The games are coming thick and fast with a huge number of new games releasing on Xbox throughout September 2016. We’ve got sports games, fantasy games, remastered games and games that won’t be found on other formats any time soon. But what are they? Let us talk you through them all.
FIFA 17
There is no doubt that the latest iterations of EA Sports’ most popular game series has been somewhat lacking in areas. But, to all FIFA player’s joy, EA have been listening and it is beginning to look like FIFA 17 will be one of the most ambitious FIFA’s yet.
First up, the A.I. has been given a major makeover, with uncontrolled players becoming smarter, finding open spaces for the ball to be played into, and timing their own runs so you can make the perfect through ball along the ground, leaving you one on one with the keeper.
Another exciting edition to the series is the introduction of Journey mode, where the player will assume control of rising star Alex Hunter, signing him to any of the 20 Premier League clubs and then taking him on a journey through the club’s youth system, into the first team and then hopefully on to the international stage. The twist is you will also have to make decisions off the pitch that will influence your relationships with people and how you play your football. It’s all exciting stuff.
Why Should You Buy It? With even more options on the pitch, exciting new game modes to try out, all shown through the stunning Frostbite engine, you simply have to put FIFA 17 as one of your must-buys of the year,
Forza Horizon 3
So we have explored Colorado, France and Italy, but now where will the Horizon festival take us in Forza Horizon 3?
Well, get ready to pack your bags as we will be able to hop in our favourite cars once again, this time in Australia! And what’s more exciting is that you are in charge of the whole festival – even down to which of your friends you can hire or fire over Xbox Live.
With over 350 cars to tour around Australia in, taking in the views and experiencing action packed races, you can be sure there will be plenty to do whenever you play.
Why Should You Buy It? Forza Horizon 3 is the most open Forza Horizon yet, letting you control the whole festival as you race down the roads (and go off road) in Australia with your friends.
BioShock: The Collection
What could be considered as one of the greatest line of games on Xbox 360, we will soon be able to experience the tension, surprises and shocks of BioShock in Rapture and Columbia with a remastered collection on our Xbox One’s. If you are into this kind of stuff, all three games will run at 1080p with 60fps so you can get the most out of your trip to the worlds of BioShock, BioShock 2 and BioShock Infinite.
As with most remasters these days, as well as the original game you can also play through all the DLC that was released alongside the original games… maybe we can finally figure out what the hell happened at the end of BioShock Infinite?!
Why Should You Buy It? With the opportunity to play through all the BioShock games we loved on Xbox 360 on Xbox One, BioShock: The Collection is a must for any fan of the series.
PES 2017
The war between PES and FIFA has been going on for many years, with the Konami franchise winning one year, and then EA dominating the next. While FIFA usually has more players on its many modes, what PES can usually boast is that it has better visuals for players to gander at when they are controlling the world’s best.
And PES 2017 is no different, the visuals on offer are second to none. But, in terms of gameplay, Konami have had the passing improved in PES 2017 – especially passing along the ground. The Ultimate Team style game mode, myClub, remains in the game, and anyone who pre-orders the game will be entitled to one FC Barcelona player to sign to their team, courtesy of the new premium deal Konami have with the club.
Why Should You Buy It? Improved passing. FC Barcelona on the box. Stunning graphics… it seems PES 2017 is not falling too short of FIFA 17 and will definitely be worth checking out.
ReCore
Back in 2015 we had a first look at ReCore, it seemed quite impressive with its expansive desert setting and Mack, its cute robot dog to accompany main character Joule Adams in her adventure across ‘Far Eden’.
Joule will have to remove the glowing core from enemy robots and insert them into other robots, each with different abilities and powers, in order to build up an army of robot buddies.
Why Should You Buy It? ReCore is certainly a unique and interesting game, with its robots and all, so could be worth a purchase if you are looking for an exciting story and want to use your robot’s powers to save the world from the evil foes.
NBA 2K17
NBA 2K17 will be the most authentic and realistic NBA 2K game to date, with exhilarating basketball gameplay and many modes to try out.
