenty of play options and regular updates too. Smash some rocks, chop down a tree, craft some weapons to defend yourself and enjoy everything there is on offer. If you hate people spoiling your fun, there's always the option of PVE. 

Rust is being regularly updated with new content to keep it fresh and interesting. Simple additions can make big differences to the game, like electricity for example. Rust has a massive community following and there is no end of videos on YouTube with Rust-based hilarity to enjoy.  

Subnautica

• Type: Open-world underwater survival
• What makes it interesting? It's set underwater on a distant alien world 
• Publisher: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
• Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
• Platform: Steam
• See it on Steam

Another open-world survival game to add to your list. Only this time it's set underwater on an alien planet. Explore the depths of the oceans, craft new gear, mess about in submarines and enjoy the wondrous sights while trying to survive.

Not convinced? How about base building under the sea? Or free VR support for both the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive? 

Dying Light

• Type: Open-world zombie survival
• What makes it interesting? Parkour movement system, co-op gameplay and awesome weapon crafting
• Publisher: Techland Publishing
• Developer: Techland
• Platform: Steam
• See offers at Fanatical

Dying Light is an absolute gem of a zombie survival game that originally released in 2015. It's been the gift that keeps on giving since then though, with regular free updates of more content and good times. 

There's lots to love with Dying Light - it's an open-world survival game that pits you against all sorts of zombie menaces. But this isn't your average shooter as it features an awesome parkour mechanics that sees you running and jumping across rooftops, scrambling up buildings and dashing across the sprawling landscape to stay alive. 

• Dying Light review: Breathing new life into zombie games

Throw in a crafting system that lets you make awesome weapons including attaching batteries, acid and more to knives, machetes, baseball bats and other vicious death-dealers and you're bound to have a really good time. 

Dying Light is also best enjoyed with friends in co-op mode and we've had no end of fun this way. 

Generation Zero

• Type: Open-world action adventure
• What makes it interesting? A brilliant 1980s vibe, atmospheric environment and an apparent endless supply of ammo
• Publisher: Avalanche Studios
• Developer: Avalanche Publishing
• Platform: Steam
• See it on Steam

Generation Zero reminds us somewhat of 1984 film Red Dawn, only with robots instead of pesky Commies. This open-world FPS throws you into an alternate timeline of 1980s Sweden where various hostile machines of all shapes and sizes roam the lands attacking anything that moves. 

The streets and homes are empty and there's no one else in sight, so it's up to you to find out what happened and uncover the mysteries of the world. We found the atmosphere of this one incredible as we stalked the massive open landscape in search of clues. One minute peacefully enjoying the beautifully crafted views, the next frantically fighting for our lives against hulking metal beasts and tiny spider-like robots trying to eat our face off. 

The story takes a little prodding and there's a lot of walking and looting to do, but Generation Zero certainly has an electric atmosphere. It also has no end of ammo, which in our book is never a bad thing.

Best action adventure games

Trover Saves the Universe

• Type: Comedy action/adventure
• What makes it interesting? All the hilarity of Rick and Morty but in game form with plenty of swearing and chaos
• Publisher: Squanch Games, Inc.
• Developer: Squanch Games, Inc.
• Platform: Steam 
• See it on Steam
• Official site

If the graphical styling and audio of this game look familiar, it's because it comes from the co-creator of Rick and Morty. Trover Saves the Universe is an action adventure game that's compatible with both standard desktop play and virtual reality using HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. 

As you might expect, this game includes incredible amounts of space-based weirdness, vulgar language and weird and wonderful hilarity. It's likely the most bonkers action adventure game you're likely to come across but it's a total blast if you're a fan of the humour of Rick and Morty. 

It only takes around six hours to complete, but then you're not paying the price of a triple-a game and with plenty of characters to talk to, power babies (upgrade boosters) to collect and dense baddies to smash there's a lot of fun to be had.

We found Trover Saves the Universe to be a refreshing change from the norm. It's also certainly a challenge, whether getting stuck trying to suss out the various puzzles or just trying to get along while characters inanely ramble at you with unnecessary insight into their lives, there's plenty to keep you engaged. 

Batman: Arkham Knight

• Type: Open-world superhero action adventure
• What makes it interesting? You play as Batman, what more do you need?
• Publisher: Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment
• Developer: Rocksteady Studios
• Platform: Steam
• See offers at Fanatical

The very best of the Batman games and a real looker too, Batman: Arkham Knight is the final game in the trilogy and it's fantastic. 

• Batman Arkham Knight review: Best of the Bat yet

Scarecrow has returned to wreak havoc on the city of Gotham and it's Batman's job to stop him and his cronies. With an upgraded Batmobile, as well as enhancements to combat, stealth, forensics and navigation this Batman game has it all.   

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

• Type: Action adventure
• What makes it interesting? Fantastic graphics and stunning locations to explore, loot and admire
• Publisher: Square Enix
• Developer: Eidos-Montréal, Crystal Dynamics
• Platform: Steam
• See it on Steam

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is the final part of Lara Croft's origin trilogy. We also thought it was the best so far. As you'd expect, it's bigger and better than her previous two outings. It has a more in-depth and immersive storyline and certainly no shortage of tombs to raid and explore. 

• Shadow of the Tomb Raider review: Stealthy finale for Lara Croft trilogy

On PC, Shadow of the Tomb Raider is stunning and we've made much use of the brilliant and hilarious photo mode as we've played too. Because even Lara Croft is a fan of selfies apparently.  

Quantum Break 

• Type: Sci-fi action adventure with time manipulation
• What makes it interesting? Brilliant time manipulation gameplay mechanics with masterpiece cinematics 
• Publisher: Microsoft Studios
• Developer: Remedy Entertainment
• Platform: Steam
• See offers at Fanatical

We thoroughly enjoyed Quantum Break which came as no surprise as we pretty much adore everything Remedy Entertainment does. Alan Wake, Max Payne, the list goes on - we're hoping Control is just as brilliant. 

Quantum Break is another cinematic masterpiece that's described as "part game, part live action show" - but don't worry it's not one of those awful games that's more cutscenes than fun. It's just a brilliant romp of time-manipulation, gunplay and good times.  

Grand Theft Auto V

• Type: Open-world action adventure
• What makes it interesting? Another fantastic GTA adventure with endless online fun available
• Publisher: Rockstar Games
• Developer: Rockstar North
• Platform: Steam
• See offers at Fanatical

With Grand Theft Auto V, Rockstar continued the trend of creating fantastic open-world action with stunning visuals, a brilliant storyline, engaging characters and much more besides. 

Of course, we PC gamers had to wait for the game to release as Rockstar also continued the trend of serving console first, but it was worth the wait. With a whole new first-person mode and a massive, ever-expanding online mode too, GTA V is a real treat. 

• Grand Theft Auto 5 review: Bona fide thrill ride

A great swathe of regular updates and content to GTA Online, ensure that GTA V is the gift that keeps giving and no doubt will continue to do so. 

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

• Type: Psychological action-adventure
• What makes it interesting? An incredibly atmospheric experience with haunting visions of insanity
• Publisher: Ninja Theory
• Developer: Ninja Theory
• Platform: Steam
• See it on Steam

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a critically acclaimed masterpiece which plays out a fantastic story with an atmospheric journey into mental illness and psychosis. Set during the Viking age, it puts you in the shoes of the Senua, a broken Celtic warrior who's on a journey into hell to save the soul of her beloved.

If you enjoy enthralling, atmospheric and staggeringly beautiful action adventures, then you'll love this one. We thought it was utterly sublime. If being this good wasn't good enough, it's also been recently updated with VR support to - which means you can play the game on both Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.  

Hitman 2

• Type: Single-player stealth 
• What makes it interesting? Sandbox assassination with lots of choice on how to play and lots of replayability
• Publisher: Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment
• Developer: IO Interactive 
• Platform: Steam
• See offers at Fanatical

We've always been huge fans of the Hitman series. Stealth, assassination and really good times abound in Hitman 2. This game boasts plenty of replayability, massive maps and a multitude of ways to complete your missions that mean one playthrough is never the same as the next. 

• Hitman 2 review: An utterly sublime stealth game

Hitman 2 can be challenging, frustrating and utterly joyful. We love perfecting an assassination to leave no trace and make the target's death seem like a freak accident. But if all else fails, there's always the briefcase. 

Dishonored 2

• Type: Single-player first-person stealth action adventure
• What makes it interesting? A rich story with fantastic game-changing powers to explore
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
• Developer: Arkane Studios
• Platform: Steam
• See offers at Fanatical

Dishonored 2 is the second game in the award-winning series by Arkane Studios. A fantastic first-person stealth game which allows you to choose to play as either Empress Emily Kaldwin or the royal protector, Corvo Attano. Supernatural assassination fun abounds, with a brilliantly brutal combat system and a selection of fantastic powers to choose from. 

• Dishonored 2 review: One of the finest stealth games ever made

We thoroughly enjoyed Dishonored 2 when we played it back in 2016 and it's still fantastic now. Once you get stuck in, you'll soon fall in love. Once you've completed it you have the option of replaying or investing in the standalone follow-up Death of the Outsider.

Bishock Infinite

• Type: Single-player first-person action adventure
• What makes it interesting? A brilliantly told story backed by stunning and atmospheric visuals
• Publisher: 2K
• Developer: Irrational Games
• Platform: Steam
• See offers at Fanatical

Bioshock Infinite is a fantastically enjoyable addition to the Bioshock franchise and not a game to be overlooked. Superhuman abilities to play with, alongside fantastic characters and an amazing storyline make this game a real treat.

It's not the biggest game, but it's certainly not one to miss. It's also regularly on sale for bargain basement prices too, so snap it up. 

Devil May Cry 5

• Type: Action adventure/Hack-n-slash
• What makes it interesting? A return to form for Dante with over-the-top hack-n-slash battles, stunning graphics and hours of fun
• Publisher: Capcom
• Developer: Capcom 
• Platform: Steam
• View offers at Fanatical/See it on Steam

The devil you know returns in Devil May Cry 5. With a story set several years after the previous game, the new DMC promises all the sword-wielding gun-toting action you know and love but with even more style. If you enjoy third-person brawlers, then this game is almost certainly a must-buy. 

Best Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)

Dota 2

• Type: Free-to-play MOBA
• What makes it interesting? It's a free-to-play game with a heavy eSports following and VR support
• Publisher: Valve
• Developer: Valve
• Platform: Steam
• See it on Steam

Dota 2 is another eSports favourite and also one of the most-played games on Steam. It regularly tops the Steam Charts for most current players and is a true PC gaming love affair.

This is a free to play, PVP MOBA that originally released in 2013 but has seen plenty of updates in the months and years that followed. Select your hero and battle it out with friends versus bots or take your skills online and face-off against players from across the world. 

