If there were any doubts before, it is now evident that the influx of fall video game releases is finally underway. September 2023 saw the arrival of highly anticipated games that made it nearly impossible to keep up with all of them. As we venture into October and November, the momentum shows no signs of slowing down. While this may be bad news for your ever-growing backlog of games, the silver lining is that there is no shortage of exceptional titles to catch up on. This month showcased a wide range of high-quality games across various genres, from expansive RPGs to experimental indies. To help you navigate through the extensive list, here are seven games that stood out the most to us this month. It is highly recommended that you check out at least a few of them while you still have time, as October is shaping up to be another busy month.

1. Starfield – Bethesda Game Studios: One of the year’s most highly anticipated game launches occurred this month with the release of Starfield from Bethesda Game Studios. While the game may not have fully lived up to the hype in some aspects, it is still an immense sci-fi RPG worth immersing yourself in. If you are a fan of Bethesda’s previous RPGs, you will find plenty to love in Starfield. This game offers a sublime experience that captures the boundless wonders of the universe, pushing the limits of what’s possible in video games.

2. Mortal Kombat 1 – WB Games: Following Street Fighter 6, the golden age of fighting games continues with Mortal Kombat 1. Developed by NetherRealm Studios, this latest installment maintains the violent and intense nature of the franchise while introducing new mechanics, such as an assist character system. Although the story mode and Invasions may be somewhat lackluster, at its core, Mortal Kombat 1 remains a thoroughly entertaining fighting game that engages fans for hours.

3. Chants of Sennaar – Focus Interactive: One of the standout games of the year released this month, but it may not be the game you were expecting. Chants of Sennaar, developed by Rundisc and Focus Interactive, revolves around language as its main narrative and gameplay element. As players uncover foreign languages, they gain the ability to solve puzzles and delve deeper into the game’s world. This puzzle-adventure highlights the nuance and complexity of communication, exploring how language can be both a celebration of culture and a tool of oppression.

4. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty – CD Projekt Red: Cyberpunk 2077, infamous for its troubled launch, has finally received its expansion and a 2.0 update addressing many player frustrations. Although it has been almost three years since the game’s initial release, Cyberpunk 2077 now seems to be in a state that satisfies both developers and players. The Phantom Liberty Expansion offers new story content, including the involvement of Idris Elba, and introduces the new area of Night City called Dogtown.

5. El Paso, Elsewhere – Strange Scaffold: If you enjoy indie games inspired by classic video games, El Paso, Elsewhere is a must-play. This tense third-person shooter takes inspiration from the Max Payne series while weaving a deeply personal story about relationship trauma. Its aesthetics, gameplay, and narrative work in harmony to create an otherworldly experience that leads players into the protagonist’s literal and emotional hell.

6. Lies of P – Neowiz: For fans of Soulslike games, Lies of P is a unique and eccentric entry that stars a character resembling Timothée Chalamet. This game skillfully captures the essence of FromSoftware’s Bloodborne, incorporating fascinating settings, atmospheric elements, and gameplay mechanics that put a twist on the genre. While some boss fights may become frustrating, that is part of the charm and enjoyment that Lies of P offers.

It’s clear that September brought forth a remarkable lineup of games across various genres. These seven standout titles offer diverse experiences that are worth exploring. Whether you’re diving into the vastness of space in Starfield, embracing the brutality of Mortal Kombat 1, unraveling the mysteries of language in Chants of Sennaar, delving back into Cyberpunk 2077 with the Phantom Liberty expansion, immersing yourself in the personal journey of El Paso, Elsewhere, or challenging yourself with the unique gameplay of Lies of P, there’s a game for everyone this month. Embrace the busy October ahead and make the most of these exceptional releases while you still can.

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