Unpacking the Top New Games of September 2020: A Deeper Dive
The month of September 2020 was heralded as a particularly strong period for video game releases, with a diverse array of titles launching across multiple platforms. As explored in the accompanying video, this month truly delivered a bounty of experiences for gamers of all preferences. From grand strategy epics and high-octane racing simulations to innovative real-time strategy games and highly anticipated role-playing sagas, there was much to look forward to. This deep dive further illuminates the standout additions that made September 2020 a memorable time in the gaming calendar, offering additional context and expanding upon the key highlights.
Grand Strategy and Tactical Frontiers: New Horizons in Gaming
September 2020 was marked by the arrival of several titles that pushed the boundaries of strategic gameplay, inviting players to command armies, manage empires, and navigate complex alternate histories. These games often require a significant time investment but offer unparalleled depth and replayability.
Crusader Kings 3: A Dynasty Forged Anew
Kicking off the month on September 1st, 2020, was the highly anticipated launch of Crusader Kings 3, exclusively for PC. This title represents the latest installment in a beloved series of grand strategy games, celebrated for its intricate simulations of medieval dynastic politics and personal narratives. Major improvements and significant additions were integrated, suggesting a substantial evolution from its predecessors.
The developers demonstrated commitment to the game’s longevity, indicating that Crusader Kings 3 would receive a robust schedule of expansions and DLC, echoing the successful model established by Crusader Kings 2. Imagine if a game could truly stay fresh and engaging for years; this is the promise of its carefully planned post-launch content strategy. Such an approach ensures that the game’s world continues to expand and its challenges remain dynamic.
Iron Harvest: Dieselpunk Mechs on the Battlefield
Also releasing on September 1st for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, Iron Harvest brought a unique twist to the real-time strategy (RTS) genre. This game transports players to an alternate 1920s setting, where dieselpunk mechs dominate the battlefield. The aesthetic combines elements of steampunk and dieselpunk, creating a distinctive visual and thematic backdrop.
Inspired loosely by the Polish-Soviet War, its campaign features three distinct factions, each with unique career paths. The core gameplay dynamic is influenced by massive, ship-sized mecha, which are expected to create combat scenarios unlike typical RTS engagements involving infantry and heroes. A significant amount of expectation was placed on this title, given its successful crowdfunding campaign that amassed $1.5 million. It was largely believed that a competent execution of its novel concept would be sufficient to deliver a satisfying experience, even without radical innovation.
High-Octane Action and Revitalized Classics: A Month for Thrills
For those who prefer adrenaline-pumping combat or nostalgic trips down memory lane, September 2020 offered a strong lineup of action-focused titles and impressive remakes that breathed new life into cherished franchises.
Serious Sam 4: Unadulterated Chaos Returns
Despite a brief delay, Serious Sam 4 made its explosive debut on September 24th for Stadia and PC. This game revives a classic first-person shooter series renowned for its over-the-top action and relentless hordes of absurd monsters. Combat in Serious Sam 4 is designed to be extremely fast-paced and chaotic, reminiscent of a hyper-charged version of games like Doom.
The core appeal of the series lies in its ability to amplify the shooter experience to an almost ludicrous degree, providing players with an exhilarating, non-stop assault of enemies. Fans of intense, unapologetic action were likely thrilled by its arrival, offering a raw and visceral shooting experience.
Marvel’s Avengers: Heroic Gameplay Meets Monetization Debate
September 4th saw the release of Marvel’s Avengers on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Stadia. This title arrived amid considerable discussion surrounding its monetization strategy. Despite these controversies, the game’s core gameplay received early praise, particularly for its combat system.
The combat mechanics were designed to adapt conventions from successful action games, allowing different Avengers characters to showcase unique attributes and fighting styles. While the potential of the game’s core mechanics was recognized, ongoing concerns about its monetization model cast a shadow. It was widely hoped that the game’s inherent potential would not be undermined by these decisions, as the gameplay itself appeared to be a compelling experience for fans of the Marvel universe.
Mafia: Definitive Edition: A Modern Classic Reimagined
Closing out the month on September 25th for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, Mafia: Definitive Edition presented a full-scale reimagining of the original Mafia game. This ambitious project aimed to enrich the beloved story with extensive new content while remaining largely faithful to the source material. It was developed using the engine from Mafia 3: Definitive Edition, which allowed for significant visual and mechanical enhancements.
A notable improvement included the implementation of a proper cover system, which was considered a jarring absence when revisiting the original. The graphical overhaul was particularly striking, transforming a game that was groundbreaking for its era into a visually stunning contemporary experience. Imagine revisiting a cherished story with all the modern amenities; that was the promise of this definitive edition, poised to immerse players in its crime-ridden world anew.
