The Fall season for video games is always stacked, with a little bit for every game to enjoy. Our team takes a look ahead to what they’re most excited to play!
View the Fall and Holiday 2020 video game release date masterlist here.
Just as we did with the movie side of things, today, we’re taking a look at the upcoming video games releasing this Fall. From shooters, to strategy, to an entirely new generation, there’s a whole lot to look forward to. Even so, we forced our gaming team to limit themselves to just FIVE games they’re most excited to play through the rest of the year:
JORDAN
Star Wars Squadrons (October 2nd) – Even back in 2013 when we learned EA was taking over the Star Wars license for games, I’ve been wanting some kind of Starfighter game. Those have always been among my favorite games to play, and titles like X-wing and Rogue Squadron still hold special places in my heart.
As such, I flipped my lid when Squadrons was finally announced. Not only are we getting some starfighting action (which looks to be a blend of the old school management of X-wing/TIE Fighter and the flight skills in Rogue Squadron), it comes bundled with a brand new story to dive into. I suspect I’ll be putting way too many hours into this.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2 Remaster (Sept. 4) – Much of my excitement for this remaster comes from a heavy dose of nostalgia. I remember, fondly, playing the original games on the N64 with my brother. We’d trade the controller back and forth, vying for better scores and pulling off mind-blowing tricks.
I’ve loved the franchise ever sense, but there’s something about those first couple that still feel like the definitive experience. After getting some time with the warehouse demo, and seeing how impressive the gameplay is, my fingers are itching to dive into the full title.
Rune Factory 5 – Considering we haven’t heard anything about Rune Factory 5 since last year, it may seem foolish to list this. But this is all about HOPE and am desperate to get my hands on this game.
The hybrid of Harvest Moon farming, with Zelda-esque dungeon crawling, and even a hint of Pokemon with monster collecting, the Rune Factory series has always appealed to me. The series started on the DS, and the last full sequel in the franchise came back in 2012. It’s definitely time for it to return.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales – Oh man! My love of Spider-Man games is well known, and Insomniac’s take on the wall-crawler is easily the best. Not only are we getting MORE out of that impressive gaming engine, we’re getting a chance to fully take on the role of Miles Morales.
Miles has been one of my favorite Spider-Men since his debut in the comics. Combined with his starring role in the Spider-Verse film, it’s great to see him taking on an even more dominant role. Getting the chance to take him on his own adventure, with a unique story and some extra gameplay elements, is exactly what we need as we wait for a “full” sequel game.
Spacebase Startopia (Oct. 23rd) – My love of strategy games has been well documented. This combination of city building/management along with some old-fashioned RTS battles feels like a game that’s built specifically with me in mind. Couple all that sim-action with an out of this world aesthetic and I know I’ll be sinking a ridiculous amount of hours into this one.
MATT
Destiny 2: Beyond Light – If you’re a regular follower of the site, you’ve probably figured out that the games I play the most are Madden, (now) Fall Guys, and Destiny 2 . So, it should come at no surprise that I’m extremely pumped for Beyond Light this November.
Now, you might be thinking, “That’s cheating. Destiny 2 isn’t a new game. That’s an expansion.” To which I say, “Yeah, well, that’s just, like, your opinion, man.”.
I will give you that Beyond Light isn’t the more traditional approach, as yes it is an expansion. However, just like most MMO expansions, they alter the game entirely and add new and different things that make it almost unrecognizable. Without a doubt, Destiny 2 is not the same game it was when it released three years ago. After Beyond Light, it’ll be even more unrecognizable.
That’s because in Destiny 2: Beyond Light, Bungie has finally set the pieces in motion for the ultimate foe “The Darkness” to finally take hold. Planets are being eliminated, new dark supers that alter the environment, and enemies are being inserted into Destiny 2: Beyond Light. Also, add in an entirely new story and new seasons, Beyond Light is going to be one hell of a ride this November.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits – I have been so excited for Kena: Bridge of Spirits ever since we saw that Dreamworks Animation-type footage during the June State of Play event. In that trailer, Ember Lab flexed their CGI muscles to deliver a memorable trailer of a young girl fending off evil forces to save her spirit friends. That alone had me intrigued, but the gameplay that followed showed just how immersive this game could be. It’s got elements of puzzle platformer and action RPG that have me giddy with anticipation.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is also getting a free PS5 upgrade to those who purchase it on PS4. Can you imagine how good this game is going to look on PS5? I’m not sure my feeble mind is ready.
Cyberpunk 2077 – Ok, so without a doubt this is the game we’ve been waiting all year for and will likely be THE game of the Fall/Winter season. The long-awaited release of Cyberpunk 2077 is almost here and I’m astounded by how increasingly amazing this game looks with each update CD Projekt RED delivers.
