Well, we hope that you’ve invented a way to stop time, or at least double the length of each day, because otherwise your backlog is going to get far bigger. Far, far bigger. September’s lineup of games is nothing short of brutal and we don’t think it’s humanly possible to play them all.
There’s Nobunaga’s Ambition’s long-awaited return to English, Metal Gear Solid V itself, multiple anticipated rhythm games and a new Danganronpa title. There’s Senran Kagura, a wave of new sports games and Mario Maker, which is going to indulge everyone’s dream of making their own devious Mario levels.
Yes, it’s a big month for games indeed. Enjoy!
Note: Release dates are based on the US release. They may be different for Europeans, Australians, New Zealanders, and those in other regions.
Nobunaga’s Ambition: Sphere of Influence – PS3, PS4, PC – Release Date 1/9/2015
After six years of absence in North America Nobunaga’s Ambition returns. For anyone not familiar with the series, these are very deep strategy titles set in the Sengoku era (15th-16th century) of Japan. That’s the same era as the Samurai Warriors series, if you’re keeping track. If you like Japanese history or are a fan of strategy games, be sure to give Nobunaga’s Ambition a try.
Related reading: Check out Nick’s preview here.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain – PS3, PS4, 360, XB1, PC – Release Date 1/9/2015
One of the biggest games coming out this year. Metal Gear Solid V may be the last Metal Gear game made by Hideo Kojima, given his apparent falling out with Konami, which makes it an even bigger deal than it already was. Luckily The Phantom Pain looks absolutely stunning. It will be the first Metal Gear game set in an open world, and is surely going to be a contender for game of the year.
Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls – Vita – Release Date 1/9/2015
Unlike previous Danganronpa games, this will not be a visual novel. Instead it is a third-person adventure game with horror and action elements. You will play as Komaru Naegi as she tries to survive in a city full of Monokuma robots. The game takes place a half a year after the events of the first game, but prior to the events of the second game.
Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX – 3DS – Release Date 8/9/2015
A game that has Matt muttering “ohboyohboyohboyohboy” on repeat for months now, and after a very unfortunate delay that nearly sent him mad, Hatsune Miku is back and this time she’s landed on the 3DS. Project Mirai DX features forty-eight songs and can be played on “Touch Mode” or “Button Mode.” There is a lot to this game, and Matt’s need for an intervention aside, who doesn’t love Miku?
Related reading: Check out Miku on the PlayStation Vita too!
Tearaway Unfolded – PS4 – Release Date 8/9/2015
Tearaway Unfolded is a retelling of the original Vita game with a new extended storyline that will use the full power of the DualShock 4. Some of theses features include shining the light bar of the controller at your TV to help guide your little paper man through the dark – yes, incredibly, a game that actually uses that useless thing! If you haven’t played this yet, or are a fan of the original then be sure to give this a try.
Super Mario Maker – Wii U – Release Date 11/9/2015
Ever want to make your own Mario level? Well now you can! Mario Maker is an easy-to-use tool that lets players build their own levels in the style of Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros. U. Not a fan of making levels yourself? Well don’t worry, you can download and play other players levels. Expect to see some pretty crazy levels and, effectively, the first endless Mario game.
Senran Kagura 2 Deep Crimson – 3DS – Release Date 15/9/2015
Senran Kagura 2 is a 2.5D side-scrolling brawler sequel featuring 12 of the original ninja girls. This game directly follows the events of Senran Kagura Burst. For the first time in the series you can can fight in pairs. You can play as both switching between the two at will or you can play co-op with a friend. And did I mention the “bounce physics” and clothing damage are back?
Forza Motorsport 6 – XB1 – Release Date 15/9/2015
One of the big new features for Forza 6 will be wet-weather driving. Instead of just being a cosmetic way to give the scenery some variety, this year the wet track can affect the car. Go over a puddle too fast and you may hydroplane or skid on the wet roads. With more than 450 cars so there’s plenty for car fans out there.
Related reading: You can check out our full review of the games predecessor here.
