The Best Console Games to Buy This Black Friday

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

This coming Thursday may be Thanksgiving, a time to be thankful for all we do have; however, it also marks the true start of the complete opposite. As we rush out of our homes to bombard retailers to buy what we don’t have, and oftentimes don’t need, the philosophy of these holidays must be questioned.

But that sounds like a discussion to have at the dinner table where we gamers keep our mouths shut and pretend to agree as we anxiously watch the latest and greatest games go from $60 to $30, making our wallets scream in excitement. Tis the season to save money and buy as many games as we can afford in as little time as possible.

These are some of the best console games across the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One that are on sale this Black Friday. I found these sales to be notably steep and worthwhile and think you should go out there and buy them instantly if you have already missed out thus far.

Nintendo Switch

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

“Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze” may have released on the all but forgotten Wii U first; however, this Switch port is the way to go. The title feels right at home on the hybrid console and proves the Wii U’s library was quite good believe it or not. “Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze” is a tough-as-nails 2D platformer with a lot of heart. The game offers some of the most addicting music, tight platforming and exhilarating collectibles and challenges within its levels. For $35.00 at Walmart, you can’t go wrong this Black Friday when picking “Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze” up.

Kirby Star Allies

While it may have been a very lighthearted and kid-friendly title at first glance, the latest “Kirby” game is nevertheless a solid platformer for any fan of the genre and series alike. “Kirby Star Allies” seemed to have slipped by this year thanks to the Switch’s previous hits and those that would succeed it. “Kirby Star Allies” is fortunately on sale at a fair price of $35.00 across multiple retailers like Walmart and GameStop. Seeing as Nintendo rarely price drops their games, let alone ones that only released less than a year ago, now is a great time to check out one of the most adorable, fun and delightful games under their belt on the Switch.

PlayStation 4

Detroit: Become Human

It may have been released in the same year as endlessly hyped and praised exclusives like “God of War” and “Marvel’s Spider-Man;” however, Quantic Dream’s “Detroit: Become Human” is nevertheless a really interesting and well-thought-out title, exclusive to the PS4. This game at its $60.00 launch may have strayed unfamiliar players away with its movie-like approach to games and dozens of choices and outcomes. Being sold for $20.00 at GameStop and Best Buy on Black Friday, now is as good of a time as ever to dive right in.

God of War

“God of War” seems to be universally selling for $25.00, a price point not worth ignoring if you have yet to play one of this year’s finest games. The PS4 exclusive takes the “God of War” to new heights with one of the most compelling stories about parenthood ever told in a game, coupled with intense, rewarding action. The game however is at an all-time-low at GameStop this Thursday, sitting at a mere $17.00. When one of the console’s best games (and most recent) is on sale for cheaper than many indie games, you know it’s time to jump on it and experience what all the immeasurable hype and praise is all about. If you haven’t played “God of War” up until now and have a PS4, most would agree you’ve missed out on one of this console generation's defining games.

Xbox One

Forza Horizon 4
“Forza Horizon 4,” like its predecessors, is a fine-tuned, gorgeous and fun racing game, one that makes gamers want an Xbox platform. This Xbox One console exclusive pushes the system, namely the Xbox One X, to its limits with some of the most beautiful environments and cars alike. The British open world that can be played with in real time with friends and online players everywhere makes this “Forza” title the most impressive to date. If you have been dying for an awesome driving game, diving into Xbox for the first time or were to busy playing “Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey” and “Red Dead Redemption 2” last month, Black Friday ads have “Forza Horizon 4” for at least $20.00 off. Get to Best Buy on time and you can find the game for a full half-off at only $30.00.

State of Decay 2

While “State of Decay 2” may have came and went for some Xbox players expecting something more along the lines of “Halo” or “Gears,” the title nonetheless is an interesting survival game that has some exhilarating challenges with friends and against devastating zombies. “State of Decay 2” can be yours this Black Friday for a measly $20.00 at GameStop. This is the perfect opportunity for those unsure of what to expect or settling down from big-budget single player games to tackle the thrilling world of the living dead with friends.

Multiplatform

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey

“Assassin’s Creed” progressively began to think forward and innovate, resulting in this year’s title being one of the most refined and exciting to date. “Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey” is a massive open world game, one that leaves the player with tens of hundreds of people to help or kill, locations to visit, treasures to find and hours to play. The beautiful setting and compelling characters and gameplay systems make it one of this year’s best. If you haven’t tackled the ancient world of the Spartans and Athenians as Alexios or Kassandra, GameStop sure wants you to, selling “Assassin's Creed: Odyssey” for only $27.00 on Black Friday, a deal that shouldn’t be passed up.

Monster Hunter World
Capcom’s massive success story of 2018 is “Monster Hunter World.” It immersed newcomers to the series by easing the many deep but rewarding mechanics in, while simultaneously bringing veterans right back in on the action at new heights. “Monster Hunter World” is a large-scale open world adventure with many monsters to kill and can be yours for quite cheap come Black Friday. $20.00 seems to be the trend at stores like GameStop and Best Buy; however, get to Walmart in time and you’ll get your chance to experience the epic game for a staggering $17.00.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Having released right around the time of a little title called “Marvel’s Spider-Man,” Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal’s “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” may have gone under the radar for some. With a very dark approach to the world around Lara and its influence on her powerful story coming full circle, “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” is a fitting trilogy cap. If you weren’t sure if this was going to be too similar to the previous titles for a full retail launch price, now is as good of a time as ever. “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” is barely two months and old and can be snagged for half off at most retailers this coming weekend but most impressively at GameStop for $27.00

Those are just a few of the dozens of games on sale this Black Friday. Retailers everywhere are selling 2018 games and those from the beginning of the console generation alike for solid prices. These discounts are some that stood out to me thanks to the price cuts and the quality and notability of the games themselves. Which games are you watching prices on this Black Friday? Did I miss any better deals on the listed games? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.