The Biggest Games Releasing in September 2021

The recent trend of Chinese development studios producing commendable gaming projects is inspiring. We already know how strong the catalog of games is from Japanese game studios, so it’s nice to see the Chinese territory stepping their game up to match theirs. F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch comes from one of those up-and-coming Chinese game studios - it features a badass anthropomorphic bunny that bashes enemies with a mechanical arm. You’ll explore the game’s steampunk world via an engrossing Metroidvania formula. FI.S.T. has the potential to be this month’s sleeper hit, for sure.

Sonic the Hedgehog’s 30th anniversary is being celebrated this year through the remastered re-release of one of his best modern games. Sonic Colors: Ultimate revitalizes the Wii classic by improving its already strong visuals, adding in a host of quality of life improvements, and throwing in some additional gameplay features. The new “Rival Rush” mode lets players race through certain levels against Metal Sonic, Sonic can now equip custom gear, and there’s a new Wisp power in play called the “Jade Ghost.”

Even though developer Dontnod Entertainment isn’t working on the latest entry in the Life is Strange series, there’s really no reason to be worried about it. Deck Nine’s work on Life is Strange: True Colors looks to be just as memorable and enjoyable as the previous entries in the graphic adventure series. The main character you’ll take control of this time around is Alex Chen, a young woman that has a unique ability - the power to experience the emotions of others. She’ll have to rely on this ability if she has any hope of getting to the bottom of her brother’s passing. Prepare yourself for a full experience on day one with this new Life is Strange game and get ready to get hit hard right in the feels during its heavy heart-tugging moments.

Now that we’ve entered the month of September, that can only mean one thing - the newest version of NBA 2K is on the horizon. This year’s rendition of digital hoops features the same signature basketball sim mechanics and modes that fans have already poured hundreds (thousands?) of hours into. NBA 2K22’s is definitely devoted to strengthening its WNBA suite - a brand new progression system for the ladies called The W lets you have even more control over your lady baller’s career. So as a fan of both the NBA and WNBA, you’ll have the best of both worlds at your fingertips in NBA 2K22.

Tales of Arise looks like it's set to push Bandai Namco’s JRPG series forward and make the franchise as a whole more of a mainstream property. And by the looks of it, those goals are certainly attainable. This highly anticipated JRPG takes place within a world that features two medieval realms, which are referred to as Dahna and Rena. Rena’s superiority when it comes to its technological/magical achievements pushes them to enslave the nation of Dahna and treats its people as nothing more than slaves. Two individuals from those realms eventually befriend each other as they embark on a journey that’s meant to change the way things are run and bring harmony to their respective homes.

WARIOWARE IS BACK, BAYBEE! WarioWare: Get It Together marks the return of Nintendo’s zany minigame collection and goes even further with its crazy concepts. Now you have the ability to play as Wario and his quirky buddies within the minigames themselves (which there are 200 of, we might add). You can participate in all those seconds-long minigames on your own or alongside a friend within the game’s main Story mode and even more enjoyable side offerings. There’s so much to see, do, and laugh hysterically at within WarioWare: Get It Together - we can’t wait to pick nostrils and spin some windmills with the homies.

Arkane Studios garnered tons of positive feedback from most players that gave it a chance. Now the studio is pivoting to a different type of first-person experience that’s all about escaping a time loop. You’ll take control of an assistant named Colt, who must eliminate eight targets on the island of Blackreef if he has any hopes of escaping his current predicament. You’ll need to map out your assassinations properly and also keep watch of a second assassin that’s hot on your trail. Deathloop’s unique gameplay loop, catchy soundtrack, and enjoyable cast of characters have all the making of delivering Arkane’s next big hit.

Do you guys remember when we all saw this game for the very first time? It was back during the June 2020 “Future of Gaming” live stream event for PlayStation. After several delays, Ember Lab’s ambitious action/adventure game will finally grace PlayStation platforms and PC. Kena: Bridge of Spirit’s ritual main heroine employs her staff and the aid of cutesy spirit companions known as the Rot. She’ll have to defend herself against a host of threats as she looks to restore a small village and help its deceased denizens move on due to their unfinished business in the human realm.

While we all wait for the far-off release of Diablo IV, the remastered version of Diablo II should hold us all over. Diablo II: Resurrected upgrades the base game and its expansion Diablo II: Lord of Destruction by featuring improved visuals, a bunch of quality of life improvements, automatic pairing during multiplayer sessions, and so much more. Fans can expect the same addictive top-down, action RPG skirmishes that turned them into Diablo addicts in the first place with this remastered variation. It’s time to smash demons, collect loot, and raid dungeons just like the good old days!

Sega’s Ryu Ga Gotouku studio is responsible for crafting the Yakuza franchise. Its spinoff game Judgment embodied the structure seen in Yakuza but switched its plotline up by having players tackle a murder mystery. For the sequel, Lost Judgment reintroduces private detective Takayuki Yagami in the main protagonist role once again. And this time, he’s going to be busy investigating an individual that’s being accused of sexual harassment and murder. Yagami will once again find himself tailing potential suspects, beating down various aggressors, and exploring the rambunctious locales of Kamurocho and Isezaki.

Amazon Games is heading into the MMORPG space that throws players into a world unlike any other in the genre. New World takes place in the mid-1600s and features a wide expanse modeled after North and South America in the Atlantic Ocean. Players will get to link up with one of three factions, then move out in the world they inhabit and fight hard for survival. The combat within this MMORPG feels so visceral and there’s a wide assortment of things to do & see. New World has all the makings of your next online addiction.

There have been some halfway decent Hot Wheels games here and there. Even Forza Horizon 3 got in on all the miniature toy car fun via its awesome Hot Wheels expansion! Publisher/developer Milestone is looking to introduce the first great Hot Wheels video game with Hot Wheels Unleashed, which is a high-octane racer that features a huge gathering of the toy brand’s signature vehicles. Players will find themselves racing across all those wild orange track layouts and flipping through all those topsy turvy loop de loops. Hot Wheels Unleashed may just be the best racing game coming out this month and the perfect way to revisit your childhood nostalgia.

If Guilty Gear Strive turned you into an anime fighting game connoisseur, then feast your eyes on another brand new entry into the sub-genre. The most hardcore anime fighting game fans practically play Melty Blood anytime and anywhere they can. A whole new installment in the series is finally coming out and it's been christened Melty Blood: Type Lumina. Based on Type-Moon's series of visual novels, this HD rendition of the underrated 2D fighter features a retooled battle system that allows for sick air combos & so much more.