There are so many game releases these days that they’re practically impossible to keep up with. Missing a unique experience makes me sad, and probably does you too. So I’m writing a series that helps us keep up with all the new releases, so we can pick and choose what experiences we want to devour in a given week. Read these articles each week and you won’t have to trawl socials (dodging whatever horrific news or politics dominates currently, of course), and instead you can focus on the pure joy of gaming.
We also focus too much on the big releases, and the live-service titles that demand we only play them forever…. My hope is to shift more attention onto the creative, fun, and underestimated games that are currently overwhelmed by the time monopoly current titles hold over us.
So what games are releasing next week that look interesting? Here is a list of our top picks, when they release, and what kind of experience to expect. Bear in mind games with editions that have paid for early access will be relegated to the bottom of the list if releasing this week, only full releases will be listed above other titles that don’t abuse this questionable tactic.
The Underdog – UFO 50
Release Date: 18/09/2024
Platforms: PC
UFO 50 is a collection of a series of “linked” games. Each of the 50 titles is supposed to be a modern twist on a retro experience, which as a full package should be fun in itself. However, there is also apparently an overarching story that can be linked together if you follow the clues. How well this works remains to be seen – but I value the novel concept, and look forward to finding out on the 18th!
The Plucky Squire
Release Date: 17/09/24
Platforms: PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PC
The clean artstyle of this title already stands out to me, I just adore the colouring book feel of it. But in this world, we aren’t just limited to the 2D confines of said book. Characters can jump out into the 3D world and interact, solving puzzles and fighting minibosses from within and likely without the pages. A unique looking title, and clearly one of the standouts for this week of releases.
Frostpunk 2
Release Date: 20/09/2024
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
A highly anticipated Frostpunk 2 drops on the 20th, with supposedly improved gameplay resulting in less “optimum” decisions like the previous Frostpunk was criticised for. Instead, it’s likely players will have to make more tough, morally questionable decisions in this survival, city builder. Different factions also matter more in Frostpunk 2, and keeping them all happy or otherwise “dealing” with them will be a main focus. Can you survive the everlasting winter?
Enotria: The Last Song
Release Date: 18/09/2024
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
I’m a big fan of a souls-like, alright. Even the bad. Set in a land inspired by Italian folklore, you are responsible for defeating the Authors of this world, to free it from unnatural stasis. I don’t think I need to convince anyone with Enotria: The Last Song, we know how rabid we are as fans of the souls-like genre. Definitely one to pick up if reviews show any positive inclination, for me at least.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster
Release Date: 19/09/2024
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Dead Rising was a pivotal title back in the Xbox 360/PS3 generation, and was truly a joy to play. Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster promises to take that incredible formula, and clean it up. Removing some of the time wasters and grievances players had back during the original release. How well this has been done remains to be seen, and I have heard whispers of negativity from the ether. Still hoping this is as good as it was back in the day with nostalgia goggles removed.
Keylocker | Turn Based Cyberpunk Action
Release Date: 18/09/2024
Platforms: PS5, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
A very aesthetically pleasing title, Keylocker is a turn based rhythm RPG where you play as singer/songwriter BOBO. Timing button presses are key in Keylocker, improving each move you can pull off. Multiple endings and classes exist, with choice having an effect of how your story through the cyberpunk world goes. Certainly looks unique enough that I’m tempted.
Judero
Release Date: 16/09/2024
Platforms: PC
Simply watch the video to see why Judero is included. What a unique style of animation – making the models out of physical clay and then scanning them into the game, and mapping to movements. However it’s been done, this has a wild look about it that just hasn’t been done anywhere else. I’m fondly reminded of stop motion animation, and that can only be a good thing. An action/adventure game inspired by Scottish folklore, I’m really hoping this fever dream of a title is worth picking up.
Fera: The Sundered Tribes
Release Date: 17/09/2024
Platforms: PS5, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
A hunting survival action game, Fera: The Sundered Tribes is a mix of village building, tribe management, and from what I can tell, speed. There is a focus on aerial movement, when moving and in combat. If the combination is put together properly this could be absolutely great fun.
God of War Ragnarok + Final Fantasy XVI (PC versions)
Release Date: 17/09/2024, 19/09/2024
Platforms: PC (already on PS5)
We have likely all heard of God of War and Final Fantasy XVI by this point. Well they’re finally leaving the PS5 ecosystem and coming to PC. Hopefully the performance is just as good… God of War: Ragnorak is a story focused action RPG, and is possibly the hardest hitting game on PS5 currently – but definitely play God of War first. Final Fantasy XVI is a game with some incredible highs, the best in the industry. However, as another story focused action RPG, but it’s less of an RPG than fans of the Final Fantasy series wanted, and there are certainly some rather lacklustre story lulls. A shame as if the opening hours were kept up with it would be one of the best games of this generation.
Notable Mentions
Not everything can be listed, as I am simply a single human who has limited time and typing speed. My fingers hurt. So here are some other interesting titles that might also be worth checking out, that release next week:
- American Truck Simulator – Arkansas (DLC)
- 16/09/2024
- Drive trucks. Nuff said.
- Train Yard Builder
- 16/09/2024
- Build train yards and trains. Nuff said.
- The Spell Brigade
- 16/09/2024
- Magika combined with vampire survivors, could be very fun with friends in 4 player co-op.
- Everspace 2 – Titans (DLC)
- 16/09/2024
- Brings new (and massive) encounters to the pretty decent Everspace 2. One of those games where additional DLC (should) just bring more variety. Plus I love giant creatures in space.
- Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged
- 19/09/2024
- Remake of the original point and click classic, puzzle out the arcane secrets of the knights templar.
- Copycat
- 19/09/2024
- A game I likely can’t play without a mental break, a cat is adopted, but replaced by a stray “copycat”. Foster the bond between cat and human in this heart-wrenching story. Good luck…
- Lorn’s Lure
- 20/09/2024
- PS2 style graphics in an atmospheric platformer. I will be surprised if this isn’t a joyous time if you are into retro-3D games. Climb anything, explore this mysterious vast structure, and avoid bumping into all the speedrunners that will likely devour this.
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – Mask of Darkness (DLC)
- 17/09/2024
- DLC for the surprisingly good game from Ubisoft, more of the same please. A sidescroller metroidvania with a unique aesthetic, snappy platforming and combat.
- Into the Radius (PSVR2 Version)
- 19/09/2024
- Worth a pickup for any PSVR2 owners as a fun looking survival game, as long as performance and PSVR2 specific features work as well as they should.
- Let us know what you are most looking forward to, and hope this article helped you decide what to get next week!