Five games not named Destiny worth buying this month

I’m going to be completely honest, I had a very difficult time coming up with this list. Destiny is easily the biggest game launching in September, possibly the year too. So this list isn’t meant to dissuade anyone from actually going out and buying Destiny. Heck, I’ll be playing it day one with the rest of you.

But maybe MMO-style shooters aren’t for you. Maybe you’re looking to expand upon your gaming tastes. Whatever the case, this list is simply a reminder that there are other games coming out this month, some of which I labeled as “must-buys” for September.

Warframe – Xbox One (already on PS4 and PC) – September 2

PC and PS4 gamers already know what I’m talking about with this one, but if you’re an Xbox One owners then you should definitely give it a whirl — especially since it’s free.

If you’re looking for that online co-op feel, but don’t want to spend the $60 on Destiny, then I highly recommend Warframe. In it, you and a squad of four other players will work together to advance your character and “battle the oppression of the genocidal Grineer.” Throughout the combat missions, you will continually increase and customize the power and abilities of  your Warframe.

Forza Horizon 2 – Xbox One – September 30, 2014

Already listed as one of my “must buy” games of the month, Forza Horizon 2 offers racing fans a day/night cycle, a new Bucket List (a group of challenges), and a dynamic weather system which is a first for the series. Plus, like Destiny, it offers some sense of discover as there’s an entire open-world to explore.

Hyrule Warriors – Wii U – September 26

Well, if you’re a Wii U owner, you’re going to a need a different game to play this month. That’s because Destiny isn’t coming to Nintendo’s console; but, that’s okay because you’ll get Hyrule Warriors instead. This hack n’ slasher is a sweet collaboration between Koei Tecmo and Nintendo that blends elements of Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda series with Koe Tecmo’s Dynasty Warriors series.

Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor – PlayStation, Xbox, PC – September 30

Also on my September “must buy” list, Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor is like Assassin’s Creed meets Lord of the Rings. The game takes place between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and focuses on Talion, a ranger revived with wraith-like abilities who seeks vengeance on those who murdered his family. With about a month’s time in between the release of Shadow of Mordor and the new Assassin’s Creed, this game could help fill the void.

Murasaki Baby – PS Vita – ‘Early September’

Technically, Murasaki Baby doesn’t have a release date, but back in August Xdev Studio Europe developer said it should be arriving for Vita in “early September.” They are just putting the “finishing touches” on the game which sees you guide Baby by the hand through a nightmarish journey to find her mother.

While I personally haven’t played the game, fellow writer Lance had a chance to play it at E3 in June. And I swear, it’s all he talks about. Like. Every. Day. “I’ve never played another game like this, and odds are you haven’t either,” he wrote in his preview. I  haven’t heard an official release date yet, but if it is indeed coming in September, then this game is worth checking out. And hey, it’s for the Vita!