Best simulations

Tropico 6

• Type: City building/strategy simulation
• What makes it interesting? An interesting and incredibly detailed simulation mechanic, happy-vibe soundtrack and endless choice in how to play
• Publisher: Kalypso Media
• Developer: Limbic Entertainment
• Platform: Steam
• View offers at Fanatical/See it on Steam

Tropico is back and bigger and better than ever! This is a fantastically detailed and intricate city building simulator that lets you decide the fate of your people and how you behave while ruling them.

You may choose to become the feared dictator or the adored statesman and shape the fate of the world as you go.

We thoroughly enjoy this outing of the series. It's incredibly detailed and allows you to dabble in every possible aspect of society right down to the management of individual businesses including the hiring and firing of staff. 

Of course, all the usual city-building fun is here - including lovingly crafting your towns, building the infrastructure and engaging finances, but there's much more to Tropico 6. Whether you're sending pirates out to steal the Statue of Liberty or preparing for war with other nations, there's plenty of different ways to play. You can also dive in on your own or with friends in either co-op or competitive mode. Hours and hours of fun to be had and a cheerful Carribean soundtrack to keep you entertained too. 

Two Point Hospital

• Type: Management simulation
• What makes it interesting? A hilarious and modern re-imagining of the classic Theme Hospital
• Publisher: SEGA
• Developer: Two Point Studios
• Platform: Steam
• See it at Fanatical

If Two Point Hospital looks familiar, that's because it is. This game is a wonderful modern re-imagining of 1997 classic Theme Hospital. It's even built by some of the same developers, so it really is a corker.

Two Point Hospital puts you in charge of running a full-blown health care facility with all the fun and headaches that come with such a job. Build and maintain your hospital while dealing with masses of patients with all kinds of horrible diseases and illnesses. The pressure is on. You'll soon have a new found respect for all healthcare professionals if nothing else.

PC Building Simulator 

• Type: Building simulation
• What makes it interesting? Build your own dream PC without the expense of actually buying parts
• Publisher: The Irregular Corporation
• Developer: Claudiu Kiss, The Irregular Corporation
• Platform: Steam
• See it at Fanatical

PC gamers love a good simulator and there are plenty of them  - everything from girlfriend simulators to bus driving simulations. But what's more fitting than a game that lets you simulate building a fantastic new gaming PC?

• How to build and upgrade your own gaming PC

If you can't afford to build your own or want to know how to do it, this game might be the perfect buy. 

Human: Fall Flat

• Type: Co-op physics puzzle game
• What makes it interesting? Hilarious physics game with cheerful graphics and fun with friends
• Publisher: Curve Digital
• Developer: No Brakes Games
• Platform: Steam
• See it at Fanatical

Human: Fall Flat is something special. At its core, it's a quirky puzzle platformer, but it's much more than that. This is a hilarious physics game with cheerful graphics and a simple, yet interesting premise. Playing this game, your goal is to find the exit to each of the weird and wonderful levels by solving puzzles in a variety of different ways while trying not to crease up at the ensuing hilarity. Playing with friends is highly recommended here, as it's even more amusing with company. 

Best Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games 

Star Trek Online

• Type: Free-to-play sci-fi MMO
• What makes it interesting? An MMO set in the Star Trek universe where you can pilot your own ships and explore new worlds
• Publisher: Perfect World Entertainment
• Developer: Cryptic Studios
• Platform: Steam
• See it on Steam

Star Trek Online is a popular MMO that allows players to command their own starship and boldly go where no one has gone before. Take part in massive space battles, explore new worlds, fight for different races. There are plenty of gameplay options here. 

Star Trek Online has seen a bunch of updates since it first launched in 2010 and continues to be popular among fans. The latest addition includes content from Netflix series Startrek Discovery too. 

Sea of Thieves

• Type: Pirating MMO
• What makes it interesting? An action-adventure MMO set on the high seas with plenty of grog, cannon-based battles and sea shanties 
• Publisher: Perfect World Entertainment
• Developer: Microsoft Studios
• Platform: Windows Store
• See it at Microsoft

Sea of Thieves might not be for everyone, but it's certainly got a lot going for it. Put on your pirate hat and sail the seas looking for treasure, grog and really good times. There's plenty of fun to be had if you can find it - fighting it out with swashbuckling skeletons, battling it out with other pirate players or just ramming your ship into someone else's in an attempt to board and steal all their loot. 

• Sea of Thieves review: Terrific team-play let down by tedious tasks

The game has had a fair bit of new content added since it first launched, so it's now well worth considering. Even more fun can be had if you have some pirating happy pals you can play with.

World of Warcraft

• Type: MMO
• What makes it interesting? The most well-known MMO around? 
• Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
• Platform: Battlenet
• See on Battlenet

World of Warcraft is perhaps the most well-known MMOs of all time. Many a PC gamer has sunk a multitude of hours into this game and have stories to tell because of it. 

WoW is also one of the best selling PC games of all time and despite being released in 2004, it's still very much alive and kicking. The game is getting a reboot in the form of World of Warcraft Classic at some point, but in the meantime, you can try the game for free. 

Guild Wars 2

• Type: MMO
• What makes it interesting?  There is no dedicated healing class which is fairly unusual for this type of game
• Publisher: NCSOFT
• Developer: ArenaNet
• See the official site

Guild Wars 2 is an online MMO with fast-paced combat and a rich and a detailed universe to explore. It's packed full of awe-inspiring breath-taking landscapes to adventure in as well as challenging PVP modes. Unlike other MMOs, Guild Wars 2 has no subscription fees, it's also free to play. 

Guild Wars 2 allows a player to create a character from five different races and eight different professions, these attributes also determine the skills players can access and thus their experiences. The ability to use construct and use siege weapons is a real highlight for us. 

Best atmospheric/horror games 

Outlast 2

• Type: Psychological survival horror
• What makes it interesting? A terrifying psychological horror where a video camera is your only tool for survival
• Publisher: Red Barrels
• Developer: Red Barrels
• Platform: Steam
• See it on Steam

If you enjoy your games with an unhealthy dose of terror then Outlast 2 is probably your bag. A dark foreboding town in the middle of the wilderness provides the backdrop to a psychological survival horror that will have you running for the hills. 

You take on the role of Blake Langermann, an investigative journalist on a mission to uncover the stories no one else will dare touch. A video camera with night vision mode is basically your main tool for survival and the only thing between you and a horrible death. This game is certainly not for the timid. 

Alien: Isolation

• Type: Sci-fi Survival horror
• What makes it interesting? An atmospheric horror game set in the Alien universe with plenty of stealth-based action
• Publisher: SEGA
• Developer: Creative Assembly
• Platform: Steam
• See it at Fanatical

Terrifying back-water towns not your thing? How about a survival horror set in the Alien universe. The constant threat of death and an utter lack of resources to help you defend yourself make Alien: Isolation a real thrill ride. As long as you can cope with the pressure. 

• Type: First-person action horror
• What makes it interesting? An atmospheric game with a steampunk vibe in a mysterious alternative universe with Nikola Tesla getting up to something shady. 
• Publisher: Wired Productions
• Developer: Storm in a Teacup
• Platform: Epic
• See it on the Epic Store

Close to the Sun is an interesting and atmospheric action horror game with a steampunk vibe. You play as journalist Rose Archer, a woman who is on a mission to find her sister aboard the mysterious Helios - a craft full of scientists pushing the boundaries of modern science and physics.

The Helios is the brainchild of Nikola Tesla, who in this fictional universe is battling with Thomas Edison for technological dominance around the world. But something terrible has happened aboard and it's your job to find out how your sister is involved while trying to save her life. 

It's hard to say much about it without spoiling the fun, but Close to the Sun is certainly interesting. It's very slow paced and involves a lot of walking, poking and prodding various puzzles, but the atmospheric vibe and storyline of this game are pretty darned good. Especially if you love the idea of Nikola Tesla as a mad-scientist unleashing hell on earth. We thoroughly enjoyed The Invisible Hours which had a similar alternative universe vibe to it and Close to the Sun is similar, only slightly more bonkers. 

Best racing games

Dirt Rally 2.0

• Type: Rally/racing sim
• What makes it interesting? Off-road racing with authentic racing mechanics and awesomely fun cars
• Publisher: Codemasters
• Developer: Codemasters Racing Studio
• Platform: Steam
• See it on Steam

DiRT Rally is back with another heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat racing sim. DiRT Rally 2.0 offers a selection of iconic rally locations, with some of the most powerful off-road vehicles ever made available to race.

We loved the original DiRT rally and this new game is equally as awesome. It's a more immersive experience this time around too with authentic handling, real-life locations and an intense driving experience that you'll love. 

With over 50 cars available to tune, drive and race, DiRT Rally 2.0 is a blast. VR support is also coming soon. 

Project Cars 2

• Type: Racing/driving sim with VR support
• What makes it interesting? Over 180 cars to race on a variety of surfaces with dynamic surface and weather effects
• Publisher: Bandai Namco
• Developer: Slightly Mad Studios
• Platform: Steam
• See it at Fanatical

If you're a committed motor-racing enthusiast then Project Cars 2 is almost certainly a must-buy. It's bristling with cars, tracks and really great design that includes dynamic surface and weather effects that result in a thrilling driving experience. 

• Project Cars 2 review: A must-buy for hardcore racing fans

Project Cars 2 has 180 cars and more to play around with. It also boasts VR support for Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Windows Mixed Reality headsets and the ability to support up to 12K visuals too. Superbly stunning. 

Best Real-Time Strategy (RTS)

Company of Heroes 2

• Type: WW2 military RTS
• What makes it interesting? A fantastic military RTS with a variety of forces to play around with
• Publisher: SEGA
• Developer: Relic Entertainment
• Platform: Steam
• See it at Fanatical

Company of Heroes 2 might be getting on in years, but it's still one of our favourite RTS games. This is a brilliant military real-time strategy game with plenty of fun to be had. 

Play alone or with friends against bots or real opponents, using a variety of armies on various battlefronts. Employ your favourite commanders and assault forces and push your way to victory. 

We'll be adding to this list in future, so let us know in the comments any of your favourites we might have missed.  

Total War: Warhammer II

• Type: Fantasy RTS
• What makes it interesting? Turn-based fun in the Warhammer universe from the masterful Total War series
• Publisher: SEGA
• Developer: Creative Assembly
• Platform: Steam
• See it at Fanatical

Total War is a name that's synonymous with incredible RTS games. This is a franchise with some serious muscle. Throw in some Warhammer myth and magic, epic real-time battles and world-spanning conquest and you've got some seriously good gameplay. If you're a fan of RTS games, but haven't yet dipped your toe into the Total War franchise, this may well be the place to start. 

Best Co-op games

World War Z

• Type: Third-person shooter/co-op zombie shooter
• What makes it interesting? Masses of character customisation and levelling systems. Uber fast moving zombie hordes. 
• Publisher: MadDog Games and Focus Home Interactive
• Developer: Saber Interactive
• Platform: Epic 
• See it on Epic Games

World War Z is a third-person shooter based on the film by the same name. It's a four-player cooperative game which pits you and your friends against massive unrelenting swarms of flesh-eating zombies.

