Here’s an unlikely scenario, but let’s run with it: you’ve just entered into the great wide world of PC gaming, and have no allegiance to any particular store front. Steam is the juggernaut platform, but the generosity of the weekly Epic Games Store giveaways has caught your eye. And, with its growing number of exclusive titles, the Epic Games Store starts to look like where you want your PC game library to live.
That’s where we come in – here’s the best Epic Games Store games you can pick up today.
While we here at TechRadar remain happy to play our games on whatever platform they land on (provided the platform isn’t totally awful), there’s a lot of tribalism in PC gaming, particularly when it comes to the Epic vs Steam argument. The reality is that both are worth your time, and as Epic Games Store’s stellar line-up of exclusives shows, the savvy gamer keeps one foot firmly planted in both camps.
(Image credit: Activision)
A remake done right. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 knows exactly what fans of the series want – the original games, but with rose tinted glasses lenses surgically inserted into the player’s eyes. It is, to put it simply, the first two Tony Hawk’s skateboarding games how you remember them, but not how they were. The high-res reimagining of the classic skateparks bring their low-res predecessors to life, while new challenges and online modes round out a generous experience. Turn up the speakers for the cracking, guilty-pleasure soundtrack, and chase those scores into the early hours.
(Image credit: Creative Assembly)
Not only an Epic exclusive, but a free one too. Total War Saga: Troy is a compact spin off of the main Total War series that was offered up free of charge for 24 hours upon its release, letting newcomers sink their teeth into the grand warfare simulation the series is known for. Focussing on the Greek epic of the Troy war, it’s a little more fantastical than your average Total War game, but not a full on beast-feast like the Warhammer titles. It has some of the most beautiful maps in the entire series, even if it’s not quite as deep a game, with sunsets that look like the side of an ancient Greek vase.
(Image credit: Resonair)
Who knew that Tetris could be made fresh again, so many years after being ingrained on the cultural consciousness since the launch of the Game Boy decades ago? After dazzling in VR on PS VR and Oculus, Tetris Effect hits 2D PC screens courtesy of the Epic Games Store. Mixing psychedelic visuals with a clever soundtrack that works in tandem with your block placing, it’s a hypnotising joy.
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We thought it’d never happen, but Ryo Hazuki’s quest to find the man who murdered his father on the Dreamcast back in 1999 was finally given a third act in 2019. Shenmue III a curious mix of the new and old – what seemed fresh in 1999, such a non-player characters’ daily schedules and the sense of a game world that exists with or without your input has since been fully realised by the likes of Bethesda and its Elder Scrolls titles. But there’s a quiet comfort to the slow paced, methodical Shenmue games, like playing The Sims with a martial arts expert. Shenmue III sticks a little too closely to the 20 year old formula for some, but conversely is the perfect sequel in terms of faithfulness. Unmissable if you played the first two, and worth a look for those curious to see what all the fuss has been about.
(Image credit: Snapshot Games)
A fantastic strategy game from the creator of X-Com, this turn-based squad shooter has you facing off against an alien menace invading the Earth. It’s hard to beat X-Com 2, the gold standard of the genre, but Phoenix Point has some great ideas all of its own, including a free aim system that makes the sometimes-punishing nature of the percentage-based accuracy system feel a little more under your own control.
(Image credit: Obsidian)
Though you can pick up The Outer Worlds on the Windows Store and as part of the Xbox Game Pass for PC subscription, Epic is the only place you can nab it outside of Microsoft’s ecosystem. And it’s well worth a go – think Fallout in space. Obsidian (the dev team behind the much loved Fallout: New Vegas) offer biting satire, deep player choice and customization, and an open world RPG that’s welcome in its condensed nature – a few dozen hours and you’ll be done here, rather than the hundreds you have to commit to basically every other role playing game these days.
(Image credit: Nvidia)
The big one – this is arguably the main selling point for the Epic Games Store. The world-beating battle royale game is developed in-house at Epic, so it makes sense that its PC edition would be tied to its game store. What’s left to be said about Fortnite? Skydive into a slowly shrinking map, find the best weapons you can, build some shelters to protect you from dozens of other players out for your blood, and aim to be the last man standing. Seasonal updates, from Marvel movie tie-ins to winter festivals, keep the game fresh, and it’s addictive fun – providing you can stomach the trolling-prone kids that make up the majority of its playerbase.
(Image credit: UIbisoft)
Destiny for those that want to play with real guns, Ubisoft’s looter-shooter is only available though its own UPlay store of the Epic Games Store on PC. Though The Division 2’s apolitical stance is at odds with what is clearly a rumination on the state of modern America, it’s an unfairly overlooked persistent shooter, with great weapons, meaningful progression and some really challenging raids to take part in.
(Image credit: Rockstar games)
The best of the rest
So far, we’ve only focussed on the games that are exclusive to the Epic Games Store (or those that would otherwise only exist on niche publisher storefronts). But Epic’s got tons of non-exclusive titles too, many that represent the very best of PC gaming.
Want an open-world epic? Grab Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2 and follow it up with a GTA V chaser. Swords and sandals RPG more your cup of tea? Pick up Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Want to lose hours to a 4x strategy game? Epic has Civilization VI. After a cute indie? Check out the Animal Crossing-like Ooblets.
There’s something for everyone, and with the weekly freebies, within a few weeks of signing up for the Epic Games Store’s free account, you’ll have a ready-made PC gaming library to dive into.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
