We often speak of the Autumn deluge – a period where numerous high-profile titles release. It starts in September but really kicks off in October with the likes of Call of Duty, Ghost Recon and Destiny 2 vying for dominance. However, with so many titles across a range of genres, you’re bound to find something worth playing. Check out our picks for the games to play in October.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is more or less the biggest game of the month. Though more of a reboot than a straight sequel, we see the return of Captain Price. New characters like Farah, a rebel leader; CIA officer Alex; and police sergeant Kyle Garrick also figure in the story. With Spec Ops missions, larger multiplayer battles in Ground War, no “traditional” season pass and cross-platform multiplayer, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare looks to be yet another hit in the franchise when it releases on October 25th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC. Of course, time will tell how the post-launch support pans out.
GRID
Another reboot coming later this month is GRID from Codemasters. As a return to roots for the franchise, GRID will once again see players racing across different disciplines and events to quality for the GRID World Series (thankfully, you don’t have to win every single event to qualify). New additions include 400 AI drivers, each with their own driving styles which can lead to rivalries and the creation of Nemeses. You even face off against Fernando Alonso, two time Formula One World Champion, in Career Mode. GRID is out on October 11th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.
Destiny 2: Shadowkeep
The next paradigm shift for Bungie’s shared world shooter franchise, Destiny 2: Shadowkeep returns to the Moon for battles against the Hive and an army of Nightmares. While it seems the Darkness is closer than ever, Shadowkeep will keep players occupied with a number of other changes. Armor 2.0 will lets you choose your own perks on gear; Seasonal Ranks provide a tiered battle pass-like system for earning cosmetics and other rewards; and a new raid will be going live on October 5th. Destiny 2: Shadowkeep is out on October 1st for Xbox One, PS4 and PC along with its free-to-play version Destiny 2: New Light.
Ghost Recon Breakpoint
The follow-up to Wildlands, Ghost Recon Breakpoint sees Nomad and the Ghosts investigating the Auroa archipelago after drone manufacturer SkellTech goes dark. When their helicopters are shot down, it’s Nomad versus the Wolves led by Cole Walker, a former Ghost. Part looter shooter, part tactical stealth, part shared world live service title…Ubisoft is stacking a number of hats on Ghost Recon Breakpoint. Hopefully, it all coalesces into a polished open world experience when it launches on October 4th worldwide for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.
The Outer Worlds
Obsidian Entertainment is finally back in the FPS/RPG driver’s seat with The Outer Worlds. You awaken as a passenger on a colony ship with most of your brethren in hibernation. Megacorporations have colonized the Halcyon Cluster and it’s up to you to investigate what they’re really after. You’re essentially a blank slate who can interact with different factions, meet and fight alongside companions, arm yourself with a variety of weapons and decide what direction the story goes in. Those hungry for a new Fallout title that fulfills these promises, complete with Obsidian’s signature writing, should check out The Outer Worlds – it arrives on October 25th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.
Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville
Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville follows EA’s new strategy of sudden releases which started with Apex Legends. However, it’s actually available in paid early access with new content added each week. For those who don’t buy it, October 18th marks the day of the game’s launch. Either way, if you’ve played Garden Warfare, then Battle for Neighborville offers more of the same. Choose from 20 classes, six being brand new, and partake in Team Deathmatch or fulfill objectives in Turf War. Perhaps the coolest new addition is the ability for several players of the same class to combine together, Voltron-style. Hopefully that and other weirdness will carry the game past its first month of launch.
WWE 2K20
So it’s a new WWE 2K title. If you’ve played one of the virtual fake fighting titles, you’ve played them all, right? Except WWE 2K20 isn’t co-developed by Yuke’s – instead, Visual Concepts is fully in charge this time. How this will affect the overall gameplay remains to be seen but there’s a new Showcase mode revolving around the Four Horsewomen, a female MyCareer story and the return of 2K Towers. Hurray? WWE 2K20 arrives on October 22nd for PC, Xbox One and PS4.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Nintendo has been on fire lately, releasing at least one high profile exclusive on the Switch each month. August had Astral Chain, September had Link’s Awakening and October has Luigi’s Mansion 3. Basically, Luigi, Mario, Peach and a bunch of Toads travel to the Last Resort hotel for a vacation. Unfortunately, King Boo traps Mario and the others, which means Luigi has to suit up for the rescue. Using the new Poltergust G-00, which allows for slamming ghosts and creating Gooigi to traverse through impassable objects, Luigi’s Mansion 3 looks to be an excellent action-adventure and worthy follow-up to the series. It’s out, conveniently enough, on October 31st.
MediEvil
The PS4 may not have a ton of high-profile games out this year but it does have an eagerly anticipated remaster this month with MediEvil. Developed by Other Ocean Emeryville and releasing on October 25th, MediEvil once again puts players in the skeletal frame of Sir Dan as he seeks to save the kingdom from his nemesis Zarok. With completely revamped visuals and 4K resolution support on PS4 Pro, MediEvil looks to be another blast from the past that’s worth getting into.
Concrete Genie
The other PS4 exclusive releasing this month is Concrete Genie. Developed by PixelOpus, it focuses on Ash, a young artist in the downtrodden town of Denska. After bullies rip out the pages of his sketchbook, Ash embarks on a journey to retrieve them. He also finds a way to bring his creations to life, breathing new life into Denska. Avoiding the bullies and restoring any artwork they may ruin is also a key component of the story. Releasing on October 8th, Concrete Genie isn’t a long game but should more than make up for that with its emotional impact and aesthetics.
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
After the ill-fated Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power and a bunch of other new IPs, Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince returns to the 2.5D platform puzzler format of legend. Terrible monsters are manifesting from Prince Selius’s nightmares so it’s up to our heroes – Amadeus the Wizard, Zoya the Thief and Pontius the Knight – to save the day. Explore ruins and tombs and play solo or in co-op with up to four players, combining different talents and skills to surpass obstacles. With a new combat system and challenges, Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince could resurrect the series. It’s out on October 8th for Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition
No, you haven’t entered a time loop. CD Projekt RED is indeed releasing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition on October 15th but it’s for the Nintendo Switch. That means all of the base game’s content and updates along with Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine is included. It may not boast the sharpest resolution or visuals but as one of the best open world RPGs ever made, it’s a darn fine adventure to have on the go.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3
Nihon Falcom’s The Legend of Heroes series is one of the more underrated RPGs out there, offering compelling stories to go with its excellent turn-based gameplay. There’s good news Trails of Cold Steel fans – Trails of Cold Steel 3 is out on October 22nd for PS4. Localized by NISA, it sees Rean Schwarzer as a military professor eventually caught up in a conspiracy that could threaten the entire country. Concerns for the localization aside, every JRPG fan should look into the sequel and prep for the inevitable release of part four in the West.