The 20 Biggest Games of Fall
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We reveal the hottest video games for the rest of the year.
Fall has arrived. The temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing color, and more games than your wallet can possibly handle are coming to stores. In case you need some help deciding how to spend your hard-earned cash, we've taken a look at the season's 20 biggest games to let you know what's worth the investment.
NOTE: Actual release dates may differ outside North America.
Gears of War 3
(360) – September 20th
More Gears of War 3 Videos
The season kicks off this week with the end of Epic's Gears of War trilogy. The game has already received over one million pre-orders, making it the fastest game to hit that milestone in Xbox 360's history. Gears 3 is deeper than you might expect, and while one liners and gruff dudes are still a major factor, there's plenty of story for you to sink your chainsaw into. For more on how the game turned out, be sure to read our full written review.
FIFA 12
(360, PS3, PC, Wii, PSP) – September 27th
More FIFA Soccer 12 Videos
FIFA 12 is more than just a roster update. The latest installment of the definitive soccer franchise features the new Player Impact physics engine, adding previously unattainable realism to the game's movement and control. On top of that, the game adds a massively improved new Career Mode and major gameplay changes. Still have questions? Let our FIFA experts answer them for you.
Dark Souls
(360, PS3) – October 4th
More Dark Souls Videos
2009's Demon Souls is the hardest game of this generation, and its follow-up promises to take the challenge even further. No longer a PS3 exclusive, Dark Souls allows Xbox 360 gamers to join in on the ? , and anyone who pre-orders gets a free upgrade to the Collector's Edition. If repeatedly being murdered doesn't sound so great to you, maybe our feature on what dying will teach you can change your mind.
Rage
(360, PS3, PC) – October 4th
More Rage Videos
Nobody knows shooters like Id Software. The fathers of the FPS genre return with a dark, atmospheric shooter complete with plenty of mutants to shoot in the face. The game features massive amounts of customization, allowing you to craft weapons, upgrade vehicles and even control minds. It may not have the name recognition of some of the sequels listed here, but Rage is sure to be one of the most badass games you play this year.
Spider-Man: Edge of Time
(360, PS3, Wii, 3DS) – October 4th
More Spider-Man: Edge of Time Videos
Shattered Dimensions was the best Spider-Man game in years, and though Edge of Time is more of a spiritual successor than a direct sequel, all of the best elements are making a return. As with Shattered Dimensions, you'll switch between Spideys to save the world and shoot webs all over gangs of bad guys. Gameplay alternates between present day and 2099, with actions in one world affecting the other. Check out our PAX preview for all of the details.
Fall has arrived. The temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing color, and more games than your wallet can possibly handle are coming to stores. In case you need some help deciding how to spend your hard-earned cash, we've taken a look at the season's 20 biggest games to let you know what's worth the investment.
NOTE: Actual release dates may differ outside North America.
Gears of War 3
(360) – September 20th
More Gears of War 3 Videos
The season kicks off this week with the end of Epic's Gears of War trilogy. The game has already received over one million pre-orders, making it the fastest game to hit that milestone in Xbox 360's history. Gears 3 is deeper than you might expect, and while one liners and gruff dudes are still a major factor, there's plenty of story for you to sink your chainsaw into. For more on how the game turned out, be sure to read our full written review.
FIFA 12
(360, PS3, PC, Wii, PSP) – September 27th
More FIFA Soccer 12 Videos
FIFA 12 is more than just a roster update. The latest installment of the definitive soccer franchise features the new Player Impact physics engine, adding previously unattainable realism to the game's movement and control. On top of that, the game adds a massively improved new Career Mode and major gameplay changes. Still have questions? Let our FIFA experts answer them for you.
Dark Souls
(360, PS3) – October 4th
More Dark Souls Videos
2009's Demon Souls is the hardest game of this generation, and its follow-up promises to take the challenge even further. No longer a PS3 exclusive, Dark Souls allows Xbox 360 gamers to join in on the ? , and anyone who pre-orders gets a free upgrade to the Collector's Edition. If repeatedly being murdered doesn't sound so great to you, maybe our feature on what dying will teach you can change your mind.
