The world of gaming is perpetually evolving, with new adventures and challenges emerging each month. The video above provides an insightful overview of some of the most anticipated titles that were released in October 2020. This period was indeed a significant time for gamers, as a diverse array of new games hit various platforms, offering something for every preference. From spine-chilling horror to expansive role-playing experiences, the upcoming games of October 2020 showcased the industry’s vibrant creativity.
Delving deeper into these releases reveals the distinct characteristics that made each game noteworthy. Players were presented with opportunities to revisit beloved franchises through definitive editions and faithful sequels, while also being introduced to innovative new concepts. Understanding the context and mechanics of these titles can significantly enhance a gamer’s appreciation for the intricate craft behind their development. A closer look at these October 2020 games highlights the depth and variety that defined the month’s offerings.
Explore the Top New Games of October 2020: A Deep Dive into Upcoming Releases
Remothered: Broken Porcelain – Survival Horror Takes a New Turn
Kicking off the list of new games of October 2020 was Remothered: Broken Porcelain. This survival horror title was designed to immerse players in the chilling atmosphere of an all-girls’ boarding school. It acted as a direct sequel to Remothered: Tormented Fathers, a game that had previously garnered significant acclaim from both critics and users, even attracting the attention of Keichirō Toyama, the legendary creator behind the Silent Hill series. The narrative was built around an escape story, where players were tasked with unraveling the dark mysteries shrouding the Flemington Girls’ Institute.
The original game was highly praised for its intricate storyline and unsettling ambiance. Consequently, there was considerable anticipation for how the sequel would expand upon these elements. The transition of Remothered into a full-fledged franchise was viewed as a positive development, given the foundational strength of its predecessor. Imagine if every choice you made could lead to a different, equally terrifying outcome; such was the promise of this game. It was released on October 13th, becoming available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC platforms.
Cloudpunk – A Cyberpunk Delivery Adventure
Securing its place among the exciting October 2020 game releases was Cloudpunk, a title frequently lauded for its remarkably cool aesthetic and immersive gameplay. In this game, players assumed the role of a delivery driver operating within a sprawling, somewhat dubious service, tasked with transporting illicit or enigmatic items across a vast cyberpunk metropolis. The visual design was particularly striking, characterized by its voxel art style which imparted a retro yet futuristic 3D pixelated appearance perfectly suited to the neon-drenched cityscapes.
Gameplay alternated between exhilarating aerial driving and on-foot exploration, allowing for varied interactions within the richly detailed world. Despite potential concerns about backtracking, the game successfully drew players into its environment, making any such considerations feel negligible. Much like any compelling cyberpunk narrative, Cloudpunk presented a critique of contemporary society through its surreal, perilous landscape. It was released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch on October 15th, although it had already been accessible on PC for those eager to jump into its unique world.
G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout – Dual-Perspective Action
The new games for October 2020 also included G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout, which adopted a narrative structure reminiscent of Sonic Adventure 2. This approach allowed players to experience the story from both the protagonist’s and the antagonist’s perspectives, offering a comprehensive view of the conflict. While a single-player mode was available, the game was primarily celebrated for its co-operative capabilities, providing a refreshing split-screen couch co-op experience that is increasingly rare in modern gaming. Additionally, competitive multiplayer modes were featured, diversifying the ways players could engage.
The visual style of this third-person shooter was described as intriguing, suggesting a fresh take on an established property. Comparisons to Sonic Adventure 2 were frequently made, yet it was acknowledged that the gameplay offered a distinctly different experience. The prospect of playing a modern title that innovatively utilized a classic license was a significant draw. It was anticipated to be a considerable success if its potential was fully realized. This exciting title was released on October 13th for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.
Amnesia: Rebirth – The Return of Stealth Horror
The unsettling realm of stealth horror was re-entered with Amnesia: Rebirth, a title whose name perfectly encapsulated its premise. As a prominent series known for its psychological dread, Amnesia typically involved players navigating environments filled with nightmarish creatures, designed to induce constant stress and fear. Beyond the encounters with these entities, environmental puzzles were integral to progression, alongside a narrative that slowly unveiled the protagonist’s lost memories and the mysteries of their surroundings. This game represented a welcome return to the franchise’s original developer, Frictional Games, a detail that was met with enthusiasm by long-time fans.
The previous installments, The Dark Descent and A Machine for Pigs, were both highly regarded, though the first was often cited as a particular favorite. Imagine waking up with no recollection of who you are or what transpired, forced to piece together a horrifying reality. Such a scenario was central to the game’s appeal, leveraging the psychological impact of amnesia to heighten the terror. Amnesia: Rebirth was made available on PC and PlayStation 4 on October 20th.
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition – A Classic RTS Reimagined
Among the October 2020 PC game releases, Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition stood out as a remaster of a truly iconic real-time strategy (RTS) game. Originally launched in 2005, Age of Empires III was celebrated as one of the genre’s finest examples, and its definitive edition promised to refresh this classic for a new generation. The core gameplay involved guiding a civilization through various historical periods, starting from a modest settlement and progressing through the Discovery Age, Colonial Age, and Fortress Age, among others.
Players were not merely builders but also conquerors, engaging in intricate political struggles and military campaigns to expand their empire. The remaster aimed to present this grand strategic experience in its full, updated glory. Imagine orchestrating vast armies and shaping the course of history, all while managing resources and diplomacy. This definitive edition was released exclusively for PC on October 15th, allowing enthusiasts to relive or discover its strategic depth.
