The game highlight in September ten years ago was "The Sims 4". Who would have thought back then that the life simulation game would still be going strong today - with ever new content. This month, an even older series is celebrating its comeback. However, it has to share the attention with numerous exciting competitors.
"The Casting of Frank Stone" - playful horror film
Supermassive Games, the creators behind "Until Dawn" and "The Quarry", are teaming up with Behaviour Interactive, who are known for "Dead by Daylight". The latter provides the template for "The Casting of Frank Stone". In a small town, a group of young friends set out to explore the estate of the famous mass murderer. Quick-time events await you in the game, which can lead to gruesome death sequences for the various playable characters. You will make many decisions that influence the course of the game and decide between life and death. There should also be plenty to discover - especially for fans of "Dead by Daylight".
When: 3 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Multiplayer: local co-op for two people
"Prison Architect 2" - prison manager
Design and develop your own prison. "Prison Architect 2" switches to the third dimension and therefore looks much more stylish than its predecessor. The game is comparable to a "Rollercoaster Tycoon", except that in this simulation you manage a prison. Your inmates are the central element that needs to be kept happy. They have their own plans and only with the right decisions will they find their way to rehabilitation. Update: In the meantime, the release date has been postponed indefinitely.
When: unknown
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Multiplayer: no
"Age of Mythology: Retold" - a gift from the gods
The remake of the 22-year-old fantasy spin-off of the real-time strategy series is a complete overhaul. Not only has it been completely overhauled visually and now looks contemporary, there have also been improvements to the gameplay. Our colleague Samuel Buchmann has already tested it and is blown away by the divine adventure.
When: 4 September
Where: PC, Xbox Series
Multiplayer: Online co-op and PvP
"Astro Bot" - Playstation's Super Mario
The predecessor "Astro's Playroom" was included free with the purchase of the PS5. It was literally undersold. It is quite simply one of the best and most creative platformers ever. In the sequel, you once again jump through an imaginative world as a cute little robot, in which the full arsenal of the dual-sense controller is utilised. You can now also utilise the abilities of heroes and heroines from the Playstation universe.
When: 6 September
Where: PS5
Multiplayer: no
"Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2" - for the Emperor!
Once again, heretical hordes threaten the Empire. In the role of the Space Marine and superhuman Titus, you slaughter your way through never-ending waves of bloodthirsty aliens. As one of the legendary warriors, you use your immense armour, huge gun and chainsaw sword to cut a path of destruction through the Emperor's enemies. Like its predecessor, this promises to be a colossal action-fest.
When: 9 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Multiplayer: Online co-op for up to three people, online PvP
"Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown" - on a joyride through Hong Kong
Studio KT Racing is calling its upcoming open-world racing game a multiplayer lifestyle experience. The playground this time is Hong Kong. The island has been recreated on a 1:1 scale. There are also vehicles from over 30 car manufacturers. The lifestyle aspect probably stems from the fact that you can meet others at dealerships or hotels to race with them.
When: 12 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Multiplayer: Online PvP and co-op
"Wild Bastards" - gunslingers in space
The spiritual successor to "Void Bastard", a thrilling action roguelike, adds a strategic component to the concept. You and your gang of 13 outlaws shoot your way through a futuristic Wild West. Everyone has their own powers and talent tree. This doesn't just involve firing lots of colourful laser projectiles. The missions of your gang members also need to be planned. Looks visually stunning and if the action is right, then this will be an entertaining space trip.
When: 12 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series, Switch
Multiplayer: no
"Funko Fusion" - playable advert
The original and in no way generic Funko Pops collectible figurines with their soulless expressive eyes get their own game. The third-person action game is most reminiscent of one of the LEGO games and lets you explore numerous pop culture locations from films such as "Jaws", "Chucky" or "Hot Fuzz".
When: 13 September
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series, Switch
Multiplayer: no
"The Plucky Squire" - a picture book come to life
A magical mix of 2D and 3D game worlds awaits you in "The Plucky Squire". A group of picture book heroes are banished from the pages of a book by the villain Grummweil. He wants to prevent them from changing the end of the story. Together, the three friends must travel the strange, three-dimensional world to restore the story's ending. Sounds just as fairytale-like as it looks.
When: 17 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series, Switch
Multiplayer: no
"Baphomet's Curse: The Conspiracy of the Knights Templar: Reforged" -
The original is considered one of the best adventure games of all time. I missed it when it was released in 1996 and after that it was too sedate for me. That should change with the Reforged version. In addition to audiovisual improvements, it also includes adjustments to the controls. Maybe I'll finally manage to catch up on this gripping thriller about the dark conspiracy of the Knights Templar.