Earth Defense Force 2: Invaders from Planet Space – Vita – Release Date 15/9/2015
A remake of a remake, EDF 2 first came out on the PS2 and then a remake of it was made for the PSP. Now it is getting a new Vita release. You can play with up to four friends in co-op mode. With over 70 missions to work through this series is well known for being pure brain candy – not the most in-depth franchise ever invented, but a whole lot of arcade-like fun.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 – PS3, PS4, 360, XB1, PC – Release Date 15/9/2015, PC Release Date 17/9/2015
One of two soccer (football, whatever you call it) games coming out this month. It’s the 20th anniversary of PES, and this year’s game will have a significantly improved collision system, enhanced 1v1 player control, celebration control, and many more new and improved features. PES 2016 will also exclusively retain the use of the UEFA Champions League club competition, which has always been the series’ strong point.
FIFA 16 – PS3, PS4, 360, XB1 – Release Date 22/9/2015
The second soccer game to be released this month. EA’s FIFA 16 will also add some new features, but the most impressive of these is that for the first time ever you can play as 12 women’s national teams. Other updates include improved defender’s skills, with more than 25 new features to increase defender agility, and change touch on ball that gives the players the ability to decide when to touch the ball. And if you’re new to FIFA, this one includes a training mode that can help improve basic to elite skills.
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer & Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer with NFC Reader – 3DS – Release Date 25/9/2015
A new spin-off to the Animal Crossing series, Happy Home Designer will have you designing homes for the animal villagers. You will be able to design the interior and exterior of homes. You will also be able to decorate the school, hospital and other public facilities. This will be the first game to use Amiibo cards. You can tap an Amiibo card to invite up to four characters into a room to hang out and call in animals that would otherwise not appear in your game.
LEGO Dimensions Starter Pack – PS3, PS4, 360, XB1, Wii U – Release Date 27/9/2015
Parents, hide your wallets! LEGO is getting into the toy video game business. Much like Skylanders you can buy new physical characters and levels to add to the game, but there are many licenses Lego has. You can add characters and levels such as Dr. Who, Scooby Doo, and Back to the Future. This looks like a fun game indeed, though it will cost a fortune.
Persona 4: Dancing All Night – Vita – Release Date 29/9/2015
As many of you may know this is another game Matt just can’t wait to get his hands on. Persona 4 is a whole new story that takes place after Persona 4 Golden. It features all the returning cast of characters that people loved from the original, and all the music is remixes of that incredible soundtrack that helped make the original Persona 4 one of the finest games ever.
Samurai Warriors 4-II – PS4 – Release Date 29/9/2015
Samurai Warriors 4-II is not a continuation of Samurai Warriors 4 but more of a new take. Players will pick a character and play out scenarios that will have different progression, depending on the character you selected. And for the first time ever you will be able to play as General Naomasa Ii. Knowing Matt is a fan of Samurai Warriors it will seem he will have a busy month.
Related reading: You can see our review of the original Samurai Warriors 4 here.
Other Releases
Mad Max – PS4, XB1, PC – Release Date 1/9/2015
Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons – PS4, XB1 – Release Date 1/9/2015
Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader – 3DS, PC – Release Date 8/9/2015
NHL 16 – PS4, XB1 – Release Date 15/9/2015
NHL Legacy Edition – PS3, 360 – Release Date 15/9/2015
The Disgaea Triple Play Collection – PS3 – Release Date 15/9/2015
Destiny: The Taken King Legendary Edition – PS3, PS4, 360, XB1 – Release Date 15/9/2015
Skylanders SuperChargers Starter Pack – PS3, PS4, 360, XB1, Wii, Wii U, 3DS, iPad – Release Date 20/9/2015
Skylanders Superchargers Dark Edition Starter Pack – PS3, PS4, 360, XB1, Wii U – Release Date 20/9/2015
Blood Bowl II – PS4, XB1, PC – Release Date 22/9/2015
The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 – PS4, XB1 – Release Date 22/9/2015
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 – PS4, XB1 – Release Date 29/9/2015
Fallout Anthology – PC – Release Date 29/9/2015
Grand Ages Medieval – PS4, PC – PC Release Date 9/25/2015, PS4 Release Date 29/9/2015
NBA Live 16 – PS4, XB1 – Release Date 29/9/2015
NBA 2K16 – PS3, PS4, 360, XB1, PC – Release Date 29/9/2015
– Jim S.
Contributor
