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Sonic, Spider-Man, and Mario – the big names of the gaming world are making their appearances this month, ready to engage your thumbs in some fast-paced action. “Assassin’s Creed Mirage” is delving deep into the barren landscapes of Iraq, while “Forza Motorsport” is firing up the tires right out of the pit stop.
October is traditionally a bountiful month for video game releases, and this year is no exception. Assassin’s Creed Mirage is going back to its roots, Forza Motorsport is revving up for true racers, Sonic Superstars bids farewell to pixel art, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is set to make the PS5 soar. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is set to delight 2D aficionados, while Ghostrunner 2 resumes its saber dance. Lastly, The Lords of the Fallen is attempting to redeem its initial flop. Ready your controllers!
“Assassin’s Creed Mirage”: Journeying back to the Near East
After twelve installments that have taken gamers across nearly every continent, Assassin’s Creed is heading back to the Near East, its original playground. Baghdad is now your sandbox, where you’ll follow the thrilling life of Basim, a street kid destined to become a master assassin within the brotherhood. Ubisoft is looking to recapture the eastern magic that made the series a hit while incorporating the best aspects of later installments. The game also seems to be refocusing on stealthy infiltrations over reckless combat.
While it appears to be a nod to the original 2007 fanbase who may have lost their way, the title promises enough innovation to attract new players. As always with Assassin’s Creed, the initial images have unanimously impressed with their atmospheric quality. So prepare yourself for a trip to Iraq and a journey back in time to 861 AD, during the golden age of Islam.
“Assassin’s Creed Mirage” / Ubisoft / Release on October 5th on PS5 and PS4, Xbox One and Series, and on PC
“Detective Pikachu Returns”: Investigation in Pokemon City
Detective Pikachu Returns is the direct sequel to Detective Pikachu, released on Nintendo 3DS in 2016. You’ll be sent to conduct an investigation in Ryme City. Tim has lost his father, and it’s up to you to find him using the indomitable Pikachu’s skills. In this city, Pokemons live harmoniously with humans, and you’ll have to question both to solve your case. You can even utilize some of the Pokemons’ powers, like Growlithe’s keen sense of smell.
“Detective Pikachu Returns” / Nintendo / Release on October 6th on Switch
“Forza Motorsport”: A True Racer’s Game?
After the success of Forza Horizon 5, known for its scenic drives and arcade-style gameplay, the Forza franchise is taking a hard turn toward more serious simulation. Forza Motorsport is designed for racers who relish stiff competition and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty to boost performance. After a seven-year hiatus, the eighth installment of Forza Motorsport is back on track with lofty ambitions: a complete overhaul of car dynamics for greater realism, a more flexible AI, and an open pit lane for both rookies and veterans.
A new system allows you to choose your own starting position on the grid, with greater rewards for those who start from the back and finish in the top three. The winnings can be used to upgrade cars. If you’re a gearhead, you’ll be able to customize nearly every aspect of your ride, but if you prefer to keep your hands clean, ready-made upgrade packs will help you stay competitive without popping the hood.
“Forza Motorsport” / Microsoft / Release on October 10th on Xbox One and Series, and on PC
“Lords of the Fallen”: From Life to Death
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the new version of Lords of the Fallen is aiming to erase the memory of its disastrous debut a decade ago. The original game was poorly received by both critics and players, but the initial images of the new version are enticing, and early playtests have been promising. Following in the footsteps of Elden Ring, Lords of the Fallen sends you on an exploration of a fantastical medieval world.
Your hero must wield weapons and magic to battle hordes of monsters, but will have two lives: one in the realm of the living, and another in the realm of death. A magic lamp allows you to peek into the dark side at any time, opening a rift to this other universe where you may choose to fulfill your destiny. You can also traverse these new lands with another player, or face off against other heroes.
“Lords of the Fallen” / Hexworks / Release on October 13th on PS5 and PS4, Xbox Series, and PC
“Sonic Superstars”: Farewell, Pixel Art
Sonic is getting a makeover and leaving pixel art behind in its platform version. This step was taken last year with Sonic Frontiers, which introduced a 3D open world, but this is the first time Sega has done this for its “classic” side-scrolling platform game. The aim is to retain the high-speed gameplay that fans love while refreshing the genre with modern graphics and a touch of 3D.
