The Most Anticipated New Video Games for September 2017

I’m truly sorry that summer is over and you’re back in school or suffering through the early signs of colder weather, but it’s not all bad. At least there’s a month of some really fun games ahead of you, no?
Well, you can sit there all depressed about your “back-to-school” woes, but with a list of new releases this long, I have to start my thumb exercises.
‘Knack II’ (PS4) — September 5th
I’m featuring Knack II ironically because how in the heck do we have a Knack II? I’ve definitely played the original and…really, how did it warrant a sequel?
I guess kudos go out to SCE Japan for getting Knack II green-lit. Then again, it is a co-op experience written by the mind behind the God of War series, so maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel?
‘Destiny 2’ (PS4, Xbox One) — September 6th
This is not a good way to start the school year. All copies of Destiny 2 should come with a “doctor’s note.” Even if you weren’t a fan of the original, you’re going to let stuff like this…
…sway you into at least trying Bungie’s follow-up. And even when you do finally muster up the strength to go back to school, you’re going to be too distracted talking about your in-game clan to actually learn anything.
Six subclasses and a finely tuned experience hope to give gamers the substance they felt was lacking from the original and if the response to the beta says anything…uh…it could still go either way, really.
‘Metroid: Samus Returns’ (3DS) — September 15th
Everybody’s favorite intergalactic bounty hunter is back and more visually appealing in the aptly titled Metroid: Samus Returns.
Returning to her side-scrolling roots, Samus Returns is a reimagining of Metroid II: Return of Samus, but don’t expect a complete rehash of the Game Boy title. I mean, if that title change doesn’t scream “original”…
Samus comes equipped with new gameplay and controls, including 360° aiming, a host of new powers, or Aeion abilities:
And, of course, Amiibo support! Figurines will unlock helpful in-game items and game modes that expand upon the Metroid experience.
‘Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite’ (PC, PS4, Xbox One) — September 19th
If you can look past the played-out plot device of mind-controlled heroes being used to take over or destroy the world, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite is likely going to be another fun entry in the long-running 2D fighter series.
A roster of 30 playable characters—15 recognizable faces from both sides of the equation—muscle together for a fighter that’s just as frantic as its predecessors.
Infinite favors the control scheme of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and cleverly works Marvel’s Infinity Stones into gameplay as Infinity Surge, a special, stat boosting power, and Infinity Storm, which works similar to the X-Factor power in MvC3.
Though the starting selection of fighters is smaller than its predecessor, DLC will undoubtedly boost the roster to a final count of at least 35 or 36.
‘Pokken Tournament Deluxe’ (Switch) — September 22nd
The Switch may only get one release in September, but at least it’s one that will soak up a lot of time and let you get more use out of the console’s handheld mode.
Pokken Tournament DX allowed gamers to get the full Pokemon trainer experience while also putting the fight in their hands — literally. In 3D arena-style combat (or a 2D camera, if that’s your preference), players can fill the shoes of a customizable trainer and control over 20 different battle Pokemon, including:
Pokken is a pretty straightforward fighter, but the charm and varied fighting styles of each Pokemon helps it stand out while a simplified control scheme opens the battlefield up for casual gamers.
‘Cuphead’ (PC, Xbox One) — September 29th
StudioMDHR Entertainment’s sidescroller is a callback to both classic gaming and cartoons. Even if the run-and-gun repetition isn’t your thing, Cuphead’s 1930s graphical style is definitely unique enough to warrant playing just to enjoy the visuals.
Depth may not be the name of the game when it comes to the indie company’s first developed title, but a menagerie of bosses and a two-player co-op promise a decent gaming experience at the very least.
‘Total War: Warhammer 2’ (PC) — September 29th
The follow-up to 2016’s Total War: Warhammer is coming and fans of the original are in for a bigger, better, and slightly different good time!
Players will control the Lizardmen, High Elves, Dark Elves, and the humanoid rats known as Skaven in a race to repair or destroy the Great Vortex that swirls over the Isle of Ulthuan. Battling against opposing races and rogue factions comprised of units from each race, players can engage enemies or focus their attention on the Vortex.
Ulthuan, Naggaroth, the Southlands, Lustria, and the waters that lie between them all serve as the battlegrounds for Warhammer 2’s intense RTS combat.
Other titles we’re excited about this month:
NASCAR Heat 2 (Pc, PS4, Xbox One) — September 12th
Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 (360, PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox One) — September 12th
Divinity: Original Sin 2 (PC) — September 14th
Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (PC, PS4, Xbox One) — September 15th
NHL 18 (PS4, Xbox One) — September 15th
NBA 2K18 (PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One) — September 19th
Pokemon Gold/Silver (3DS) — September 22nd
Project Cars 2 (PC, PS4, Xbox One) — September 22nd
Blue Reflection (PC, PS4) — September 26th
Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony (PS4, Vita) — September 26th
FIFA 18 (360, PC, PS3, PS4, Switch, Xbox One) — September 29th
Gundam Versus (PS4) — September 29th
Mark LoProto is a horror-loving gaming enthusiast who also has a soft spot for Ghostbusters, bubble wrap, and kittens. Look for his work here, here, and here.
