October 2023 games you might have missed: Jusant, Dave the Diver, more

Hello October and peak videogame season. The game release calendar is a great way to keep track of the latest releases. The thwap with the ol’ broom, a few huge AAA-tier games would drop to the ground. Super Mario Wonder, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2,Alan Wake 2, and more will kick up a cloud that overshadows the arrival of smaller games — potentially great ones, even, from developers you might’ve heard of and new indie creators alike.

We don’t want to let these games slip by (and you’d probably like to know about them, right?), so as we do each month, we’ve rounded up a handful of notable game launches that you shouldn’t overlook. Keep an eye out for the next round of deep cuts nearing the end of each month.

Dave the Diver

Mintrocket image via Polygon

Playing in the cityWindows PC using Steam Nintendo Switch is coming on Oct. 26, 2018.

It graduated from Steam Early Access on October 20, 2022. Dave the Diver The game has slowly won the hearts of many members of Polygon’s team. In the summer of 2016, we gave our Polygon Recommends logo to version 1.0 for PC. Now, This MonthNintendo Switch gets the action-packed cooking/management/scuba game. This hybrid handheld system is ideal for its episodic gameplay.

Lil Gator game

MegaWobble/Playtonic friends

Playing in the city Nintendo Switch and PlayStations consoles.

The Year 2019 This is a Short HikeIts chill gameplay, with its refreshingly low number of goals, earned it the 10th position on our annual list. Take a walk in the forest, be a bird and meet cool animals. Lil Gator gameA Short Hike is a natural evolution. There’s a bit more stuff to be done in its adventure, but at no point does the game layer on pressure. Plus, it’s got the perfect autumnal vibes, making it not just a great hidden gem, but a great game to dig out every year when the leaves change color and the scent of pumpkin spice fills your local coffee shop.

Jusant

Image: Don’t Nod

Playing in the city PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Windows PC and Steam will all be released on October 31.

When we previewed this action-climbing game in August, Oli Welsh said, “It’s already one of my favorite experiences in a brilliant year for video games.” Needless to say, our hopes are high for the new game from French developer Don’t Nod. The adventure, in which you’re tasked with climbing a tower that would shame even the tallest skyscrapers, looks like a bold departure from Don’t Nod’s best-known games: the narrative-heavy Life Is Strange series. That’s part of the appeal. In an industry that often financially incentivizes creatives to do the same thing over and over again, we’re happy to see a studio reaching for something new.

Wizard of the Gun

Playing in the city Windows PC, Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5

It’s been two years since the reveal of Wizard of the Gun. According to recent gameplay videos of this cooperative action sandbox game, its creators used the time available to include more wizards as well as more guns. Reasonable! The end result looks like a blend of Don’t Starve, twin-stick shooters, and action-heavy roguelikes. But frankly, I’m surprised you’re still reading this. When you have a name such as Wizard of the GunYour purchase decision was probably taken many sentences back.

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1

Picture: Konami Computer Entertainment Japan/Konami from Polygon

Playing in the cityOn October 24, Steam will be available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Windows PC.

I know what you’re thinking: How is Metal Gear Solid an overlooked video game? Unfortunately, the developer of this classic series has ignored it for many years. It was not possible to play the Metal Gear Solid 1 – 3 games on any modern console until this compilation. Three of the greatest video games ever made were simply not available to be played legally. It’s unfortunately a perfect example of why video game preservation has been largely left to ROMs and emulation. So when we do get releases like this, it’s worth a small celebration. It’s important that publishers make their titles widely accessible. Konami for instance could sell me a physical version of P.T.

Ghostrunner 2

Images: Five More Games and One More Level

Playing in the city Steam will be available on October 26 for PS5, Xbox Series X and Windows PC.

The original GhostrunnerA rare achievement: First-person platforming actually works. Austen Goslin wrote: “Ghostrunner is a perfect example of what happens when a developer works within the limitations of an underappreciated genre and pulls the absolute best from it.” So where does a sequel go from there? What’s faster than a cyber ninja?

Motorcycles. Yes, dear reader, Ghostrunner 2 The game builds upon the futuristic fantasy of ninjas by giving the player the keys to bikes which would comfortably fit in Akira. We’re excited to give them a test drive.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2, Turbocharged

Playing in the citySteam is available on Windows PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and other consoles.

Hot Wheels Unleashed was one of 2021’s best surprises, a brand tie-in that delivered tight driving and a playful sense of scale. The same as with Ghostrunner 2, we’re hopeful the follow-up will give the developers a chance to build upon the initial success. This sequel features over 130 vehicles, a campaign and an intricate track-builder. Because what fun is playing with Hot Wheels if you can’t string together yards of orange plastic loops?

World of Horror

Playing in the cityNintendo Switch consoles and PlayStation on 26th October. Now available on Windows PC and Steam.

Polish developer Paweł Koźmiński released World of HorrorIn early access by fall 2020. In fall 2020, what else was released in early access? Baldur’s Gate 3. Like Baldur’s Gate 3, World of HorrorPlays with the fear of cosmic horror, and creepy crawlies getting inside your head. And they’re both role-playing games.

Are you saying I am? World of HorrorWill role-playing be the next big thing? No. Honestly, I’m just putting the names next to each other because I hope Baldur’s Gate 3’s success might rub off on this comparably underappreciated gem.

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The prices are taken from publications.

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