This game also lets you explore storylines and characters from around the world - with levels set in New York, Moscow and Jerusalem. But the fun is going to come in the form of unrelenting fast-moving hordes of undead. As well as an "advanced gore and dismemberment system" which is actually incredibly satisfying when you're cutting down the waves of brain-nommers with your buddies.

Unique character classes and the ability to play with your friends make World War Z a blast. It's hard not to compare it to Left 4 Dead, but that's no bad thing as that was an awesome zombie shooter series too. If slaying the undead isn't enough, there's also a multiplayer mode for battling it out against other players online. 

Wolfenstein: Youngblood

• Type: First-person co-op shooter
• What makes it interesting? blasting Nazis with your pal while playing as BJ Blazkowicz’s twin daughters.
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
• Developer: Machine Games, Arkane Studios
• Platform: Steam
• See it on Steam

More brilliance from the Wolfenstein franchise, this time with full-on co-op gaming glory in Nazi-infested 1980. You play as one of BJ Blazkowicz's twin daughters, kicking Nazi bottoms and taking names. This time around, the action takes place in Nazi-occupied Paris. All the usual over-the-top Nazi weaponry, machinery and more make an appearance and there's plenty of violence too.

Youngblood is certainly not the usual Wolfenstein outing. We get a distinct Destiny vibe off this one. It's an FPS with RPG elements. You visit various areas in Nazi-occupied Paris, complete missions and return to base, only to go out again to the same area for a different mission. It can feel a bit grindy at times, but upgrading your gear, weaponry and skills allows you to find new ways to pound Nazis and open new areas of the individual locations as you go. 

The highlight is certainly the co-op mode. You don't even need to both own the game - if one person has bought the deluxe edition of the game, the other can play the entire thing for free in co-op mode. All they need to do is download the demo and get an invite. 

Best slashers

MORDHAU 

• Type: Multiplayer slasher
• What makes it interesting? A medieval setting with utterly brutal and unforgiving combat systems
• Publisher: Triternion
• Developer: Triternion
• Platform: Steam
• See it on Steam

MORDHAU is utter madness and that's why we love it. This is a first-person multiplayer slasher that puts you into a fictional world on a bloodied battlefield facing off against a mass of other players baying for your blood. 

Select your character class, grab your gear and charge into war with a blood-curdling battle cry. Swing a long sword and lop off someone's noggin or batter their brains with a massive axe, the choice is yours. MORDHAU is utterly punishing and you will die a lot, but it's a lot of fun too. It's hard not to make comparisons Chivalry: Medieval Warfare but that's no bad thing as that game was also a lot of fun. 

Apple is reportedly mobilisation suppliers to produce a range of three iPhones with 5G data connectivity. And, contrary to other recent reports, they are said to be coming in 2020.

We had previously heard that Apple was planning to make its own 5G modems, but that they wouldn't be ready until 2021. However, while we still don't know who will be supplying the mobile data chips at present, sources inside the supply chain claim that next year's flagship models will, indeed, be 5G ready.

They told Nikkei Asian Review that the iPhone 12 (as it is currently being termed) will also sport advanced mobile processors and leading edge screens. This latter suggestion matches another report released this week that said the new iPhones will come with 120Hz displays.

Other iPhone 12 rumours claim that the next flagship devices will adopt designs with more squared-off edges than recent releases - looking more like the iPhone 5.

Apple will allegedly also dispense with the notch at the top of the front panel, building the front FaceID camera into the bezel itself.

And, there is speculation that there will be an in-display fingerprint sensor, like several Android rivals currently on the market.

Nikkei Asian Review's report also claims that Apple plans to ship "at least 80 million" 5G iPhones.

DJI has taken the wraps off its latest drone, and it's called the Mavic Mini. As the name suggests, it's a tiny Mavic, but don't call it a drone. DJI is calling it a "Fly Cam".

It's a drone.

All of the Mavic Mini's features are essentially what you'd find in a bigger model. The only real difference is its size, but it's the size that's the most interesting talking point.

In the UK, current drone laws being put in place mean that anyone who owns a drone weighing over 250 grams is being required to register it from November 2019.

Mavic Mini weighs 249 grams. It even has "249 grams" written on the side. And that means it's technically classed as a toy drone, so you won't need a license and you don't need to register it.

It's small enough when folded to fit in the palm of your hand, and that's where it differs from the last tiny DJI drone, the Spark, which had rigid arms.

Apart from that, it has the features you'd expect from a Mavic.

The small camera on the front is mounted to a three-axis gimbal for stabilisation and capable of shooting 2.7k resolution video and 12MP stills.

It's QuickShot enabled too, so you'll be able to use some of the preset flight modes that create those awesome cinematic shots, as well as the manual cinematic mode which slows down the speed and controls to make a smooth, dramatic shot that you control yourself with the controller.

You get a 2km transmission from the controller, but given how small it is and that you always need to be able to see it, it's unrealistic to think you'll get anywhere close to that distance in practical use.

The newly designed propellers are relatively quiet, and there's now a prop guard you can use to protect yourself and the drone from any accidental collisions. This guard is an optional extra for €19, or comes as part of the Fly More combo. 

Unlike bigger models, the Mavic Mini doesn't have obstacle avoidance sensors all around the body, it only has downward facing ones.

Because of its lightness, it can fly up to 30 minutes per fully charged battery and it has GPS for location positioning.

In essence then, it does a lot of what a drone should do, but without the legal red tape and in a design that'll fold small enough to fit in your pocket. 

Pricing is set at £369/€399 for the basic drone kit, or £459/€499 for the Fly More bundle which includes extra batteries, a triple battery charger and the prop guard. 

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DJI has launched an all-new drone - the Mavic Mini - which is cute and tiny, yet light enough to escape legal restrictions in a lot of places.

Despite its small size, the Mini has got plenty of tech and some of the features that make the Mavic series so immensely enjoyable. It's also much cheaper, with prices starting at £369. That's almost half the price of the Mavic Air.

Therefore the Mavic Mini is an entry point into DJI's ecosystem. But that doesn't mean it's entry-level in terms of features, given the ease of flight, fun features and shooting modes from the built-in image-stabilised camera.

Mavic looks

• Folding arms
• 3-axis gimbal
• Micro-USB port

Unlike DJI's last tiny drone - the Spark - the Mavic Mini unsurprisingly looks like a smaller version of the Mavic. And that means you get folding arms. The front arms fold out to the sides, while the back ones fold down at out. Unfolded, it rests on feet that protrude downwards from the front arms, and two much smaller ones that protrude slightly from the rear of the drone.

All over the body you'll see the Mavic-esque sculpting and angles, with the front that looks almost like a shark's nose. The camera hangs beneath this, mounted on a three-axis gimbal. This is a pretty epic feature: it's the first time DJI has put a three=axis mechanical gimbal on a drone this small. So not only does it fold up, it has much more stable footage than the Spark was capable of producing.

Because it's a Mavic, the Mini's camera sits at the front, rather than hanging underneath - as you'll see in the Phantom series - and it's covered by a transparent plastic housing that clips into place when you're not using the drone.

All the important ports are on the back. It's also where you'll find the battery door, which opens upwards to reveal a long rounded cavity designed to hold the newly designed batteries. Unlike other Mavic drones, this battery doesn't form any of the external shell of the drone. It's kept inside it.

Beneath it, there's a microSD card slot and a Micro-USB port. It's a little disappointing that it's not USB-C, as the batteries charge slowly as a result of this port choice.

Turn it upside down and you'll find the power button, the traditional four LED lights, some cooling vents, and a couple of downward-facing sensors. These are the only sensors on the tiny drone: there are no front, back or side sensors for avoiding obstacles. Presumably this is to keep both the cost and weight down.

That weight is a key point too: because it's under 250 grams, the Mavic Mini fits into a category of 'toy drones' - which various governmental bodies across the globe deem to be safer. It also means that it's exempt from UK registration laws that come in place from November 2019. We even checked it on some kitchen scales to make sure - it weighs exactly 249 grams with the battery and microSD card installed and the lens hood removed. In other words: it's exactly this weight in the condition in which you'll be flying it.

Folded up, it's around the same length and width as a smartphone, so it really is very compact. Small enough that it can fit in a coat pocket quite easily. In fact, it's roughly the same size as its controller, which is essentially the same control pad you'd get with a Mavic Air, with detachable joysticks and a folding arms for holding your smartphone and folding antennae.

Tech and flying

• 2km transmission range
• 30 minute flight time
• GPS/VPS

It's not at all low-tech just because it's a "toy" though. The Mini still uses GPS and visual positioning (with those bottom-firing sensors) to detect where it is in the world; whether that's indoors or outside.

Because of this, you can still make use of the awesome QuickShot features to create some pretty dramatic shots. There's Circle which orbits around the subject, keeping locked onto them as it flies around at a steady altitude and distance. Rocket points down at the subject and flies straight up. Helix combines those two, circling the subject and flying upwards at the same time. Dronie is a classic mode that flies up and away from the subject. All these are something you'd find extremely hard to do if you were just doing it manually using the joysticks on the controller.

This capability is enabled using a refreshed app called DJI Fly, which works in a similar to manner to the app we've got to know from flying all of the other DJI drones over recent years. As part of the app, you get a flying coach at the beginning which helps any inexperienced drone flyers to get to grips with the basics.

Despite being a smaller drone, the Mini is still equipped with geo-fenced restrictions, so it won't fly in No-Fly zones. It'll also automatically return home to its take-off point when it's running low on battery or if it loses connection with the controller. We haven't had the opportunity to fly it ourselves yet, so we'll reserve judgement until we've had a few stints flying it in the North Wales countryside. 

Camera

• 2.7k video recording
• 12MP stills

With a cheaper, smaller drone, there had to be a few compromises. In addition to having fewer sensors than the full-size Mavic, the Mini also has a lower quality camera. It shoots video at up to 2.7K resolution, rather than 4K.

Still, that's plenty sharp enough for you to view and edit footage for sharing on social media. And given just how low the price point is - compared to the Mavic Air and Mavic 2 - that's not too hard a compromise to make. Shooting at 2.7K will still be clear and detailed for most projects, particularly if the only screen anyone watches it on is a smartphone.

The Mini takes stills too. In this instance they're 12-megapixel, but there's no fancy advanced high dynamic range (HDR) or a larger high-end sensor like you'll find on the Mavic 2 Pro.

We'll not judge this drone on its photographic capabilities until we've spent a decent amount of time with it. At which point, we'll update this preview piece into a full review.

The latest mesh networking system from Belkin-owned Linksys supports Wi-Fi 6 and can cover an area north of 500 square metres. However, the two-pack not cheap at $699 in the US and additional units on sale for $399 - we're awaiting UK release details. 

That means it'll cover the largest of homes or businesses with medium-sized industrial units or decent-sized offices.

Maximum throughput speed is cited as being 5.3Gbps, which is over and above what most of us could put through it, anyway. It'll be lightning-quick for network operations such as copying files to a network storage drive. 

