It has been a long dry summer for video game releases but the drought is finally over. September brings with it a slew of top-tier titles vying for consumers’ money. Whether you own an Xbox, Switch, PS4, or PC, there’s something for everyone to sink their teeth into. Aside from figuring out how one is going to afford so many games, the main challenge is finding time to play them all. As always, this is a good problem to have.
Gears 5
Platforms: PC, Xbox One
Release date: September 10
Microsoft’s biggest game this year is undoubtedly Gears 5. This fifth installment focuses on Kait Diaz, who is on a journey to uncover secrets about her past. New character aside, this is very much a Gears of War title. Expect an action-packed campaign and an addictive Horde mode. Developer The Coalition also promises a few surprises that will shake up the classic Gears formula. This includes 3-player co-op and a map editor. Gears of War games are always fun and Gears 5 looks like another winner.
Pre-order Gears 5 from the Xbox Store
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Release date: September 20
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is the next Gameboy classic title getting the remake treatment. Like Samus Returns, Link’s Awakening features overhauled graphics and gameplay while retaining the charm of the original. This game is more in line with the original The Legend of Zelda and A Link to the Past with its overhead camera angles and emphasis on dungeon exploration. If you missed out on the original or haven’t played in years, Link’s Awakening is a no-brainer.
Pre-order The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening from Amazon
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Release date: September 6
The release I’m most looking forward to in September is Monster Hunter World: Iceborne. An expansion of Monster Hunter World, Iceborne introduces an entirely new map for players to explore. The frozen tundra presents a stark contrast to the forests and deserts of the base game. Players can expect new monsters to slay and equipment to try out. If you don’t see me on social media as much this month, blame Monster Hunter World: Iceborne.
Pre-order Monster Hunter World: Iceborne from Amazon
Borderlands 3
Platforms: Google Stadia, PC, PS4, Xbox One
Release date: September 13
You could make a strong argument for why Borderlands is the original “looter shooter.” After all, the previous two games focused on finding and customizing “millions” of weapons. While Borderlands 3 isn’t reinventing the Borderlands wheel, it introduces some new elements. The most important feature is the ability to travel to different planets. That alone should open up the looting exponentially. I missed out on the Borderlands hype train back in the day so I may have to give this one a shot.
Pre-order Borderlands 3 from Amazon
Greedfall
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Release date: September 10
Greedfall is an RPG for those who love old-school Bioware titles. While it pays homage to the past, Greedfall isn’t a simple retread. Its most notable feature is the Renaissance/Age of Discovery setting. That aspect alone helps set it apart from the thousands of similar titles set within medieval worlds. Though developed by a team of 20, Greedfall looks and plays very much like a AAA title. If you want to lose yourself in an awesome RPG, Greedfall is your game.
Pre-order Greedfall from Amazon
Daemon X Machina
Platforms: Switch
Release date: September 13
Mech fans, rejoice! In the spirit of titles like Armored Core, Daemon X Machina is a mech-lover’s dream come true. Players will get to customize both their pilot and mech in a myriad of ways. You can change arms, legs, heads … pretty much any aspect of the mech you can imagine. You can even use pieces from defeated enemies and incorporate them into your design. Daemon X Machina is a distillation of every mecha anime and game ever released, which is definitely a cool thing.
Pre-order Daemon X Machina from Amazon
Contra: Rogue Corps
Platforms: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Release date: September 24
I’m still not sure what to make of Contra: Rogue Corps. While I’m happy and grateful to finally see a new Contra, I’m somewhat unsure about this game’s direction since it combines both 2D and 3D elements. The former fits with what folks remember about Contra but the latter might feel out of place. To quote a certain movie emperor, I’ll watch this with great interest.
Pre-order Contra: Rogue Corps from Amazon
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered
Platforms: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Release date: September 3
We’ve seen Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy IX remastered for several systems but we’re only now getting one for Final Fantasy VIII. Like the two aforementioned titles, this remaster features enhanced visuals suitable for HD screens. Other than graphics, this is still the same game you remember from the original PlayStation. This is either a good or bad thing, depending on your stance. Though I’m keen on FFVIII’s art style, characters, and story, I’ve never particularly liked its gameplay. I doubt this remaster will change my mind, but at least I can admire the pretty graphics while I’m cursing the Draw system.
Get Final Fantasy VIII Remastered from Amazon
Catherine: Full Body
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita
Release date: September 3
Catherine was one of the more unique games released last generation. It is half relationship sim and half puzzler. Catherine: Full Body contains the core story and gameplay elements from before but tosses in new features. These include new endings, music, puzzles, and even a new love interest. Catherine is as unique now as it was back in 2011. It is worth checking out if you want to experience something truly different.
Get Catherine: Full Body from Amazon
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