The Month in Games – October 2023

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©Insomniac Games/Ubisoft/Sega/Turn 10 Studios/One More Level/Remedy Entertainment

October’s gaming releases bring with them some more of the most anticipated games of 2023. With otherworldly horrors, the next step in racing, a couple of web slingers and their hunter, the next chapter in an epic saga and a return to a familiar land all on offer to gamers, there is something for all to pick up, play and enjoy all through the month.


Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Go back to what it began in the latest from the world of Assassin’s Creed. For Assassin’s Creed Mirage, players are on the streets of Baghdad following a cunning street thief named Basim. Struggling to survive, this Basim is a far cry from the refined master assassin we met in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. This Basim is plagued by nightmares and visions and is doing all he can to find answers – a path which leads him into the world of the Assassins, who will change Basim’s fate in ways no one could have ever imagined.

Players who pre-order will unlock The Forty Thieves bonus quest at launch. The Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the game, digital soundtrack, digital artbook and a Deluxe Pack with bonus in-game content, including bonus outfit, mount skin and weapons, inspired by Prince of Persia. The Collector’s Case includes the Deluxe Edition, SteelBook case, physical copy of the soundtrack, map of Baghdad, mini artbook, replica of Basim’s brooch and a 32cm Basim figurine in a limited-edition box.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC from October 5*


Forza Motorsport

Take your place at the start line for the latest in the Forza Motorsport franchise. Featuring over 500 cars, 20 world-famous racetracks and cutting-edge AI opponents, this edition of Forza Motorsport looks to immerse players in the thrill of racing. Whether building the ultimate dream car collection, racing against friends in multiplayer or going it alone in the all-new Builders Cup career mode, players will be able to race their way around the world to their hearts’ content. No two laps will be the same in this world of premium motorsport.

The Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the game and the Car Pass, which will deliver additional cars to player garages weekly. The Premium Edition includes a copy of the game, 5 days Early Access, Car Pass, VIP Membership, Welcome Pack and Race Day Car Pack – which includes additional cars and bonus credits to aid players on their journey. Also available will be the Premium Add-Ons Bundle, which is all the bonus content (Race Day Car Pack, Car Pass, VIP Membership and Welcome Pack) together as one package to purchase.

Forza Motorsport will be available on Xbox Series X/S and PC from October 10*


Sonic Superstars

A new spin on an old tale from the world of Sonic awaits. In Sonic Superstars, players will adventure through the Northstar Islands as they try and thwart the plans of Dr. Robotnik. With the villain set on turning all the island’s inhabitants into Badniks, it will be up to Sonic and his friends to make their way through the various parts of the islands to save the animals. With new powers, new abilities and new locations to explore in classic Sonic style, players new and old will have something to enjoy with this adventure – an adventure which can now be shared with up to 3 friends in co-op play.

Players who pre-order will receive a LEGO Eggman In-game character skin, with a reversible cover available on physical copies Also available as a pre-order bonus via select retailers will be a Sonic Superstars acrylic stand. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the game, digital artbook, mini soundtrack, bonus main menu wallpapers, bonus skins and the LEGO Fun Pack – which features LEGO style in-game character skins.

Sonic Superstars will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC from October 17*


Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Swing back into action in this action-packed sequel. Taking place around 10 months after the events of Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 follows both Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they adjust to their new normal in New York. The city soon comes under threat from a force known as the “Hunters”, who have come in search of superpowered beings. Led by the ruthless Kraven, the Hunters will stop at nothing to snare their prey, putting the entire city in danger. The arrival of Kraven is not the only problem Miles and Peter have to face, as the symbiote Venom has also been lurking in the shadows of the city that never sleeps.

Players who pre-order via select retailers will receive a prequel comic and Spider-Bot key chain with their purchase. Players who pre-order any edition will receive 3 bonus skill points, a Web Grabber gadget and 2 early unlock suits: Arachknight and Shadow-Spider. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the game, 10 bonus suits (five for Peter & five for Miles), 2 extra skill points and a host of additional Photo Mode items. The Collector’s Edition includes a copy of the game, all of the content in the Digital Deluxe Edition, SteelBook case and a 19-inch statue of Peter and Miles battling against Venom all in a collector’s box.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will be available on PlayStation 5 from October 20*


Ghostrunner 2

Blood will run in this fast-paced slasher adventure. Ghostrunner 2 is set in a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk world when the fight to survive is constant. As Jack, players will start out in Dharma Tower, the former domain of the tyrannical Keymaster. Now the last refuge of mankind, it is under threat from the ranks of a violent AI cult who look to shape the future of humanity. Armed with his trusty sword, Jack will venture outside the tower to explore the world around the tower, battling on the ground and on the road with a new challenge around every corner.

Players who pre-order will receive the Traditional Katana Pack, featuring the Red Eye and Golden sword and hand skins. The Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the game, a hand hologram with Gamertag and four additional sword and hand skin packs. The Brutal Edition includes the game with 48 hours Early Access, all standard and deluxe content, Design 24A motorcycle skin, Aqua Animated sword and hand skin, and the Season Pass – which includes a new game mode and 4 cosmetic packs with a host of sword, hand and motorcycle skins.

Ghostrunner 2 will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC from October 26*


Alan Wake 2

A whole new world of horror beckons in this much-awaited sequel. Set 13 years after the events of the first game, Alan Wake 2 introduces players to FBI Agent Saga Anderson as she travels to Bright Falls, Washington. While investigating a murder case in the town, Saga soon realises that there is more to this case and how it may be connected to Alan Wake and his works. Within the world of nightmares in the Dark Place, Wake is trying to concoct his escape from the twisted reality he has been trapped in for the last 13 years. Using the little power he has left, he has been writing pages of a story which will end with his release – pages which soon find their way to Saga in the real world.