The move follows on from Netgear's launch of its latest Orbi mesh system which also costs $699 at present. The latest mesh systems from Google and Amazon - Google Nest Wi-Fi and Eero Pro don't support Wi-Fi 6, which is otherwise known as 802.11ax. Netgear has also recently announced a dual-band system 

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All of these systems will still blanket a decent-size home in glorious high-speed Wi-Fi, so the new Wi-Fi 6 mesh gear is really for those with very large properties, or perhaps some outbuildings you'd like to stretch a signal to. They're certainly sill in the 'early adopter' category, anyway. 

• What are Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6? The new names for the latest Wi-Fi standards

Let a robot vacuum cleaner do the work while you put your feet up, go out or do anything else you want to get on with.

But if you had worries about a robot, read on for five of the most commonly held concerns and just how one brand, Roborock, is overcoming them. Oh, and stick around until the end of the article for the chance to WIN one of two Roborock S6 robot vacuum cleaners.

1. Design

Myth 1: Robot vacuums are ugly

There's a perception that robot vacuums don't look great. Well, actually, that's not a myth: many of them are not stylish-looking. Roborock places great emphasis on design and includes an attention to detail that's well thought out. The circular machines have a gently glossy finish that's attractive and eye-catching - and in a choice of colours, too. Hardware features for navigation are in just the right place for maximum efficiency, but Roborock ensures they look good, too. The recharging dock is also neat, even down to the way the power cable tucks away tidily, and the design stretches to how the machine works: just watch how smoothly the cleaner finds its way home and docks. Oh, and Roborock has won awards for its design.

2. Smart and Reliable

Myth 2: Robot vacuums are unreliable

Not all robot vacuums are equal. Some have extremely basic navigation skills, low reliability and poor cleaning methods, heading randomly and inefficiently around the room to vacuum. A high-quality vacuum cleaner like those from Roborock will demonstrate proper intelligence and advanced features. Some models have laser navigation which delivers highly precise cleaning around the room, accurate to as little as 2cm. Take the S4 for example, If features a laser navigation system that helps Roborock’s Robovac navigate confidently even if there is lack of light (camera-based robotic vacuum cleaners can struggle or lose accuracy in such situations), Roborock’s latest model also has a refreshed drivetrain that prioritises reverse power, allowing S4 to drive back away from obstacles that would trap other robots.

There's also advanced flexibility so you can choose to clean one room, many or your entire home. Up to 14 sensor types including an infra-red cliff sensor and a compass stop the cleaner from getting trapped and help keep your home décor pristine. And talking of smarts, some models even feature voice control so you can tell the Roborock what to do just by speaking to it.

3. Rugs and carpets

Myth 3: Robot vacuums can't manage rugs

Actually, it's true, many robot vacuums really can't cope with rugs or moving between rooms if there's any raised obstacle in a door frame, for instance. That's not a Roborock problem. The Roborock S6 has 2cm climbing ability, so it's easy for the cleaner to transition on to a rug smoothly or to mount the divider in a door frame so it can move seamlessly into the next room if you want it to. But it will never go where it shouldn't: you can set up precise no-go areas using virtual walls to keep a single vase or a whole room off-limits.

4. Cleaning ability

Myth 4: Robot vacuum cleaners don't really clean

It's certainly the case that some robots clean better than others. The Roborock S6 has suction strong enough to lift AA batteries but is 50 per cent quieter than its predecessor. And there's more to its cleaning smarts than that. A robot vacuum's side brushes are crucial - in many cases it means the edges of a room aren't cleaned properly. Roborock's side brushes are ingeniously designed to spin faster along wall edges to grab the dirt better but more slowly in the middle of the room so as not to cause dirt to fly around. Automatic recharging means you can leave the Roborock to work and know it will clean up well.

There's another Roborock speciality, too: a wet-cleaning option thanks to a mopping pad. This means it can vacuum and mop at the same time, releasing just the right amount of water to give floors the perfect shine.

5. Maintenance

Myth 5: Robot vacuum cleaners are hard to clean and maintain

All that time you're saving by letting the vacuum cleaner do its work without your help, well, you don't want to spend that time looking after the machine, do you? Charging is efficiently looked after by the Roborock, so that's not an issue, for a start. And emptying the dustbin compartment is slick and fast, so it only takes a few seconds to ensure your vacuum is cleaning at its full capability.

Conclusion

Robot vacuum cleaners may not be perfect - now, if only someone would invent one that could make you a nice cup of tea as well - but some are closer than others. Roborock's range offers strong design, impeccable cleaning, and real intelligence so that your life is that bit easier.

• All Roborock Robot Vacuums are available on Amazon, and are covered by Amazon guarantee. 

WIN one of two Roborock S6 robot vacuum cleaners

We are giving away two Roborock S6 cleaners, shown below. All you need to do is to share this article on Facebook, tagging Roborock's official Facebook handle (@roborockglobal). We'll then pick two people at random and each will win one of the cleaners, worth nearly £500.

There are plenty of incredible games coming to PC in the next few months and beyond. From upcoming triple-A games to highly hyped gems, there's plenty to look forward to, whatever your gaming passion.

• Black Friday is just around the corner and we'll be bringing you all the latest deals - check out our pages for the best Black Friday US deals and Black Friday UK sales.

Whatever your platform of choice - Steam, Epic, Uplay or Origin, there are loads of new PC games to add to your wishlist as well.These new games include bleeding-edge titles with ray tracing capabilities, as well as updates to your favourite RPGs, shooters and co-op masterpieces. 

We've hand-picked some of the best, including trailers for you to enjoy - so prepare your wallet and your wishlist.

• Best PC games to buy: Fantastic games to add to your collection

Red Dead Redemption 2

• Release date: 5 November 2019
• Type: Western-themed action-adventure
• Publisher: Rockstar/Take-Two
• Find out more

We now have the official word from Rockstar that Red Dead Redemption 2 is coming to PC on 5 November. 

The wait for RDR 2 might have been worthwhile as well as Rockstar is saying the PC version will "feature a range of graphical and technical enhancements for increased immersion along with new Bounty Hunting Missions, Gang Hideouts, Weapons and more."

It's worth noting that it'll be available to purchase on the Epic Games store, Greenman Gaming, Humble bundle and more in October but you won't be able to get it on Steam until December. 

Planet Zoo

• Release date: 5 November 2019
• Type: Strategy simulation
• Publisher: Frontier Developments
• See it on Steam

From the same awesome team that bought you the brilliant Planet Coaster and Zoo Tycoon comes a new sim that lets you craft your own zoo. With Planet Zoo you'll be able to construct detailed habitats, interact with authentic living animals and meaningfully manage your zoo right down to the smallest detail.  

A new behind the scenes video shows how much effort has gone into creating an authentic gaming experience you're going to love. 

Need for Speed Heat

• Release date: 8 November 2019
• Type: Racing
• Publisher: Electronic Arts
• See it on Origin

You know how Need for Speed goes. Pimp your ride then take part in illegal street races to win points and carry on upgrading. All the while escaping the police and avoiding wasting all your hard-earned efforts. 

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

• Release date: 14 November 2019
• Type: Strategy/RTS
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• See the official site
• See it on Steam

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a remaster of one of the most popular strategy games of all times. It's coming later this year with 4K Ultra HD graphics, remastered audio and a new campaign to boot. 

Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order

• Release date: 15 November 2019
• Type: Third-person action-adventure
• Publisher: Respawn Entertainment/EA
• See the official site
• See it on Origin

Fallen Order was revealed back in April 2019, but now we're seeing more and more of it with recent trailers to get us excited. It looks stunning and thoroughly exciting too. Even more so with Forest Whitaker making an appearance. 

This new Star Wars outing is made by Respawn Entertainment and said to be heavily single-player focussed (no multiplayer at all) and even has developers from KOTOR 2 working on it. With a recent trailer, we're getting to see more of the main character Cal Kestis and a taste of what's to come. 

This game is set to have plenty of lightsaber battles as well as an interesting "innovative lightsaber combat system" and the promise that the lightsaber will even evolve as the game progresses. Whatever that means. We have a feeling the force will be strong with this one!

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts

• Release date: 22 November 2019
• Type: Tactical first-person shooter
• Publisher: CI Games
• See official site
• See it on Steam

CI Games is showing off the next outing of the Sniper Ghost Warrior franchise with this new game coming soon. Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts is set to offer an in-depth single-player campaign with an intense mission system set in the harsh Siberian wilderness. A new trailer shows more of the upcoming shooter and we've also got details suggesting there are five different regions in the game with real-world locations to visit. 

As the name suggests, the new game offers a brand new contracts system. You'll be working your way through each region picking up contracts to execute key targets in the area. There are 25 main contracts in the main campaign and each area acts as a sniping sandbox, with plenty of side missions to complete. New ways to play and a promise of no two deployments playing out the same should make Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts thoroughly entertaining.

CI Games has also shown off some more of the game in a recent walkthrough with a demo of the sandbox styling of this game, with five contracts on each map to keep things interesting.

Ashen

• Release date: 9 December 2019
• Type: Online RPG 
• Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
• See it on Steam

Ashen is an action RPG about a wanderer in search of a place to call home. It features both online and co-op multiplayer elements with a passive multiplayer design. You'll be able to decide how you play with real people you encounter in the game world - ignore them, band together to fight off evil or invite them to your party. 

Ashen also promises a satisfyingly vast world to play in, resulting in a gaming experience that no two players will find alike. Hostile enemies, weird and wonderful indigenous creatures and a range of flora and fauna abound. As you'd expect from an RPG of this calibre, a plethora of crafting skills will also be available, so there will be no shortage of fun to be had. 

Phoenix Point

• Release date: December 2019
• Type: Tactical combat/strategy game
• Publisher: Snapshot Games
• See official site/See on Epic Store

Phoenix Point is an upcoming tactical combat and strategy game from the creator of X-COM. Weird looking aliens, realistic ballistic simulation, big boss battles and world-based strategy layers make this game a real multi-faceted monster. 

As the spiritual successor to the X-COM: UFO defense, Phoenix Point should appeal to fans of the series. It also appears to offer a rich storyline that includes a world where humans and animals have been mutated in various monsters thanks to an extra-terrestrial virus landing on Earth. Intriguing. 

Starbase

• Release date: 2019
• Type: Space-based MMO
• Publisher: Frozenbyte
• See it on Steam

Starbase is a new space-based MMO from Frozenbyte. It's set to feature a fully destructible and infinitely expanding universe. Which in itself sounds pretty downright awesome doesn't it? This game has a focus on building spaceships and space stations with a mix of exploration, resource gathering, crafting, trading and more. 

A fully destructible environment with in-depth physics should make things interesting as something as simple as a fast-speed crash can rip a ship apart. 

Commandos 2 - HD Remaster

• Release date: 2019
• Type: Strategy/RTS
• Publisher: Kalypso Media Digital
• See it on Steam

Announcements from E3 2019 include a tease of HD remake/remasterings of two iconic strategy games. Commandos 2 and Praetorians are both getting remastered later this year. Updated graphics, enhanced controls and improved performance are all on the cards, plus you get the glorious nostalgia of both games to look forward to.  

