September 2016: The Best Games Coming to PS4

The gaming season is normally getting into full swing come September, but you wouldn’t know it when looking at September 2016’s lineup. October is the real month to put down in your calendar, as PS VR and other PS4 exclusives are released. Consider it the quiet before the storm. Still, there are a few gems hidden in the schedule next month, and we can’t forget about the release of the 2017 versions of our favorite sports game franchises. With that being said, let’s dive in and see what’s going to be hot on the PS4 as the weather outside starts to cool down.

Just Sing

Release: Sep 6

An interesting take on karaoke, Just Sing doesn’t come with a USB microphone… instead, you use the PlayStation Camera or- get this- your smartphone to capture audio (and video!). It’s karaoke in the modern age, and while it might look silly, it supposedly works very well. Of course, any karaoke game is only as good as its tracklist, and Just Sing definitely features some fun songs, including “Call Me Maybe,” “Wonderwall,” “Dream On,” and a couple of Disney songs. Yes, “Let it Go” is one of them.

BioShock: The Collection

Release: Sep 13 (NA) and Sep 16 (WW)

A remastered game is amazing for those who haven’t delved into the offering before, but it’s also great for those wanting to re-experience such a game with the latest visuals. So, what do you get? BioShock, BioShock 2 and BioShock Infinite are all included. For those who might wish for a multiplayer option, you should note that this won’t be included with this collection. Impressive on the visual front, definitely consider adding BioShock: The Collection to your collection, especially if you haven’t played through the series before.

Dead Rising 1, 2, and Off the Record

Release: Sep 13 and 27

If you were a fan of zombies and games in 2006, you probably played (or at least heard of) Dead Rising, the critically-acclaimed and wildly popular zombie killing gorefest that took place inside an abandoned mall. Within the next five years, you were introduced to Dead Rising 2 and Dead Rising 2: Off the Record, which were both very similar to the first game but changed the setting to a fictional Nevada casino town. If you never had a chance to play any of these three games last gen, you’ll get the chance come September, and all three will be remastered on the PS4 in 1080p and at 60 fps.

You’ll be able to get your hands on digital copies of all three games on the 13th, while physical copies of the original will be available (in North America only) on the 13th, with Dead Rising 2 & Off the Record being released in retail form on the 27th.

 

NHL 17

Release: Sep 13

When it comes to improving upon the not-so-great NHL 16, NHL 17 is mainly focusing on three things: AI, immersion, customization, and game modes. Both team and opponent intelligence is better than ever; commentary has been improved, fans act more realistically, and over 50% of the NHL’s players have been captured; you can customize players, teams and entire arenas; and improvements to all of NHL’s main game modes have been made, most notably HUT and EASHL.

 

PES 2017 and FIFA 17

 Sep 13 (NA), Sep 15 (EU) and Sep 27 (NA), Sep 29 (EU)

Pro Evolution Soccer and FIFA have been in heated competition for quite some time now, and this year will be no different. While FIFA is looking to make huge changes by using a new engine and introducing a story mode with a strong narrative, PES is opting to simply “not fix what isn’t broken” by sticking to the winning formula they created last year and only make minor changes to gameplay mechanics and game modes. The biggest change in PES this year their partnership with FC Barcelona, so expect the team- and it’s iconic stars- to feature heavily all throughout the game.

 

Destiny: Rise of Iron DLC

Release: Sep 20 

The fourth Destiny expansion is on the horizon, and if you’re still playing Destiny, you’ll definitely want to check it out. Rise of Iron features a new patrol zone on Earth called “The Plaguelands,” and with it comes a new raid, new strike, and a new Crucible mode. The DLC will also increase your light cap and gives you access to a badass looking flaming battle axe (though its use is limited, similar to the Scorch Cannon). New loot will be available as well, and you’ll have access to eight new artifacts, each of which can totally change your build and give you plenty of new options for playing through the game.

 

NBA 2K17

Release: Sep 20

In the NBA 2K world this year, a ton of work has been done on the MyGM and MyLeague game modes, introducing more depth and realism. Menus have been overhauled and the game is said to be a more intuitive experience when compared to previous iterations.

 

XCOM 2

Release: Sep 27 (NA), Sep 30 (EU) 

When it comes to turn-based-strategy, few games have come close to the perfection that was 2012’s XCOM: Enemy Unknown… That is until XCOM 2 came out earlier this year on the PC. It’ll be hitting the PS4 in September, and if you’re a fan of strategy, you should definitely be checking it out. The game puts you in the role of commander over a human-led resistance against alien invaders. You’ll go on combat missions to rescue hostages, sabotage alien facilities and protect your own valuable real estate, and in between missions you’ll decide on upgrades to your base, soldiers and tech to ultimately defeat the invaders.