Each month your friendly neighbourhood NextPlay team members share what games have caught their eye. We love games, and we love talking about them. So without further ado, let’s check out what the NextPlay Picks of October 2023.
Detective Pikachu Returns
Release Date: October 6 | Developer: Creatures Inc. | Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
“Detective Pikachu Returns has been one of my most anticipated releases since it was announced back in June this year and it comes out this week! In fact, I’ve been playing through the first one on 3DS to prepare for it.
The first one didn’t really receive a great deal of praise (at least from what I remember) and with my current play through I feel like it hasn’t aged well either but I’m hoping that with it coming to Switch and on the back of the live action movie in 2019, we’re going to be surprised with a treat!
As a huge Pokémon fan, I’m always ready for whatever this franchise pumps out and Detective Pikachu Returns is no exception. I’m excited for another fun adventure with Pikachu and his human partner Tim Goodwin in Ryme City as they continue the search for Tim’s missing father.
Not only that, we will have the opportunity to team up with other Pokémon, such as Growlithe who can track scents with her sharp sense of smell and she will even let Pikachu jump on her back whilst looking for clues! If you’re super keen like me, there is a Detective Pikachu event coming to Pokémon GO this week as well. It kicks off Thursday October 5th at 10am until Monday October 9th at 8pm local time to coincide with the game’s release. As always, you can expect to find a Pikachu with a Detective Hat in the wild and if you’re lucky, you may just encounter a shiny one too! Plus a stack of other themed Pokémon spawning in the wild too.
I’ve still got my fingers crossed we will see a re-release of the jumbo Detective Pikachu Amiibo. I mean if Nintendo can do it for Zelda, why not?”
Hannah Rapley / @eeramz
Sonic Superstars
Release Date: October 17 | Developer: Sega | Publisher: Sega
Platform: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S
“I’m pretty excited to dive into a new Sonic the Hedgehog game, with Sonic Superstars releasing this month! I haven’t played a Sonic game in a few years actually, and I feel like this will be a nice break from those big open world games that I usually play. I still remember playing the original Sonic the hedgehog game back in the day! Sonic Superstars looks very colourful and the gameplay looks really fun and engaging, with the whole gang taking on some familiar enemies.”
Marissa / @marsxogames
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Release Date: October 20 | Developer: Insomniac Games | Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 5
“When considering which game was my most anticipated for October 2023, there was only one thwipping video game to consider, and that was Spider-Man 2. I adore the original Insomniac developed Spider-Man game and still consider it to be the best superhero game available. I also loved the 2020 release of Miles Morales, which allowed players to control Miles and experience his unique powers firsthand. Spider-Man 2 will allow players to control both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, while also bringing in iconic villains such as Venom and Kraven the Hunter, what’s not to love? I am incredibly excited to dive into the next Spider-Man adventure on October 20.”
Jamie Briggs / @jamiex66
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Release Date: October 20 | Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
“I havent been this excited for a Super Mario game in a very long time. 2D mario games usually all look somewhat familiar and samey, not deviating much from the same predicted path. But this one, is completely off the beaten track and just flying on its own. With so many unique, different and abstract ideas that are making this a very unexpected journey!”
Berto / @pause_gamer
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1
Release Date: October 24 | Developer: Konami | Publisher: Konami
Platform: PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S
“I’ve actually never played Metal Gear Solid or Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, but Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is one of my favourite games of all time. When Master Collection Vol 1 was announced I was beyond ecstatic. I can’t wait to revisit Snake Eater and experience the first two games for the first time in HD.”
Brad Goodwin / @brad_exp
Alan Wake II
Release Date: October 27 | Developer: Remedy Entertainment | Publisher: Epic Games
Platform: PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X|S
“Ever since I experienced the first ever Max Payne game I have been invested in Remedy Entertainments story telling. When I first played Alan Wake I seriously couldn’t put it down. Then with all the little Easter eggs in all the Remedy games over the years, culminated with the AWE DLC in Control it was more apparent that Alan Wake was set for a return. Add in the fact they have said this will now be a survival horror game I can’t wait to get my hands on Alan Wake II”.
Mikeey Barrow / @thexboxcowboy
So what game are you excited for in October? Did you enjoy our NextPlay Picks? Let us know on Facebook, X, Threads or Instagram!
