What about the here and now? Well, today sees the arrival of Aerial_Knight’s DropShot and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora for Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Premium subscribers can also finally go hands-on with Avowed, which is getting a meaty new Anniversary Update today alongside its PS5 port.

Death Howl, a Souls-like deck builder, follows on February 19th for all three tiers, along with EA Sports College Football 26 for Ultimate subscribers. However, the standout addition is undoubtedly The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition for Ultimate and Premium. Right on time for that rumored new DLC.

TCG Card Shop Simulator arrives on February 24th, though it’s still in early access, with Dice A Million joining on February 25th for Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Towerborne’s 1.0 release is also out on February 26th and will be available for all three tiers. And for those who don’t care that Henry has come to visit us on March 3rd, they can experience Final Fantasy 3 instead.

Check out all the titles that will be leaving on February 28th (available to purchase at a 20 percent discount for Game Pass members):

• Monster Train (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Expeditions: A MudRunner Game (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Injustice 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Middle Earth: Shadow of War (Cloud, Console, and PC)

In terms of features, Xbox Series X/S and PS5 players can look forward to ray tracing support and faster load times. The “range of visual and technical improvements” has yet to be expanded on but all post-launch updates, along with the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions, are included. Furthermore, PC players will get support for high dynamic-range (HDR).

Despite its numerous delays (from late 2021 to Q2 2022 and now to Q4 2022), CD Projekt’s Michał Nowakowski clarified that the next-gen versions are not in development hell. Stay tuned for more details on a proper release date in the coming months. CD Projekt RED is also developing a new title in the series on Unreal Engine 5, which will be the first in a “new saga.”

Let's make this 7th anniversary even better, shall we?

We're delighted to share that the Next Gen version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is planned to release in Q4 2022.

See you on the Path, witchers! pic.twitter.com/2wQbxMP4zh

— The Witcher (@witchergame) May 19, 2022

Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Zero Dawn has already showcased some solid action RPG combat along with a variety of armor, mods and weapons to customize one’s play-style. While Guerrilla Games has yet to outline the new weapons and gear that can be expected in Horizon Forbidden West, we’re already anticipating all the new skills that Aloy will doubtless have. Will there be new damage types? New ways to fight the Machines? We’ll find out in the coming year.

CD Projekt RED has announced The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition is coming to Xbox Series X and PS5. The next-gen version will feature a “range of visual and technical improvements” which includes ray tracing and quicker loading times. Since this is the Complete Edition, the base game and all of its post-launch updates are included along with the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions.

Though it will be available to purchase standalone on Xbox Series X, PS5 and PC, current-gen owners should take note. This will be a free update for those who own the game on PC, PS4 and Xbox One. While CD Projekt RED hasn’t explicitly said whether this is a free next-gen upgrade for PS4 to PS5 or Xbox One to Xbox Series X, one assumes this to be the case.

If that weren’t enough, PC owners can finally avail of HDR support as well, as confirmed by global community Marcin Momot on Twitter. More details on the game’s next-gen release will be revealed in the coming days so stay tuned. CD Projekt RED also has Cyberpunk 2077 in the works with its release pretty much locked for November 19th.

https://twitter.com/Marcin360/status/1301826631401697280

After releasing in select regions, CD Projekt RED has confirmed that update 3.6 is now available for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition on Nintendo Switch. In addition to integration with save files from Steam and GOG, it also supports Switch files from different regions. Perhaps the most significant part of the update are the graphical improvements.

Along with more graphics options, the update fixes a number of bugs. Fixes for gameplay issues and crashes have also also been implemented along with performance optimizations. It will take some time before it can be determined whether these fixes were “worth the wait” as developer Saber Interactive promised.

Despite all of its issues at launch, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition on Switch is still a faithful port. In fact, its launch resulted in 554 percent more copies being sold in December 2019 compared to the same period the previous year (even if you don’t factor the release of the Netflix show). Stay tuned for more details on future patches and check out the full list of changes in update 3.6 below.

• Added touch control support.
• Added save file integration with GOG, Steam, and versions of the game
• for Switch from different regions.
• Added more text languages (in selected regions).
• Added more graphical options.
• Added multiple performance optimizations.
• Fixed various visual and functional bugs.
• Various gameplay and crash fixes.
• While transferring saves from PC, please keep in mind: Mod-related bugs and blockers might get transferred from a modded PC game save file. If the save file name has been changed on PC, the Switch’s Cloud Save feature won’t be able to recognize it.

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 25^th 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 11^th 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 5^th. Destiny 2: Shadowkeep is out on October 1^st 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 4^th 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 25^th 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 18^th 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 22^nd 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 31^st.

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 8^th, 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 8^th 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 22^nd 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.

Death Stranding – Mama, Deadman and “Gameplay”

The star of Gamescom Opening Night Live was Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding which spared no expense to out-weird previous reveals. Mama (played by Margaret Qualley) has a child born on the other side, who she’s still connected to. Deadman (played by Guillermo del Toro) basically “updates” a baby…sorry, BB and talks about still-mothers. Even the actual gameplay section was all about Geoff Keighley and BB shaking. No, not shaking hands – literally shaking the breach baby in its pod. Depending on where you sit – which is also a thing in-game – Death Stranding either looked madly brilliant or just plain mad. Either way, it made an impact.