Trending Video Games of October 2023

1. Alan Wake II

Genre: Survival Horror
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Alan Wake II, a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2010 title, has reignited the survival horror genre. The psychological thriller masterfully blends storytelling with atmospheric tension, featuring Alan Wake back in a twisted narrative that intertwines fiction and reality. Players now navigate a beautifully rendered open world that is both haunting and stunningly picturesque.

The game features new mechanics, including a deeper combat system and customizable weapons. Players can explore the world and uncover dark mysteries while utilizing light as both a weapon and a tool. Its captivating visuals, inspired by classic horror films, coupled with a haunting score, have made Alan Wake II a must-play experience this October.

2. Spider-Man 2

Genre: Action-Adventure
Platform: PS5

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has taken the gaming world by storm, offering players the chance to swing through New York City as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The game builds upon its predecessor’s foundation, introducing new web-slinging mechanics and a robust open-world environment filled with activities.

One standout feature is the ability to switch between the two Spider-Men dynamically during missions, allowing for unique gameplay synergies and narratives. The storyline promises to dive deep into the lore of Spider-Man, featuring iconic villains like Venom and Kraven the Hunter. Fans are particularly excited about the enhanced graphics and smoother animations, which make each swing through the city feel incredibly fluid.

3. Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Genre: Action-Adventure/Stealth
Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Assassin’s Creed Mirage marks a return to the series’ roots, focusing on stealth gameplay and a lush, vibrant world set in 9th century Baghdad. This installment shifts away from the RPG elements prevalent in recent entries and refocuses on what made the franchise popular: stealth and parkour.

The game follows Basim, a character introduced in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Players can expect a shorter, more focused narrative that emphasizes exploration and indoor environments. The detailed world-building and rich historical context have garnered praise, making it an essential title for both newcomers and long-time fans of the franchise.

4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III

Genre: First-Person Shooter
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III brings back classic elements while innovating with refined gameplay mechanics. Its single-player campaign dives into new territories and introduces a darker narrative, pushing the boundaries of war stories in gaming. Players can expect high-stakes missions with engaging AI behaviors that keep the action intense.

The multiplayer component has seen significant enhancements, including new modes and increased customization options for weapons. The new Warzone integration also offers expansive battle maps, allowing players to team up for massive firefights. As a staple in the FPS genre, this title has quickly become a hot topic of discussion among gaming communities.

5. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Genre: Platformer
Platform: Nintendo Switch

Super Mario Bros. Wonder has delighted fans of all ages, offering a whimsical and charming adventure that feels both nostalgic and fresh. With innovative power-ups, vibrant graphics, and an engaging storyline, this title reimagines the classic platformer experience.

New mechanics like the “Wonder Flower” transform the gameplay dynamically, introducing surprising elements that keep players engaged. The game emphasizes creativity in level design, allowing players to explore expansive worlds filled with secrets and challenges. Its multiplayer mode also lets friends join in, enhancing the cooperative experience.

6. Starfield

Genre: Sci-Fi RPG
Platform: Xbox Series X/S, PC

Starfield, Bethesda’s first new IP in over two decades, has captivated gamers with its expansive universe and deep RPG mechanics. Set in a rich, open-world environment with hundreds of planets to explore, players can engage in intricate space travel, trade, combat, and questing.

Character customization is extensive, with skill trees that greatly impact gameplay style. Players can choose to be explorative adventurers, ruthless mercenaries, or diplomatic negotiators. The game’s storytelling, laced with existential and philosophical questions, invites players to engage with its narrative more deeply than many others in the genre.

7. Lies of P

Genre: Action RPG
Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Lies of P reimagines the classic tale of Pinocchio in a dark, Belle Époque-inspired world filled with grotesque enemies and narrative depth. This souls-like game captures players with its intricate combat system and a story that challenges morality, asking players to lie or tell the truth.

The unique “lie” mechanic allows players’ choices to impact the gameplay and narrative outcome, creating a unique experience with each playthrough. The game’s atmospheric graphics and immersive sound design have been widely praised, ensuring its place among October’s top trending titles.

