September 2026 has arrived, bringing with it a significant wave of new video game releases, including a revitalized samurai series, a charming 2D platformer, and a unique vampire survival experience. Among the notable titles is the return of the Onimusha series with "Onimusha: Way of the Sword," the first new entry in over two decades. This action title offers challenging and intricate combat, building upon its legacy of swords-and-sorcery gameplay.
Fans of classic 2D platformers will find a welcoming adventure in "Marsupilami 2: Salsa Palombia." This title, inspired by the Donkey Kong Country series, features vibrant visuals and a nuanced control scheme. Players can enjoy the game solo or with a partner, navigating jungle environments, collecting items, and uncovering secrets. The difficulty gradually increases, requiring mastery of the distinct abilities of the three playable marsupilami characters. An unlockable "Salsa Mode" adds replayability by challenging players to achieve combos within a time limit.
The vampire-themed "The Blood of Dawnwalker" presents a choice-driven narrative where players control Coen, a Dawnwalker who is both human by day and vampire by night. With a 30-day in-game limit, each completed quest advances the clock, forcing players to carefully select their missions to save their family from an evil vampire lord. The game offers a sense of player empowerment, allowing them to prioritize objectives and influence the story's direction through directional combat and distinct day and night mechanics.
"Halloween: The Game," developed by IllFonic, aims to capture the essence of the iconic horror franchise. While an early access version is available for those who purchase a more expensive edition, the official launch is scheduled for September 8. The single-player campaign serves as an introduction to playing as Michael Myers, primarily designed to prepare players for the game's multiplayer component. Fans of asymmetrical horror games or IllFonic's previous work may find this title engaging.
Also available is "Crimson Moon," a roguelike with Souls-inspired combat. Players take on the role of a nephilim, a human-angel hybrid, on missions to defeat demons. The game features serviceable combat and a forgiving run-based format, offering multiple lives before a reset. Its elaborate presentation is notable for a $20 price point and supports two-player co-op.
"Keeper," developed by the now-independent Double Fine, has been released on PlayStation 5. The game casts players as a sentient lighthouse and has been praised for its astonishingly beautiful visual experience.
For those seeking multiplayer experiences, "Orbitals" offers a co-op-only adventure with visuals inspired by 1980s anime and a complementary soundtrack. The game centers on solving puzzles and saving a space station over its roughly six-hour runtime. While its art style and atmosphere are highlights, the gameplay itself is described as merely adequate, though still a joyous experience for those drawn to its aesthetic.
"NBA 2K27" continues the franchise's tradition of strong gameplay and visuals, particularly in its Franchise mode. This year's entry aims to reduce microtransactions in the MyCareer mode, allowing for a more focused player career progression. New features include a narrative prologue involving a career-threatening injury, the option to start directly in the NBA, and the ability to play in different NBA eras, including the time of players like MJ and Shaq.