When: 19 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series, Switch
Multiplayer: no
"Enotria: The Last Song" - let the mask fall
A Souls-like action RPG inspired by Italian folklore. No, we're not talking about Pinocchio and "Lies of P". But in terms of gameplay, it's in the same vein. Instead of a mechanical arm that you can customise, in "Enotria" it is masks that influence the style of play. You collect them from defeated enemies. They give you their strengths, but also their weaknesses. Promises playful variety.
When: 19 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Multiplayer: no
"God of War: Ragnarök" - Axe throwing on the PC
Although the puzzles got on my nerves over time somewhat annoying and the combat system is hopelessly overloaded, "Ragnarök" also tells a gripping story. You'll soon be able to experience it on PC too. Along with a higher resolution and frame rate, improved lighting effects, ultrawide support and much more.
When: 19 September
Where: PC, PS5
Multiplayer: no
"Frostpunk 2" - depression simulator
In a frosty apocalypse, you try to build a city and protect the inhabitants against the persistent frost. The survival game offers significantly more options in the second part, such as industry-specific districts, much more building space and lots of brutal decisions. Many described the first part as a depression simulator. The game punishes every wrong decision mercilessly. But it looks really great in return.
When: 20 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Multiplayer: no
"Tiny Glade" - relieve stress as the lady of the castle
The antithesis to "Frostpunk 2" is called "Tiny Glade". In this cosy building game, you build your own small or large fairytale castle. Without any time stress, resources or other restrictions. Play to your heart's content and watch as fluffy sheep and fireflies circle your estate. I would love to move in immediately.
When: 23 September
Where: PC
Multiplayer: no
"Ara: History Untold" - rule through time
The game can best be compared to "Civilisation". You lead a nation through different eras. Build cities, wage wars and maintain diplomatic relations until you are the greatest and most influential ruler of all time. The main differences are that the moves of the other nations take place in parallel and that the world is not divided by hexagons. It looks beautiful and is the most promising new historical strategy game, at least until "Civilization VII" is released next year.
When: 24 September
Where: PC, Xbox Series
Multiplayer: Online PvP
"GreedFall 2" - off into the new world
In a fictional world inspired by colonialism and the colonisation of America, you write your own story. Discover a world full of secrets, intrigue and disease. The fantasy role-playing game promises plenty of freedom to play. Are you going for confrontation, stealth or cunning? Battles can be paused at any time to plan tactical attacks. You are not travelling alone. Over the course of the game, you will get to know companions with unique abilities. Not only can you control them in battle, they can also become your lovers or rivals.
When: 24 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Multiplayer: no
"The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom" - the clone princess
For the first time, the namesake Zelda gets to wield the sword. Although that's not quite true. The princess doesn't need a sword at all. She has a magic wand. She can use it to create imitations of objects and even monsters. They then fight alongside her. She uses these echoes to overcome obstacles and traps. Promises enormous ingenuity. Visually, it uses the same cuddly style as "Links Awakening". There is a cute little horse that you can feed with carrots to help you get around quickly.
When: 26 September
Where: Switch
Multiplayer: no
"EA Sports FC 25" - now with IQ
This year, everything will be new in "EA Sports FC". Nonsense. Don't worry. The latest former FIFA game also relies on tried and tested fare from Ultimate Team to take the money out of your pocket, various multiplayer modes that will drive you crazy and the career mode, where even FC Winterthur can make it to the Champions League. The latter is now also available for women's teams. In addition, the Rush mode replaces Volta Football, where five against five players compete against each other. FC IQ, in turn, is the new underlying system designed to change the tactical gameplay.
When: 27 September
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch
Multiplayer: yes
"Starfield: Shattered Space" - one planet instead of infinite expanses
Bethesda is playing to its strengths and focussing on a single planet instead of an entire universe in the first DLC. On Va'ruun'kai you will discover the dark secrets of the mysterious sect "House Va'ruun". The world is littered with mysterious gravitational anomalies and cracks in the space-time continuum, from which disgusting insect monsters emerge. These are designed to force you into more close-range combat instead of long-range. Bethesda provides the necessary fighting tools. Maybe it's time to fill up the old spaceship and fire up the hyperdrive.
When: 30 September
Where: PC, Xbox Series
Multiplayer: no
Game preview September
Which game are you looking forward to the most?
- «The Casting of Frank Stone»
- «Prison Architect 2»
- «Age of Mythology: Retold»
- «Astro Bot»
- «Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2»
- «Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown»
- «Wild Bastards»
- «Funko Fusion»
- «The Plucky Squire»
- «Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged»
- «Enotria: The Last Song»
- «God of War: Ragnarök»
- «Frostpunk 2»
- «Tiny Glade»
- «Ara: History Untold»
- «GreedFall 2»
- «The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom»
- «EA Sports FC 25»
- «Starfield: Shattered Space»
- Another
The competition has ended.