Editorials

The Best Games of 2013: September Releases

Now that the summer is officially over, the video game release season is in full swing mode. While many fans are focusing all their attention on GTA V, there are still several other noteworthy titles headed to retail with just as much anticipation and interests. The following list highlights 17 games coming out this month along with videos and links for more info on each game. Without further ado, here are the Best Games of 2013 for the month of September.

Full Title: Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse HD Remake
Developers: Sega Studios Australia
Publisher: Sega & Disney Interactive Studios
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC
Release Date: September 3rd on PSN & September 4th on XBLA and PC (Worldwide)

Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse is a 2.5D platformer based off the 1990’s Sega Genesis game of the same name. In addition to featuring crisp HD graphics, Castle of Illusion also has full involvement from the creative team behind the original game. If you never got a chance to experience this game, then you definitely should check it out when it launches later this week.

Full Title: Diablo III
Developers: Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360
Release Date: September 3rd (North America & Europe)

After launching on the PC way back in May of last year, Diablo III is finally coming to current gen consoles. Both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of this game are expected to have new features including a redesigned interface and more direct character control options. A PlayStation 4 version of the game is also currently in development but there is no official word yet on if this will be a launch title. If you’re interested in learning more about the PC version of Diablo III, then you should check out our review on it right HERE.

Full Title: Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate
Developers: Team Ninja
Publisher: Tecmo Koei
Platforms: PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360
Release Date: September 3rd (North America) September 6th (Europe)

Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate is an expanded edition of Dead of Alive 5 with the added bonus of 5 new playable characters and enhanced features taken directly from Dead of Alive 5 Plus. With a full roster of 29 fighters and an engaging combat system, this game is no doubt the definitive must own package for any and every Dead of Alive fan. If you’re interested in learning more about Dead or Alive Plus and how these features will play into Ultimate, then I would encourage you to check out our review of the game right HERE.

Full Title: Rayman Legends
Developers: Ubisoft Montpellier
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PC
Release Date: September 3rd (North America) Out Now in Europe

Rayman Legends is the sequel to 2011’s Rayman Origins and the fifth main title in the Rayman series. This gorgeous platformer was originally a Wii U exclusive title, but has since gone multiplatform in favor of attracting more consumers. If you were a fan of Rayman Origins, then you’ll find yourself right at home with this title.

Full Title: Total War: Rome II
Developers: The Creative Assembly
Publisher: Sega
Platforms: PC
Release Date: September 3rd (North America & Europe)

Total War: Rome II is an ambitious strategy game developed by The Creative Assembly and published by Sega. As the spiritual successor to 2004’s Rome: Total War, this highly anticipated title is poised to be bigger and better than the first game. If you’re a fan of strategy games and Roman history, then do yourself a favor and check this out.

Full Title: One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2
Developers: Tecmo Koei
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Platforms: PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Vita
Release Date: September 3rd (North America) Out now in Europe

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 is an action game developed by Tecmo Koei and based off the critical success of the first game in the series. Pirate Warriors 2 offers an original storyline and enhanced combat dynamics to create a much more enjoyable experience for both new and old fans alike.

Full Title: Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs
Developers: The Chinese Room
Publisher: Frictional Games
Platforms: PC, Mac OSX, and Linux
Release Date: September 10th (North America and Europe)

Survival horror fans are receiving a special treat this month with the launch of Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs. As the indirect sequel to Amnesia: The Dark Decent, A Machine for Pigs follows a brand new cast of characters set within a different time period. If this game has been on your radar for quite awhile, then you definitely owe it to yourself to pick it up on September 10th.

Full Title: Killzone: Mercenary
Developers: Guerrilla Cambridge
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation Vita
Release Date: September 10th (North America) September 4th (Europe)

PlayStation Vita owners have been waiting on an exceptional game made exclusively for their handheld device. Not only is Killzone: Mercenary a must own title for every Vita owner, but it may very well be the best first-person shooter that will ever release on the device. If you’re a Killzone fan and you happen to own a Playstation Vita, then picking this up is an absolute no-brainer.

