Game preview for September
Which game are you looking forward to the most?
Bug fever, space birds and frenzied cats are on the games menu this month.
Even if the general public struggled with it, my game highlight for September ten years ago was Mad Max. A somewhat repetitive but nevertheless captivating open-world game in post-apocalyptic Australia that worships the V8 engine like a god. Racing games are once again on offer this month, albeit with a completely different vibe.
Packaged in a 1920s animation style parodying the likes of Steamboat Willy, a psychological horror game awaits. You play a mouse alone at home with their dad. Only, you’d better not disturb him. In this game, you have to fight all kinds of monstrosities. The style speaks for itself, but we’ll soon find out whether it can keep up in terms of content.
When: 1 September
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2¹
Multiplayer: no
The creators behind multiplayer war game War Thunder are focusing on aeroplanes in their new work. This simulator relies on a precise physical flight and damage model. The unique thing about Aces of Thunder? It’s played in VR. You may well need a strong stomach to avoid filling up the cockpits of these detailed WW2 replicas.
When: 2025
Where: PC VR, PS5, PSVR 2
Multiplayer: online PvP
Metal Eden is a visually impressive first-person shooter. In a dystopian future, you battle all kinds of futuristic robots using a lavish arsenal of weapons. You can run along walls and catapult yourself through your surroundings with a grappling hook.
When: 2 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: no
Protect a magical world of origami artworks from digital intruders. You play a master of folding, the only thing standing in their way. Shape yourself into countless objects to dodge obstacles and solve puzzles.
When: 3 September
Where: PC, PS5
Multiplayer: no
Fans had to wait a solid eight years for a sequel. Now, the most wanted game on Steam is about to be released. You take on the role of huntress Hornet, who already made an appearance in the first game. As her, you explore a kingdom ruled by silk and song, discovering new powers, new bugs and ancient secrets to uncover.
When: 4 September
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2¹
Multiplayer: no
This game doesn’t take you by the hand and explain everything to you. You’re on your own, unravelling the effects of a mysterious catastrophe. The third-person action adventure promises intense close combat and a semi-open game world.
When: 4 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: no
New adventures await Dr Jones in the form of his first DLC. In The Order of the Giants, you explore the ancient streets of Rome. Once again, there are tricky puzzles to solve and Nazis to beat up using all kinds of implements.
When: 4 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, in 2026 for Switch 2
Multiplayer:
The studio behind Dorfromantik has collaborated with YouTube channel kurzgesagt. In Star Birds, you set up a growing production network across cute little planets. Kind of reminds me of The Little Prince. Build factories, mine resources, send them to the right places and do it all on behalf of cute space birds.
When: 4 September
Where: PC
Multiplayer: no
After the Silent Hill remake, developer studio Bloober Team is once again releasing an independent game. However, they’re sticking to survival horror game principles. You fight nightmarish monstrosities in a dark sci-fi world. However, they can merge with already slain opponents to become even bigger and stronger.
When: 5 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2
Multiplayer: no
You, the ultimate high-tech warrior, must fight your way through epic battles. This is the latest instalment of the Daemon X Machina series, with which I am, of course, completely familiar. You can explore the open game world on foot or from the air and tackle the huge boss battles alone or with up to two other people.
When: 5 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2
Multiplayer: online co-op for up to three people
This expansion marks the start of a new quest in Kuttenberg for Henry. There, he takes on his father’s legacy and brings a legendary forge back to life. You can design and furnish it yourself, including Henry’s room.
When: 9 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: no
I’ve played the first part before and it wasn’t that bad. If you’re in the mood for a new fun racer that doesn’t come from Nintendo for a change, give the furry lasagna addict a chance.
When: 10 September
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2¹
Multiplayer: online PvP
The tragic internet humour of the last part has apparently been toned down in order to get to the heart of the game. And that means one thing: shooting. I was able to try it out briefly at Gamescom, and the many crazy weapons felt really satisfying. If the variety works out, it could be a real action fest once more.
When: 12 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 on 3 October
Multiplayer: co-op for up to four people
Lego Voyagers is an idyllic, two-player cooperative puzzle game set in a beautiful Lego world. Build catapults to cross chasms, transport building blocks around with an improvised forklift and sit back on a boat trip through plastic-blue waters.
When: 15 September
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 1, Switch 2¹
Multiplayer: co-op for two people, online and local
After Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, the Skate. series is getting back on the board too. Mind you, the last game came out 15 years ago. The core loop, which relies less on flashy tricks and more on truly difficult ones, will stay the same. Publisher EA is now trying a free-to-play model.
When: 16 September
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: PvP and co-op, online and local
You play Henry, half a head that can dive into other objects and control them. This ability allows you to solve unusual challenges across fun levels – sometimes in the kitchen, sometimes in a classroom, sometimes in a factory. Swiss studio Lululu Entertainment came up with this unique game idea.