For any budding basketball manager, the game mode MyTEAM will be the mode you will want to play. Similar to FIFA UT and PES’ MyClub, you buy players or get them in packs and make a team out of them, so your fantasies of having the legendary Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant playing together can become a reality!
Why Should You Buy It? NBA 2K17 promises to be the most authentic, realistic basketball game in the series, and with a wealth of modes and options to try out, it will also be the most complete and in-depth one too.
NHL 17
Like most years, September is certainly the month for sports games fans and NHL 17 is yet another title that will drop next month – to add to the already large pile of sporting games you can play very soon.
For any ice hockey fan, NHL 17 is certainly the game for you, coming in 3 distinct bundles with extra goodies in the form of HUT (Hockey Ultimate Team) packs. NHL 17 boasts a whole wealth for hockey fans to get stuck into, including the Be a GM mode where you can take on the hockey business, customising anything to how you like it.
NHL 17 will have improved goalkeepers, with smarter AI especially on the reactions and saving front.
Why Should You Buy It? Improved gameplay. A variety of modes. Bags full of customisation… NHL 17 is the perfect game for any ice hockey fan.
XCOM 2
XCOM 2 brings the intense strategy of XCOM to Xbox One. A sequel to the 2012 title XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2 puts you in charge of rebuilding XCOM and saving Earth from alien rule.
In traditional strategy fashion, the way you go about doing this will be by recruiting soldiers in five classes, upgrading them through in-depth skill trees and building up your HQ to gain access to new things to use out on the field. What is new is that you can choose when to engage in certain missions, and also use cover to conceal yourself from alien patrols, adding a new tactical edge we did not experience in the last game.
Why Should You Buy It? Already proven with the popular first game, XCOM 2 has all the ingredients for a great strategy game for equally great strategists.
Destiny: The Collection
There is no doubt that Destiny has a large following, with many fans of the award-winning action FPS flocking to their nearest store (or indeed the Xbox marketplace) to treat themselves to the latest adventure to be had in Destiny.
But does all the hassle of having to download content make you wish you could have all of Destiny within easy reach? Well, worry no more as soon you will be able to pick up Destiny: The Collection, a huge package bundling all the content released for the game, including the imminent Rise of Iron pack. Sorry, Xbox 360 players, this is only for current gen consoles only, but if you think it is now time to upgrade, you’ll be able to easily transfer your character across the generation gap.
Why Should You Buy It? If you are yet to jump aboard the Destiny hype train or simply want all the content ready to play, along with exclusive weapons, then Destiny: The Collection is the bundle that has all this.
Just Sing
It seems we still want to sing and dance on Xbox One and what better way to sing along to the latest hits than with Just Sing?
If you fancy being Justin Beiber or Sia, then all you need to do is sync your phone to the game with the Just Sing companion app and sing those sweet tunes into the phone. If you do find some more people willing to put up with your awful singing then the game supports multiple players and their smartphones.
You’l also be able to show your talent to the world by submitting a video that can be edited with different filters and animations available.
Why Should You Buy It? Singing on Xbox One has never been so simple and fun, so if you do think of yourself as the next big thing and want to show off to the world (or just want a sing-along with your mates) then Just Sing allows you to do this.
The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Edition
The Elder Scrolls has a long and beautiful legacy, and it certainly doesn’t look like it’ll be coming to an end soon.
With Skyrim we were left wanting just one thing. We had a huge open world, a seemingly never-ending game… but we wanted to share the experiences we had with friends. Finally, our wish was granted and in came The Elder Scrolls Online, and now with The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Edition, we will have the whole world of Tamriel and all the previously released DLC available to play on Xbox.
Along with all the DLC, players will be treated to a new horse mount to ride around on, and 500 Crowns to spend in the in-game market for new players. Surely you can’t resist that!
Why Should You Buy It? The Elder Scrolls Online Gold Edition brings you the complete Elder Scrolls package.
So, there we have it. Numerous games will be releasing throughout the month of September 2016 and when you combine these with the ton of digital only titles that can be expected, Xbox gamers should be looking forward to an exciting time.
What will you pick up? Make sure you let us know in the comments below.
