Amongst the many releases that we can see throughout the year, there are a handful of titles that only the most fervent aficionados of gaming and entertainment will truly appreciate.
Therefore, we cast our potion of future-seeing to bring these titles to your attention so you don’t have to grind through pages upon pages of news to keep up with upcoming releases. Here’s a shortlist of content to keep an eye on in the months ahead.
September 2021
El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron
Release Date September 2
Platforms Microsoft Windows
Summary Originally released in 2011, this cult classic is based on The Book of Enoch. Known for its almost psychedelic and radical art style, the game is centred around Enoch, a scribe that is seeking out seven angels to prevent a catastrophic flood.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Release Date September 3
Platforms Theatrical release
Summary Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, Shang-Chi is a skilled martial artist brought up to be an assassin for the Ten Rings organisation. He leaves them for a normal life but is forced to confront his past once again.
BloodRayne Betrayal: Fresh Bites
Release Date September 9
Platforms Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC
Summary Half-vampire Rayne stars in this 2D hack n’ slash platformer, a remaster of the last game in the BloodRayne series released in 2011. The upcoming edition features sharpened visuals and rebalanced gameplay, along with full voice acting from the original voice actors.
NBA 2K22
Release Date September 10
Platforms PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Switch, PC
Summary This year’s NBA title places emphasis on the Seasons mechanic. With eight seasons lined up throughout the year, players will have fresh content constantly to look out for. Other perks include new music, apparel, rewards and challenges in the various game modes.
Deathloop
Release Date September 14
Platforms PS5, PC
Summary Colt is an assassin stuck in a time loop on the island of Blackreef. He has to take out eight targets by midnight or the loop will reset. In multiplayer mode, you can play Julianna, an agent who protects the time loop by thwarting Colt’s plans.
Schumacher
Release Date September 15
Platforms Netflix
Summary Supported by the Schumacher family, this documentary reveals the many unseen facets of the F1 racing legend Michael Schumacher. Known primarily for his ruthlessness on the track, little is known about his private life; Schumacher the doting family man – until now.
Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Release Date September 17
Platforms Switch
Summary Originally released in 2018 on PC and PS4, Revenant Kingdom follows the journey of Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, who is on a quest to reclaim his place as the rightful leader of the kingdom of Ding Dong Bell following a coup that claimed his father’s life.
Star Wars: Visions
Release Date September 22
Platforms Disney+
Summary Star Wars, as seen through the eyes of seven Japanese animation studios. The series is given the anime treatment in storytelling and animation, borrowing from Japanese lore as well as their unique perspective to add another dimension to the Star Wars universe.
Pokémon Unite
Release Date September 22
Platforms iOS and Android
Summary Originally released on Switch earlier this year, this cross-platform game is a MOBA-style, 5v5 multiplayer game. This free-to-start game marries the familiarity of classic Pokémon abilities with teamplay dynamics, which is an excellent recipe for an entirely different Pokémon experience.
Diablo II: Resurrected
Release Date September 23
Platforms Switch, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox X/S
Summary The remaster of the classic Diablo 2 retains the classic gameplay of the original and updates its graphics for modern audiences. It also features completely new cutscenes and 3D surround sound. Cross-console support is also touted, though ladder, voice chat and lobbies will not be available at launch.
Death Stranding Director’s Cut
Release Date September 24
Platforms PS5
Summary This version of Death Stranding features additional content: new missions, new modes like Fragile Circuit racing mode, UI enhancements and expanded storylines. Kojima doesn’t like the phrase Director’s Cut, but however you look at it, this is the version to own if you haven’t bought it yet.
My Little Pony: A New Generation
Release Date September 24
Platforms Netflix
Summary The three pony races are no longer united and Earth pony Sunny Starscout dreams of reuniting them all. She befriends Izzy Moonbow, a lost unicorn and they embark on an adventure across Equestria on a mission to restore magic to the land.
Hot Wheels Unleashed
Release Date September 30
Platforms PS4, PS5, PC, Switch, Xbox X/S, Xbox One
Summary Collect iconic vehicles and find ways to make use of their unique attributes to win races. The classic Hot Wheels-style arcade racer is filled with over-the-top corkscrew tracks set against immersive environments and offers a good balance of action and strategy elements.
