September’s gaming selections include some time-bending battles, embracing the power of emotion, defying the odds against queens, taking charge on and off the court, escaping fate, and discovering new worlds.
Life is Strange: True Colors
Unlock the power of emotions in this latest from Life is Strange. Playing as Alex Chen, a young woman reuniting with her brother Gabe, Life is Strange: True Colors takes players to the idyllic town of Haven Springs. Soon after settling in the Colorado hills, a tragic accident tears the siblings apart with Gabe’s death. Struggling to piece together what happened on that night, Alex must tap into her power of empathy, which fills Alex’s world with vibrant colours around those she talks to. Players must become attuned to Alex’s ability, as both negative and positive interactions shape the story.
The Standard Edition includes a copy of the game in either digital or physical form. The Deluxe Edition includes the game, four additional outfits for Alex and Life is Strange: Wavelengths – a bonus prequel story episode focusing on Steph. The Ultimate Edition includes all the content in the Deluxe Edition and will also include the remasters of both Life is Strange and Life is Strange: Before the Storm when they launch in 2022. Those who buy through select retailers will also receive a limited-edition Steelbook case with the game.
Life is Strange: True Colors will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch and Stadia from September 10*
Lost in Random
A roll of the dice can shape the world in this action-adventure title. Lost in Random follows the story of a young girl named Even. After her sister, Odd, is abducted by the Queen of Random Even sets out to travel through the six realms of Random to free her sister. Along the way, she encounters a host of colourful characters. Some will hinder Even’s quest while some will help. Her key ally is a sentient dice named Dicey, who can assist Even in her battle against the Queen’s forces.
With a blend of styles paying homage to stop motion, surreal animation and dark fairy tales, Lost in Random is the latest release from the EA Originals program, which seeks to promote upcoming and independent talent in game development. Lost In Random was also part of the official selection at the Tribeca Film Festival, competing for the Inaugural Tribeca Games Award.
Lost in Random will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC and Nintendo Switch from September 10*
NBA 2K22
Build your legacy on and off the court with this year’s NBA 2K release. In NBA 2K22, the play options are wide-reaching and varied to accommodate how players want to experience the world of the NBA and WNBA. MyTEAM allows the player to build their dream squads of players from across the years to put to the test against other players, MyCAREER puts players at the centre of the action to create their own ballers and experience their own rise to the NBA. Those looking to test their skills as a manager or coach, then MyGM and MyLEAGUE have you covered, with players able to step into the boardroom and make those crucial team-building decisions. NBA 2K22 will also feature a WNBA cover athlete for the first time, with Chicago Sky’s Candice Parker as the cover athlete for the WNBA 25th Anniversary Edition.
Players who pre-order any edition of the game will receive 5,000 virtual currency, 5.000 MyTEAM points, 10 MyTEAM Promo Packs (one a week), boosts for each MyCAREER skill type and each Gatorade Boost, a Luka Doncic MyPLAYER jersey and a Luka Doncic MyTEAM Free Agent Card. The Cross-Gen Bundle (available on PlayStation and Xbox as a digital-only title) includes 10,000 MyTEAM points, 10 MyTEAM tokens, Sapphire Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Durant MyTEAM cards, 22 MyTEAM promo packs (10 at launch then 3 per week), Diamond Jordan Shoe MyTEAM card, Coach Card MyTEAM pack, boosts, four cover athlete shirts for MyPLAYER, and a MyPLAYER backpack, arm sleeve and custom-design skateboard.
The NBA 75th Anniversary Edition includes a copy of the game (with a next-gen upgrade on Xbox and PlayStation), 100K virtual currency, 10L MyTEAM points, 10 MyTEAM tokens and all the content of the Cross-Gen bundle. The WNBA 25th Anniversary Edition includes a copy of the game, all pre-order bonuses and a set of seven additional WNBA jerseys in The W.
NBA 2K22 will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC and Nintendo Switch from September 10*
Deathloop
Break the cycle and escape in this high-octane adventure. In Deathloop, players take on the role of Colt, an assassin stuck on the island of Blackreef. Getting off the island isn’t going to be easy for Colt either – not only is he being hunted by a group of assassins hosting a never-ending party but he’s stuck in a time loop. If he doesn’t escape by midnight or is killed, then the loop restarts once again with colt retaining memories from the previous loop. Colt’s only hope of escape is taking out all his targets in a single run before time – or his luck – runs out.
Players who pre-order will receive a unique Royal Protector Machete weapon, exclusive Storm Rider character skin for Colt and one Trinket to equip for a buff. The Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the game, a selection of songs from the soundtrack, two Trinkets, Party Crasher character skin for Colt, Sharp Shooter character skin for Julianna and two unique weapons – the Eat The Rich Tribunal and .44 Karat Fourpounder. Those on PlayStation 5 with the Deluxe Edition will also receive the Transtar Trencher as a bonus weapon.
Deathloop will be available on PlayStation 5 and PC from September 14*
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Guide lost spirits to their rest in this action-adventure. In Kena: Bridge of Spirits, players are the titular Kena, a young girl who acts as a spirit guide between the physical and spirit worlds. After discovering a village tragically destroyed hundreds of years ago, Kena must work with the spirits she encounters on her journey to help them resolve the issues they had in life to allow them to pass to the spirit world. Among those Kena helps is Taro, a teenager who left behind two siblings and who has become restless in the afterlife.