8. FIFA 24

Genre: Sports Simulation
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

FIFA 24 continues to set the standard for soccer simulation, providing fans with realistic gameplay, stunning graphics, and expansive game modes. The game introduces advanced player animations and AI improvements, making matches feel more fluid and lifelike.

One of the most talked-about features is the Career Mode enhancements, which allow players to take on managerial roles, shaping their team’s destiny. The Ultimate Team mode remains robust with new ways to build and customize squads, driving engagement throughout the community. The FIFA franchise remains a titan in the sports genre, and this iteration emphasizes both realism and strategic depth.

9. Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon

Genre: Mecha Action
Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Armored Core VI revives the beloved mech combat franchise with next-gen graphics and fast-paced gameplay. Players pilot customizable mechs in intense battles against other players and AI. With a detailed combat system, players can tweak their loadouts for various playstyles, making each encounter unique.

The game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, featuring deep lore and expansive gameplay options. Critics have praised its engaging mechanics and rich customization features, establishing it as a noteworthy contender this October.

10. Dragon’s Dogma II

Genre: Action RPG
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Dragon’s Dogma II has generated buzz with its expansive fantasy world and engaging combat system. This sequel expands on the original’s success, featuring an intricate character customization system and a narrative that adapts to player choices.

The game emphasizes exploration and dynamic quests that feel alive with NPCs, giving players the chance to influence the world meaningfully. The visual fidelity and world design have drawn significant praise, making it an anticipated title for fans of the RPG genre.

11. Mortal Kombat 1

Genre: Fighting
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC

Mortal Kombat 1 reboots the iconic franchise with stunning graphics and a revamped combat system. The game introduces a new storyline while retaining classic characters, offering both nostalgia and fresh experiences for players.

The innovative Kameo system allows players to summon allies in battle, introducing more strategic depth to fights. With new fatalities and an extensive single-player campaign, Mortal Kombat 1 has become a hot topic among fighting game enthusiasts.

12. Baldur’s Gate III

Genre: RPG
Platform: PS5, PC

Even months post-release, Baldur’s Gate III remains a gaming sensation due to its deep narrative, engaging characters, and intricate mechanics based on Dungeons & Dragons. Players can create and customize characters, exploring a vast world filled with dilemmas, combat, and opportunities for synergy with party members.

The game’s branching narrative and consequential choices provide several playthrough experiences. Its engaging co-op mode also enables friends to embark on quests together, maintaining a robust community presence as new players dive into this epic RPG.

13. Final Fantasy XVI

Genre: Action RPG
Platform: PS5, PC

Final Fantasy XVI continues to captivate players with its gripping story and striking visuals. Set in a fantasy world ruled by powerful Eikons, players explore themes of war, destiny, and sacrifice. The shift to a real-time combat system has received accolades for its dynamics and fluidity.

The game’s lore is rich and complex, boasting deep characterizations and a sprawling world. Regular content updates and DLC expansions mean the community remains active, solidifying its place as a trending title throughout October.

14. Persona 5 Tactica

Genre: Tactical RPG
Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC

Persona 5 Tactica brings a new tactical twist to the beloved Persona series. With a blend of strategy and RPG elements, players control iconic characters in a turn-based combat system while navigating an engaging storyline. The vivid art style and character interactions maintain the franchise’s distinctive charm.

Players appreciate the introduction of strategy mechanics that diversify gameplay, while the rich character development keeps fans invested. This fresh interpretation of the Persona universe has excited both tactical gamers and long-time series fans alike.

15. Hogwarts Legacy

Genre: Action RPG
Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC

Hogwarts Legacy, despite being released earlier in the year, continues to trend due to its enchanting world and RPG mechanics. Players experience life as students at Hogwarts, attending classes, brewing potions, and exploring the iconic school and its surroundings.

The alignment system lets players engage with the darker aspects of magic, allowing for varied narrative outcomes. Its attention to detail, rich world-building, and immersive gameplay keep players returning to the wizarding world.

By remaining engaged with these trending titles, gamers around the world are experiencing vast narratives and innovative gameplay mechanics as October progresses. Whether you favor action, strategy, or deep storytelling, this month’s lineup offers something for everyone.