Revitalized Classics and Nostalgic Journeys
September 2020 was also a month for revisiting beloved titles through comprehensive remasters and remakes, allowing both long-time fans and new players to experience gaming history with modern polish.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning: A Deserving Revival
Released on September 8th for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning brought back a game that, despite its ambitious origins and high production costs, initially struggled to find its audience. The original project was famously backed by a passionate baseball player and featured creative contributions from esteemed fantasy author R.A. Salvatore and artist Todd McFarlane.
Over time, the game developed a dedicated cult following who appreciated its unique blend of action-RPG combat and rich lore. This remaster aimed to give the original the attention it always deserved, presenting its compelling gameplay and expansive world with significantly improved visuals. It was anticipated to be a strong opportunity for the game to finally be recognized by a wider audience.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2: The Return of a Legend
On September 4th, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 launched for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, offering a complete remake of what many consider to be the two best games in the iconic skateboarding series. The remake successfully retained the core, fluid gameplay that defined the originals while introducing significantly upgraded visuals, making it appear as a brand-new title.
This release was particularly exciting for fans, as previous attempts to revive the franchise had met with mixed results. By returning to the series’ roots and enhancing them with next-generation visuals, the developers aimed to not only satisfy veteran players but also to potentially pave the way for future installments that honor the series’ legacy. Imagine the thrill of re-experiencing the classic combos and levels with breathtaking modern graphics; this was the sensation delivered.
Diverse Experiences: Racing, Sports, and Epic RPGs
The month of September 2020 provided a wide spectrum of gaming experiences, catering to various player preferences, from high-speed competitions to sprawling fantasy adventures.
WRC 9: The Rally Championship Continues
Rally racing enthusiasts welcomed WRC 9 on September 3rd, launching across Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X, with a Nintendo Switch release planned for later. This installment continued a respected series known for its realistic physics and consistent annual improvements. While its predecessor, released in September 2019, faced criticism for a repetitive career mode, there was a strong expectation that WRC 9 would address these issues while further refining its celebrated physics engine.
Despite the challenges of 2020, the game impressively included all 13 scheduled rounds of the 2020 season, along with iconic rally locations such as the Safari Rally, Rally New Zealand, and Rally Japan. It was largely regarded as one of the standout rally games of the year, offering a comprehensive and immersive racing experience.
NBA 2K21: Polishing the Court
Basketball fans were treated to NBA 2K21 on September 4th for PS4 and Xbox One, with next-generation console versions also scheduled for launch. While limited information was initially available, a demo showcased significant visual improvements over previous titles, which were already graphically impressive. The game was observed to be a visually stunning iteration, marking a clear step forward in presentation.
Although demos often provide little insight into extensive features like career modes, the visual fidelity alone generated considerable excitement. While the 2K series has historically navigated issues with monetization, a very strong basketball game was consistently found beneath these layers. NBA 2K21 was seen as a potential all-around improvement from NBA 2K20, promising the best version of the sport to date.
Baldur’s Gate 3: A Mythic Return to Form
A truly monumental release, Baldur’s Gate 3, arrived on September 30th for PC and Stadia. The very idea of a new Baldur’s Gate game was considered by many to be an improbable dream for a long time due to licensing complexities. Fortunately, Larian Studios, celebrated for their work on Divinity: Original Sin 2, secured the rights. Their proven expertise in crafting deep, engaging RPGs convinced Wizards of the Coast, the license owner, that they were the ideal custodians for the franchise.
This collaboration was widely seen as a match made in heaven, combining the rich legacy of Baldur’s Gate with Larian’s innovative approach to RPG mechanics. Players anticipated a game that would not only honor its predecessors but also push the genre forward with fresh ideas and extensive player choice. Imagine a legendary RPG series being entrusted to one of the genre’s most acclaimed modern developers; the excitement was palpable for this epic adventure.
Bonus Expeditions and Exciting Additions for September 2020
Beyond the top ten, September 2020 still held a few more treasures, ensuring a constant stream of new content for gamers.
- Spelunky 2: The sequel to a phenomenal randomized roguelike, this title brought more of its challenging, addictive side-scrolling action to PS4 and PC on September 15th.
- Walking Dead Onslaught: A VR shooter set in The Walking Dead universe, this title offered an immersive, action-packed experience for PC VR and PSVR on September 29th, promising intense encounters with the undead.
- Crysis Remastered: The benchmark game for PC graphics returned on September 18th for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, enhanced with modern features like ray tracing and significantly improved textures. It delivered an even more stunning visual experience of a classic shooter.
- The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon DLC: Expanding the popular RPG, this DLC introduced an entirely new, lawless colony called Gorgon, filled with mystery. It invited players back to The Outer Worlds on September 9th for PS4, Xbox One, and PC, offering fresh narratives and exploration.
Truly, the wealth of **new games of September 2020** offered an expansive universe of experiences, from deep strategy to fast-paced action and nostalgic remakes. Gamers were provided with an abundance of choices, ensuring many hours of engagement across various genres and platforms throughout the month and beyond. This diverse collection solidified September 2020 as a remarkable period for game releases, catering to every taste and anticipating continued enjoyment into the future.
