After a busy September that included hits like Deathloop and Tales of Arise, October 2021 is continuing the trend of major fall video game releases. From major remasters to new entries in beloved franchises and beyond, this month is packed with exciting new releases for all major platforms.
Whether you’re a fan of Marvel Comics or have been waiting years for the next new 2D Metroid game, there’s something to look forward to in October 2021. Here are the 11 biggest games coming this month.
Alan Wake Remastered
Releasing October 5 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
One of the most exciting announcement of September was Alan Wake Remastered, which will bring Remedy Entertainment’s beloved third-person psychological horror game from the Xbox 360 era to modern consoles. The game follows the titular thriller writer as he finds himself experiencing events from his own novel while investigating his wife’s mysterious disappearance. In addition to upgrading the game’s visuals, Alan Wake Remastered will include the original’s DLC and commentary from writer Sam Lake. This will also be the first time the game is available on PlayStation consoles, having previously been an Xbox and PC exclusive.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
Releasing October 5 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch
Just in time for the series’ 20th anniversary, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania will bring the unique and colorful platformer to modern hardware. Banana Mania is a remaster of the first three Monkey Ball console games in which players must navigate a character across platforms and obstacles by tilting the stage itself. In addition to rebalancing old stages to be easier — keeping the original ones intact through “Original Stage Mode” — Banana Mania adds new modes and guest characters like Sonic the Hedgehog and Yakuza‘s Kazuma Kiryu.
Far Cry 6
Releasing October 7 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Stadia
After some delays, the next entry in Ubisoft’s Far Cry series will finally bring players to the fictional Caribbean island of Yara ruled by dictator Antón Castillo, played by Giancarlo Esposito. As guerilla fighter Dani Rojas, Far Cry 6 players will have to work to topple the tyrant’s regime using makeshift weapons and gaining allies to help in the revolution. Dani will fight through jungles and the streets of the capital city Esperanza with the series’ expected blend of intense weapons and quirkier elements like a pet crocodile and an adorable two-legged dog named Chorizo.
Metroid Dread
Releasing October 8 for Nintendo Switch
After nearly 20 years, Metroid fans will finally be able to play a new 2D entry in October with the release of Metroid Dread — a game that was long thought to be dead before it was announced during Nintendo’s E3 2021 Direct. Dread is set to be the conclusion of the series’ main story and will see Samus exploring the planet ZDR while trying to escape the terrifying EMMI robots. It will add stealth to the expected and iconic Metroid gameplay as Samus hides from the near-indestructible machines. Metroid Dread will release alongside two new amiibo the provide potentially game-breaking benefits.
Back 4 Blood
Releasing October 12 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
The wait for a spiritual successor to Left 4 Dead is almost over. Developed by the creators of that game, Back 4 Blood contains largely similar gameplay, from its four player co-op and eight player PvP to its zombie apocalypse setting. However, Back 4 Blood is bringing some new elements into the mix like cards, which will adjust things like a player’s health, damage and stamina. Enemies will also have Corruption cards that work against the players. Back 4 Blood looks to be a strong multiplayer shooter releasing just in time for the Halloween season.
Resident Evil 4 VR
Releasing October 21 for Oculus VR
Another horror game releasing just in time for Halloween, Resident Evil 4 VR will give player a new, immersive way to experience one of the franchise’s most beloved entires. Set in a rural Spanish village, RE4 follows Agent Leon Kennedy as he rescues Ashley Graham from a mysterious cult. The original GameCube game redefined the third-person shooter and survival horror genres back in 2005, influencing games like The Last of Us, Dead Space and this year’s Resident Evil Village.
Tandem: A Tale of Shadows
Releasing October 21 for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch
One of this month’s most intriguing indie games is a unique puzzle platformer called Tandem: A Tale of Shadows. Developed by Monochrome Paris, Tandem combines a Tim Burton-esque art-style with light manipulation puzzles as players help Emma and her teddy bear companion Fenton navigate a labyrinthian mansion. CBR went hands-on with the game, calling it “incredibly enjoyable thanks to an engaging art style and some genuinely fun puzzles.”
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
Releasing October 26 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy was one of the most exciting surprises of this year’s E3. While the previous Square Enix-published Marvel game proved controversial, Guardians looks to be something entirely different — and it’s better for it. Rather than switching between characters, players will control Peter Quill a.k.a Star-Lord as he leads the team through cosmic missions to save the galaxy from supervillains in this single-player, story-centric adventure. As Peter, players will have to make difficult decisions that effect the story and their relationships with the other Guardians — expect the team’s usual bickering, sense of humor and, of course, lots of classic rock music.
Age of Empires IV
Releasing October 28 for PC
Real-time strategy game fans should look forward to Age of Empires IV, the long-awaited follow-up to 2005’s AoE III. Set in the Middle Ages, the game has a campaign that tells a story about the Norman Conquest of England and takes mechanics from Age of Empires II. At launch, players will be able to choose between the English, the Chinese, the Mongols, the Delhi Sultanate, the French, the Abbassid Dynasty, the Holy Roman Empire and the Rus, though Age of Empires IV will likely receive plenty of post-launch content expansions and DLC like its predecessor.
Riders Republic
Releasing October 28 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Stadia
Far Cry 6 isn’t the only Ubisoft game launching in October, as the publisher is also releasing Riders Republic, a multiplayer sports game that was announced during the company’s September 2020 Ubisoft Forward. In it, 50 players (20 in the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions) will be able to compete in mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, wingsuit flying and rocket wingsuiting. There are also other modes, plus an open world setting that combines elements of various U.S. nation parks like Yosemite Valley and Sequoia Park.
Mario Party Superstars
Releasing October 29 for Nintendo Switch
Gamers looking for a new party game to enjoy with friends can look forward to Mario Party Superstars, which brings back five maps from the Nintendo 64 era games. Those who prefer to focus on mini-games choose “Mt. Minigames,” a new mode that allows players to experience the game in a new way. Unlike Super Mario Party, all of Superstars‘ modes will be available to play online at launch, and the game supports button controls rather than relying on the Joy Con.
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