In the meantime, I Am Your Beast is available now for all three subscriber tiers on cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S. Standard subscribers can also play Nine Sols, another critically acclaimed Metroidvania, on September 3rd. On the same day as Silksong, Digital Sun’s Cataclismo will be available for PC subscribers.

PAW Patrol World is next up on September 10th for all tiers on cloud, consoles and PC, followed by Saber Interactive’s RoadCraft on September 16th for Ultimate and Standard subscribers. Not the busiest month for first-party titles, but The Outer Worlds 2 is still to come in October.

As usual, select titles will be leaving Game Pass on September 15th. Check them out below and either finish them beforehand or purchase them at 20 percent off.

• All You Need is Help (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Wargroove 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Launch issues, Career Mode bugs, performance problems (more so on PC than console) – even with all that in mind, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a worthwhile new addition to the Xbox library. The sheer range of new aircraft combined with new activities in Career Mode, World Photographer – including walking outside your plane in multiple rich biomes – and additional aircraft systems offer a rich experience. And when it works, there’s nothing quite like soaring the skies and peering down all creation.

Nine Sols

You may be asking: if Nine Sols sold well, hit all consoles after a successful PC launch, and garnered two nominations at the upcoming Indie Game Awards, is it genuinely underrated? Well, aside from a convoluted story told via overabundance of dialogue, Nine Sols is the Hollow Knight sequel we’ve been waiting for. Its evocative world with cyberpunk-adjacent tech provides the perfect playground for exploration and discovery, but – most importantly – its robust combat demanding a clever mix of parrying, combos, and powerups should be elevating Nine Sols above what its already achieved. If you’re waiting for Silksong, play Nine Sols.

Taking to Twitter, Red Candle Games has announced that Nine Sols will get a physical release on the Nintendo Switch at some point in 2025, courtesy of a partnership with Fangamer. When exactly it will launch next year or whether physical releases are also planned for other platforms is unknown. Red Candle Games also says Fangamer is currently the “exclusive retailer” for Nine Sols’ physical Switch release.

In our review of Nine Sols, we awarded it a score of 9/10, saying, “Whether you seek an addictive platformer, a substantial action experience with incredible presentation, or a new challenge, Nine Sols offers all this and more.” Read the full review through here.

Nine Sols is available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

🎉 We are thrilled to announce our partnership with @Fangamer to release the physical edition of Nine Sols for the Nintendo Switch! 🎮✨

📢 Please note that @Fangamer is currently the exclusive retailer for the Nintendo Switch physical copy. 🛒 Stay tuned for our latest updates!… pic.twitter.com/JXnmklAQa0

— redcandlegames (@redcandlegames) December 17, 2024

After garnering significant acclaim on PC, both from Steam users (currently Overwhelmingly positive) and critics, it’s available for consoles. Suffice it to say if you’re a genre fan, someone seeking exceptional combat, or find the general premise intriguing, Nine Sols is an incredible experience that shouldn’t be missed.

"The areas themselves are also well-realized and imaginative. Each boss is in charge of a “district” of sorts, and their approach to managing it manifests in different ways."

The story follows Yi, a powerful warrior betrayed by the titular Nine Sols, the authoritative figures of the Tiandao Council governing New Kunlun. Though left for dead, the mysterious Primordial Roots keep him alive until he’s eventually discovered by Shuanshuan of a nearby village. The two become friends as Yi slowly recovers, but when Shuanshuan is chosen for a sacrificial ceremony, the former begins his quest for revenge anew, seeking to slay the Nine Sols and take their Sol Seals.

There’s a lot more going on than meets the eye, especially when factoring in flashbacks of Yi’s sister during their younger days, the origins of the council, and more. The amount of lore can be surprising at first, but it unravels steadily as you learn more about the Eternal Cauldron project and why Yi is so obsessed with reclaiming the Sol Seals. The characterization is also on point throughout, particularly the dichotomy when Yi interacts with Shuanshuan versus the Nine Sols, and offers quiet moments of reflection and some light comedy (Shennong’s poison consumption or Shanhai 9000 and its aloof nature) without losing the plot.

However, the two main pillars of the title are its exploration and combat. If you’ve played other games in the genre, the gameplay loop will look very familiar – explore areas, uncover secrets and upgrades, unlock an ability, defeat a boss, and use that new ability to open up new locations. Sometimes you’ll encounter places closed off and necessitating a new technique, but exploring out-of-the-way areas could yield rewards, like currency called Jin for purchasing Jades to equip for passive benefits. It’s a time-tested mechanic, and Nine Sols makes good use of it.

