September 2021 was a strong month for gaming thanks to releases such as Tales of Arise, Life Is Strange: True Colors, and Game of the Year-candidate Deathloop. However, even with the wide range of high-quality titles throughout the month, October could be even stronger. In fact, October has the opportunity to be the biggest month of the year for game releases.
Developers and publishers often find it wise to release games during the fall season, right before holiday breaks and Black Friday. This year, October specifically appears to be a prime choice. While September had indie darling hits like Kena: Bridge of Souls, Eastward, Sable, and more, October is set to provide variety with largely AAA titles.
FIFA 22 - October 1
FIFA is among the highest-selling games worldwide each year, and FIFA 22 will likely be no different. Leading up to its launch on the first of October, FIFA 22 gameplay has been released and fans are chomping at the bit to see what new features will be available. It is not always easy to keep a game fresh when it goes through yearly iterations, and the FIFA franchise is no exception. However, fans will assuredly line up to buy FIFA 22 when it launches.
Alan Wake Remastered - October 5
Almost a decade after the original, Alan Wake Remastered will arrive on October 5. The remaster for a cult classic on the Xbox 360, Alan Wake Remastered should not be slept on, and could be one of the best games of the holiday season. It has an ominous and creepy theme, making it a perfect game for the month of Halloween. The game also has ties to Control, which found a lot of success after releasing in 2019.
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania - October 5
Another game series making a valiant return is Super Monkey Ball. Also releasing on October 5, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, adding in characters from many different places. Sonic the Hedgehog, Hello Kitty, and even characters from Yakuza and Persona are a part of the shenanigans. Apart from the crossover character additions, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania looks to be shaking up the formula with various modes and gameplay changes.
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl - October 5
Keeping with the theme of bringing a huge cast of characters together in one game, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl also drops on October 5. The fighting game is a Super Smash Bros. clone that mashes together nearly every major Nickelodeon hit animated series from the past few decades. Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl will allow for competitive action and casual fun with characters such as Danny Phantom, CatDog, Spongebob, Aang, Nigel Thornberry, Ren and Stimpy, Reptar, and more.
Far Cry 6 - October 7
October might be the biggest month for first-person shooters in recent memory, and Far Cry 6 kicks it off with a bang. The exploratory open-ended sandbox series allows players to tackle adventures with a level of freedom that few franchises can. This time, players will be going against the chilling, oppressive dictator Anton Castillo - played by Giancarlo Esposito. The Far Cry games have become staple shooters for countless fans, and it is likely that Far Cry 6 will be a huge game this fall and holiday season.
Metroid Dread - October 8
Metroid Dread was first teased over fifteen years ago. Fans thought the game was dead, but the fact Metroid Dread is releasing proves 2D titles like it can never die. Nintendo is dumping a lot of marketing into the game, as there have been plenty of trailers showing off Samus' last adventure in this story arc. Metroid Dread will have the Chozo, X Parasites, the new E.M.M.I. robots, and more.The Nintendo Switch OLED launches alongside Metroid Dread on October 8.
Back 4 Blood - October 12
When Back 4 Blood was first announced, the co-op shooter became one of the most highly anticipated games of the year for many. Its developer Turtle Rock Studios is made up of people who worked on Left 4 Dead, and Back 4 Blood is basically a spiritual successor while fans wait for Valve to release the next entry in that series. Back 4 Blood is also a massive Xbox Game Pass game in October given its co-op nature. Playing Back 4 Blood with friends "for free" using a Game Pass subscription is a fine way to bring back this subgenre.
Guardians of the Galaxy - October 26
Guardians of the Galaxy was only unveiled this summer, but it will arrive in just a month. Game Rant was able to preview Guardians of the Galaxy, and the action-adventure game seems promising. The loveable disfunction of the crew is on display, and gameplay seems to be trying something new. Marvel games have had ups and downs in the eyes of fans, with Marvel's Spider-Man being a hit and Avengers receiving mixed reviews, but Guardians of the Galaxy has an opportunity to impress.
Mario Party Superstars - October 29
One Mario Party title released in 2018 on the Switch, but Mario Party Superstars is bringing some Nintendo 64 nostalgia with old boards, retro minigames, and more. Players will be able to enjoy the fun with friends locally or online. While Mario Party has brought fun for over twenty years, many fans fondly remember the classic Nintendo 64 games, so it is exciting that Mario Party Superstars will provide a trip down memory lane.
Nintendo has big plans for 2022 with games like Splatoon 3, the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Bayonetta 3, and more. But October 2021 alone has two big titles with Metroid Dread and Mario Party Superstars.