We’re truly coming into peak games season again. New game releases are inbound!
Autumn and winter is by far the time of the year where we get the majority of new AAA game releases, and this year is no different. In September alone, we have a lot of new releases on the way, and here are the 11 we’re looking forward to in order of release.
'Life is Strange: True Colors'
Releasing on: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Nintendo Switch.
Release Date: Out now
The hugely popular 'Life is Strange' franchise gets its third mainline entry in 'True Colors', out today. Centring around protagonist Alex Chen and her unique empathy ability, somewhat similar to a form of synesthesia, the player is given agency to read and manipulate the emotions of non-playable characters.
Unlike previous entries in the 'Life is Stange' series, 'Life is Strange: True Colours' have released all episodes today.
'NBA 2K22'
Releasing on: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch.
Release Date: Out now
Also releasing this week is 'NBA 2K22'. The professional basketball simulator returns for its annual instalment in fighting form. The City MyCareer mode – only available on next-gen consoles – is essentially an open-world adventure, full of quests, side quests, and a season cycle. The newly released trailer for the City ahead of launch feels like a long lost episode of 'One Tree Hill'. Seriously, take a look for yourself!
'Deathloop'
Releasing on: PlayStation 5, PC. Timed Exclusive on PS5 for a year.
Release Date: Tuesday, September 14
Developed and published by Arkane Studios and Bethesda, the masterminds behind 2012’s near-perfect action-adventure stealth game, 'Dishonored' and sequel 'Dishonored 2', it’s no coincidence that 'Deathloop' seems to share similar DNA.
While not a strict roguelike, as the name suggests, there is a time loop once the player character dies. Although the player is not sent back to the beginning of the game à la 'Returnal', you can choose to pick an area of the game world and time of day to return to.
After seeing 'Deathloop''s slick gunplay, stealth, parkour, and abilities we’re super excited for this to drop next Tuesday, September 14. Let's just say we may be calling in sick that day...
'Kena: Bridge of Spirits'
Releasing on: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC.
Release Date: Tuesday, September 21
'Kena: Bridge of Spirits' has had a storied release, paralleled only by 007’s new outing in 'No Time to Die'. Originally due to release in late 2020, because of the pandemic it was pushed back multiple times. First in early 2021, then followed by a new date in August, and now finally set to release on September 21.
The action-adventure game is a beautifully cute PS exclusive. Following protagonist Kena, the player uses her abilities to help the recently deceased move on. With the story seemingly falling somewhere in between 'The Sixth Sense' and 'Soul', we’re expecting to play the gaming equivalent of a Pixar spectacular.
'Pokémon Unite'
Releasing on: iOS, Android.
Release Date: Wednesday, September 22
Having already been released on Nintendo Switch back in July, the first-ever Pokémon MOBA arrives on mobile devices this month. Having received mixed reviews upon original release, and criticized for being pay-to-win, it will be interesting to see if the mobile release can reinvigorate the community to adopt the new form of Pokémon.
The game will be free-to-play on mobile devices once released, and may very well give 'Pokémon Go' users a new game to play for a more competitive Pokémon experience. But only time will tell if those loyal users will swap over.
'Diablo II: Resurrected'
Releasing on: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch.
Release Date: Thursday, September 23
A major remake release for fans of the action RPG, 'Diablo II: Resurrected' will update the classic original game without changing the game balance.
Boiling down to a complete 4k graphical and sound overhaul with 3D models overlaid on the original 2D sprites, the game will also feature some other quality of life improvements. Also featured is a save transfer, allowing players to import their original 'Diablo II' save files to continue from that point.
'Death Stranding: Director’s Cut'
Releasing on: PlayStation 5.
Release Date: Friday, September 24
The divisive 2019 PS4 release 'Death Stranding' returns this September with an updated Director’s Cut version for PS5. Featuring improved graphics and a more stable 60 FPS locked frame rate the game should look even better on your hour-long walks in the game world.
It will also feature new items to help on those walks, hopefully shortening them by a bit… or a lot. This release also comes after recent speculative news of a sequel on the cards.
'New World'
Releasing on: PC.
Release Date: Tuesday, September 28
The hotly anticipated brand new MMORPG 'New World' also releases this month. Only available on PC, the game is developed by a relatively new publisher and developer Amazon Game Studios, and Amazon Games Orange County.
Yes indeed, CEO, Entrepreneur born in 1964 Jeffrey Bezos himself has a games studio!
Having mainly released mobile games, and one – now delisted - console release based on Amazon TV Show 'The Grand Tour', we’re looking forward to seeing how the buy-to-play game turns out.
Granted, in the light of what we’ve seen from the closed beta so far, it does look incredibly serene and piques our interest. An Open Beta Test for 'New World' is available to the public from September 9 until National Video Games Day itself, September 12, ahead of the full game release.
'Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye'
Releasing on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC.
Release Date: Tuesday, September 28
Yet another time-loop based adventure, 'Outer Wilds' was one of this writer's favourite games of 2019. And now it’s being re-released with its "first and only expansion", 'Echoes of the Eye'.
With the game already a cryptic and confusing muddle of quantum physics madness, who knows what the expansion will bring to the adventure?
We’re not sure, but eagerly anticipate the release! Even if only to hear that breathtaking soundtrack all over again. And who knows, maybe you’ll find us on our Twitch Channel streaming it!
'Doctor Who: The Edge of Reality'
Releasing on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC.
Release Date: Thursday, September 30
Whovians rejoice! The Doctor returns to consoles with the 'Edge of Reality' building on the 2019 VR game with the same name. Featuring the Cybermen as the main enemy and other fan favourite foes like the Daleks and Weeping Angels, 'Edge of Reality' may be the game Dr Who fans have always wanted.
Oh, and did we mention David Tennant is reprising his role as the tenth doctor alongside current doctor Jodie Whittaker?! Shut up and take my money!
'Hot Wheels Unleashed'
Releasing on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC.
Release Date: Thursday, September 30
The toy car brand 'Hot Wheels' makes a return to consoles and PC at the end of this month, featuring a full suite of whacky and wonderful vehicles each with unique attributes, customisable liveries and interactive environments.
Most attractive is the custom track builder to create your very own crazy race tracks to show off to other players, and race them on multiplayer modes. The game has a lot of potential and will surely be on many a wishlist this month.
What a month! With so many massive games being released this month, gamers are truly spoiled, regardless of your taste in genre. Now to look at October’s list … and, oh WOW, that is some lineup.
