October is set to deliver one of the most exciting gaming line-ups of the year, with a range of new titles across various genres and platforms. Among the highlights is Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, a highly awaited entry in the franchise, taking players back to the year 1991 to experience a campaign centered around covert military operations. The game intertwines fictional elements with real historical events and figures, and it will make history as the first Call of Duty title to be available on Xbox Game Pass right from its launch on October 25.
This month also sees the release of notable horror remakes, including Silent Hill 2 and Until Dawn. Built from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5, Silent Hill 2 seeks to revive the haunting atmosphere of the original game, while Until Dawn offers a visual upgrade and enhancements to its narrative-driven gameplay for the PS4 and PC. Additionally, Sony is set to unveil Horizon Zero Dawn – Remastered, bringing the visual fidelity of the acclaimed 2017 title up to par with its 2022 sequel, Horizon Forbidden West.
Square Enix is primed to release Life is Strange: Double Exposure, a direct sequel to 2015’s game that sees the return of protagonist Max Caulfield, now with new powers. Set for release on October 29, the episodic adventure will be available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch. This October promises a wealth of gaming content, and here are some of the standout titles to keep an eye on:
Until Dawn
When: October 4
Where: PC, PS5
Originally launched on PS4, Until Dawn offers a branching interactive narrative that draws inspiration from classic slasher films. Players navigate a cast of characters, complete with motion capture and voice performances by actors like Rami Malek and Hayden Panettiere. While the gameplay mainly revolves around player choices rather than complex mechanics, the outcome of the story hinges entirely on the decisions made by players.
The interactive horror experience became a sleeper hit upon its initial release, and the new remastered version enhances its visual appeal for both PS5 and PC. While some may debate the necessity of a remake, this update creates an opportunity for newcomers to engage with the beloved title, which is now available for players.
Silent Hill 2
When: October 8
Where: PC, PS5
Joining the lineup of horror remakes is the much-anticipated Silent Hill 2, fully reimagined in Unreal Engine 5. The original game is celebrated for its disturbing visuals, evocative soundtrack, and unsettling narrative. Players follow protagonist Jason Sunderland, who returns to Silent Hill after receiving a letter from his late wife, uncovering deep-rooted horrors and monstrous entities in the process.
This new version promises substantial gameplay improvements alongside visual enhancements while remaining true to the essence of the original. For those unfamiliar with this landmark survival horror title, Silent Hill 2’s remake presents an ideal opportunity for exploration.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
When: October 11
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
Atlus continues to carve out its niche in the RPG landscape with Metaphor: ReFantazio, a new title that delves into ambitious fantasy realms focused on geopolitics. The game initiates in the modern world before whisking players away to the medieval kingdom of Euchronia, where they must navigate social complexities amidst rising discrimination and conflict.
Familiar mechanics will resonate for those acquainted with Megami Tensei games, featuring strategic turn-based combat where character attributes dictate battle flow. Players will also encounter a returning Social Link feature, enabling them to forge alliances that impact combat.
Unknown 9: Awakening
When: October 18
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
With Unknown 9: Awakening, Bandai Namco introduces a new franchise that encompasses a video game along with podcasts, novels, and comics. The narrative follows Haroona, an Indian Quaestor played by Anya Chalotra, who possesses a unique connection to a mystical dimension known as the Fold. As two factions vie for control of hidden knowledge, Haroona must wield her abilities against formidable enemies in their conflict.
This action-adventure game emphasizes stealth and melee combat, allowing players to exploit Haroona’s special ability to possess enemies temporarily, providing new strategic possibilities.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
When: October 17
Where: Nintendo Switch
Boasting the tagline “Welcome to the biggest Mario party yet,” Super Mario Party Jamboree is designed for multiplayer enjoyment and social interaction. The game retains fan-favorite elements from previous installments while introducing exciting new features and increasing the variety of four-player maps.
Players can expect various mini-games, character-specific challenges, and an expanded array of items that promise to deliver chaotic fun. Additionally, Jamboree introduces a novel 20-player online mode called Koopathon, enhancing its party-game appeal.
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead
When: October 17
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
Following the success of the film franchise, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead plunges players into a world ravaged by alien creatures with acute hearing. In this survival-horror experience, players guide protagonist Alex Taylor, a college student with asthma, through a perilous journey while maintaining silence to evade detection.
The game introduces new mechanics such as directional sound tracking, adding layers of strategy to navigating the environment. Its atmospheric presentation further immerses players in the chilling setting.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed
When: October 18
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch
Set eight months after the events of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, the game explores the Turtles’ experiences as they adjust to life in high school while combating a new mutant threat in New York City. Developed by Aheartfulofgames, players will switch between Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo, utilizing each turtle’s unique combat abilities as they fight familiar foes.
The game boasts three-dimensional fighting mechanics reminiscent of DMC and offers fans a nostalgic yet fresh take on the Turtles’ adventures.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
When: October 25
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch
Sonic X Shadow Generations invites players to join forces with Shadow as they confront Black Doom’s nefarious schemes. The game features open-zone exploration and incorporates classic elements from previous Sonic titles, allowing characters to navigate expansive environments while utilizing Shadow’s new abilities.
The prelude miniseries, Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings, has already launched, building anticipation for the main game.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
When: October 25
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
As the 21st installment of the Call of Duty franchise, Black Ops 6 promises to captivate fans with its new features and mechanics. The game introduces an innovative omnimovement system, allowing players to maneuver in all directions, thereby enhancing gameplay fluidity and combat engagement.
The title also retains classic online and co-op modes, featuring a variety of maps and a new mechanic that enables players to use defeated operators as shields. With extensive development time, players can expect a highly refined experience that builds on the success of its predecessors.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure
When: October 29
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch
In this direct sequel to Life is Strange, Max Caulfield returns with the ability to transfer her consciousness across different timelines. Players will join her as she seeks to prevent a tragedy in an alternate timeline. The episodic narrative unfolds on October 29.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
When: October 31
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
Dragon Age: The Veilguard brings players to a critical juncture in Thedas, where the Veil is weakening. Stepping into the role of Rook, players will navigate a politically charged environment, forming alliances as they combat emerging threats. The game features a diverse class system and a soundtrack co-composed by renowned musicians Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
When: October 31
Where: PC, PS5
The remastered version of Horizon Zero Dawn aims to elevate the acclaimed 2017 title, enhancing its graphics to align with its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West. Players will once again follow Aloy as she battles mechanical foes in a post-apocalyptic world while uncovering deeper mysteries. The remaster will also include The Frozen Wilds expansion packed with additional content, delivering a richer experience for newcomers and returning players alike.
October is brimming with diverse gaming options. Alongside these highlights, fans can also look forward to Diablo IV’s new expansion, Vessel of Hatred, and the PC debut of Red Dead Redemption on October 29, 14 years after its original release. Keep an eye on this busy month for exciting releases!