Lost Ember

• Release date: 2019
• Type: Adventure
• Publisher: Mooneye Studios
• See it on Steam

Lost Ember is another game set to put you into role of different animals as you explore a fascinating ancient world. You'll be playing as everything from moles to mountain goats, with a gorgeous wolf as your main haunt. 

You'll be diving into deep waters, flying at high above the earth and digging tunnels as a tiny mole. Beautiful and interesting too. 

Smalland

• Release date: Coming soon
• Type: Action-adventure/RPG
• Publisher: Merge Games
• See it on Steam

What would you if you found yourself shrunk down to a minute size where trees were suddenly the size of skyscrapers and even simple blades of grass tower overhead? That's the world of Smalland and wonderful adventures await including running from packs of rates, trying to survive in a strange new world and even riding wasps as mounts. Sounds amazing. 

Out of Reach: Treasure Royale

• Release date: Coming soon
• Type: Massively multiplayer pirate Battle Royale
• Publisher: PlayWay S.A.
• See it on Steam

Always found modern Battle Royale games to be lacking in rum, swashbuckling and seafaring shenanigans? Then Out of Reach: Treasure Royale might be the one for you.

This game pits dozens of pirate crews against each other fighting across the open oceans, through jungle islands and more. Of course, being a pirate game, there'll be treasure, ship battles and plenty of rum too. 

Darksiders Genesis

• Release date: 2019
• Type: Action RPG
• Publisher: THQ Nordic
• See the official site
• See it on Steam

Darksiders Genesis is the first top-down action-adventure in the franchise. A spin-off from the usual series antics, but with all the usual intense battles, exploration quests, puzzle-solving antics and epic boss battles you'd expect from a Darksiders game. 

Body of Evidence

• Release date: 2019
• Type: Casual Indie
• Publisher: Fat Dog Games
• See it on Steam

Daft and gruesome, Body of Evidence puts you into the shoes of a dead body disposal expert. Become Winston Wolfe - hide bodies and clean up the mess before anyone finds out. A time limit and a tongue-in-cheek sense of humour should make this a superb chortle. 

Desperados III

• Release date: 2019
• Type: Real-time strategy
• Publisher: THQ Nordic
• See it on Steam

Desperados is back with a modern real-time strategy game in a Wild West era. Playing this new Desperados game, you'll be taking control of a band of unlikely heroes struggling to survive in the new world. You'll be forced to overcome tough challenges and witness glorious frontier towns, desert canyons, Mississippi swamps, sprawling modern cities and much more. 

One character you'll be controlling is Isabelle Moreau, a master of Voodoo magic who can slip into the mind of her enemies and control their actions. This allows for all sorts of combat styles including making enemies kill each other to save you the hassle. 

Those Who Remain

• Release date: 2019
• Type: Psychological horror
• Publisher: Camel 101
• See it on Steam/Pre-order at Fanatical

Those Who Remain is a psychological horror where you find yourself in Dormont - a typical American town that's mysteriously turned into a ghost town. There are strange creatures are roaming the streets and danger lurking around every corner. The only way you can survive is by staying in the light. 

Dimensional portals, deadly darkness and the pressure of life-threatening decisions, should really keep you on the edge of your seat with this one. 

Biomutant

• Release date: 2019
• Type: Action RPG
• Publisher: THQ Nordic
• See it on Steam/Pre-order at Fanatical

Biomutant is an open-world action RPG that looks like a total blast. With titchy little playable characters that remind us of Rocket from Guardian's of the Galaxy and stunning graphics and gameplay, this one is surely going to be fantastic.

Biomutant, as you might have gathered from the name, will allow players to combine mutant powers, bionics and weapons to customise their characters into the ultimate hero or villain. The fate of the world is in your hands. 

The new trailer shows a harsh landscape, massive villains and hilarious combat moves. A wealth of puzzles, weaponry and adventure awaits. 

Enlisted

• Release date: 2019
• Type: MMO squad-based first-person shooter
• Publisher: Gaijin Software
• See the official site

Enlisted is in the early stages of development currently, but looks fairly promising. Even more so if you've played the hilarious Cuisine Royale, which is based off the same engine and design. Enlisted is a World War 2 based MMO shooter with squad play at its core. The game promises to let players fight in some of the most important and famous battles of WW2 with a focus on realism and historical accuracy.  

Atomic Heart

• Release date: 2019
• Type: FPS action-adventure
• Publisher: Mundfish
• See it on Steam

A quirky, gory and fairly awesome looking FPS set in an alternative universe in the heart of the Soviet Union. Players will take on the role of a special agent who has been sent a highly secret object and is desperately trying to investigate what's going on. Weird creatures, robots and a multitude of customisable weapons certainly make this one appear intriguing if nothing else. 

Skull & Bones

• Release date: 2019
• Type: Multiplayer pirate adventure
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• See the official site
• See it on Steam

Assassin's Creed: Black Flag proved incredibly popular and spiked interest in pirating based-shenanigans on the high seas. Since then, we've seen Sea of Thieves and the hilarity of Blackwake but Ubisoft's Skull & Bones is making waves in the build-up to launch. Become the pirate captain you've always wanted to be and battle on the high seas on your own or with up to five other players. Grease the gangplank and ready the mainsail, this is surely going to be a glorious grog-swilling romp. 

GTFO

• Release date: 2019
• Type: Co-op action adventure 
• Publisher: 10 Chambers Collective
• See it on Steam

GTFO is a hardcore four-player action/horror with a strong focus on teamwork. It's easy to see from the trailer, that this one is going to be a real edge-of-the-seat outing with incredible atmosphere and plenty of gruesome monsters to contend with. 

GTFO is sure to be awash with nightmarish atmosphere and endless volleys of ammunition. Fun and frolics for all your friends, if they can stomach it. 

Boneworks

• Release date: 2019
• Type: VR action simulation
• Publisher: Stress Level Zero
• See it on Steam

Boneworks is an experimental physics virtual reality adventure from the same team that bought us Hoverjunkies and the superb Duck Season. It uses some really interesting physics mechanics that include brilliant gunplay but also cool things like being able to embed weapons into objects. Think axe throwing and oodles of fun. 

We'd highly recommend watching the gameplay footage that includes new VR controllers being used to pick things up in the game and engage more with the world around you.

Overpass

• Release date: February 2020
• Type: Racing simulation
• Publisher: Bigben Interactive
• See it on Steam

Coming in 2020 is a new off-road racing simulation where the terrain is your main rival. A realistic physics system, hardcore terrain and all manner of obstacles should make this a tough racer for sure. 

Gods & Monsters

• Release date: 25 February 2020
• Type: Action-adventure
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• See the official site

Gods & Monsters is a new game being put together by the team behind Assassin's Creed Odyssey. It's a beautiful adventure puzzle game where you'll be on a mission to save the Greek gods while solving puzzles and fighting off deadly foes along the way. 

"From the creators of Assassin's Creed Odyssey comes a storybook adventure about a forgotten hero on a quest to save the Greek gods. Embark on a journey to the Isle of the Blessed, taken over by dangerous creatures of mythology. Prove your legendary heroism by taking on their leader, Typhon, the deadliest monster in all of mythology in a face-off for the age. Explore a beautiful fantasy world where tricky puzzles, mysterious dungeons and heroic feats await. The journey will be as challenging and rewarding as the final destination. Will you be the Hero of the legends foretold?"

Watch Dogs: Legion

• Release date: 6 March 2020
• Type: Open-world stealth
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• See the official site

We're sure excited about this one. Watch Dogs has always been interesting, but things are about to get even more exciting if the latest trailer from E3 2019 is anything to go by.

Watch Dogs: Legion is going be set in London - a troubled city crushed by the grip of a totalitarian regime. Your mission is to build a resistance army to liberate the city and free the nation. 

All the usual hacking skills, stealth capabilities and combat options are open to you, plus you'll now have the ability to recruit anyone you see in the world to join your team. Everyone you see is recruitable and comes with their own backstory and skillset. Whether being a skilled fighter or just able to slip unnoticed through the streets in the guise of an elderly lady. It's certainly going to be a different game depending on who is in control. 

Doom Eternal

• Release date: 20 March 2020
• Type: Horror FPS
• Publisher: Bethesda
• Pre-order at Fanatical/See it on Steam

Doom Eternal is the long-awaited sequel to 2016's Doom reboot. This new game puts you in the fighting boots of the DOOM Slayer. Once again blowing away classic demons with insanely powerful weapons and brilliantly gory animations. Doom Eternal will also see you adventuring to never-before-seen worlds to kick demonic butt.

As well as the single-player content, we've also seen a taste of the multiplayer mode. If you've ever wanted to play as the demons then you'll soon get the chance to do so and it should be quite a chortle. 

We've had some hands-on time with Doom Eternal and like what we've seen so far. It's certainly an improvement over the last game and that's no mean feat. Now Bethesda is also teasing some of the mean Hell demons you'll be up against, including the Hunter who certainly looks like a gargantuan beast. Unfortunately, Bethesda has announced it's pushing the release of Doom Eternal back to 2020 to make sure it's properly polished before launch. 

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2

• Release date: March 2020
• Type: Action RPG 
• Publisher: Paradox Interactive
• See it on Steam/Pre-order at Fanatical
• See the official site

The follow up to 2004's awesome Vampire: The Masquerade - The Bloodlines is coming in 2020. The previous game was an utter RPG masterpiece packed full of vampires, dark alleyways and rich characters. The new game is written by the same creative genius behind that game, so we're expecting more of the same here. 

The blurb is fairly exciting too:

"Sired in an act of vampire insurrection, your existence ignites the war for Seattle's blood trade. Enter uneasy alliances with the creatures who control the city and uncover the sprawling conspiracy which plunged Seattle into a bloody civil war between powerful vampire factions."

New trailers are coming all the time for this game, including glorious gameplay trailers from E3 and now a new one showing off RTX enhanced visuals for the game. We really can't wait for this one. 

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

• Release date: March 2020
• Type: Action RPG
• Publisher:  TaleWorlds Entertainment
• See it on Steam

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord has been in the works for a fairly long time now and there's still no official release date, but fans of the series are still waiting with bated breath. This new sequel promises siege gameplay, an updated game engine, immersive and realistic combat and much more besides.  

Occupy Mars: The Game

• Release date: 23 March 2020
• Type: Space simulation
• Publisher: PlayWay S.A.
• See on Steam

From the same people who bought us Thief Simulator, Farm Manager 2018 and the Car Mechanic simulators comes a new game where your mission is to survive on Mars.

This new game is apparently a highly technical, open-world, sandbox centring around Mars colonisation. It will allow you to build and upgrade a base including everything from growing plants to learning how to generate oxygen and survive the harsh climates of Mars. 

