Knack 2
(Sept. 5 – PS4)
September 2017 Games to Look Forward To
Knack was one of the PS4’s exclusive launch titles, well before the console broke 50 million sales. It was an interesting brawler that hearkened back to the days where games were just a bit tougher. While Knack was cute on the surface, you could find yourself dying quite often as you used Knack’s ability to absorb relics to grow really, really big, or shed them all to become really, really small.
Knack 2 is set to build on the foundation that the first game laid out. It’s still bringing a lot of the growing and shrinking that was key to world navigating and combat, but it’s also doubling down on co-op experiences, making for a much more involved multiplayer game. With new skills to unlock, beautiful animations, and the fact that this is a very family friendly experience to enjoy with any children in your life, you may want to keep this PS4-exclusive on your radar.
Destiny 2
(Sept. 6 – PS4, Xbox One)
September 2017 Games to Look Forward To
Destiny 2 is one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2017. Players once again take on the role of a guardian, only this time you’ve been kicked out of your safe haven, the Tower, by Dominous Ghaul. Ghaul is a ruthless Cabal leader who seeks to claim the power you hold so dear and is willing to stop at nothing to make that happen. To help you get revenge, you’ll have some new powers to discover, a suite of new weapons and armor, as well as new NPCs to deal with.
Bungie has also stepped things up on the exploration and grind side of things. There are plenty of new activities to dive into and you’ll be rewarded for all of them. There are also some tweaks on the PvP side of things, so competitive players are definitely not being left behind.
If you’re a fan of the original, chances are you already have this preordered. If you weren’t, though, you may want to consider this one. Destiny 2 is beginner-friendly and addresses a lot of the shortcomings of the first game. If you’ve been looking to see what all the fuss is about, this is a perfect time to jump in.
Monster Hunter Stories
(Sept. 8 – 3DS)
September 2017 Games to Look Forward To
Monster Hunter Stories is a new take on the beloved Monster Hunter series. While taking down large beasts and using them to create powerful gear is still part of the experience, some elements take on a more traditional RPG approach.
Battles in Monster Hunter Stories are turn-based, so there’s a new type of strategy that you’ll need to employ, rather than simply dodging and taking pot shots at creatures. Also, you’ll be able to collect monsters and make them your friends by stealing their eggs and hatching them. Once you do, you can ride them, fight alongside them, or just have fun with them.
If you love the series but have been looking for a new way to enjoy it, then Monster Hunter Stories is a must-buy for your 3DS.
Metroid: Samus Returns
(Sept. 15 – 3DS)
September 2017 Games to Look Forward To
The Nintendo 3DS isn’t done with your wallet just yet when it comes to September 2017. After diving into Monster Hunter Stories and collecting some fantastic-looking monsters, it’s time to set your sights on the stars. Nintendo is remaking the 1991 classic Metroid II: Return of Samus with tons of new upgrades to bring the title to the modern age.
Players will be able to shoot freely in all angles, make use of new Aeion abilities, and even take advantage of mechanics that weren’t introduced to the series until after Metroid II such as the Grapple Beam. If you’ve never played the classic (or the series in general), we implore you to keep an eye out for this. Metroidvania is called such for a reason, so it’s time to enjoy one of the games that made it such a well-known genre.
Pokken Tournament DX
(Sept. 22 – Switch)
September 2017 Games to Look Forward To
Pokemon is one of the most popular video game franchises in the world, with plenty of core titles and no shortage of spin-offs. One such spin-off, Pokken Tournament, is a fighting game developed by Bandai Namco that has players actually take control of a Pokemon in order to duke it out with another. It sounded weird at first, but in practice, it’s actually pretty darn awesome. Originally released on the Wii U, Nintendo has decided to port it over to the Switch.
There are more than just visual upgrades in this definitive edition, though. Players will now have access to all of the extra arcade characters (Croagunk, Empoleon, Darkrai, and Scizor), as well as a Switch exclusive, Decidueye. If you love Pokemon or fighting games (or both), you may want to set a few dollars aside for this Switch exclusive.
Project Cars 2
(Sept. 22 – PS4, Xbox One, PC)
September 2017 Games to Look Forward To
If you’re into racing simulations, Project Cars 2 is a game that needs to be on your radar. While many games go the arcade or sim-light route, Project Cars 2 is all about realism. This means cars perform how they’re supposed to, the terrain you drive on responds realistically, and everything is presented in stunning, photorealistic graphics.
Of course, as is the case with any true racing sim, this game isn’t exactly easy. It’s not for the faint of heart in any way, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid it. If you’re up for a challenge, go put on your best driving gear and hit the track on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
Cuphead
(Sept. 29 – Xbox One, PC)
September 2017 Games to Look Forward To
It’s been a long time since Cuphead was revealed back during Microsoft’s E3 2014 press conference. A few things have changed for the game, but one thing has remained constant leading up to Cuphead’s upcoming release – everyone wants to play it.
For those not in the know, Cuphead is a run and gun platformer from Studio MDHR Entertainment. Players take control of the eponymous hero as he finds himself constantly falling into trouble. The only way out is to shoot his way out as players take on hordes of enemies and cleverly designed bosses all set to a 1930s cartoon aesthetic. Oh, and if you think this is all going to be a simple affair, prepare yourself for a challenge and maybe even bring a friend because Cuphead takes no prisoners.
The Xbox One has had a bit of a dry spell when it comes to exclusives in 2017, but I can’t think of a better way to break the seal than with such a fun and engaging side-scrolling experience.
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