The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope – Interactive Horror Drama
Fans of interactive horror dramas were treated to The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope, a title that followed in the footsteps of games like Until Dawn and Man of Medan. In this genre, players controlled a cast of characters – five in this particular installment – and their decisions directly influenced the unfolding narrative and its multiple potential endings, including scenarios where every character could perish. The story was particularly intriguing, weaving together two distinct timelines: a modern-day setting and the grim period of 1692, characterized by a series of witch hunts that led to the execution of settlers.
A central mystery emerged when the modern-day protagonists discovered that the executed settlers bore an uncanny resemblance to themselves, prompting a desperate quest for answers. This layered narrative, combined with the inherent peril of the game’s setting, underscored the goal of surviving the cursed town of Little Hope. The success of Man of Medan had already established The Dark Pictures Anthology as a promising long-running series. Little Hope arrived on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on October 30th, just in time for Halloween thrills.
Baldur’s Gate III – A D&D RPG Reimagined by Larian Studios
The realm of Western computer-style RPGs saw a monumental addition with Baldur’s Gate III, a game whose very existence was a pleasant surprise for many. The original Baldur’s Gate games, developed by BioWare, were foundational Dungeons and Dragons-based experiences. However, the third installment was developed by Larian Studios, renowned for their acclaimed Divinity: Original Sin series, bringing a wealth of experience and innovation to the franchise. A significant departure from its predecessors was the adoption of Larian’s signature turn-based combat system, a change that was enthusiastically received by fans of their previous work.
The Divinity: Original Sin games were celebrated for their deep strategic combat and intricate world-building, suggesting that these elements would be skillfully incorporated into Baldur’s Gate III. Imagine the strategic depth of turn-based combat combined with the rich lore of Dungeons & Dragons; such was the vision for this highly anticipated title. It was released for Google Stadia and PC on October 6th, marking a new chapter for this legendary RPG series.
Watch Dogs Legion – The Resistance in a Police State
Among the highly anticipated October 2020 console games was Watch Dogs Legion, a title that built upon the strong foundation laid by Watch Dogs 2. This installment elevated the series’ critique of pervasive surveillance to a more severe level, depicting a near-future London transformed into a full-blown police state. Players were thrust into the role of an armed resistance, tasked with recruiting virtually any NPC in the game world to join their cause, each becoming a playable character with unique skills and backgrounds. This innovative “play as anyone” system was a major highlight, promising unparalleled freedom in approaching missions.
The previous Watch Dogs games had touched upon the themes of surveillance and corporate control, but Legion brought the struggle against authoritarian forces to the forefront. It was felt that this direction truly embodied what the Watch Dogs series was always meant to be – a direct confrontation with an oppressive regime, rather than merely incidental interactions. Imagine building a diverse underground network, with every citizen a potential recruit, each bringing their own distinct contribution to the fight for freedom. Watch Dogs Legion was released on October 29th for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Stadia.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time – A Faithful Platforming Comeback
The beloved platforming genre saw a triumphant return with Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, a title that was both a faithful sequel and a stylistic reinvention. The same developer responsible for the successful remakes of the original Crash Bandicoot games was entrusted with this new installment, instilling confidence in its quality. Their ability to update the classic formula while retaining its essential charm was widely recognized, and Crash Bandicoot 4 aimed to amplify these core strengths.
The new art style was particularly praised, maintaining the series’ signature cartoonish and animation-driven aesthetic while feeling fresh and contemporary, avoiding the generic appearance often associated with modern animated productions. Crash was also given new powers through various masks found throughout the game, promising expanded gameplay mechanics and creative level design. Imagine the classic platforming challenges infused with fresh abilities and a vibrant new look. This highly anticipated sequel was launched on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on October 2nd, much to the delight of long-time fans of the series.
Star Wars Squadrons – Next-Gen Space Combat
Topping the list of October 2020 PS4 game releases was Star Wars Squadrons, a game that quickly garnered significant excitement. Set after the events of Return of the Jedi, this title delivered an immersive space combat simulator pitting the New Republic against the remnants of the Galactic Empire. While its title might have evoked comparisons to the Rogue Squadron series, its gameplay was widely seen as a spiritual successor to classics like X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter. The prospect of experiencing next-generation space dogfights in the Star Wars universe was a long-held dream for many, making its realization a notable event.
The game also notably incorporated PS VR and PC VR support, promising an unparalleled level of immersion, though the extent of its integration was a subject of eager anticipation. Publisher EA had demonstrated a renewed commitment to the Star Wars license, successfully revamping Battlefront II and releasing the critically acclaimed Jedi: Fallen Order. This track record fostered a growing trust in their vision for Star Wars games. Imagine soaring through hyperspace, engaging in intense fleet battles, and experiencing the iconic Star Wars universe from the cockpit of a starfighter, all in virtual reality. Star Wars Squadrons was launched on PC, PS4, and Xbox One on October 2nd.
Bonus Games: FIFA 21 and Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods Part One
Beyond the main list, a couple of significant bonus titles were also released in October 2020. First, FIFA 21 made its yearly appearance, an incremental update to the massively popular football simulation series. This installment held particular significance given the reduced number of real-world sports events that year, offering a much-needed outlet for virtual sporting action. It was released on PC, PS4, and Xbox One on October 9th, providing fans with their annual dose of football excitement.
Additionally, fans of intense first-person shooters were treated to Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods Part One DLC. As its title suggested, this expansion delivered more of the brutal, fast-paced demon-slaying action that characterized the base game, with the added challenge of confronting ancient, powerful deities. For those who simply craved more of Doom Eternal‘s exhilarating combat, this DLC was a welcome addition. It became available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One on October 20th, ensuring that the relentless fight against hellish forces continued for devoted players in October 2020.