Cyberpunk 2077

• Release date: 15 April 2020
• Type: Open-world RPG
• Publisher: CD Projekt Red
• Read more: Cyberpunk 2077 initial review: The most stunning open-world RPG we've seen by far
• See the official site
• See it on Steam

Cyberpunk 2077 is the next open-world RPG from the incredible CD Projekt Red - the team behind the awesomely popular Witcher 3. The new game has plenty of promise and when we saw it at E3 and shown off in the gameplay trailer, we were utterly blown away. Even more so when the new trailer dropped with an appearance by Keanu Reeves. We finally have a release date now as well. Nothing to do now but wait impatiently for it to arrive. 

Marvel's Avengers: A-Day

• Release date: 15 May 2020
• Type: Superhero action-adventure
• Publisher: Square Enix
• See the official site

Developed by Crystal Dynamics (the team behind the Tomb Raider games) this new Marvel game focusses on the time after the Avengers have been disbanded but are now needed to save the world. Take control of the world's most awesome superhero team to save the planet.  

The Falconeer

• Release date: 2020
• Type: Fantasy RPG 
• Publisher: Wired Productions
  
• See the official site

The Falconeer is a new fantasy RPG coming in 2020. This new game lets you take control of armed aerial mounts and engage in classic dog fights above the skies of The Great Ursee.

You'll be battling it out with fantastic enemies over land, sea and air with devastating weaponry at your disposal. 

Wasteland 3

• Release date: Spring 2020
• Type: Turned based strategy/RPG
• Publisher: inXile Entertainment/Deep Silver
• See the official site
• See it on Steam

In Wasteland 3 the fate of Arizona is in your hands. You'll be playing a Desert Ranger, fighting a losing battle to keep your beloved Arizona alive. While fighting your way through the hostile wilderness you'll need to build bases, train new recruits and suss out your surroundings. 

The land is being torn apart by corruption, warring factions, crazed cultists, cutthroat gangs and more. It's certainly going to be a hard fight. The good news is, Wasteland 3 is a squad-based game so you can not only play in single-player but in co-op mode too.

Squading up you'll be able to control six Rangers customised with perks tweaked to your personal playstyle. The pressure is on to save your beloved homeland!  

Kerbal Space Program 2

• Release date: 2020
• Type: Space simulation/sandbox
• Publisher: Private Division
• See the official site
• See it on Steam

Kerbal Space Program is back, with a sequel to the highly thought of space-flight simulation game coming some time in 2020. If you enjoyed the sandbox fun of the first game, then you're bound to found the new game a blast. There's the promise of exciting new parts, colony building, interstellar travel and enhanced modding along with breath-taking visuals and a multiplayer system too.

Port Royale 4

• Release date: 2020
• Type: Strategy simulation
• Publisher: Kalypso Media Digital
• See it on Steam

Port Royale 4 is the next game in the highly thought of Port Royale series. This game is set to offer a complex economic simulation experience with a healthy mix of strategy. Set in the 17th-century in the Caribbean, you'll be battling it out for supremacy of the seas.

This new outing is promising a deeper city-building experience as well as improved gameplay, four single-player campaigns and more. 

Disintegration 

• Release date: 2020
• Type: Sci-fi FPS
• Publisher: Private Division
• See the official site
• See it on Steam

Disintegration is pitched as a  new sci-fi first-person shooter "unlike any other" (how many times have we heard that before?) with ground troops, hovercycles and more to control. It's said to feature a single-player campaign and PvP modes as well. We don't know much at this point, but the trailer certainly looks enticing.

Death Stranding

• Release date: 2020
• Type: Action
• Publisher: Kojima Productions/505 Games
• See the official site

505 Games has announced that it's going to publish Hideo Kojima's highly-anticipated Death Stranding on PC in the summer of 2020. The game is currently a PlayStation exclusive but the news that it's coming to PC is certainly pleasing. Death Stranding sees stars Norman Reedus and Mads Mikkelsen and others helping tell a rich Kojima story. The game centres around Sam Porter who is out to save humanity from impending annihilation as supernatural events and otherworldly creatures spring up around the world. 

Humankind

• Release date: 2020
• Type: Turn-based strategy
• Publisher: SEGA
• See the official site
• See it on Steam

From the people that bought your Endless Space comes a new historical strategy game that will let you re-write history. Create your own civilisation and then evolve through the ages. Playing Humankind, you'll be facing significant historical events, making scientific breakthroughs, discovering the natural wonders of the world and more. All to build your own vision of the world.

Bee Simulator

• Release date: End of 2020
• Type: Simulation
• Publisher: Bigben Interactive
• See it on Steam

Bored of shooters, RPGs and Battle Royale games and longing for something more relaxing? Then good news, as Bee Simulator is on the way. Finally, you'll be able to take on the life of a bee with all the fun that comes with it - collect pollen, perform waggle dances, racing with other bees and exploring a glorious world inspired by New York's Central Park.

Learn while you game and discover what the world is really like through the eyes of a yellow and black stripy fellow. Bee Simulator also includes co-op and multiplayer modes, because buzzing is more fun with friends. 

Psychonauts 2

• Release date: 2020
• Type: Platform Adventure
• Publisher: Double Fine
• See the official site
• See it on Steam

Double Fine studios were at E3 2019 showing off gameplay footage for Psychonauts 2, alongside the annoucement that the company is joining Xbox Game Studios. 

Razputin Aquato is back for Psychonauts 2. This time around Razputin is getting stuck in with the Psychonauts and there's plenty of acrobatics to look forward to. 

"Psychonauts 2 tells the story of Razputin Aquato, a gifted acrobat with psychic powers, as he fulfills his life-long goal of becoming an international psychic super-spy. In other words, a Psychonaut. Raz joins the Psychonauts at a dangerous time: a mole has infiltrated the organization and is planning to resurrect history's most cruelly powerful psychic villains. Not knowing who to trust, Raz must dive into the history of the Psychonauts, and that of his own family, to fight the demons of their shared past."

Empire of Sin

• Release date: Spring 2020
• Type: Strategy RPG 
• Publisher: Paradox Interactive
• See the official site
• See it on Steam

Empire of Sin is a new strategy RPG set in the ruthless criminal underworld of 1920s Prohibition-era Chicago. This new game is a character-driven, noir-inspired game taking place in the roaring 20s.  You'll be concentrating on building your criminal empire while exploring the living and breathing city around you. Influence, power and healthy dose of bribery will be the key to survival here. Adapt to survive, out-gun and out-shoot the competition and you'll soon get ahead. 

Zombie Army 4: Dead War

• Release date: 2020
• Type: Co-op zombie shooter
• Publisher: Rebellion
• See the official site
• See it on Epic store

If you love sniping zombies and blasting them to oblivion, then we've got good news. The latest outing of the Zombie Army games series is returning soon. An all-new co-op playable campaign is almost certainly a highlight, alongside a "deep progression and customisation" system which includes everything from skills to special attacks, emotes and more. Because who doesn't like taunting brain nommers with a good emote?

Rainbow Six Quarantine

• Release date: 2020
• Type: 3-player tactical co-op FPS
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• See the official site

Straight out of E3 2019 comes what appears to be a spin-off of the Rainbow Six Siege Outbreak mode that made an appearance in 2018. This is a standalone game that's set in the near future.

A mutated alien parasite is infecting people and threatening mankind. The Rainbow Six team is on a mission to save the world - battling it out against the environment and trying to survive unpredictable missions. 

Industries of Titan

• Release date: 2020
• Type: City builder/Strategy Sim
• Publisher: Brace Yourself Games
• See it on Steam

Industries of Titan is set to be a fairly interesting city building sim/strategy game that's set on Saturn's moon Titan. Lovingly crafted by the same team that brought us Crypt of the NecroDancer, this game promises to let you build a massive metropolis from scratch. 

Outriders

• Release date: September 2020
• Type: Co-op shooter
• Publisher: Square Enix External Studios
• See the official site

From the team behind Gears of War Judgement and Bulletstorm comes a brand new co-op shooter with a dark sci-fi vibe.

This game is set to be a co-op game with 1-3 players able to drop in and out of the game at any point. Info on Outriders is a tad sparse at the moment, but if the trailer alone is anything to go by, it's certainly going to be a blast. Even more so with friends. 

Roller Champions

• Release date: 2020
• Type: PvP sports game
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• See the official site

Roller Champions is a free-to-play, team PvP sports game that's coming to PC sometime in 2020. Dash around the track, wall-skate to the sky and attempt to dunk for your team. Possession and scoring are the keys to victory in this colourful fast-paced sports game. 

"The rules are simple: take the ball, make a lap while maintaining team-possession, and score. You can go for more points by completing additional laps before attempting a goal. After each game, you gain fans, unlock sponsors, customize your character, and ultimately unlock impressive fan celebrations."

Dying Light 2

• Release date: Spring 2020
• Type: Action-adventure RPG
• Publisher: Techland Publishing
• Pre-order at Fanatical
• See it on Steam

Dying Light 2 was originally announced at E3 2018, now it's been shown off again at E3 2019. Zombie games are almost over-done now, but we still love them. Now there's a 26-minute gameplay demo to whet our appetites as well. 

We also had a lot of good things to say about the original Dying Light, so we're happy to admit we're excited to see what first-person parkour fun the new outing has in store. Dying Light 2 also promises a world that changes based on your choices, so there's much more to this game than smashing zombies and surviving. The new trailer shows the fight isn't just against the brain nommers, but also factions of humans fighting it out for supremacy. We can't wait to get stuck in. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator

• Release date: 2020
• Type: Simulator
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• See the official site

The next update to Microsoft's Flight Simulator series is coming in 2020. With the promise of 4K HDR visuals and everything from light aeroplanes to wide-body jets to zip about in. Flight Simulator promises players the freedom to create their own flight plan and jet off anywhere in the world, flying day and night against realistic weather conditions. 

Chivalry II

• Release date: 2020
• Type: Medieval multiplayer
• Publisher: Torn Banner Studios/Tripwire Interactive 
• See the official site
• See it on Epic Store

We adored the first Chivalry game. A gruesome, blood-curdling medieval battle romp that saw you chopping off heads with broad swords and cutting down your foes with gut-wrenching screams. 

Now while Mordhau is doing so well on Steam, it makes sense to see Chivalry 2 being announced. The gameplay trailer shows off all the blood-stained battlefield chaos we'd expect and gives a taste of the bloody battles to come. Chivalry 2 will be coming to Epic Store first sometime in 2020. 

Halo Infinite

• Release date: Holidays 2020
• Type: Shooter
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios/343 Industries
• See the official site

Halo The Master Chief Collection is making the move PC at some point in the near future. Now we've also got the news that the next instalment of the series is also going to be available for PC gamers.

Halo Infinite is the next chapter of the series which continues on from the Halo 5: Guardians storyline and promises an ambitious and unexpected direction for the game, powered by an all-new graphics engine. Halo has never looked so good. 

