It may be a tad too early to start considering what may contend for this year’s GOTY.
Clearly. Grand Theft Auto VI from Rockstar Games is the obvious frontrunner for the accolade, but it’s perhaps a tad presumptuous to assume that it’ll automatically nab the title.
I personally expect Crimson Desert to be in the conversation, if it delivers on its promises.
Developed by Pearl Abyss, this AAA open-world action-adventure is finally set to land on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on 19 March.
It follows Kliff who sets out to rebuild an order known as the Greymanes after they are decimated by a rival faction known as the Black Bears.
“But on a journey where alliances are forged, dangers abound, and mysterious factions are uncovered, Kliff will come to realise that an unprecedented threat and a destiny greater than he imagined await him,” the synopsis adds.
Within the game, you’ll take on all of the expected fare. There are main quests, side quests, hidden secrets, and boss fights aplenty.
In fact, Crimson Desert’s world is so big that it claims to be twice as large as Skyrim’s and bigger than Red Dead Redemption 2’s.
I recently read a tweet along the lines of, “This is either going to be GOTY or the industry’s biggest flop,” and I’m inclined to agree.
Crimson Desert does almost appear to be too good to be true, but every now and then, a new all-timer does have to come along.
Perhaps Crimson Desert could join the ranks of Skyrim, The Witcher 3, and God of War amongst many others.
Developers have launched tons of deep dives, all of which appear to prove the game’s various promises are real.
I had the opportunity to go hands-on with the game at Gamescom 2024 and while I do think Pearl Abyss could cut back on the spark effects present in combat, I had a great time with what I played.
If you are curious to check Crimson Desert out, now is the time to get in a pre-order.
A copy of the game will set you back £54.99 / $69.99 for a standard edition and £64.99 / $79.99 for a collector’s edition.
There is a way you might be able to nab the game for $5 though.
Grab 3 Games For a Bargain Price
Fanatical has launched a new VIP Mystery Bundle for $4.99 / £4.99 where purchasers will get three games for what’s essentially the same price as a coffee.
The only twist is that you don’t know which three games you’ll end up with but Fanatical has confirmed that AAA games are included in the line-up, including the likes of Crimson Desert.
Of course, I will warn you, the chance of pulling Crimson Desert in your line-up is probably quite slim but for $4.99, does it even matter?
You’re going to get three games for an absolute bargain price.
Other possible pulls include Nioh 3, Reanimal, and Resident Evil Requiem.
As I said though, even pulling three indies is great for this price, so it may be well worth having a go and seeing what you end up with.