Rage
(360, PS3, PC) – October 4th
More Rage Videos
Nobody knows shooters like Id Software. The fathers of the FPS genre return with a dark, atmospheric shooter complete with plenty of mutants to shoot in the face. The game features massive amounts of customization, allowing you to craft weapons, upgrade vehicles and even control minds. It may not have the name recognition of some of the sequels listed here, but Rage is sure to be one of the most badass games you play this year.
Spider-Man: Edge of Time
(360, PS3, Wii, 3DS) – October 4th
More Spider-Man: Edge of Time Videos
Shattered Dimensions was the best Spider-Man game in years, and though Edge of Time is more of a spiritual successor than a direct sequel, all of the best elements are making a return. As with Shattered Dimensions, you'll switch between Spideys to save the world and shoot webs all over gangs of bad guys. Gameplay alternates between present day and 2099, with actions in one world affecting the other. Check out our PAX preview for all of the details.
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Forza 4
(360) – October 11th
More Forza Motorsport 4 Videos
It's been two long years for fans of the Forza series, but Microsoft's racing sim has finally returned. Forza 4 features new cars, new control options, and even an appearance from a Halo 4 Warthog. Racing fans haven't gotten much love this year, but Forza 4 more than makes up for the drought.
Batman: Arkham City
(360, PS3, PC) – October 18th
More Batman: Arkham City Videos
Remember when superhero games used to suck? Batman: Arkham Asylum managed to restore our faith in the genre, and Arkham City looks bigger and more awesome than we ever could have hoped. This time around, the Caped Crusader is joined by playable characters Catwoman and Robin, as well as a gigantic open world to explore. Villains like Hugo Strange, The Riddler, Two Face and even Calendar Man make an appearance in what might just be the best superhero game of all time. Check out our latest preview for a taste of the action.
Battlefield 3
(360, PS3, PC) – October 25th
More Battlefield 3 Videos
War is ugly, but Battlefield 3 manages to make it look stunning. Each new video reveal has left our jaws on the floor, with footage from the game's Frostbite 2 engine looking near photo-realistic. The game is more than just a pretty face, though, with a huge campaign, new weapons, and more of the vehicle combat the series is famous for. Get the latest impressions in our TGS preview.
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
(PS3) – November 1st
More Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception Videos
Uncharted 3 is easily the PS3's most anticipated exclusive of the year. The beta this summer was the most trafficked in PS3's history, bringing in over 1.5 million unique players. The game looks as cinematic as ever, and multiplayer boasts some huge improvements over Uncharted 2, including new modes and a new Power Play system. We don't know much about the game's story yet, but we do have some interesting theories for you to consider while you wait for November.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
(360, PS3, PC, Wii) – November 8th
More Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Videos
Modern Warfare 2 broke every record in the book when it sold 11.9 million units in 2009, and Black Ops managed to do even better, selling 13.7 million a year later. The Call of Duty franchise is huge, and offerings like Strike Packages and an all-new Survival Mode put Modern Warfare 3 in a position to be bigger than ever. Even with competition from Battlefield 3, expect Modern Warfare 3 to be one of the biggest sellers of the season. -
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
(360, PS3, PC) – November 11th
More The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Videos
Skyrim is huge. Bethesda has outdone itself, with a gigantic, sprawling world filled with crafting, alchemy, and a rich mythology. Plus you get to ? dragons. The world of Skyrim is fully realized, and it's easy to imagine pouring hundreds of hours into exploring it. For a look at what makes Skyrim so special, be sure to read our preview.
Minecraft
(PC) – November 11th
More Minecraft Videos
Despite its huge sales, Minecraft has only been in beta up until now, but its official release is finally approaching. The release is largely in name only, as the game will continue to build off of its current version, but dropping that "Beta" from the name certainly makes things feel more official. For more information on the game's recent Adventure Update, look no further than our video roundup.
Super Mario 3D Land
(3DS) – November 13th
More Super Mario 3D Land Videos
It's been over twenty years since Mario first put on the Tanooki suit, but the tail has finally made its triumphant return. The game is developed by the same team that made Mario Galaxy, and the influence is clear. Super Mario 3D Land is an awesome hybrid of classic Mario and modern Mario, with a fully 3D landscape joined by old school platforming and flagpole jumping. Nintendo has kept most of the details under wraps, but be sure to check out some of our best theories.