Players who pre-order will receive a bonus revolver skin for Alan and Survivor Resources pack and a bonus sweater for Saga. The Deluxe Edition includes a digital copy of the base game, the Expansion Pass, bonus shotgun skins for Alan and Saga, additional clothes for Alan and Saga and a Lantern charm for Saga.

Alan Wake 2 will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC from October 27*


Free to Play

On PlayStation, three titles will be available to download and keep for free on all tiers of a PlayStation Plus subscription. From October 3* until November 6* The Callisto Protocol, Farming Simulator 22 and Weird West will be available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

Over on Prime Gaming, there are six games up for grabs during October to those with connected Amazon Prime and Twitch accounts. Those titles are:

  • GRUNND (October 5*)
  • Ghostwire: Tokyo (October 5*)
  • The Comas 2: Vicious Sisters Deluxe Edition (October 12*)
  • Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp (October 12*)
  • The Textorcist: The Story of Ray Bibbia (October 19*)
  • Super Adventures Hand (October 26*)

Details on how to claim these titles – along with drops for Honkai Star Rail, Overwatch 2, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty and more – can be found on the Prime Gaming website.


Also Released This Month

October 2* – Bilkins’ Folly (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Dinky Guardians (PC)

October 3* – Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Scorn (PS5), Silent Hope (Switch, PC), the Lamplighters League (Xbox Series X/S, PC), Trepang2 (Xbox Series X/S, PS5) Paleo Pines: The Dino Valley (PS4), Everspace 2: Stellar Edition (Xbox Series X/S, PS5)

October 4* – Mike Mignola’s Hellboy Web of Wyrd (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Worldless (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Warhammer 40,000: Darktide (Xbox Series X/S)

October 5* – Front Mission 2: Remake (Switch), The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope (Switch), Wargroove 2 (Switch, PC), Cricket 24 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch), Bang-On Balls: Chronicles (Xbox One, PS4, PC, Switch), My Little Universe (Switch), The sisters 2: Road to Fame (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC)

October 6* – Borderlands 3 (Switch), Detective Pikachu Returns (Switch), NHL 24 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5), Sword Art Online: Last Recollection (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC), Fort Solis Limited Edition (PS5), Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos (Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch), Absolute Drift (Switch)

October 9* – Land of the Vikings (PC)

October 10* – Lil Gator Game (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5), Roblox (PS4), Wild Card Football (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, PC), Space Wreck (PC), The Troop (PC), Humankind: Heritage Deluxe Edition (PS5)

October 11* – Total War: Pharoah (PC), Honkai: Star Rail (PS5)

October 12* – Haunted House (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), River City: Rival Showdown (PS4, Switch, PC), Talisman – 40th Anniversary Edition (PS4, PC, Switch), dino Ranch: Ride to the Rescue (Switch), Skabma Snowfall (PS4, PS5, Switch)

October 13* – Batman: Arkham Trilogy (Switch), Lords of the Fallen (Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC), the Grinch: Christmas Adventures (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Switch), Red Dead Redemption (PS4, Switch), Transformers: EarthSpark – Expedition (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch)

October 16* – SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake (Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5)

October 17* – Cyber Knights: Flashpoint (PC, Mac, iOS, Android), Skull Island: Rise of Kong (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Wizard With a Gun (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC), The Caligula Effect 2 (PS5)

October 18* – Slender: The Arrival (Xbox Series X/S, PS5)

October 19* – Endless Dungeon (Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova (PC), Gangs of Sherwood (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC), Gargoyles Remastered (Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Switch, PC), Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Overpass 2 (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC), The 7th Guest VR (Quest, PC, PS VR2), The Gap (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC), The Jackbox Party Pack 10 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), World of Horror (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Inescapable: No Rules, No Rescue (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Cavern of Dreams (PC), Forgive me Father (PS4, PC, Switch), Overpass 2 (Xbox Series X/S, PS5), Agatha Christie: Murder on the Orient Express Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch), Frank and Drake (PS4, PS5, Switch)

October 20* – Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Switch), Cattails: Wildwood Story (PC), Slay The Princess (PC), Tennis on Court (PS VR2), Werewolf: The Apocalypse (Switch)

October 24* – Cities: Skylines II (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC), Just Dance 2024 (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC), Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Volume 1 (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, PC), Crymachina (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Vertigo 2 (PS VR2), The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria (PS5, PC)

October 26* – BattleCakes (PC), Dave The Diver (Switch), Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord (Quest, PS VR2), Mineko’s Night Market (Xbox One, PS4, PS5), Bahnsen Knights (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Train sim Deluxe (PS4, PS5), War Hospital: Deluxe Edition (Xbox Series X/S, PS5)

October 27* – EA Sports UFC 5 (Xbox Series X/S, PS5), Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures (Switch), Trolls Remix Rescue (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch), Star Trek Resurgence (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5), Kraken Odyssey (Switch), Akka Arrh Special Edition (PS5), Weird West: Definitive Edition (PS5)

October 30* – Resident Evil Village (iOS), Resident Evil Village: Winters’ Expansion (iOS)

October 31* – Jusant (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC), Headbangers Rhythm Royale (Switch), Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC)

*Dates refer to UK release dates only. International dates may vary and are subject to change. Information correct at time of writing.

Words by Megan Roxburgh


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