The latest Night Wire had me absolutely enthralled as we learned that we’ll be able to choose our origin and then piece together our own story from there. Furthermore, they showed off an arsenal of weaponry that’s positively mouth-watering. Even before that Night Wire episode, CD Projekt RED hasn’t been shy to show us epic firefights, unique mods, and the ability to look through people’s memories. So yeah, bring on Cyberpunk 2077: The game will occupy all our time. Let’s do this.
I have little doubt that this will be a contender for Game of the Year, a list gets longer throughout 2020.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon – I’m so excited for the new path SEGA is taking with the Yakuza series. Yakuza is without a doubt one of the best series ever made in video game history. The story is always sensational, the cities are authentic representations of real cities in Japan, and the side-games are endlessly fun. For anyone who has played any games in the Yakuza series, it’s not hard to gush about how good they are.
With that said, Sega is rebooting the series with Like a Dragon and giving it a more outlandish, wacky twist that I am SO on board for. Furthermore, they’ve changed the combat mechanics to be turn-based like in classic RPGs. Plus, they made it so you can select different jobs for your characters. Jobs are like Classes in this game, which means they have different movesets and abilities. I’m an absolute sucker for games like this.
I mean, you can blast people with a super soaker, rain lobsters from the sky, wack people with frying pans and SEASON THEM, who wouldn’t want to play this game?! Man, November can’t come soon enough.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales – Insomniac Games’ 2018 Spider-Man was one of the best games on the PlayStation 4. With its incredible web slinging gameplay, extremely fun combat mechanics, original story, and immersive New York City, it completely captured everything we’ve loved about our friendly neighborhood wallcrawler.
Now, it’s Miles Morales’ turn. The first official PlayStation 5 first-party game is an original story for Miles Morales. While it won’t be as long as the 2018 game, it will be a complete game and will feature unique enemies and skill sets for Miles. If Insomniac Games’ track record is any indication, Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a Day 1 must-buy.
Next-Gen Consoles – I know. I’m cheating again. Not only is this part not a game but it’s also the sixth part and we were really only supposed to pick 5. I just can’t help it, though. It’s new console season, it’s a very exciting time!
We are on the precipice of a new gaming generation. One in which we’ll experience loads of new achievements in graphics, story-telling, gameplay, and incredibly-entertaining shared experiences.
Whether you decide that the PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X is going to be your main console for this next generation, just enjoy it and don’t get wrapped up in what the trolls say. Both the PS5 and XSX will not disappoint. Sony and Microsoft have shown a willingness to do whatever it takes to make your new console investment worth it, and I don’t expect that to change anytime soon. Albeit, they just do it in different ways and that’s ok. To each their own.
So whether it’s in November, December, or sometime in next year. Relish in the next generation console you are given or decide to buy. Gaming consoles and PCs are vehicles to endless fun and enjoyment. Play how and what you like and enjoy every single second of the ride, because these new consoles are going to be the vehicles for some of the most mind-blowing experiences we’ve had so far. It’s a very exciting time indeed.
KATY
Bugsnax (Holiday season) – The announcement trailer in June sold me immediately on two fronts: 1.) The developers of Octodad were behind it. 2.) I am here for whimsical and nonsensical fun. From the music to the visuals, I am ready to accept the invitation to the island of Bugsnax.
Spelunky 2 (Sept. 15) – I have been on a roguelike kick for the last year and Spelunky is one of my all-time favorite silly little platformers that is a veritable treasure trove of secrets — and insane frustration. The sequel was announced back in 2017, but we found out a few weeks ago at the latest Sony State of Play that is launching on Sept. 15 and I’ve been working tirelessly to perfect my spelunking skill in preparation for launch.
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin (Nov. 10) – When I first played this game at E3 2019, I was drawn in by one silly mechanic — farming. I’m a known sucker for farming and life sims and was stoked to find out the game was published by Xseed, a subsidiary of Marvelous games and has created some of my favorite franchises with Harvest Moon and Rune Factory. The game is being developed by a two-man team at Edelweiss.
And although the farming aspect piqued my interest, I was drawn to the side-scrolling combat and deep crafting alongside the use of rich Japanese history in legend to drive the narrative.
Cris Tales – Cris Tales is an honest and true love-letter to JRPGs by Columbian developers Dreams Uncorporated and SYCK. Players will take control of heroine Crisbell and her special ability to see into the past, present and future simultaneously. I got the chance to sit with developers at E3 last year and fell in love with the game so much that I spoke with Dreams Uncorporated CEO Carlos Rocha on my podcast KakeBytes to discuss the inspirations behind the game.
Hades (Fall or holiday season) – A god-like roguelike that is coming to PC and Switch sometime this fall or holiday season. The mythos surrounding the pantheon of Greek gods is a lifelong interest of mine , and that, combined with the action-y goodness of my beloved roguelikes, is a surefire way to my heart.