Ready or Not

• Release date: Q4 2020
• Type: Tactical shooter
• Publisher: VOID Interactive
• See it on Steam

Ready or Not is set to put you in the shoes of SWAT officers with a tactical shooter that's designed to give you a realistic experience of what it's like to be on the front line of dangerous policing. There's a single-player campaign, PVP multiplayer and more. There's apparently plenty of different ways to play, including non-lethal ones involving bean bag shotguns and more. We're looking forward to getting stuck into this one. 

Total War Saga: TROY

• Release date: 2020
• Type: Simulation/strategy
• Publisher: CREATIVE ASSEMBLY
• See it on Steam

Sometime in 2020, the Total War Saga is set to move to the Bronze-Age with a focus on the battle between the two kingdoms of Troy and Mycenaen. The game is set to explore the incredible conflict between nations while being wrapped up in all the myth and legend that comes with it. We're expecting character-led drama and all the usual strategy, statecraft and more that you'd expect from a Total War game. 

Destroy all Humans!

• Release date: 2020
• Type: Action-adventure
• Publisher: THQ Nordic
• See the official site
• See it on Steam

Destroy All Humans! originally released in 2005 and is now getting a new faithful remake for modern gaming platforms. If you've ever wondered what it might like to be an alien with the power to terrorise and torment humankind with everything from weapons to psychic powers, then you're in for a treat. 

"The cult-classic returns! Terrorize the people of 1950s Earth in the role of the evil alien Crypto-137. Harvest DNA and bring down the US government in the remake of the legendary alien invasion action-adventure. Annihilate puny humans using an assortment of alien weaponry and psychic abilities. Reduce their cities to rubble with your flying Saucer! One giant step on mankind!"

Evil Genius 2: World Domination

• Release date: 2020
• Type: Strategy Sim
• Publisher: Rebellion
• See the official site
• See it on Steam

Ever wondered what it would be like if Gru from the Minions film had his own video game? This is probably as close as you're going to get. The sequel to Evil Genius that released back in 2004 is finally coming. Now you'll be able to build your own lair, plot and plan out world domination and even train a force of criminal minions to do your bidding. 

"A satirical spy-fi lair builder where YOU are the criminal mastermind! Construct your base, train your minions, defend your operations from the Forces of Justice, and achieve global domination!"

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

• Release date: 2020
• Type: Adventure
• Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• See it on Steam/Pre-order at Fanatical

Love Star Wars? Can't get enough of Lego? How about a new game that promises the ability to play through all nine Star Wars films in a Lego-based adventure game? 

You'll even have the ability to travel to any planet, in any order, at any time. We'll be off to visit the Wookiees for sure. 

Drift19

• Release date: Coming Soon
• Type: Indie action
• Publisher: PlayWay S.A.
• See it on Steam

Drift19 is said to be "the first and only serious drifting simulator". If you're a big fan of tearing up the track sideways then this is going to be the game for you. Highlights apparently include the ability to rebuild and tune your own car as well as the ability to tear it up with a drift squad. Tyre screeching fun for sure.

Tank Mechanic Simulator

• Release date: Coming Soon
• Type: Tank Simulation
• Publisher: PlayWay S.A.
• See it on Steam

Ever dreamt of owning your own tank? Now you can. Well, a virtual one at least. In Tank Mechanic Simulator it'll be your job to find and recover damaged, destroyed and abandoned tanks and fix them up to give them a new lease of life. All the best World War II tanks, rebuilt by your own fair hand. 

End State

• Release date: Coming soon
• Type: Strategy
• Publisher: Iron Sight
• See it on Steam

End State is set a to be an interesting early access game coming later this year. It uses turn-based play allowing you to manage a mercenary company tracking down terrorists. 

There's the promise of an open-world experience where you get to pick and choose the missions you play in a world with destructible environments that include bullet penetration and more. An interesting ballistics simulation system and enemy reaction system should make this an interesting game for sure. 

Scorn

• Release date: TBC
• Type: Horror adventure
• Publisher: Ebb Software
• See it on Steam

Scorn is an atmospheric horror adventure game in development by Ebb Software. It was originally scheduled to release in 2018, but is still yet to appear. It is inspired by the works of H.R. Giger who was part of the special effects team for the film Alien. The trailer certainly shows some horrific visuals and a spine-tingling atmosphere that fans of the genre will love. 

Phantom Brigade

• Release date: TBD
• Type: Turn-based tactical RPG
• Publisher: Brace Yourself Games
• See it on Steam

Phantom Brigade is a turn-based tactical RPG, that promises a cinematic spin on the genre. This game will also have a focus on in-depth customisation and player-driven stories. It will be your mission to lead The Brigade through a hard-fought campaign to retake their homeland.

Dead Matter

• Release date: TBC
• Type: Survival
• Publisher: Quantum Integrity Software Inc.
• See official site

Dead Matter has been in development for a while now after appearing on Kickstarter. This is a new zombie survival game that the developers how will "properly" balance survival mechanics with enjoyable gameplay. 

"We aim to create the first true zombie survival game with a design emphasis placed on making the game feel good to play, promoting engaging emergent gameplay by giving our players the tools they need to survive."

Dragonhound

• Release date: TBC
• Type: MMO/Action RPG
• Publisher: Nexon

Dragon Hound is a new monster-hunting MMO that's currently in the works. Not much is known about the game at the moment. What we do know is it's being developed by DevCAT, the same team responsible for Vindictus. 

This game was shown off at GDC 2019 with full-on real-time ray-tracing goodness. Dragon mounts and plenty of online battles await with this one it seems.

System Shock

• Release date: TBC
• Type: Sci-fi action adventure
• Publisher: Nightdive Studios
• See it on Steam

Nightdive Studios is set to remake and reboot the classic sci-fi adventure System Shock sometime in the near future. The developers are promising a new game that's true to the original while being given a refresh with modern visuals and gameplay. 

Fans of the series will be pleased to hear the original voice actor is returning too. The original game released in 1994, so this reboot is a long time coming and should certainly be an interesting one. System Shock 3 is also being developed, so we've got that to look forward to as well. 

Detroit: Become Human

• Release date: 2019
• Type: Sci-fi adventure
• Publisher: Quantic Dream
• See it on Epic Store

Another previous PlayStation exclusive that's making its way to PC is Detroit: Become Human. This is a futuristic game with a choose-your-own-adventure style that we enjoyed when we tried it out on console. We found it intriguing and thought-provoking and certainly enjoyed the cinematic stylings, so we can't wait to see what it's like on PC. 

Serious Sam 4: Planet Badass

• Release date: TBA
• Type: FPS action-adventure
• Publisher: DevolverDigital
  
• See it on Steam

Serious Sam 4: Planet Badass is set to "reignite the classic series" by taking the old-school formula into the new era. We're expecting more of the same hilarity and carnage from this next instalment with high-adrenaline combat, over-the-top gore, an incredibly destructive arsenal of weaponry and much more besides. The promise of online multiplayer and co-op modes too should make this game a total blast to play with friends. 

Last Man Sitting

• Release date: TBA
• Type: Early access Battle Royale
• Publisher: PixelPizza Games
  
• See it on Steam

Last Man Sitting is probably the most ridiculous Battle Royale game you're ever likely to see. Smartly dressed sit in green office chairs armed to the teeth. Shotguns, ragdoll psychics and a slippery floor are bound to make for plenty of shenanigans and much hilarity.  

Maneater

• Release date: Coming soon
• Type: Action RPG
• Publisher: Tripwire Interactive
  
• See official site
• See it on Steam/Epic Store

This one really whets our appetite for mayhem and destruction. Maneater puts you in the body of a shark that's set on terrorising the coast and eating everything in its path. 

You'll be able to explore lush underwater landscapes including diving into shipwrecks, nosing about in swamps and lurking in the vast oceans. Maneater is set to be a single-player RPG - allowing you to customise and upgrade your shark, evolving as you play. Certainly, one to get your teeth stuck into. 

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

• Release date: TBC
• Type: FPS
• Publisher: Microsoft Studios
• See it on Steam

Halo: The Master Chief Collection has been confirmed as coming to PC. All the glory of the Halo games including Halo: Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST and Halo 4. Updated and improved for PC - including the promise of evolving content based on community feedback. We're expecting big things here and it's already available to add to your Steam wishlist. 

Starfield

• Release date: TBC 2019
• Type: Space-based RPG
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks 
• See the official site

Starfield was teased by Bethesda in June 2018 as the first new franchise in 25 years. But that's not the exciting part, Starfield is set to be a space-based RPG with plenty of glorious fun in the depths of space. Beyond that, we don't know much other than we're excited. 

The Elder Scrolls VI

• Release date: TBC
• Type: Open world RPG
• Publisher: Bethesda
• Click to see at Fanatical

Elder Scrolls fans have been waiting impatiently for a sequel to Skyrim for what might seem like forever. Now we finally have proof that The Elder Scrolls VI is coming at some point, we just don't know much beyond that. Exciting times lie ahead though. 

Dead Island 2

• Release date: TBC 2019
• Type: Survival horror action RPG
• Publisher: Deep Silver

It's still early days, but there is some promise of a brilliant second outing for Dead Island 2 - another zombie-slaying adventure that we loved when we first played it on PC.

Weapon crafting, a bright and unusual island location and zombies in bathing costumes, this game had it all. The new trailer doesn't show much, but it certainly looks like there's going to be some of the same hilarity and good times.  

Rune II

• Release date: TBC 2020
• Type: Action RPG
• Publisher: Ragnarok Game, LLC
• See it on Steam

Rune II is a new game coming in 2020 which is inspired by the original Rune from 2000. If you've seen other Viking styled battle games on this list and got excited then Rune II is probably going to float your boat as well. 

It's set in a dangerous Norse universe during the Viking the end of days. A vicious struggle for survival is happening and you've been chosen by the gods to save Midgard. You're up against the trickster Loki and will be battling his legions either alone or with friends. 

Deathloop

• Release date: TBC
• Type: First-person action game
• Publisher: Bethesda
• See official site

Deathloop is a first-person action game from the same team behind Dishonored and Prey. And you can get a vibe from that while watching the trailer. 

Deathloop transports players to the lawless island of Blackreef in an eternal struggle between two extraordinary assassins. You'll be hunting down targets all over the island while trying to evade death. 

Ghostwire: Tokyo

• Release date: TBC
• Type: Action-adventure game
• Publisher: Bethesda
• See official site

GhostWire: Tokyo is a new action-adventure game by Tango Gameworks where players will be set on a mission to "fight paranormal enemies and rid the city of a supernatural evil". 

"After strange disappearances hit Tokyo’s population, it’s up to you to uncover the source and purge the city of a strange, new evil. Armed with your own mysterious spectral abilities, you will face down the occult, unravel conspiracy theories and experience urban legends like never before."

We don't know much else about this game yet, but it certainly looks intriguing. 