The areas themselves are also well-realized and imaginative. Each boss is in charge of a “district” of sorts, and their approach to managing it manifests in different ways. For instance, the Agricultural Zone has many facilities in ruin or disrepair and almost feels zombie-like in how it continues to function (foreshadowing, if nothing else).

"Unlike Sekiro, there’s no execution mechanic once you’ve broken an enemy’s posture. Instead, Yi gains Qi Charges, which can be used to attach a talisman that explodes after a short duration, dealing extensive damage."

Though they’re not as large as they may first appear – those moments where two areas link back together can feel a bit underwhelming – they’re still full of things to discover, whether it’s minibosses, challenging platforming sections or nodes and treasure chests to hack into. The only grievance I have is how some of them (ahem, Cortex Center) can feel unrelenting sometimes with their environmental hazards and enemies.

Speaking of which, there’s a fair bit of variety to the enemies, ranging from your average guards with swords and spears to drones and Wardogs. There are a fair amount of soldier types to encounter, but each presents different hazards to Yi’s well-being. A regular long-ranged enemy with a wrist-mounted crossbow will periodically send arrows your way and doesn’t pose much challenge. However, a proper sniper that can deal massive damage with their shots will keep you on your toes, the long charge time providing a window for attacking. Some melee-focused foes will also test your parrying skills and it can be a lot to manage at first.

This brings us to the other core pillar of the experience: Combat. Yi has your basic attack combo and eventually gains the ability to fire arrows with the Azure Bow along with charging up heavy strikes for more damage and breaking shields. He can also parry – time it right, and the attack is negated. Slight mistiming will reduce the damage from an attack, but it can quickly spell doom when dealing with combos. Enemies also have unblockable Crimson Attacks that can’t be parried normally and require a Tai-Chi Kick, performed mid-air, to stagger them.

Unlike Sekiro, there’s no execution mechanic once you’ve broken an enemy’s posture. Instead, Yi gains Qi Charges, which can be used to attach a talisman that explodes after a short duration, dealing extensive damage. The more Qi charges stored, the higher the damage dealt. Upgrading your skills provides more control over these, like detonating the talisman earlier (which can be useful against multiple enemies). Jades can also help in this endeavor, like incapacitating enemies stuck with talismans to provide breathing room.

"If it wasn’t obvious enough by now, Nine Sols is pretty great. Each element, be it the visuals, combat, or environments is honed to perfection, following a unified vision that perpetuates throughout."

While it’s initially challenging to master the parry timing, especially when taking on multiple enemies, Nine Sols’ overall combat oscillates pretty well between calculated battles and desperate struggles. That initial battle against a miniboss may be a wash, but after learning their patterns and quickly adjusting, attacks feel more surgical and precise. It is all the more notable in boss battles, which all feature unique mechanics, amazing spectacles, and robust challenges.

If exceptional combat, boss battles, and exploration aren’t enough, then Nine Sols deserves a look for its visuals. They’re hand-drawn, backed by remarkable designs for all characters and enemies, and animated so well. Of course, even the environmental aesthetics are noteworthy, playing with lighting and instilling different moods, whether it’s a sense of mystery or outright dread.

The soundtrack is also simply sublime – there are elements of traditional Chinese opera singing and classic instruments mixed with fast-paced techno and distortions, which must be heard to be believed (and they pair well with the combat). To say that the presentation values are exceptional would be an understatement, even with the comic book-style panels preceding some boss battles.

If it wasn’t obvious enough by now, Nine Sols is pretty great. Each element, be it the visuals, combat, or environments is honed to perfection, following a unified vision that perpetuates throughout. The plot can be initially challenging to follow, but it’s still compelling, and the in-game glossary helps keep track of everything. The challenge may not be for everyone, but there is a Story Mode available to adjust the amount of damage inflicted and endured.

Nine Sols warrants a look, delivering an unorthodox adventure without compromising on a single element. It doesn’t just stand out as a compelling side-scrolling action title with endearing characters, memorable boss fights, and a robust gameplay loop, but as one of the better games the genre has seen in years.

This game was reviewed on PlayStation 5.

Nine Sols is a side-scrolling Metroidvania title with hand-drawn 2D visuals and focuses on Yi. After being left for dead, he’s nursed back to health and sets out to defeat the titular Nine Sols throughout New Kunlun. Inspired by Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, combat is heavily parry-based, with Yi building up charges to execute a powerful attack.

