Is it seriously almost September already? Time sure does fly when you have tons of games to play. Seriously, it felt like just yesterday that I wrote August’s must-buy PS4 and Xbox One games. Now we’re already looking forward to September — the start of what I would call the “holiday push” for many publishers and developers.
The holiday months are coming, folks. The blockbusters are coming, and your wallet will hate you. For you gaming vets, you’ve got the experience; you know how to handle the holiday months. Selectiveness is key to survival. So to help with that, I’ve compiled a list of games that I consider “must buys” for those on a tighter budget.
Remember, these aren’t all of the games releasing next month. These are just the games I deem worthy enough to spend your hard-earned cash on. Also keep in mind that this is not based on any sort of review material, but rather impressions from hands-on time as well as trailers, interviews, and other news regarding each game.
Destiny – PS4 & Xbox One – September 9, 2014
Destiny is easily one of the most anticipated games of 2014 — even more so now that fans got a taste of what to expect from Bungie’s next adventure. Destiny hasn’t been free of criticism, but there’s a lot more excitement surrounding the game then there is skepticism. It certainly won’t be easy for the game to live up to expectations, but Bungie has been adamant in saying this is a game they want to support for years down the road. If there’s one game to get this September — maybe even this entire year — it’s probably Destiny. Side note for those looking to get a PlayStation 4, Sony and Activision have teamed up for a special Destiny Glacier White PS4 bundle.
Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes – PS4 & Xbox One – September 23, 2014
I’ll admit, I was hesitant to put Disney Infinity 2.0 on the list. And then my co-workers told me everything that makes Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes so much better than its predecessor: an improved Toy Box with preset templates, NPC workers that help build your world while you play in it, and interiors; new playsets including Marvel and Guardians of the Galaxy; all-new characters including Iron Man, Thor, Spider-Man, Star-Lord, Tinker Bell, Merida, Maleficent, and many more. It’s definitely not a game that will appeal to everyone, but if you enjoyed Disney Infinity, then Disney Infinity 2.0 is a must-buy.
Forza Horizon 2 – Xbox One – September 30, 2014
Forza Horizon 2 is the must-have racing game for any Xbox owners — be it Xbox One or Xbox 360. Sure, Ubisoft’s The Crew is coming out, but I think most Xbox owners will agree that the Forza series is unmatched when it comes to racing games. This year, Playground Games is kicking things up a notch with a day/night cycle, a new Bucket List (a group of challenges), and a dynamic weather system which is a first for the series. Of course, there’s also an entire open-world to explore and hundreds of cars to choose from ranging from exotics to rally cars to trucks.
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor – PS4 & Xbox One – September 30, 2014
Like Assassin’s Creed? Like The Lord of the Rings? Well, that pretty much makes Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor a must-buy as it’s basically Assassin’s Creed with a Lord of the Rings skin. The game takes place between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and focuses on Talion, a ranger revived with wraith-like abilities who seeks vengeance on those who murdered his family. The big feature in Shadow of Mordor is the Nemesis System which remembers your interactions with specific characters you meet in the game, and adjusts the manner in which these characters will react to you. Enemies will also develop and evolve as they interact with you. So while gameplay mechanics appear similar to Assassin’s Creed, there’s clearly much more being offered here.