When: 16 September
Where: PC, PS5, Switch, Switch 2¹
Multiplayer: co-op for two people, online and local
After a year and a half in Early Access, version 1.0 is about to drop. In this survival game, you fight and dig your way deeper and deeper into a planet’s interior as a space dwarf. Shooting isn’t only expected, but mandatory. Chiefly, you have to focus on keeping enemies at bay while collecting resources to improve your weapons and equipment. I was already hooked in Early Access.
When: 17 September, already available in Early Access
Platform: PC, Xbox Series X/S, later PS5 too
Multiplayer: no
After crash landing in the Arctic, you’re left to fend for yourself in the harsh wilderness. Although, not quite: you do have your court-ordered therapy robot at your side. Together, you search for the co-pilot and explore hidden sci-fi structures. Maybe the answer to why your plane suddenly broke in two can be found there.
When: 18 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: no
Race through the different eras of Formula 1, from the golden age to the present day. This game’s design focuses less on authenticity than the F1 series, but the style is still impressive. And don’t be fooled into thinking that this is an arcade racer. Weather conditions, pit strategy and changes in technology are likely to make for challenging races.
When: 18 September
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2¹
Multiplayer: no
Fellow editor Domagoj has already tried the game in Warsaw, and was extremely impressed despite having minimal prior knowledge of the series. While the open-world zombie parcour game lets you become a monster yourself this time around, it doesn’t mean you’ll become fast friends with the undead. They still have to be kept at bay – especially at night, which is supposedly much more brutal and sinister again.
When: 19 September
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: online co-op
Following a legal dispute, developer Keepsake Games had to change its original name Jump Ship. Luckily, the intriguing game principle hasn’t changed. Alone or with up to three other people, you explore space, take care of your ship, upgrade it and fight all kinds of threats floating around in the vast emptiness of the universe.
When: 19 September
Platform: PC, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: online co-op for up to four people
Apparently, it doesn’t matter what I write here. Superfans like my colleague Luca have long since sold their souls to EA and will get the latest version one way or another. More sceptical minds should wait and see whether the announced innovations such as Authentic vs. Competitive gameplay, improved ball physics and more actually deliver what they promise.
When: 19 September for the Ultimate version, otherwise 26 September
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2
Multiplayer: PvP and co-op, online and local
Endless Legend 2 is a strategy game featuring unique factions who all send their own massive special units across a magical world made up of hexagons. I loved the original. The season system, which slowed down the pace of the game in winter in particular, has apparently been revised. I’m waiting for the 1.0 release, but impatient gamers can try out the Early Access version soon.
When: 22 September
Where: Early Access on PC
Multiplayer: no
QWOP is one of those stupid browser games that everyone used to play in my uni days. Your goal is to move a runner as far as possible from left to right. You control your hands and feet individually with the Q, W, O and P keys. Baby Steps offers the same principle, but with much prettier graphics and a real game world. It comes from the same developer and promises to be as funny as it is annoying.
When: 23 September
Where: PC, PS5
Multiplayer: no
Fog is gathering, and that can only mean one thing: a new Silent Hill is here. A remote Japanese town in the 1960s is haunted by nightmarish creatures. Protagonist Shimizu Hinako takes them on, solving complex puzzles along the way. Just as we know and love from the series.
When: 25 September
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: no
Yet another fun racer is waiting in the wings this September. Sonic, Tails, but Spongebob and Pac-Man too are getting behind the wheel. One aspect to note is the customisable vehicles. There are apparently over 70,000 different combos to try. Fellow editor Domagoj has already played it and was impressed, even as a Mario Kart fan.
When: 25 September
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2¹
Multiplayer: PvP, online and local
Unlike in the original book, two cases stuffed with intrigue and unexpected revelations are intertwined here. So it’s a good thing that two detectives, Hercule Poirot and Jane Royce, take on the incidents as well. The setting has also been moved to the 1970s.
When: 25 September
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2¹
Multiplayer: no
This strategy classic from 1997 is the next game to receive a major overhaul. It’s been completely redesigned visually and includes a new dub. There are also some improvements to the controls and combat system. You can even switch freely between the extended and classic version.
When: 30 September
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2¹
Multiplayer: no
A party game with lots of small, fun mini-games. The whole world is made of Lego bricks and can even be rebuilt. It appears the developers have placed particular emphasis on this feature, as our colleague Michelle discovered during her play session at Gamescom. The game doesn’t just look great, it even apparently outshines Mario Party.
When: 30 September
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2¹
Multiplayer: PvP and co-op, online and local
¹ Switch 1 version, also compatible with the Switch 2.
Which game are you looking forward to the most?
Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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