The Summer heat is beginning to dissipate, and along with it the lack of big games to check out week-to-week. Fall is here, and that means it’s time for an avalanche of blockbusters.
October 2014 is a huge month, even after the delay of a couple titles including one of our favorites, Evolve . No matter which platform you’re into, one of the most exciting titles of that platform’s 2014 line-up is sure to debut this month. Driveclub, Sunset Overdrive, Bayonetta 2, Super Smash Bros. for 3DS; they’re all arriving within the next four weeks. We hope your wallet is ready.
Below you’ll find the most noteworthy releases of October 2014.
October Video Game Release Calendar
October 3rd - Super Smash Bros. (3DS)
For the first time ever, the Super Smash Bros. franchise has made its debut on a handheld. Although the Wii U version later this year has received most of the attention, the 3DS version has shown that it's fully capable, and what's better than being able to play a fun game like Super Smash anywhere in the world?
The 3DS version of Super Smash Bros. has some minor changes to make it more handheld oriented, including cel-shaded graphics and outlines to make character easier to track. It features all the same characters as the upcoming Wii U version, meaning it's packed to the brim with content.
Platform: 3DS (Wii U version arrives in Q4 2014)
October 7th - Alien: Isolation
This month the world will be graced with the best Alien video game in history, Alien: Isolation . This game has been promising since it was announced by Sega, with The Creative Assembly at the helm.
The premise is simple, investigate what happened to Ellen Ripley while avoiding the intelligent alien hunting you down. It won't be so easy, though. You'll employ a variety of tools and limited ammunition for some weapons to keep the alien at bay as you sneak through the game world. It's going to be horrifying, and hopefully a good time.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360
October 7th - NBA 2K15
Finally, Kevin Durant finds his way onto the cover of an NBA 2K game. To celebrate the momentous occasion, Visual Concepts is making what it argues is the most complete basketball video game package in history. The graphics are absolutely stellar. Remember, NBA 2K1 4 was considered one of the three most graphically impressive games at the PS4/Xbox One launch. The graphics are backed by a plethora of modes, including the new MyLEAGUE, which is rich with simulation and content to keep NBA fans hooked.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360
October 7th - Driveclub
The PS4's first exclusive racer is almost here! Driveclub has garnered attention for the beautiful screenshots and gifs that have found their way onto the internet. It's going to be a real showcase for how powerful the PS4 is, and has a style akin to that of Project Gotham Racing with emphasis on velocity over slow apexes. Darting through various locations is going to be a treat at 1080p.
Driveclub will have some of its content available for free to anyone who owns a PS4 and has a PS Plus subscription.
Platform: PS4
October 14th - The Evil Within
Alien: Isolation isn't the only horror game coming out this month. Published by Bethesda, The Evil Within hopes to instill fear in anyone daring enough to play it.
You'll assume control of Sebastian Castellanos as he explores a world that is dense with disgusting foes. The game is also dynamically designed, allowing it to change depending on your decisions throughout the journey. Don't worry about that though, just be smart with your ammo conservation and make sure not to get killed. That'll be enough of a workload.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360
October 14th - Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
Antagonist Handsome Jack will have the most important parts of his back story revealed in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel . For fans of the franchise, this is a big deal given his popularity.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel will continue the fun co-op focused heritage of the franchise, while bringing along some new weapons and mechanics to mix things up.
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360
October 14th - Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition
Sleeping Dogs was one of the better open-world action games of last-gen, and it's making the transition to Xbox One and PS4 this month. With much improved graphics, and some additional polish in the audiovisual department, it's sure to be even better than the great game that was released in 2012.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One
October 24th - Civilization: Beyond Earth
The famous 'one more turn' franchise is back, this time with a sci-fi world. Civilization has maintained its reputation as a top-tier strategy game over the years despite many times playing it safe. This year it's making a bold move with Civilization: Beyond Earth by moving into outer space where barbarians are replaced by aliens, and the choice between historical figures has much more to it with options related to how the civilization arrived on the planet, and what organization arranged the expedition. The tech web is also way different than in previous games. Prepare for a whole new level of addiction.
Platform: PC
October 24th - Bayonetta 2
Here she is in all her glory. Bayonetta 2 has been regarded as the third-party Wii U exclusive to look out for since well before the console debuted. The first Bayonetta received overwhelmingly positive acclaim for its flashy style and smooth combat. Its sequel looks to improve upon it by being bigger and better.
A new element called Umbran Climax lets Bayonetta go into a hyper mode of sorts when she fills up her magic gauge. She'll need this to overcome the gargantuan foes in her path.
Platform: Wii U
October 28th - Sunset Overdrive
When it comes to fun, few developers do as well as Insomniac Games. This has translated into what many are considering to be one of this Fall's most bodacious games: Sunset Overdrive . Fast-paced gameplay with zip-lines and insane acrobatics make traversing its colorful open world a blast. Speaking of blast, there are tons of clever weapons, including a rocket launcher that fires teddy bears. This is a game that aims to please.
Platform: Xbox One
October 28th - WWE 2K15
Are you ready to rumble? Visual Concepts is.
WWE 2K15 is looking good with improved visuals and an all-new 2K Showcase that focuses on the history of the sport. You'll see superstars The Rock, Shawn Michaels, and much more in full-force during some of the most memorable moments in the past 30 years.
There have been some quality of life adjustments to the game that will hopefully result in a much smoother, more cohesive experience than last year.
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360 (PS4 and Xbox One versions will arrive on November 18th)