Based on HowLongToBeat, it takes about 21 hours to finish the story on average and roughly 31 hours to complete everything. This makes Nine Sols one of the longer Metroidvania titles out there.

Meanwhile, Battle Memories allows for rematching against any of the defeated bosses. Whether you’re trying to hone your skills or there’s a particular boss you want to fight again, it’s an excellent addition to the game.

Red Candle Games’ sleek action platformer Nine Sols goes live on November 26th, followed by Aliens: Dark Descent on November 27th (which will also be available on Game Pass Standard). Game Pass Standard subscribers can also look forward to Little Kitty, Big City and PlateUp!, both on consoles from November 20th.

Those subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate can also avail of benefits for Genshin Impact when it launches on November 20th. These include free XP materials, Intertwined Fates, Mora, and more.

The following titles are leaving Game Pass on November 30th. Finish them now or avail of the 20 percent discount to own them permanently:

• Conan Exiles (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Coral Island (PC)
• Hello Neighbor 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Remnant: From The Ashes (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Rollerdrome (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Soccer Story (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Spirit of the North (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• The Walking Dead: The Final Season (PC)
• While the Iron’s Hot (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Planet Coaster 2

It’s almost bizarre that it took this long for Frontier’s Planet Coaster to receive a sequel, especially given its success and acclaim. Planet Coaster 2 launches on November 6th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, and once again has players building and managing a theme park. The twist is the addition of water attractions and rides, including water coasters, slides, and rivers. Everything is customizable, and your creations can be shared online with other players. You can also team up with others to create a park together or explore in first person as a visitor.

Empire of the Ants

Microids’ Empire of the Ants offers a real-time strategy experience at a decidedly smaller scale. Despite this, the overarching goal of your colony remains the same – survival and strategic domination. Throughout the 20-hour campaign, you’ll opt for different unit types (including other species like Snails and Rhino Beetles), unleash abilities, manage a war economy, and more. There’s also multiplayer three-player free-for-all and 1v1 ranked play.

Mario and Luigi: Brothership

The brothers find themselves exploring the world of Concordia, composed of multiple islands with different residents, climates, and challenges.

Utilizing Shipshape Island, a ship/island hybrid, to get around, Mario and Luigi also rely on different traversal techniques for platforming when they’re not relying on timing-based Bros. Attacks and Battle Plugs to conquer enemies. Launching on November 7th for Nintendo Switch, Brothership looks to be yet another incredible addition to the Switch’s hallowed line-up.

Slitterhead

From the mind of Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama and Bokeh Game Studio comes an unorthodox action-adventure set in Kowlong. Players control Hyoki, an amnesiac entity committed to defeating the Slitterheads, monstrous beings who can mimic humans. Hyoki’s main means of fighting is possession, taking over other beings and using their blood to create weapons.

It’s also great for getting around and accessing different parts of the city (depending on the host’s identity). Overall, it’s a significant departure from Toyama’s previous works, and we’re keen to see more when it launches on November 8th for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Farming Simulator 25

After last year’s Farming Simulator 23 performed decently on phones (and horrendously on Nintendo Switch), GIANTS Software is finally releasing a full-fledged sequel for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC on November 12th. Farming Simulator 25 features over 20 new crops, more than 400 vehicles, tools from 150+ brands, and a new East Asian environment. Even more notable are the visual improvements over previous titles, from terrain deformation and dynamic weather to improved shadows.

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake

The legend of Erdrick is finally coming to contemporary consoles when Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake launches on November 14th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Nintendo Switch. Featuring the HD-2D visual style, the story sees the protagonist, child of the great Ortega, embarking on a journey to defeat Baramos, the Archfiend.

Recruiting allies with customizable appearances and vocations, players can explore the world, engage in side quests, venture into dungeons, and even rescue monsters for battling in the new Monster Arena. There’s also a new Vocation, the Monster Wrangler, and quality-of-life features, like combat orders, which make for a more approachable experience.

LEGO Horizon Adventures

Have you ever wanted to re-experience Guerrilla Games’ Horizon Zero Dawn in a new way? Yes, aside from the upcoming remaster. In that case, Studio Gobo’s LEGO Horizon Adventures has you covered. It carries the charm and light-hearted atmosphere that the Lego series is known for, downplaying some of Zero Dawn’s darker elements in the process.

