Exploring the Exciting New Games of September 2020: A Deeper Dive
September 2020 marked a truly significant period for video game enthusiasts, as a diverse array of new titles and highly anticipated releases made their debut. For those who have just watched the accompanying video, a comprehensive overview of these standout games and their unique contributions to the gaming landscape is provided here. This article aims to expand upon the insights shared, offering further context and detailing what made these particular launches so noteworthy for players across various platforms.
1. Crusader Kings III: A Grand Strategy Masterpiece Arrives
On September 1st, 2020, PC gamers were introduced to Crusader Kings III, the latest installment in the revered grand strategy series. This title is set within the intricate political and social tapestry of the Middle Ages, allowing players to navigate complex dynastic sagas.
Significant improvements and additions were evident from early previews, including a detailed first-hour stream that showcased the learning curve and initial gameplay loops. It was also confirmed that a robust DLC strategy, similar to that which sustained Crusader Kings II for many years, would be implemented. This approach is widely appreciated by the community, as it consistently introduces fresh content and keeps the game engaging for a prolonged period.
2. WRC 9: Advancing the Rally Racing Experience
The World Rally Championship series continued its legacy with WRC 9, launching on September 3rd for most platforms. This franchise has a rich history, tracing its origins back to 2001, consistently striving for realism in its physics and overall gameplay. Although the previous entry, released in September 2019, faced some criticism regarding a repetitive career mode, expectations for WRC 9 were high regarding iterative improvements.
It was anticipated that the career mode would be significantly addressed, alongside the general enhancements typically observed in annual racing simulations. Impressively, WRC 9 was confirmed to feature all 13 scheduled rounds of the 2020 season, including iconic events such as the Safari Rally, Rally New Zealand, and Rally Japan. This commitment to authentic content made it a prominent rally game of the year, available across Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and later for Nintendo Switch.
3. Iron Harvest: Mechs in an Alternate 1920s Reality
King Art Games presented Iron Harvest, a real-time strategy (RTS) game, to PC, PS4, and Xbox One players on September 1st. This title transports players to an alternate 1920s history, offering a distinctive steampunk/dieselpunk aesthetic dominated by massive “mecha” units. The single-player campaign is loosely inspired by the Polish-Soviet War, a conflict of that era, yet reimagined with colossal mechanized warfare.
The game features various unit classes, including infantry, heroes, and the aforementioned mecha, promising a unique tactical dynamic not commonly found in the RTS genre. With three distinct factions, each possessing specific campaigns and multiplayer modes, a rich strategic experience was expected. Iron Harvest was notably a crowdfunded success, having raised an impressive $1.5 million, thereby setting high expectations for its innovative premise and execution.
4. Serious Sam 4: Unadulterated High-Octane Action
Despite a prior delay, Serious Sam 4 made its arrival on September 24th for Stadia and PC, reigniting the classic intense shooter series. This installment is recognized as a reboot, designed to deliver over-the-top, chaotic gameplay characterized by overwhelming hordes of grotesque monsters. The experience is often described as an amplified version of classic fast-paced shooters, offering an exhilarating and frenetic combat rhythm.
Players were eager to once again step into the shoes of Sam “Serious” Stone and confront outlandish threats with an arsenal of powerful weaponry. The game’s commitment to its signature style ensured that fans would find a familiar yet refreshed take on its much-loved brand of madness. This release was especially welcomed by those who appreciate unadulterated, high-octane action.
5. Marvel’s Avengers: Heroic Gameplay Meets Monetization Scrutiny
Marvel’s Avengers, launched on September 4th for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Stadia, proved to be a somewhat controversial title even before its release. Significant discussion was generated around its monetization decisions, which unfortunately overshadowed some of the game’s promising aspects. Despite these concerns, the core gameplay was consistently praised for its potential.
Combat mechanics were observed to take inspiration from successful action games, such as Insomniac’s Spider-Man title, adapting diverse attributes and abilities for various iconic Marvel characters. For instance, Black Widow’s gameplay demonstrations were widely noted for their fluidity and visual appeal. Many hoped that potential monetization issues would not detract from what appeared to be a strong underlying gameplay experience with considerable potential.
6. NBA 2K21: Visual Enhancements in the Basketball Arena
The latest iteration of the popular basketball simulation, NBA 2K21, arrived on September 4th for PS4 and Xbox One, with next-generation versions following at console launch. While limited information was initially available beyond a demo, a significant visual improvement over previous entries was widely acknowledged. Even against the backdrop of already visually impressive predecessors, NBA 2K21 demonstrated a noticeable leap in graphical fidelity.
