Although more and more high-quality games seem to be releasing in the Spring and Summer months, Fall remains one of the most important seasons for the gaming industry. Its proximity to holidays and events like Black Friday ensures it remains one of the hottest selling periods every year, and 2023 is no different. From theXbox console-exclusiveStarfieldto the PlayStation-exclusiveSpider-Man 2, plenty of high-quality games are releasing this Fall.
Indeed, there’s a little something for everyone. There will be massive RPGs, epic fighting games, new action-adventure games, horror games, platformers, and more, so whatever one’s personal taste, fall 2023 seems to be a home run. While it does remain to be seen how the latter part of this year plays out, many already consider2023 to be up there with 1998 and 2007 as some of the best years in gaming, and the games below (organized in alphabetical order) may be able to clutch that claim, barring any possible delays.
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The Most Anticipated Games of August 2023
It should be noted that August is considered a summer month, but we’d be remiss not to mention the upcomingreleases ofBaldur’s Gate 3andArmored Core 6. Both are hotly anticipated titles set to close out the summer.Baldur’s Gate 3is a CRPG with in-depth character creation, a deep and branching story, and unique character companions. It’s an absolute bonus that this game takes the rules ofD&D 5Eand effectively turns them into a full-blown video game. Fans of tabletop or RPGs in general are likely already watching this closely, as it has serious Game of the Year potential and is a major competitor toStarfield(especially since the PS5 version releases in September).
Meanwhile,Armored Core 6is the firstACgame in nearly a decade, with FromSoftware bringing back the franchise because it’s part of the studio’s core DNA. Players will be able to customize their mechs, get involved in highly technical and exhilarating combat scenarios, and ultimately influence the many ways the game can end. Indeed, even non-mecha fans should keep an eye on this, as it features the skill and expertise of FromSoftware on full display.
Baldur’s Gate 3releases on August 3 for PC and September 6 for PS5.Armored Core 6releases on August 25 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Starfield (September 6)
Counting September as the first Fall month means the first major title (and first official entry here) is the long-awaited release ofStarfield. The first new IP from Bethesda in decades,Starfieldsees the developer ofSkyrimandFallouttake to the stars in a quest to discover “what’s out there.” With intense character creation, an in-depth skill system, and plenty of Bethesda-style factions,Starfieldtells the story of a galaxy that has largely seen the end of space exploration. However,the Constellation factionis still seeking the answer to many questions lost to the stars, and that’s where the player character comes in. Of course, in true Bethesda fashion, it’s likely fans will be able to ignore this main quest and instead find themselves joyfully lost in this complex, beautiful universe.
Starfieldlaunches on September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
Mortal Kombat 1 (September 19)
Mortal Kombat 1takes place in a universe recreated by Fire God Liu Kang, one that is much more peaceful than past timelines. However, a threat comes from somewhere that Liu Kang could have never predicted, thus kicking off the events of this new fighting game. It’ll be interesting to see what happens, but the core improvements and innovations to its fighting game mechanics may be the biggest seller right now.
One example is its Kameo Fighter system, which essentially presents players with a secondary list of characters they can pair with their main fighter to create more dynamic gameplay systems. It also helps thatMortal Kombat 1is continuing its crossover legacy, asOmni-Man, Homelander, and Peacemaker are confirmed to join the first Kombat Packof DLC characters.
Mortal Kombat 1releases on September 19 on PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
Lies of P (September 19)
Evenamong Soulslike games, few titles manage to draw comparisons to one of the best PS4 games of that era,Bloodborne, butLies of Phas been doing that since day one. Its various weapons and crafting systems, a unique setting in the Belle Epoque period, and general vibes all point in that direction, but the game is its own thing too. Players take control of Pinocchio as he travels through the city of Krat and seeks to become a man by finding his creator Geppetto. In true Pinocchio fashion,Lies of Palso had a Lying System where players make certain decisions obviously based on truth and lies, with these choices directly contributing to its various endings.
Lies of Plaunches on September 19 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (September 26)
Constant updates and patches have made Cyberpunk 2077 a much better game to play, but its Phantom Liberty DLC will see it catapult forward. Not only will there be a new story revolving around a previously closed-off location, the president of the New United States, andIdris Elba character Solomon Reed, but core elements of the game are being overhauled. How cybernetics work, skill trees, the police system, NPCs, and much more are all being completely overhauled, meaning everyone who played before but dives in with this DLC will have effectively played two different games.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Libertyreleases on September 26 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Forza Motorsport (October 10)
Many fans know what to expect fromForza Motorsportthanks to the longevity of the franchise, but it’s all the content packed in and improved upon that defines this one. This includes, but is not limited to, 500+ vehicles, 800+ upgrades, real-time ray-tracing, improved damage and dirt build-up models, and definitive track life and weather effects. It’s easily one of the most gorgeous games set to release this year.
Forza Motorsportreleases on October 10 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage (October 12)
Assassin’s Creed Miragepeels back the deep RPG mechanicsofAC Origins, Odyssey,andValhallato give fans a more classic action-adventure title. While its gameplay is perhaps more akin to the Ezio trilogy, it still runs on the same engine as the recentACRPGs, so players will likely feel a difference. But this past and future mishmash thematically works well with the game’s core conceit.
In this title, players take on the role ofBasim (introduced inAC Valhalla) and explore his past in Baghdad, showing how he joined the Hidden Ones and confronted his demons. The recreation and sandbox of Baghdad is incredibly promising, and so is the short, direct gameplay presentation and style.
Assassin’s Creed Miragereleases on October 12 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Alan Wake 2 (October 17)
The long, long-awaitedAlan Wake 2moves the franchise from an action-adventure title down into the survival horror depths, with players able to play through two stories: Alan Wake’s and the story ofSaga Anderson, a “fictional” FBI character written by Wake. With this unique storytelling approach, the survival-based gameplay, detective elements, the Mind Place mechanic, the dialogue tree system, and more, it’s clear thatAlan Wake 2is more than prepared to live up to the incredibly high anticipation. Gamers may just want to leave the light on for this one, though.
Alan Wake 2releases on October 17 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (October 20)
Insomniac’s firstSpider-Mangame put the Webslinger at the forefront of gaming discussion, elevating his character to mascot status for Sony and PlayStation (alongside figures like Kratos and Aloy). The fun web-slinging, interactive sandbox, and engaging story made it a definitive release for PS4, and the follow-up inSpider-Man: Miles Moralesestablished Insomniac’s franchise potential here. Now,Marvel’s Spider-Man 2is seeking to do all that again, but better, with the power of the PS5. That’s a big ask, regardless of the hardware and technical improvements, but Insomniac is perhaps the best developer for this task. Betweenvillains like Kraven the Hunter and Venom, Peter Parker’s corruption by the symbiote suit, and the excellent character development and storytelling seen so far,Spider-Man 2more than deserves its place here.
To no one’s surprise, the recentSpider-Man 2PS5 plates sold out almost immediately. Not that it needs any more indication, but if the plates went like hotcakes, so too will the game.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2launches on October 20 for PlayStation 5.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (October 20)
Super Mario Bros. Wonderwill be the first side-scrolling platformer entryin the franchise in nearly 10 years, and while platforming may not be the most popular genre out there, Mario is always the exception. Except players won’t just be limited to Mario, they’ll be able to play as him, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, and Yoshi in a brand new adventure, complete with classic enemies, new power-ups, and local multiplayer fun. While a 2D Mario platformer has been rumored for a while now,Super Mario Bros. Wonderpays dividends on those who were invested and believed, catapulting itself straight onto this list with a single trailer.