Saints Row: The Third
(360, PS3, PC) – November 15th
More Saints Row: The Third Videos
Saints Row: The Third is the craziest game you'll ever play. The game gives new meaning to open world gameplay, as you'll be able to do just about anything you want. From airstrikes to mind control, there are no limits, and we're not joking when we say that you'll be able to do some pretty insane stuff. Exploring the game's city of Steelport is some of the most fun you'll have this year, and we guarantee it's like nothing you've ever seen before.
Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary
(360) – November 15th
More Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Videos
Fall wouldn't be complete without a new Halo game to play, and this year's is the first from developer 343 Industries. This game is more than just a remake, offering updates to fan-favorite multiplayer maps and new story segments within the campaign. The game even allows you to toggle graphical changes on and off, to see how the game originally appeared in 2001. Regardless of whether you've played the original Halo:CE, it's worth paying homage to where Master Chief's adventures all began. -
Assassin's Creed: Revelations
(360, PS3, PC) – November 15th
More Assassins Creed Revelations Videos
While Revelations isn't a numbered installment in the Assassin's Creed series, it isn't just a spinoff. The game brings us the end of Ezio's story, and in addition to beautiful visuals and a reunion with our old buddy Altair, it features a completely reshaped multiplayer mode. This may not be Assassin's Creed 3, but it's sure to give you all of the running, climbing & stabbing you were hoping for this Thanksgiving.
Rayman Origins
(360, PS3, Wii, 3DS, PC) – November 15th
More Rayman Origins Videos
Rayman Origins is the best surprise of the year. The co-op platformer is bright, beautiful, and completely insane. Its platforming levels defy logic, and while its visuals may seem cute and unthreatening, the game is actually extremely challenging. If you like the idea of New Super Mario Bros. turned up to 11, check out our Gamescom preview for the full scoop.
Need For Speed: The Run
(360, PS3, PC, Wii, 3DS) – November 17th
More Need for Speed: The Run Videos
If Forza's a little too straightforward for you, look no further than Need For Speed: The Run. The game takes place in a massive race across the United States, and the environments will blow your mind. From cities to mountains, the game's tracks are some of the most unique in any racer, and they're topped off with graphics running on the same engine as Battlefield 3. Read our interview with game's executive producer to find out more.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
(Wii) – November 20th
More The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Videos
We've been waiting a long time for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Nintendo first began hinting at the title during E3 2008, and it's been a year and a half since the game's title was announced. Wii fans are hungry for a new Zelda adventure, and with 50 to 100 hours of gameplay confirmed, it sounds like they won't be disappointed. Details are scant, but the game looks gigantic from what we've seen so far. Read up on all the information we have in our TGS roundup.
Mario Kart 7
(3DS) – December 4th
More Mario Kart 7 Videos
Mario Kart 7 is the most unique Mario Kart in years. "Kart" is really selling the game's vehicles short, as Retro Studios has introduced add-ons ranging from hang-gliders to underwater propellers. Vehicles are fully customizable for the first time since Double Dash, and environments look better than ever in 3D. Take a look at our E3 preview for a rundown of all the new features.
If that's still not enough for you, be sure to check out these other big releases coming out before the end of the year:
X-Men: Destiny
(360, PS3, Wii, DS) – September 27th
Ico/Shadow of the Colossus Collection
(PS3) – September 27th
Dead Rising 2: Off the Record
(360, PS3) – October 11th
Serious Sam 3: BFE
(PC) – October 18th
Kirby's Return To Dreamland
(Wii) – October 24th
Silent Hill: Downpour
(360, PS3) – October 25th
Lord of the Rings: War in the North
(360, PS3, PC) – November 1st -
Silent Hill downpour sounds dope.
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but im definitely gonna be broke these next few months.
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might need that silent hill, havent played one since pt. 3
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JUXcaptainHOOK wrote: »might need that silent hill, havent played one since pt. 3
Word, i havent played since the first one.
That Elder Scrolls is gonna be the ? . -
Need for Speed the Run look mad stupid
Spiderman game aint been hot since spiderman for ps1
Everything else is cool -
vagrant-718 wrote: »Spiderman game aint been hot since spiderman for ps1
i had that for the dreamcast. ? that game was fun. Never played the sequel though. heard it was good too. -
vagrant-718 wrote: »Need for Speed the Run look mad stupid
Spiderman game aint been hot since spiderman for ps1Everything else is cool
spiderman 2 was the ? mane...
