The biggest week in the 2017 gaming calendar is finally here. On top of all the indies that are launching just ahead of PAX, October 27 brings The Big Three: a new Mario game in the form of Super Mario Odyssey, Bethesda’s ode to Nazi-killing in Wolfenstein 2, and the return of Assassin’s Creed. And Destiny 2 finally comes to PC. Strap in, people.
Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)
What is it? The latest iteration of Mario 3D platformers, with Mario saving New Donk City with the help of Cappy.
Should you care? Of course you should.
Assassin’s Creed: Origins (PC, PS4, XBO)
What is it? The ancient fraternity of shankers goes to Ancient Egypt.
Should you care? After Syndicate, Ubisoft made the assassins take a break for a year to sort things out. Origins is the result of that time off. It’s a good thing: Egypt’s the perfect setting.
Destiny 2 (PC)
What is it? Bungie’s MMO shooter comes to PC.
Should you care? I’ve been really keen of late to play this on PC, which is odd because I’d stopped playing it on console for a while.
Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus (PC, PS4, XBO)
What is it? Old mate BJ returns to expel the Nazi regime from America, in a first-person alternate history shooter.
Should you care? Oh my god of course.
Just Dance 2018 (PS3, PS4, 360, XBO, Wii, Wii U, Switch)
What is it? Ubisoft’s dance-a-thon returns.
Should you care? There are people who pretend they don’t and then have an absolute blast with Just Dance anyway. Wonder how it’d be with the Joycons.
Violett (Switch)
What is it? A point and-click adventure, part pixel hunting game, as you try to rescue a rebellious teenager from a strange world.
Should you care? The idea of being able to use telekinesis to move things on the screen is great, but you just end up clicking on everything to see if it moves. There are smarter puzzlers.
Knight Terrors (Switch)
What is it? A pixel-art 2D platformer.
Should you care? It’s only $4.50 on the eShop and only 54mb. Pretty tiny if you want to take a punt.
Rugby 18 (PC, PS4, XBO)
What is it? Virtual rugby union returns.
Should you care? I’d rather play Handball 17.
Debris (PC)
What is it? A team is sent underwater to film a promo video for a scientific discovery, only for several explosions to trap you and your team in a series of submerged glacial caverns.
Should you care? Sounds like one for the SOMA fans.
The Cavern (Vive)
What is it? A room-scale VR puzzle-adventure, where the player uncovers one of the greatest lost treasures of our time.
Should you care? Looks nice if you’re after a meatier experience in VR.
The Mummy Demastered (PC, PS4, XBO, Switch)
What is it? The Mummy movie gets a licensed spin-off that’s basically a gorgeous pixel-art Metroidvania.
Should you care? This looks so much better than it has any right to be. If you want it on Switch, you’ll need a US eShop account. (It’s $19.99 there.)
High Hell (PC)
What is it? A neon-coloured FPS from the makers of Gang Beasts, Heavy Bullets and Enter the Gungeon.
Should you care? It looks real nice. Update: it’s a singleplayer only game as well, which resolves one of my main concerns with indie shooters (that nobody ends up playing them).
Moon Hunters (Switch)
What is it? A personality test RPG that’s about exploring an ancient world within 5 days.
Should you care? Ever play The Yawhg? You’re the target market for Moon Hunters. And the soundtrack is ace: have a listen below.
Cyberia 2: Resurrection (PC)
What is it? Another Cyberia game comes to Steam!
Should you care? These games are actually pretty awful, but you might as well play it for the laughs. Most FMV-era rail shooters are.
AER Memories of Old (PC)
What is it? A game about transforming into a bird and flying through a world of floating islands in the sky.
Should you care? This. Looks. Outstanding. After the PAX craziness is done, and I’m dusted with Mario Odyssey, I’m immediately jumping on this.
Welcome to the Game II (PC)
What is it? An atmospheric horror/puzzle game, where you play as a reporter looking for a female streamer as people try to hunt her down and kill her.
Should you care? It’s a game about primarily uncovering mysteries through a computer, much like the original game. Read the Steam description and you’ll get a sense if this is your thing or not. Could be fun for a horror party night.
Flightless (PC)
What is it? A tile-based puzzle adventure, where you navigate your way through floating islands.
Should you care? Looks ideal for those who prefer games they can relax to.
So, big week. Biggest of the year since Horizon/Breath of the Wild/the Nintendo Switch launched really. And most people have been saving up for at least one of the major games this week.
But the indies are pretty good too. Mummy Demastered looks uncannily fun, and AER Memories of Old came completely out of nowhere for me. So what games will you be picking up this week – or grabbing just before Christmas?
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