It’s October already! Well, four days into it. We’re late this month.
October means the last quarter of the year has begun, and that typically means a busy release schedule is ahead. Indeed – there are some games we’re pretty excited about in the next few weeks.
If you’re wondering what you should be excited about, read on. Here’s our picks of the best games coming out this October.
Alan Wake Remastered
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC
- Release date: 5th October
Alan Wake isn’t a new game. Far from it. But in the decade since its release it’s garnered something of a cult status. And so, for existing fans and for players who missed out the first time round, the release of Alan Wake Remastered is something to celebrate. With enhanced visuals and on PlayStation consoles for the first time, this is undoubtedly the best way to experience Remedy’s iconic tale of a troubled author.
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC
- Release date: 5th October
If you like rolling balls with monkeys (or other popular SEGA characters) in them, then you’ll want your eye on the ball. The Super Monkey Ball, that is. Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is the latest game in the series, comprising stages from previous Super Monkey Ball games for the ultimate experience. You can read our review of it here. Spoilers: it’s great fun.
Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan
- Formats: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
- Release date: 5th October
With a gorgeous art style and a cheery disposition, adventure game Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan is certainly one worth watching. We previewed it this summer, praising its art style, its unique combat system and its fun platforming and puzzle-solving. Look out for a full review from us soon.
Far Cry 6
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Stadia
- Release date: 7th October
The next instalment of Far Cry is almost here, and this one takes us to the fictional nation of Yara. A beautiful tropic paradise, it’s been frozen in time under the oppressive rule of President Castillo – and you’ll be jumping into the game just as a modern-day revolution is kicking off. We can’t wait to overthrow the tyrannical government. In the game, of course.
Metroid Dread
- Formats: Nintendo Switch
- Release date: 8th October
This is the first new 2D Metroid in nineteen years, apparently, giving Samus a brand new adventure. For fans of the series, this is definitely one to watch. And even if you’ve never played a Metroid game before but enjoy side-scrolling action-adventures, it’s going to be worth your time – after all, the Metroid series is where the first half of the word ‘metroidvania’ comes from.
Back 4 Blood
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Release date: 12th October
Left 4 Dead is back – in all but name. Back 4 Blood is a multiplayer, action-packed, zombie-killing shooter that’s all about having fun. We previewed it earlier this summer, and very much enjoyed our time with it. If you like teaming up with friends and getting covered in blood and guts, you’re going to love it, basically.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC
- Release date: 15th October
Yes, it’s quite a mouthful of a name, but fans of anime – and fans of action-packed combat – will want to keep this on their radars. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba started life as a manga series before being adapted into TV anime. The game itself will of course feature many familiar characters and, even better, the original English and Japanese casts are on board.
The Caligula Effect 2
- Formats: PS4, Switch
- Release date: 19th October
This latest game from Nippon Ichi is from a writer and director duo who also worked on the Persona series, so that alone should tell you that you’re in for a treat. The Caligula Effect 2 tells the story of a group of high school students trapped in a hyper-realistic simulation. Over the course of the game you’ll help them escape – but it won’t be easy.
Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC
- Release date: 22nd October
The third instalment of the House of Ashes series is almost upon us. This one takes us to war in the Middle East, when a group of soldiers find themselves lost in an ancient, underground temple. But of course, they’re not alone down there. Something terrible lurks in the dark. Like all games in the Dark Pictures Anthology, who lives and who dies will be solely in your hands as you make important choices for each character. Based on our time with a preview build of the game, it’s going to be good.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch (via Cloud), PC
- Release date: 26th October
Marvel’s Guardians are getting a new video game outing, this time developed by Eidos Montreal and Square Enix. An action-adventure RPG, players will take control of Star Lord as they make their way through action-packed, explosive scenarios, packed with familiar faces and iconic moments. Surely a must for any Marvel fan.
Riders Republic
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia, PC
- Release date: 28th October
When we previewed Riders Republic, we described it as some sort of crossover between The Crew, Steep and Trials. It’s a fair description, we think; its mix of open world, winter sports and extreme sports makes for an exhilarating experience. Whether you prefer mountain biking, flying in a wingsuit or snowboarding, Riders Republic has you covered. We can’t wait to experience more of it.
Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Switch, PC
- Release date: 28th October
Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water is an enhanced version of a 2014 Wii U release, and if you’re a fan of horror, this is something you really ought to keep your eye on. Players will take on the roles of Yuri Kozukata, Ren Hojo and Miu Hinasaki as they search for missing people atop the spooky Mt. Hikami. Expect lots of scares – a perfect release just in time for Halloween.