October 2021
LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales
Release Date October 1
Platforms Disney+
Summary Accompanied by Darth Vader’s loyal servant, Vaneé, Poe Dameron and BB-8 venture into a mysterious castle once owned by Vader. There, Vaneé shares three creepy stories linked to ancient artefacts and iconic villains throughout the years. Little do they know they have to stop an ancient evil from rising.
FIFA 22
Release Date October 1
Platforms PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Switch, PC
Summary The world’s most familiar footie game gets more authentic physical motion (Hypermotion), better tactical AI, and ML to improve subtle cadences for smoother movements. The goalkeepers have improved AI as well, while new tactics give you more control over your play.
Far Cry 6
Release Date October 7
Platforms PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Switch, PC, Luna, Stadia
Summary Antón Castillo (Giancarlo Esposito) is this iteration’s big bad wolf. He’s the dictator of Yara and his oppressive regime sparks a revolution that you soon get embroiled in. Far Cry also gets its first capital city in Esperanza, potentially also its biggest map to date.
No Time to Die
Release Date October 8
Platforms Theatrical release
Summary Bond (Daniel Craig) has retired for some years now but gets drawn back into the fray by Felix Leiter (Jeffery Wright) to rescue a kidnapped scientist from the movie’s antagonist Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek) who is threatening the world with new weaponised technology.
Metroid Dread
Release Date October 8
Platforms Switch
Summary The sequel to Metroid Fusion sees Samus investigating the disappearance of seven Multiform Mobile Identifier robots that were sent to the planet ZDR to stop the revival of X Parasite, a parasitic lifeform. Fusion also marks the first original Metroid content to be released in 19 years.
Back 4 Blood
Release Date October 12
Platforms PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PC
Summary From the creators of Left 4 Dead comes another frantic, four-player co-op campaign in the form of Back 4 Blood. Instead of zombies, you know have parasite-ridden humans called Ridden who are bent on destroying what’s left of civilization. Oh, wait.
Halloween Kills
Release Date October 15
Platforms Theatrical release
Summary The sequel to 2018’s Halloween sees Michael Meyers survive the burning in Laurie Strode’s basement and voila, he’s back again. This time though, Strode will have the whole of Haddonfield on her side as they try once again to put an end to the iconic masked monster.
The Last Duel
Release Date October 15
Platforms Theatrical release
Summary Based on the last legally sanctioned duel in French history. Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) accuses Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) of raping his wife Marguerite de Carrouges (Jodie Comer). If Carrouges loses the duel, his wife will also be executed as a false accuser.
Venom: Let There be Carnage
Release Date October 15
Platforms Theatrical release
Summary Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and Kletus Kassady (Woody Harrelson) go at it as Venom and Carnage respectively, while directed by Andy Serkis (Gollum). Also featuring the first appearance of Shriek (Naomie Harris). Not sure if you need any more persuasion.
Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles
Release Date October 15
Platforms PS4, P5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PC
Summary An adaptation of the anime arcs, ‘Tanjiro Kamado, unwavering resolve’ arc and ‘Mugen Train’, this is the Demon Slayer version of the Naruto series of fighting, role-playing games. Also features the original voice cast in both English and Japanese audio for a more immersive feel.
Dune
Release Date October 22
Platforms Theatrical release, HBO Max
Summary Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) accepts the stewardship of planet Arrakis and takes control of the spice mining operations, despite knowing it to be a trap. The inevitable betrayal would lead his family and his son, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) to the Fremen.
Jackass Forever
Release Date October 22 (postponed to February 22, 2022)
Platforms Theatrical release
Summary Jackass Forever is the fourth and presumably last movie that celebrates all that is dumb, painful, and often, hilarious. The Jackass crew’s twisted brand of self-harm masquerading as stunt comedy is as absurd as it is mesmerising. You’re ashamed to laugh but you’ll laugh anyway.
Battlefield 2042
Release Date October 22
Platforms PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PC
Summary Massive-scale battles of up to 128 players, complete with dynamically changing battlefields where environmental hazards are as deadly as the new cutting edge weapons and vehicles at your disposal. The 17th instalment also features updated multiplayer modes and a new Hazard Zone.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
Release Date October 26
Platforms PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Switch, PC
Summary Star-Lord sets off a chain of catastrophic events, and spends the entire game trying to fix it alongside the gang. The video game adaption is a fresh take on an old premise, but will include its fair share of iconic Marvel characters along with some original ones.