Special mention: Binding of Isaac: Repentance, Watch Dogs: Legion and Cyberpunk 2077. You can read about my 45-minute hands-on time with Watch Dogs: Legion at E3 2019 here.
Rob
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales – Spiderman is one of my longtime favorite heroes, but I’ve never really enjoyed any of the games released for the wall crawler, that was until I saw Insomniac’s Spiderman game. And the one thing I hoped we’d be able to do in that game was play Miles as the next Spiderman. So when Sony announced they were making a standalone game for Miles, to say I felt “pure joy” is an understatement to what I felt.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – I love Assassin’s Creed. I’ve played everything except Liberation and the Chronicles series. I’m going to play Valhalla and hopefully love it. Nuff said.
Cyberpunk 2077 – My first exposure to Cyberpunk was back in 1989, I was sick of AD&D, and wanted to play a new RPG. Jump to today and we’re so close to the release of a game that has spent about 7-8 years in development/production, I hope the game turns out to be great. even if it wasn’t for the fact the game already has a rich history to build on, Keanu Reeves is part of the gameworld. That should be reason enough to buy the game, right? All I need to know is if well ghetto see or hear music from rockerboy Johnny Silverhand?
SOLEB
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time – Well, Well, Well! The time has come for another installment in the Crash Bandicoot series and boy am I excited! With new levels, characters to play as, and more box smashing than ever… Crash 4 looks to be exactly what we need for a soft relaunch!
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War – There aren’t many details linked to the new COD, but on August 26th we will see the first game reveal for what is to come to the Black Ops series. Modern Warfare has done pretty well this year, launching with a great story and amazing multiplayer mode. After the launch of the game they then followed up with the largest Battle Royal on the market, WARZONE. This only excites me for what is to come from the Black Ops series, but of course I can only hope to see the return of the Black Ops signature Zombie mode in this game.
Assassins Creed Valhalla – Look, after Desmond Miles was killed off in ACIII I took a big, disappointed, step away from the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The main reason I was playing the game was to see the furthering of Desmond’s story, so when they killed him off I was pretty upset! Now, Origins and Odyssey really got me back into Assassin’s Creed with the new, open world gameplay and fighting mechanics. Since Valhalla will have the same type of system and is set during the time of the Vikings, this is a must buy for me!
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 – I got my hands on THPS1+2 with an early access demo and I was floored. This game is a remake from the ground up and is looking to be the best Tony Hawk game in sometime. All the class levels, music, and skaters are back and better than ever so we can replay our highschool years and finally realize how old we’re actually getting!
PlayStation 5 – I have had every PlayStation console on launch day since the PlayStation 2. The PS5 has been shrouded by mystery with the release date still not announced, price still not announced, and the overall system UI still not shown. We can’t really say what we’re excited for except for the overall look of the console and the games that have been announced. I’m hoping in the next month we will finally get a better understanding of what this console will be, but then, I’m just excited to play more Playstation exclusives on PS5!
Honorable mentions: Cyberpunk 2077 and LEGO Star Wars: Skywalker Saga.
Dustin
Crash Bandicoot: It’s About Time – That’s right, it is about time we get a good Crash Bandicoot and thanks to the remaster trilogy we are getting just that. A 2D/3D platformer that looks and plays almost identical to the first two games. I hope it isn’t as over complicated as say some levels in CB2, but I am hoping for a challenge.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales – Since Far Cry 6 isn’t coming out till next year, then this might be the first white PS5 box I have with my new console. We all know how great the original game was, and how perfect Insomniac was in developing it, and now we get Miles. It was probably the only game during the PS5 showcase that had me jumping out of my seat in excitement.
The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope – We need more horror games in our lives, and the first part of this series was extremely good. I’ve been waiting for the follow up ever since I finished the first game.
G.I. Joe : Operation Breakout – The game doesn’t look visually amazing, but the gameplay looks really fun. Plus the game follows two stories about GI Joe and I love that! Add on the co-op mode and I’m all game.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat! – All I need to know is that it is Overcooked and I’ll love it. I really like two player games, especially local co op games, to play with my fiancé and this is one of her favorites. I know the hype is real with more realist looking games, and high end specs, for the upcoming consoles…. But I just might be playing this game with all that power.
Honorable Mention: Sons of the Forest. I didn’t want to give it it’s own slot because I’m not sure if itll release this year, but if it does then you know where ill be. Sons of The Forest is the follow up title for the survival zombie game The Forest, and if you haven’t tried it yet then you should.Cyberpunk, because …. Who isn’t excited for it? And lastly Kena: Bridge of Spirits, one of the most beautiful looking games at the PS5 showcase.
As you can see, there are a ton of great looking games on the horizon. Which ones are you looking forward to most?