Demos typically offer only a glimpse, making it challenging to fully assess extensive features like the career mode. However, despite the persistent concerns surrounding monetization in 2K Sports titles, the underlying basketball simulation was regarded as exceptionally strong. Many believed that this installment represented the pinnacle of the series to date, offering an all-around stock improvement from NBA 2K20.
7. Baldur’s Gate 3: A Legendary RPG Franchise Reborn
A monumental event for RPG fans occurred on September 30th with the early access release of Baldur’s Gate 3 on PC and Stadia. The return of this iconic franchise, after a long hiatus and a complex battle over intellectual property rights, was met with immense excitement. Larian Studios, celebrated for their work on Divinity: Original Sin II, was entrusted with the development. This decision was made by Wizards of the Coast, the owners of the Dungeons & Dragons and Baldur’s Gate licenses, who recognized Larian’s proven expertise in the genre.
The collaboration was widely considered a “match made in heaven,” given Larian’s innovative contributions to the RPG formula, particularly those seen in their Divinity series. Baldur’s Gate was revered as a seminal RPG, and its revival by one of the most respected developers in contemporary RPGs signaled a promising future. Players eagerly anticipated how Larian would build upon the rich lore and complex gameplay established by the original titles, enhanced by modern design sensibilities.
8. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning: A Deserved Second Chance
September 8th brought Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning to PC, PS4, and Xbox One, presenting a remaster of a game that garnered a cult following over time. The original title was an ambitious project, notably funded by a baseball player with a passion for fantasy games, who enlisted acclaimed author R. A. Salvatore and artist Todd McFarlane to shape its expansive world and narrative. Despite its grand scope and creative talent, the initial release did not receive the mainstream attention many felt it deserved.
The remaster aimed to rectify this, offering updated visuals and improved performance to allow a new generation of players to discover its unique blend of action RPG combat and rich lore. The opportunity for this deserving game to be re-evaluated by a wider audience was seen as a significant positive. It allowed for the appreciation of its intricate world-building and engaging gameplay, which were ahead of their time.
9. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2: A Flawless Return to Form
The ultimate remake of the first two Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games, widely considered the best in the series, arrived on September 4th for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 was lauded for its ability to faithfully retain the original, addictive gameplay while simultaneously delivering stunningly modernized visuals. This was not merely a simple facelift but a comprehensive graphical overhaul, making the game feel entirely new.
After several less-than-successful attempts to revive the franchise, this back-to-basics approach, combined with full next-generation visual fidelity, was precisely what fans desired. The successful execution of this remake instilled hope that the series’ classic gameplay could be sustained and evolved moving forward. It was a phenomenal comeback that captured the essence of the beloved originals.
10. Mafia: Definitive Edition: Reimagining a Classic Crime Saga
Claiming the top spot among the new games of September 2020 was Mafia: Definitive Edition, released on September 25th for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. This title performs the remarkable feat of significantly expanding upon the original Mafia experience, acting in some respects as a reimagining while largely adhering to the core narrative and spirit. The game notably utilized the engine from Mafia III: Definitive Edition, leading to substantial technical and graphical enhancements.
One particularly appreciated improvement was the implementation of a proper cover system, a feature that significantly modernized the combat mechanics. Compared to the original, which, while impressive for its time, eventually showed its age, the Definitive Edition transformed the game into a thoroughly contemporary experience. Players were eager to immerse themselves in the meticulously rebuilt city and captivating storyline, enjoying a crime saga brought brilliantly into the modern era.
Additional Noteworthy Releases in September 2020
Beyond the top ten, September 2020 also featured several other compelling gaming titles across various genres. These releases further enriched the month’s offerings, catering to diverse player preferences.
Firstly, Spelunky 2, the highly anticipated sequel to a groundbreaking side-scrolling roguelike, launched on September 15th for PS4 and PC. This game was celebrated for its randomized levels, challenging gameplay, and immense replayability, continuing the legacy of its phenomenal predecessor. Secondly, Walking Dead Onslaught, a virtual reality (VR) shooter set in The Walking Dead universe, brought intense zombie action to PC VR and PS VR on September 29th. This title offered players an immersive and thrilling experience, pushing the boundaries of VR engagement.
Furthermore, Crysis Remastered made its debut on September 18th for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. This remaster updated the long-standing benchmark game with modern graphical technologies, including ray tracing and significantly improved textures, reaffirming its status as a visual powerhouse. Finally, The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon DLC was released on September 9th for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. This expansion introduced an entirely new, lawless colony to the critically acclaimed RPG, featuring a significant mystery for players to unravel and further expanding an already rich narrative. These additional releases ensured that September 2020 was a truly memorable month for new games, offering something exciting for every type of gamer.