Super Robot Wars 30
Release Date October 27
Platforms PS4, Switch, PC
Summary Celebrating the 30th year of Super Robot, the popular tactical simulation RPG is a Japanese anime robot crossover extravaganza. This edition delivers more classic robots in the form of Gundam, Mazinger Z, Mazinkaiser, and Code Geass, just to name a few.
Age of Empires IV
Release Date October 28
Platforms Xbox Game Pass, PC
Summary After 16 years, it’s back. Age of Empires 4 features eight civilisations at launch and four campaigns encompassing 35 missions. It retains the Age mechanic, ranging from the Dark Ages to the Imperial Age. The documentary-style approach and modern 3D graphics will be a boon for history buffs.
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water
Release Date October 28
Platforms Wii U, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PC
Summary A remaster of the 2014 release, the action takes place on Hikami Mountain, a place well-known for suicides and spiritual happenings. The primary mechanic is the Camera Obscura, which is the only way to see the ghosts and attack them.
Mario Party Superstars
Release Date October 29
Platforms Switch
Summary The twelfth instalment of this popular franchise features 100 mini-games from past Mario Party editions that have been refreshed. It also includes five remade maps from the Nintendo 64 variants of the series. Other new features all button controls and online multiplayer support.
November 2021
Eternals
Release Date November 5
Platforms Theatrical release
Summary Who are the Eternals? Why didn’t they intervene in the Infinity War? Why does this relatively unknown franchise have both Angelina Jolie and Selma Hayek? Watch them finally make their presence known in the MCU when they unite to protect Earth from the Deviants.
Call of Duty: Vanguard
Release Date November 5
Platforms PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PC
Summary Vanguard returns to the second World War. It features four protagonists inspired by a real-life hero from each of the four major fronts of the war. It will also feature the return of the Zombies mode and a new one called Champion Hill.
Forza Horizon 5
Release Date November 9
Platforms Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PC
Summary The fifth Horizon game is inspired by Mexico and is touted to have the biggest map in the entire Horizon series. It features a host of features such as ray tracing, a new weather system, and a series of mini-games called Horizon Arcade.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Release Date November 19
Platforms Theatrical release
Summary Afterlife is set 30 years after Ghostbusters II. Pheobe (Mckenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) move to their late grandfather’s home along with their mother, Callie (Carrie Coon). Something strange happens in the neighbourhood and the family discovers that their late relative was a ghostbuster named…
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Release Date November 19
Platforms Switch
Summary Relive the memory of encountering Gen 4 Pokémon for the first time with this remake of the cult classics from 2006. Said to be faithful recreations of the originals, newcomers who missed it the first time around can now experience the hype in a modern setting.
Final Fantasy: Endwalker
Release Date November 23
Platforms PS4, PS5, PC, Mac
Summary Final Fantasy XIV players will surely welcome Endwalker, MMORPG’s fourth expansion pack. It’s the final arc of Hydaelyn and Zordiark’s tale, as they return to the Source only to find that they are facing a second advent of the Final Days. Pretty sure it’s just Tuesday for them.
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City
Release Date November 24
Platforms Theatrical Release
Summary Yes, this is the reboot of the Resident Evil series and Welcome to Raccoon City brings us back to the very beginning where it all began. Yes, Paul W.S. Anderson is still involved. No, I doubt it’ll be amazing. Yes, we will still hope as long as we breathe.
Hawkeye
Release Date November 24
Platforms Disney+
Summary Jeremy Renner reprises his role as Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, and meets Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) for the first time. Given the fact it’s a mantle-passing season of late, everyone is wondering if this is Hawkeye’s turn as Bishop is Barton’s successor in the comics universe.
The Beatles: Get Back
Release Date November 25
Platforms Disney+
Summary A three-part documentary on the Beatles directed and produced by Peter Jackson. It draws from the same material Michael Lindsay-Hogg used for the 1970 documentary, Let It Be, which was notable for revealing a lot of ill-feeling among the band members. Get Back is a counterpoint that reveals a less antagonistic relationship.
