IOI
We’re a few months away from a new year, and with it comes new games. But, if you’re like us, you don’t know what games to expect, and want to know more about the ones coming in by the end of the year. Here are a few to look forward to.
For the few months left of 2021, you’ll find everything worth waiting for – on every platform.
1. Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (Epic Games Store)
Released on September 21, 2021
Play as Kena, a young spirit guide who sets out to find a sacred mountain shrine in an abandoned village populated by trapped spirits in this new adventure from developer Ember Lab. We already immediately want a plushie of Kena’s Rot, who are adorable little fuzzy spirits. Throughout your journey, you will be able to collect Rot to enhance your abilities and alter the environment around you to progress. A lot of charm and Pikmin vibes can be found here.
2. Sable
Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC
Release date: September 23, 2021
Sable already looks and sounds very promising with its gorgeous art style, original soundtrack, and intriguing premise. Sable sets out on her “gliding,” which is said to be a rite of passage as she travels across expansive deserts from indie developer Shedworks. During your exploration of the landscape, you can proceed at your own pace while exploring it in any way you please. The nomad’s life is full of adventures, from riding your hoverbike (you have one) to climbing monuments and walking through ruins. You can also solve puzzles and help other nomads.
3. Far Cry 6
Platform(s): PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC
Release date: October 7, 2021
Yes, that’s correct. Once again, Far Cry is returning. The game takes place in the tropical paradise of Yara, where you take on the role of Yaran Dani Rojas. Your role is as a guerrilla fighter aiming to overthrow an oppressive regime led by Anton Castillo (played by Giancarlo Esposito). In his position as leader of the nation, Castillo is determined to restore Yara to its former glory, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.
4. Metroid Dread
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Release date: October 8, 2021
Upon release, a new 2D Metroid game will mark the first new Metroid game in 19 years. For the first time ever, Metroid Dread will bring the 2D Metroid games to the Switch, concluding a story that began way back in 1986. A few ideas are taken from the 3DS version of Metroid: Samus Returns, but there are also some borrowed from Alien: Isolation. As soon as they hear Samus moving through one of their patrol zones, they will hunt her down as one of the new robotic enemies known as the E.M.M.I. It may just be possible to escape from them using your new abilities such as a Phantom Cloak, which makes Samus invisible for a little while. Preparation is important, but also a lot of running.
5. Back 4 Blood
Platform(s): PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC
Release date: October 12, 2021
Like Left 4 Dead 3, Back 4 Blood is a four-player cooperative zombie game, but without the Valve involvement you would expect. A recent alpha of the game confirms that it has the same frantic energy, humor, distinctive style, and, of course, tons of zombies as the Left 4 Dead games. We’re in for a beautiful mess.
6. Battlefield 2042
Platform(s): PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC
Release date: October 22, 2021
In this near-future battlefield, we’re headed back into the past. Later this year, Battlefield 2042 will release with two all-out warfare modes: Conquest and Breakthrough which will allow 128 players to battle at once. In addition to Hazard Zone, there will also be more to come, but the real attraction is the variety of dynamic globe maps. As a result, players will be forced to constantly adapt to things such as sandstorms, rocket launches, and tornadoes, which will change battle conditions and gameplay challenges.
7. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
Platform(s): Xbox Series X, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC
Release date: October 26, 2021
The latest Marvel game, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, comes to us from Eidos Montreal. The game has you acting as Star-Lord, helping the Guardians fight off a problem that they themselves (accidentally) created. You will be able to command your team in battle and make decisions as Star-Lord. Also, the soundtrack is inspired by the 80s.
8. Solar Ash
Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC
Release date: October 26, 2021
Known as the Ultravoid, a rift in space that swallows entire worlds, Solar Ash is the latest game from Hyper Light Drifter. As the characters strive to evolve their struggle into something more hopeful, they must find solace in each other.
9. Age of Empires 4
Platform(s): PC
Release date: October 28, 2021
In Age of Empires 4, players will have the chance to explore history once again with campaigns covering eight civilizations ranging from Joan of Arc going up against the English to Genghis Khan conquering China. In your city, you’ll have to manage resources, build your army, and lead them into battle both on land and at sea. From the Dark Ages to the Renaissance, the campaign spans over 500 years in history, with 35 missions in total.
10. Riders Republic
Platform(s): PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, Stadia
Release date: October 28, 2021
A new social media site aimed at becoming your new favorite is on its way, called Riders Republic. Players can explore one of the most expansive worlds ever created by stitching together iconic national parks including Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton. A wide variety of sports are available in the game – biking, snowboarding, skiing, and even flying wingsuits – with plenty to get involved with. There will be plenty of things to discover – stunt parks, climbing mountains, collecting objects, or just discovering scenic spots.
11. Call of Duty: Vanguard
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One
Release date: November 5, 2021
Sgt. Arthur Kingsley of the UK’s 9th Parachute Battalion, Captain Wade Jackson of the US’s Scouting Squadron Six, Second Lieutenant Lucas Riggs of Australia’s 20th Battalion, and Lt. Polina Petrova of the Soviet 138th Rifle Division are among the four characters in Call of Duty: Vanguard, whose stories are based on real fighters. It appears to be one of the best-looking new-gen games yet, as it looks to explore the horrors of war through the eyes of some of the untold stories of the time.
12. Jurassic World Evolution 2
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One Release date: November 9, 2021
As we go deeper and bigger than ever before, Jurassic World Evolution 2 brings more dinosaur park action. The game’s campaign will be expanded to include more dinosaur breeds, biomes for your enclosures, and customization options. You will also be able to replay moments from the Jurassic Park / Jurassic World movies with a new Chaos Theory feature, giving you a chance to experience some amazing ‘what if’ moments.
13. Forza Horizon 5
Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC
Release date: November 9, 2021
This year’s Forza Festival takes place in Mexico this year! The Xbox Series X graphical showcase will move to South America later this year with Forza Horizon 5. With the variety of biomes to explore in Mexico, developer Playground Games promises this is its biggest, funnest, and most diverse title to date. In addition, more character creation options will be available, as well as region-specific weather systems.
14. Halo Infinite
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Release date: December 8, 2021
A curious new sub-header, as well as the use of Slipspace, makes it seem as if Master Chief’s next adventure will be more open-ended and sandbox-like, or at least MMO-like. He may also be experiencing technological downgrades in that shot, though plot details are still sketchy. MMO or otherwise, Halo: Infinite might be the Halo revival everyone was hoping for.