Bleeding Edge 

• Release date: TBC
• Type: Team combat
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios 
• See the official site

Bleeding Edge is the next game from Ninja Theory - the amazing team behind DmC: Devil May Cry and Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. It's a fast and frantic four vs four brawler that's colourful, packed full of character and utter chaos. We can't help but see an Overwatch vibe to this game, but it certainly looks like smashing fun. If you can't wait, you can sign up for the Alpha test here.

Baldur's Gate 3

• Release date: TBC
• Type: Strategy RPG
• Publisher: Larian Studios
• See it on Steam

Baldur's Gate is a name that's almost synonymous with role-playing games. The third outing of this game is being crafted by Larian Studios, the team behind Divinity: Original Sin. We don't have a release at this point and detail is fairly sparse. The only hints come from the teaser trailer and the blurb:

"An ancient evil has returned to Baldur's Gate, intent on devouring it from the inside out. The fate of Faerun lies in your hands. Alone, you may resist. But together, you can overcome." 

Sniper Elite VR

• Release date: Unknown
• Type: VR shooter
• Publisher: Rebellion

Rebellion is taking the popular Sniper Elite franchise into virtual reality with Sniper Elite VR. This new game is set to feature a new campaign in Italy, an exclusive first-person view, freedom of movement and the classic X-ray kill cam too. Should be interesting!

Elden Ring

• Release date: Unknown
• Type: Fantasy RPG
• Publisher: FromSoftware
• See the official site

Elden Ring is the result of a collaboration between George R. R. Martin (author of Game of Thrones) and FromSoftware (the team behind Dark Souls). Combine that knowledge with the trailer and you get an idea of a brutal and incredibly tough fantasy game coming at some point in the next few years. We'd imagine this will be punishing, beautiful and story-rich. Certainly, one to look forward to. 

Ascent: Infinite Realm

• Release date: TBC
• Type: MMORPG
• Publisher: Bluehole Studios
• See the official site

From the makers of Player Unknown's Battlegrounds comes something completely different. An MMORPG with dragons, massive airships, many, many explosions and so much more. It certainly looks incredible, but we'll have to wait and see. 

Twelve Minutes

• Release date: TBD
• Type: Interactive mystery
• Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
• See the official site
• See it on Steam

Twelve Minutes is an "interactive thriller" where you take the role of a husband who finds himself stuck in a time loop after a romantic dinner with his wife turns into a nightmare.

Without warning, a police officer breaks into your home, accuses your wife of murder and beats you to death. When the events start all over again, you need to work out a way to change the outcome before facing another painful death. This game certainly feels like a mix of The Shining and Memento, so should make for an awesome gaming experience. 

Buildings have feelings too!

• Release date: TBC
• Type: Building sim
• Publisher: Merge Games
• See it on Steam

If you love city building sims but fancy something fresh, new and exciting then this might be it. This is an unusual sim where the buildings "can walk and talk to one another" have their own hopes and fears and feelings too.

Your job is not only to build your city but stop your buildings from dying. Bet you never thought you'd feel guilty about demolishing an old dishevelled hovel? You will now. 

Totally Reliable Delivery Service

• Release date: Coming soon
• Type: Action-adventure
• Publisher: tinyBuild
• See it on Steam

If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a delivery person and how hectic and crazy their working day must be. Then this game might be the perfect way to find out. Well, it would be if we lived on a world of bonkers ragdoll physics and colourful hilarity.

Think you can do a better job than your usual delivery service and get a package to its recipient without problem? Now's your time to try. 

Valhall

• Release date: Coming soon
• Type: Battle Royale
• Publisher: Blackrose Arts
• See it on Steam

Got a thing for Vikings? Enjoy a good Battle Royale game? Fed up with hiding in a bush waiting for a chicken dinner? Then there might be good news in the form of Valhall - a medieval third and first-person hack 'n' slash with a Battle Royale twist. The promise of "deep" melee combat and fantastic Viking battles is enough to get us excited. 

The latest trailer for Valhall shows some incredibly brutal combat and plenty of good ol' Viking fun. If you like the look of this one you can help back it on IndieGoGo.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated

• Release date: TBA
• Type: 3D platformer
• Publisher: THQ Nordic
• See it on Steam

Are you ready, kids? I can't hear you? The classic 3D platformer SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom is getting remade by 
Purple Lamp Studios and is coming at some point in the future. You'll apparently be able to play as SpongeBob himself, as well as Patrick and Sandy. There's also set to be a co-op mode and a brand new horde mode multiplayer too.

Sonos has launched a Trade Up program that will allow owners of some of the older Sonos speakers a discount when they upgrade to newer devices within the Sonos portfolio. 

Sonos first released speakers and components like the first generation Play:5, Connect and Connect:Amp over a decade ago, and these devices have since been replaced, offering more features, more power and better technology. 

Although Sonos is great for releasing software updates that continue to make older devices better, there are some features that require more than just a software update, such as support for Apple's AirPlay 2.

The Sonos Trade Up program has been designed to reward customers who upgrade their older Sonos products by offering a 30 per cent discount on any new Sonos product for each original product replaced.

At launch, eligible products within the Trade Up program will start with the Connect, Connect:Amp, ZP80, ZP90, ZP100, ZP120 and the first generation Play:5. It is not currently clear if the discontinued Play:3 might eventually join this list and perhaps even the Play:1 in the future given it doesn't offer AirPlay 2 support.

If you have one of the eligible products, head to sonos.com/tradeup (USA) or in the UK, and follow the process to register for the Trade Up discount, find the best way to recycle your old product and read the terms and conditions.

You can read all about which Sonos speaker might be best for you in our separate feature and we also have a feature for getting the most out of your Sonos system in our tips and tricks round up.

The 5G network is here and while it is currently very limited in terms of cities, countries and mobile networks, it is still here.

The only issue, apart from living in a compatible location and being on a compatible network, is that you also need a 5G-enabled phone too. A few companies have released 5G devices already - Samsung, Oppo, LG, Xiaomi and OnePlus - but Apple isn't on that list as yet.

This is everything we know so far about a 5G-enabled iPhone, including when it might arrive and what the rumours say.

Apple iPhone 5G release date

• Sometime in 2020

Apple hasn't announced when it will officially announce a 5G iPhone, but it is not expected to be in 2019.

The latest reports suggest Apple will support 5G in at least one of its iPhone models in 2020, but for 2019, it looks like you'll have to settle for 4G LTE unless you are happy to move to Samsung, Oppo, LG or OnePlus - all of who have a 5G-ready device available.

Typically Apple announces its new iPhones in September, but that's not to say it won't release a 5G-capable iPhone earlier in the year. At the moment, there is no evidence to support this though so for now, we are expecting a 5G variant of the iPhone 12 in September 2020.

Apple iPhone 5G rumours: What's happened so far?

This is everything we've heard so far about the iPhone 5G.

30 October 2019: Apple 5G iPhone 12 plans ramped up, with three models tipped for 2020

Nikkei Asian Review reported that sources have claimed Apple is in talks with mobilisation suppliers to produce a range of three iPhones with 5G data connectivity in 2020.

22 August 2019: Apple iPhone 11 'Pro', Watch Series 5 and AirPods 3 details revealed in new report

A report from Bloomberg has offered a number of details about what to expect for the 2019 iPhones and 5G connectivity wasn't listed as a feature.

Instead, Mark Gurman said in the report that the 2020 iPhones would be the models to offer 5G support, not the 2019 iPhones, supporting what has been claimed in the past. 

25 July 2019: Apple buys Intel's smartphone modem business for $1 billion

Apple officially signed the deal to buy "the majority" of Intel's smartphone modem business for $1 billion. The deal includes 2,200 Intel employees, as well as IP and equipment.

The transaction is expected to close toward the end of 2019, and it means Apple will be able to produce its own 5G modems for its smartphones, instead of getting them from Qualcomm. Bloomberg is speculating Apple's in-house modems could be ready in three years.

22 July 2019: 5G iPhone? Apple might buy Intel's 5G modem biz despite Qualcomm deal

The Wall Street Journal has said Apple might make a deal with Intel that will see it purchase Intel's smartphone modem business for $1 billion.

The deal, which could be announced as early as late July 2019, would follow Intel's announcement from April 2019 that it planned to exit the 5G mobile modem business. 

18 June 2019: Analyst predicts iPhone 5G coming in 2020

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed Apple would announce 5.4-inch and 6.7-inch high-end iPhones with OLED displays offering 5G connectivity, along with a 6.1-inch OLED model supporting up to LTE in 2020.

Kuo also said that all iPhones will have 5G capabilities by 2021 and Apple would probably have its own 5G chip by 2023. 

16 April 2019: Apple and Qualcomm settle legal issues, while Intel quits 5G

Following two years of legal disputes, Apple and Qualcomm settled in April 2019, much to everyone's surprise. The settlement resulted in Apple making a payment to Qualcomm and the two companies also signing a six-year license agreement, effective from 1 April 2019. 

There's an option in the settlement to extend the agreement for two years, plus a multiyear "chipset supply agreement". It led many to believe Apple may release a 5G iPhone sooner than 2020 as Qualcomm already have a 5G modem in place.

On the same day as the Qualcomm and Apple settlement, Intel announced it was quitting the 5G modem business, with its CEO saying "it has become apparent that there is no clear path to profitability and positive returns."

7 February 2019: Apple moves modem chip engineering in-house

Reuters reported that sources familiar with the matter claimed Apple has moved its modem chip engineering efforts into its in-house hardware team.

The move appears to be an indication that Apple is working on its own chips, rather than outsourcing.

5 November 2018: iPhone 12 will be the first 5G iPhone

The Fast Company reported in November 2018 that Apple would use Intel's 8161 5G modem in 2020, which led many to assume the first 5G compatible iPhone would be the iPhone 12.

At the time of the report, Apple and Qualcomm were still in legal disputes, which resulted in Apple switching to Intel chips for some of its iPhones.  

Spotify is introducing a new application just for children aged three and up.

Called Spotify Kids, it has been released in beta form in Ireland already and will roll out to all countries that offer Premium Family plans in the coming weeks.

It has been designed to be a safe haven for kids, with privacy being paramount. All available content is age-appropriate and there are no adverts anywhere on the platform.

The content includes singalongs, soundtracks and stories and is entirely handpicked by Spotify's experts. Parental controls can be set to ensure that only the right tracks are available to stream - from options "Audio for Younger Kids" and "Audio for Older Kids".

Dedicated playlists are available too.

Spotify Kids will be freely available to all Premium Family subscribers and children can be given their own accounts. The app is colourful and simple to use, while the iOS version supports offline listening through downloads.

"Spotify is committed to giving billions of fans the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by music and stories and we’re proud that this commitment now includes the next generation of audio listeners," said the service's chief premium business officer, Alex Norström.

"We are excited to be expanding the Spotify Premium Family experience with a dedicated app just for our youngest fans. Spotify Kids is a personalised world bursting with sound, shape and colour, where our young listeners can begin a lifelong love of music and stories."

A Spotify Premium Family account costs £14.99 ($14.99) per month and gives up to six family members in the same household their own account each for the one inclusive price.