Ethan Crossfield 
September is already delivering a crowded release schedule, giving players more options than a single weekend can reasonably accommodate. Onimusha: Way of the Sword is available now, The Blood of Dawnwalker offers a distinctive choice-driven adventure, and several smaller games provide strong alternatives for co-op groups, platformer fans, and horror players. Here is how to prioritize the weekend’s most notable games—and what may be better saved for later.
Start with these major new adventures
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is the clearest recommendation for action fans. Capcom’s first new entry in the series in more than 20 years centers on Musashi and delivers demanding, layered sword combat alongside a memorable setting and cast. Its arena design can become repetitive, but the combat gives the game a strong foundation. Players concerned about the challenge should know that it includes a substantial easy mode.
The Blood of Dawnwalker is a better fit for anyone who values agency over a fixed quest order. Coen is human by day and a vampire by night, with only 30 days to rescue his family from a vampire lord. Missions advance the clock, and there is no single prescribed main quest, so choosing which goals matter becomes the heart of the experience. Directional combat, different day-and-night mechanics, and a strong atmosphere round out the package.
Choose a smaller game for co-op or variety
Orbitals is a short, co-op-only puzzle adventure with an 80s-anime-inspired visual style, expressive presentation, and a colorful soundtrack. Its roughly six-hour campaign does not always match the ambition of its ideas, but it remains an enjoyable choice for two players who want something relaxed and visually distinctive.
Crimson Moon combines Souls-inspired combat with a run-based roguelike structure. Its nephlim hero battles demons through missions, while multiple lives make the format more forgiving than a traditional Soulslike. The presentation is impressive for a $20 game, and two-player co-op adds another reason to consider it.
For platforming fans, Marsupilami 2: Salsa Palombia offers bright visuals, catchy music, secrets, collectibles, and increasingly demanding levels. It supports solo play and co-op on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and PC. Its three characters have different abilities, while the unlockable Salsa Mode adds replay value.
Know what to play now and what to wait for
Halloween: The Game is technically playable through its more expensive early-access edition, while the full launch arrives September 8. Its short single-player campaign is designed more as an introduction to playing as Michael Myers than as a complete standalone horror experience. Fans of asymmetrical multiplayer may find more value in the larger game than campaign-only players.
NBA 2K27 remains a mixed proposition. Its basketball gameplay, visuals, and Franchise mode are major strengths, and MyCareer now gives players more room to focus on a career path without constantly engaging with The City. However, monetization remains part of the broader experience. Keeper is another notable option, especially for PlayStation 5 owners: Double Fine’s sentient-lighthouse adventure is available now and has been praised for its visual presentation.
Away from video games, Fibbage’s physical card-game adaptation brings the series’ bluffing trivia format to the table, making it a useful pick for a group night away from screens.
What players should know
- Play Onimusha: Way of the Sword now if challenging sword combat is your priority.
- Choose The Blood of Dawnwalker if you want time-limited decisions and a flexible quest structure.
- Pick Orbitals or Crimson Moon for co-op, or Marsupilami 2 for approachable platforming that grows tougher.
- Wait until September 8 for Halloween: The Game’s full launch unless early access is important to you.
- Consider Keeper on PlayStation 5 or physical Fibbage for something different from the weekend’s larger releases.
Expert View
The strongest overall choices are Onimusha: Way of the Sword for action and The Blood of Dawnwalker for narrative freedom. The smaller games are less essential, but each serves a clear audience. Halloween: The Game deserves a wait-and-see approach unless you already know its multiplayer format is for you.