Players who pre-order will unlock a collection of Celebration Hats for their companions. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the game, a digital copy of the game’s soundtrack, a Silver Staff for Kena, Golden Rot Skin and additional Rot hats.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC from September 21*
Lemnis Gate
The window of opportunity is small in this turn-based strategy. In Lemnis Gate, players are part of a team of operatives who battle across planets. In a shift to traditional FPS titles, teams will take turns to try and eliminate their opponents and win the battles. In a further twist in the tale, each turn takes place within the same 25 second period. This will mean players will be able to go over any details from the previous turn if they wish – including interacting with past versions of themselves and their enemies.
Players who pre-order will receive the Mettle Mantis skin set, including themed skins for operative and weapons. Players who pre-order via the official website will also receive a discount on the game’s full price.
Lemnis Gate will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC from September 28*
Free to Play
Players with either an Xbox Gold or Game Pass Ultimate subscription will receive four new games this month to add to their libraries for free. On Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, Warhammer: Chaosbane will be available from September 1-30* with Mulaka available from September 16 – October 15*. On Xbox 360 – and Xbox One & Xbox Series X/S via backwards compatibility – Zone of the Enders HD Collection will be available to claim between September 1-15*, followed by Samurai Shodown II from September 16-30*
Over on PlayStation, those with an active Plus subscription will be able to add three titles to their libraries for free this month across the PlayStation family. From September 7* Overcooked: All You Can Eat will be available on PlayStation 5, with Hitman 2 and Predator Hunting Grounds available on PlayStation 4.
Over on Prime Gaming, those with connected Amazon Prime and Twitch accounts will be able to add seven games to their libraries for free on PC. From September 1*, Knockout City, Sam & Max Hit the Road, Candleman: The Complete Journey, Puzzle Agent, Secret Files 2: Puritas Cordis, Tools Up! and Unmemory will be available to claim. Full details on how to claim these games – plus drops and bonuses for other titles including Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, Sea of Thieves, Valorant and Madden NFL 22 – can be found on the Prime Gaming website.
Also Released This Month
September 1* – Cookie Clicker (PC), Rogue Spirit (PC – Steam Early Access), Lake (Xbox Series X/S, PC)
September 2* – El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron (PC), Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous (PC), WRC 10 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC), RICO London (Xbox One, PS4, PC, Switch), Surgeon Simulator 2: Access All Areas (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
September 3* – Golf Club: Wasteland (Xbox One, PS4, Switch, PC), Kitaria Fables (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Switch), Arashi: Castles of Sin (PS4/PSVR), The Medium (PS5), Family Trainer (PS5)
September 7* – Sonic Colours: Ultimate (Xbox One, PS4, PC, Switch), F.I.S.T: Forged In Shadow Torch (PS4, PS5), Bus Simulator 21 (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
September 8* – Dull Grey (PC), Struggling (Xbox One, PS4)
September 9* – Ultra Age (PS4, Switch), The Artful Escape (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC), BloodRayne Betrayal: Fresh Bites (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Switch), Residual (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Switch)
September 10* – Tales of Arise (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC), WarioWare: Get It Together (Switch), Kraken Academy (PC), Chernobylite (PS4), Big Rumble Boxing: Creed Champions (Xbox One, PS4, Switch)
September 14* – Cruis’n Blast (Switch), Keywe (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5)
September 16* – Skatebird (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Switch, Luna), Eastward (PC, Switch), Panda Hero Remastered (PS5), Gamedec (PC), 3D Mini Golf (PS5), 3D Billiards: Pool & Snooker (PS5), Animal Kart Racer (PS5), Rims Racing (Switch)
September 17* – Aragami 2 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC), Nexomon (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch), Tales of Iron (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch), Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom Prince’s Edition (Switch), Lost Judgement (Xbox Series X/S, PS5), Oniria Crimes (PS4, Switch), Pecaminosa (PS4, Switch)
September 21* – Blood Bowl 3 (PC – Steam Early Access), Sheltered 2 (PC), World War Z: Aftermath (Xbox One, PS4)
September 23* – Sable (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC), Diablo 2: Resurrected (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Switch)
September 24* – Death Stranding: Director’s Cut (PS5), Lost Judgement (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5), Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot (Switch), Embr: Über Firefighters (PS4, Switch), Just Die Already (Xbox One, PS4, Switch), The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem (Xbox One, PS4, Switch), Lost Judgement (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5)
September 28* – New World (PC), Ghostrunner (Xbox Series X/S, PS5), Hercule Poirot: The First Cases (Xbox One, PS4, Switch), Poker Club (PS5), Crysis Remastered (Switch), Ori The Collection (Switch), Ghostrunner (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch), In Sound Mind (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch)
September 29* – Synthetik 2 (PC – Steam Early Access), Insurgency: Sandstorm (Xbox One, PS4)
September 30* – Rogue Lords (PC), Bonfire Peaks (PS4, PS5, PC, Switch), Asteria Ascending (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Switch), Hot Wheels Unleashed (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Switch), Demon Skin (Xbox One, PS4, Switch), V Rally 4 (Switch), Darksiders III (Switch), Crazy Chicken Shooter Bundle (PS5), Xuan Yuan Sword 7 (Xbox One, PS4), The Riftbreaker (Xbox Series X, PS5)
*Dates refer to UK release only. International dates may vary. Dates subject to change. Information correct at time of writing.
Words by Megan Roxburgh
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