You’ll still play as Aloy in search of her mother, solo or teaming with other characters like Varl in an action-adventure (and not a beat ’em up where you’ll collect Studs like other Lego titles). It’s an odd ask, to be sure, but LEGO Horizon Adventures could surprise us when it launches on November 14th for PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

With the breakout success of its 2020 flight sim, it was only a matter of time before Microsoft went back to the well with Flight Simulator. Developed again by Asobo Studio, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launches on November 19th for Xbox Series X/S and PC. Thus far, it looks like a staggering effort that builds upon its predecessor while completely blowing it out of the water.

A new Career System where you take tests, learn everything there is to know and then embark on different mission types, from commercial flights and rescue missions to escorting VIPs. There are new aircraft and avionics systems to master, a new flight planner with IFR charts and route planning, over 150 hand-crafted airports (alongside 40,000 procedurally generated airports); and 27 biomes that you can explore on foot. The original is one of the biggest games in scale, but Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 could very well dethrone it.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

If one big console exclusive wasn’t enough for Microsoft, then perhaps S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will seal the deal. After multiple years of delays, to say nothing of the real-world challenges that GSC Game World endured, it’s finally launching on November 20th for Xbox Series X/S and PC. As Skif, players enter the Zone and pretty much have full reign if they can survive.

They’ll encounter other factions, both friendly and hostile, battle mutants, discover Artifacts, and have one too many run-ins with environment-altering Anomalies. The world is seamless, fully hand-crafted and teeming with secrets, which the developer says will necessitate over 100 hours to discover. There’s a lot of hype and expectations on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, and in just a few weeks, we’ll see if it finally delivers.

Tetris Forever

Why explore one golden year of the Tetris franchise when you could experience them all? Digital Eclipse’s Tetris Forever collects over 15 titles from the puzzle series into one collection, from recreating the very first Tetris released in 1984 to Japan-only games that are playable for the first time worldwide.

It even includes Tetris Time Warp, a brand-new title where players warp between different eras of Tetris in a single game, playable solo and with three other people. If you’re keen on history, there’s a museum with original ads and photos on top of new documentary featurettes detailing the original game’s development. Tetris Forever launches on November 12th for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Nine Sols

If the wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong has gone from depression to acceptance, Red Candle Games’ Nine Sols may provide a worthy diversion. Available earlier this year for PC, it’s coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch on November 26th.

Combining elements of platforming with hack-and-slash combat, including a robust parry system inspired by Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Nine Sols focuses on Yi, who embarks on a quest to slay the titular 9 Sols. Presenting sleek animated visuals, players learn more about Yi, the nature of New Kunlun and unlock abilities to access new areas. If you’re a fan of challenging combat or action platforms in general, it’s worth a look.

Towers of Aghasba (Early Access)

“Fantasy building with a mix of open-world exploration and restoration” describes Towers of Aghasba, which enters early access on November 19th for PS5 and PC. Inspired by films like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Princess Mononoke, it sees players building a new city for their people while venturing into the world to cleanse a mysterious corruption.

Early access features three ecosystems and town types, more than 40 creatures, over 120 plants, and 150 recipes for decorations. You can go it alone or play with up to three other players, engaging in combat, farming, fishing or discovering ancient ruins. If its gameplay can live up to the gorgeous aesthetic, then Towers of Aghasba could end up as yet another hallmark open-world sandbox crafting title.

DRAGON AGE: THE VEILGUARD

Let’s start things off with what’s probably the most obvious pick. Of the games still due out in the remainder of 2024, it’s fair to say that Dragon Age: The Veilguard is easily among the biggest ones, if not flat out the biggest, period. The wait for a follow up to Dragon Age: Inquisition has stretched on for over a decade, but based on everything that we’ve seen of it so far, it’s looking like The Veilguard may actually end up being worth that weight. In particular, the game’s cast of companion characters and its new combat system – which blends traditional Dragon Age tactics with more aggressive real-time action – have looked promising, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of why exactly The Veilguard has caught our eye in the lead up to its release. Hopefully, this will be the return to form that BioWare fans have been hoping to see from the studio for so long.

Nine Sols is set to launch for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, roughly two months from now, on November 26. At launch, the game will also be available via Game Pass. Check out its console release date trailer below for a glimpse of what the game will have in store.

Nine Sols boasts what developer Red Candle Games has dubbed a “Taopunk” aesthetic, blending the cyberpunk look with elements inspired by Taoism and eastern mythology. On the gameplay side of things, it touts challenging, fast-paced, and action-packed combat inspired by Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, while across its 20-25 hour runtime, its gorgeous and varied setting of New Kunlun also offers plenty of room for exploration.