In Sonic Superstars, four characters are playable, allowing you and three friends to play through the entire campaign in local co-op. New abilities are also on the horizon, such as shape-shifting and the ability to swim in waterfalls.
“Sonic Superstars” / Sega / Release on October 17th on PS5 and PS4, Xbox One and Series, on Switch, and on PC.
“Marvel’s Spider-Man 2”: Two for the Price of One
This is arguably the most anticipated PS5 exclusive of the year. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the sequel to Marvel’s Spider-Man 1 and Miles Morales, both of which were big hits on the Sony console. Insomniac Games is striving to outdo itself in every way, with faster fights, blockbuster scenes, and a New York City that’s twice as large with the addition of Brooklyn and Queens. We find Peter Parker and Miles Morales in superhero form but struggling in their personal lives. The game is expected to alternate between psychoanalytical sequences with friends and family and ultra-fast action scenes against hordes of supervillains.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 continues to be open-world and encourages exploration. The wingsuit can now be used freely, making traversing the skyscrapers of Manhattan even more exhilarating. Besides the main storyline, which pits you against the hunter Kraven and Venom, more story-driven side quests than ever before are promised. You’ll control either Peter Parker, Miles Morales, or both alternately depending on the mission. Miles will let you unleash the full power of his symbiote, while Peter focuses on stealth.
“Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” / Sony Interactive Entertainment / Release on October 20th on PS5
“Super Mario Bros. Wonder”: A Truly “Elephantastic” Mario
It’s been twelve long years since purists have had a new 2D Mario game. Super Mario Bros. Wonder returns to the gameplay style that made the franchise famous while bringing enough new elements to keep it from feeling too retro. In addition to stunning graphics and environments, the game emphasizes multiplayer. Up to four characters can play simultaneously in various levels designed to encourage collaboration and offer fresh gameplay experiences. For instance, one player can ride Yoshi while another controls it.
A significant new feature that’s already causing a buzz: Mario can transform into an elephant! This means he can use his trunk to hit enemies, spray them with water, and even move certain objects. One of the unique things about this new Mario game is that the scenery can change in real time due to player actions or mysterious flowers that alter levels and rules. This should keep Nintendo’s superstar plumber busy for hours. This time, Mario is up against a nastier-than-ever Bowser who has accidentally fused with the castle in the Flower Kingdom.
“Super Mario Bros. Wonder” / Nintendo / Release on October 20th on Switch
“Ghostrunner 2”: The Sword Dance Continues
Don’t expect a deep storyline in Ghostrunner; it’s the fast and fierce combat that made the first installment a hit. The game, loved for its unique gameplay and challenging adversaries, is eagerly anticipated by gamers who enjoy punishing combat and high-stakes challenges. Ghostrunner 2 plans to continue in the same vein while adding some defensive elements like parries to attract less “hardcore” players, but rest assured, the fights remain brutal and challenging.
Staying true to its energetic and fast-paced spirit, Ghostrunner 2 now features motorcycle piloting sequences that are seamlessly integrated into the game’s cyberpunk universe, interspersed among the combat levels. So, sharpen your katanas, Jack is back to face hordes of enemies from the fearsome AI sect.
“Ghostrunner 2” / 505 Games / Release on October 26th on Ps5, Xbox Series, and PC
Also Coming:
“The Lamplighters League” / Paradox Interactive / Release on October 3rd on Xbox Series and PC
“Transformers: Earthspark – Expedition” / Outright Games / Release on October 13th on PS5 and PS4, Xbox One and Series, on Switch, and on PC
“Endless Dungeon”/ Amplitude Studios / Release on October 19th on PS5 and PS4, Xbox One and Series, on Switch, and on PC
“Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol 1” / Konami / Release on October 24th on PS5 and PS4, Xbox Series, on Switch, and on PC
“Alan Wake 2” / Remedy / Release on October 27th on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC
