NBA 2K16 – PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 – September 29th
Currently, the 2K series is the highest rated basketball series on the market and looks to continue that trend with this year’s iteration. Guide your MyPlayer through an epic Hall of Fame Career, or take the role of GM to manage all aspects of an entire NBA franchise and build the next Dynasty team. 2K has also partnered with the legendary Spike Lee, letting him write and direct a new storyline that will be the new backbone of the MyPlayer experience, bringing a never-before-seen sense of character and drama to the mode.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 – PlayStation 4, Xbox One – September 29th
Tony Hawk Pro Skater is back with the fifth official entry in the series and the first to release since 2002. Tony Hawk games used to be very common in the early 2000’s so for fans of the old games, this release is sure to get the nostalgia tripping. The game will also feature the most advanced skatepark builder that has been seen to date. Oh, and it’s got the classic warehouse level.
Blood Bowl 2 – PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC – September 22nd
Blood Bowl 2 is an American Football meets Warhammer strategy game with lots and lots of blood. The game is obviously creating a new definition for the term, Fantasy Football, utilizing aspects of high fantasy like goblins, orcs and vampires, and taking them to the gridiron. Players take on the role of the Head Coach, and create their own team, with players of various races, each with their own unique attributes that will compete in a tournament that decides which team is the best in the land. The game will also feature a League Mode that functions similarly to a Franchise mode will allow players to manage all aspects of their team and stadium.
FIFA 16 – PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 – September 22nd
Defense is the the theme for this year’s iteration of FIFA, and EA has revealed a whole host of improvements. Fans of the series will note major improvements in player mobility and locomotion while on defense, allowing them to track the opposition’s attacking players with greater ease. The game will also feature enhanced control of midfield play, with a focus on possession and passing through tight lanes. FIFA 16 is also the first game to feature women’s teams, so for those who followed the US’ triumphant championship run in the Women’s World Cup, this is a major addition.
NHL 16 – PlayStation 4, Xbox One – September 15th
September is usually a big month for sports games, and this year is no different. EA is looking to improve upon a rather disappointing next-gen debut for its NHL franchise. This year EA is advertising a host of intriguing features, including 6-on-6 online play, online couch co-op, a more intricate GM mode, precision skating and playoff beards (if you’re into it, you’ll appreciate it) among other additions.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 – PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 – September 15th
Before FIFA’s resurgence, Pro Evolution Soccer was the king of virtual football and a masterwork of authenticity. Pro Evolution Soccer has consistently delivered quality football experiences, however, and this year they are looking to enhance theThe biggest addition to this year’s game is a system called Perfect Defense, which rewards players for making perfect tackles on an opponent, by shoving the opposing player out of the way, stealing the ball and allowing for more streamlined counter attack opportunities.
Tearaway: Unfolded – PlayStation 4 – September 8th
Tearaway was one of the Playstation Vita’s best games back in 2013, now Playstation 4 owners will be able see what all the buzz is about with the most complete and enhanced version of the game with Tearaway: Unfolded. Tearaway’s most compelling feature was how it was able to break the fourth wall, by letting players interact directly with the game world, via the touchpad on the back of the Vita. For Unfolded, Developer Media Molecule has adapted the touch mechanics to work with the PS4’s DualShock 4 controller by using the trackpad on the top of the controller.
Forza Motorsport 6 – Xbox One – September 15th
Xbox’s long running driving sim get its sixth official entry and is as sleek and sexy as ever. The game will feature 450 customizable cars all with unique and workable cockpits, opening doors and full damage. Players will be able to race in 26 unique locations from all over the world, each that can be dynamically affected by weather and time of day. Drivatar opponents will also make a return, and will be more advanced than ever.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain – PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC – September 1st
No question, The Phantom Pain is the most important game on tap for September. Long time Game Director Hideo Kojima and Konami have had a very public spat that will finally come to an end once the game hits store shelves, as Kojima will be a free agent. Early reviews for Metal Gear Solid V have been glowing, putting it into the conversation for not only 2015’s Game of the Year, but perhaps one of the best games of all time.
Armello – PlayStation 4, PC – September 1st
Armello ultimately came up short in the vote for the next batch of free games for Playstation Plus members, but that shouldn’t deter you from checking out what looks like a potentially addictive multiplayer game. The premise behind Armello is very simple, the King of the land has fallen ill and grows closer to death and the object of the game is to be the first to usurp the throne. Players begin by selecting a clan, and can enhance their attributes by completing quests in the game world. Armello is part board game, part strategy game with a pinch of role-playing all set within a beautiful high fantasy world.
As we get into the home stretch of the calendar year, we start to see most of the biggest games find their way to store shelves. All those super amazing trailers at E3 that made you cry on the inside (or outside, if that's your thing), are finally full fledged games, assuming of course they didn't get delayed into the next year. Here are our most anticipated games for the month of September.
Mad Max – Xbox One, PlayStation 4 – September 1st
Mad Max is the AAA game playing second fiddle to The Phantom Pain to kick of the ninth month of the year. That’s not a knock against the open world wasteland action game, it’s just a fact that the final Metal Gear Solid is the game most people are looking to buy today. Mad Max offers an intriguing blend of open world exploration, car customization (and battles), and close quarters combat that takes its inspiration from the great Batman: Arkham series.
