8. Sonic Forces

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC Release Date: November 7, 2017

The Sonic Cycle is a well-known Internet phenomena, but for the most part recent Sonic games have really stepped up in quality. From the brilliant Sonic Mania to Sonic Generations and Colors, a lot of recent Sonic titles have been a lot more enjoyable for blasting around at insane speeds. Sonic Forces returns to the Generations formula with Modern and Classic stages as well as the ability to play as custom characters. While the taste of allowing people to bring their Sonic OCs to life in as official Sonic game is questionable, this one still looks pretty fun if you can look past the sometimes-corny seriousness in favor of the solid gameplay beneath.

7. Ruiner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmfMkdfrnKY

Platform(s):  PC, PS4, Xbox One Release Date: September 26, 2017

Ruiner is a fast-paced, top-down shooter/brawler with an excellent dystopian cyberpunk setting and an awesome soundtrack. The gameplay itself probably won’t be too revolutionary, but the presentation and soundtrack alone elevate this game to be at least worth checking out.

6. South Park: The Fractured but Whole

WARNING FOR VIDEO BELOW: STRONG LANGUAGE

Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One Release Date: October 17, 2017

The Fractured but Whole is South Park in video game form. For any who played Stick of Truth, you can expect similar elements here. About a season’s worth of South Park content has been jammed into a video game with presentation that looks like it’s straight out of the TV show. Instead of the Paper Mario-esque turn-based battle system of the previous game, however, this one uses grid-based strategy gameplay for its battles. While I prefer the simpler battle system of the previous game, this one looks like it has potential for a lot of fun and laughs, too.

5. Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Platform(s):  Nintendo Switch Release Date: December 1st, 2017

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a direct sequel to Xenoblade Chronicles for the Wii. The original Xenoblade starred a charistmatic cast of characters with a massive, beautiful world that stretched the limits of what the Wii was capable of. Because of this I have a lot of optimism for Xenoblade 2, especially since I’ll be able to take it wherever I like with the Switch.

4. Star Wars Battlefront II

Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One Release Date: November 17, 2017

Star Wars Battlefront II is the second game in the rebooted Battlefront series, and this time around it looks to be much more content-rich than its predecessor, which many complained felt too barebones for a multiplayer shooter. Battlefront II seeks to change this, not only by expanding content in the base game but also to allow all players to enjoy free DLC. There are microtransactions for faster progression, but for the most part people should be able to enjoy all the game’s content without needing to pay extra past the initial purchase.

3. Destiny 2

Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One Release Date: September 5, 2017

At the time of writing Destiny 2 is actually already out. While the original Destiny did get a large fanbase, the game’s critical reception turned lukewarm over time, especially when it became particularly repetitive and grind-y. Addressing these concerns, Bungie has come back with Destiny 2, hoping to improve on the original in every way possible and win its way back into the hearts of gamers everywhere. If you like MMORPG shooters and don’t mind a little grinding, Destiny 2 may well be a good pick for you.

2. Cuphead

Platform(s): Xbox One, PC Release Date: September 29, 2017

Cuphead is a marvel. It’s a 2D sidescroller, yes, but it’s a sidescroller that perfectly imitates retro animation for its art style, making a player feel like they’re playing a classic cartoon come to life. Plus, impressions on the gameplay are actually pretty positive, so it should be a treat as both a visual experience and a game.

1. Super Mario Odyssey

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch Release Date: October 27, 2017

Super Mario Odyssey is a return to form for 3D Mario titles. In recent years, 3D Mario games have become mission-based, more or less, focusing on individual stages of platforming challenges (like the games of old) rather than exploring huge 3D worlds as seen in Mario 64 and Sunshine. Odyssey brings that back, to great applause, with one great twist on the power-up mechanic that I don’t want to spoil here if you haven’t seen it. Go ahead and watch the trailer above to find out what I’m talking about. Odyssey looks like it’s going to be crazy fun, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it this October.

Conclusion

There are a few games that didn’t get a mention here – A Hat In Time, for instance, is also releasing early October and looks like it’s going to be a blast to play. What do you think of my list? What would you add? Comment below and let us know!