Full Title: Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix
Developers: Square Enix 1st Production Department
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PlayStation 3
Release Date: September 10th (North America) September 13th (Europe)

With Kingdom Hearts 3 still far away from release, Square Enix has decided to launch an HD remastered collection of the first few games in the franchise. Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix will include Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Re: Chain of Memories, and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days in a theater mode setting. If you’re a diehard Kingdom Hearts fan, then this package may be just for you.

Full Title: NHL 14
Developers: EA Canada
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platforms: Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3
Release Date:  September 10th (North America) September 13th (Europe)

NHL 14 is the latest installment in EA Canada’s popular ice hockey simulation series. This year’s game will feature brand new engines for better collision detection and brutal player fights. If you’re looking for more information on these new features and how they impact the gameplay then be sure to stay tuned for our review on the game next week.

Full Title: Puppeteer
Developers: SCE Japan Studio
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 3
Release Date: September 10th (North America) September 11th (Europe)

Puppeteer is a side-scrolling platformer developed exclusively by SCE Japan Studio for the PlayStation 3. Gamers will have the ability to play the title in either 2d or 3d formats thanks primarily to Sony’s support of 3d within their video games. If you enjoy clever platform titles, then this game may be worth your time and your money.

Full Title: ARMA 3
Developers: Bohemia Interactive
Publisher: Steam
Platforms: PC
Release Date: September 12th (North America & Europe)

Fans of open world tactical shooting games will have the option of picking up ARMA 3 when it launches later this month. The video above highlights a lengthy behind the scenes look at gameplay and developer commentaries on the game. We also have a comprehensive 4 part series on different aspects of the game, with the first video being accessible right HERE.

Full Title: The Wonderful 101
Developers: Platinum Games
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: Wii U
Release Date: September 15th (North America) Out now in Europe

The Wii U has had a tough year saleswise thus far and now all eyes are on what The Wonderful 101 can do for the platform. The Platinum Games exclusive allows players to control a horde of superheroes and use them collectively to solve puzzles and defeat adversaries. So far, the game has been receiving generally positive reviews from critics worldwide and it just might have the power to keep Wii U owners satisfied all month long.

Full Title: Grand Theft Auto V
Developers: Rockstar North
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Platforms: Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3
Release Date: September 17th (North America & Europe)

Unless you’ve been living underneath a rock for the last year, then you probably would know that Grand Theft Auto V is literally right around the corner. With all the great things that Rockstar have promised thus far, it’s easy to see why this is the most anticipated release this month. If you’ve played any of the other GTA games prior to this one then you have a good idea of what to expect and shouldn’t hesitate to pick it up on September 17th.

Full Title: Pro Evolution Soccer 2014
Developers: PES Productions
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and PC
Release Date: September 20th (North America) September 19th (Europe)

Fans of the Pro Evolution Soccer video games can look forward to the latest release when it hits stores later this month. The video above gives a brief preview of what everyone can expect from Pro Evolution Soccer 2014.

Full Title: FIFA 14
Developers: EA Canada
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation Portable, Android, iOS, PlayStation 2, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Vita, PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4
Release Date: September 24th (North America) September 26th (Europe) Next gen versions out in November

Heralded as one of the most popular sports in Europe, FIFA will be continuing their ongoing relationship with EA Sports when they release FIFA 14 later this month. While the video above highlights gameplay from the current gen versions of the game, all eyes will no doubt be on the next gen versions slated for release in November. Will the new changes made to FIFA 14 help or hurt this year’s release? Luckily we don’t have to wait too much longer to find out.

Full Title: Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure
Developers: 5th Cell
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and PC
Release Date: September 24th (North America) TBA (Europe)

The insanely popular Scribblenauts series receives a new game with the help of some of DC Comics most iconic cast of characters. Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure is a clever puzzle game that lets players use words and objects to solve puzzles with characters and settings straight from the DC Universe. If you’re a fan of Scribblenauts games and DC Comics, then you definitely will want to check this out towards the end of the month.

This concludes my list of the best games worth picking up this month. Do any of you plan on purchasing any of these titles? Feel free to let us know in the comments section below.