When it comes to game releases, the fall months have typically been a brutal gauntlet of big releases.
Despite the significant changes in the game industry, this remains true. This month features ninjas, science fiction, an 8-bit mouse, and more. There will be something for just about any gamer.
One of this month’s releases, Ninja Gaiden 4, is the fifth major ninja-centric game this year, and the third Ninja Gaiden game specifically.
So far, we’ve seen Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. Throw Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown in there if you like, too. Incredibly, they’ve all been pretty fun, solid games.
And if you’re looking for more fresh picks, check out our list of September’s biggest game releases. But for a look at what’s ahead, keep reading for October’s top drops.
Ghost of Yōtei
Release Date: October 2, 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Ghost of Tsushima was one of the stand-out releases on PlayStation 4, another remarkable Sony game release that showed why they’re so dominant in the console space.
Ghost of Yōtei is the follow-up to Tsushima, but don’t call it a sequel. This game is set 329 years after Tsushima, well after the Mongol empire, after the death of Tsushima protagonist Jin Sakai, and even after the death of Oda Nobunaga in 1582.
In this game, you’ll be exploring the area around Mount Yōtei as Atsu, who seeks revenge against the samurai Lord Saito and his generals, who killed her family and left her for dead.
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
Release Date: October 2, 2025
Platforms: Nintendo Switch (Enhanced for Switch 2)
Nintendo makes killer games, but struggles with game preservation, mainly due to their frequent changes in hardware form factors and storage formats.
A case in point is the Super Mario Galaxy games, which were released on the Nintendo Wii in 2007 and 2010.
Nintendo is giving the game a proper re-release on Nintendo Switch, with enhancements for Nintendo Switch 2. The game will allow you to choose between classic motion controls and a new control scheme that will play like a normal handheld.
There’s also an assist mode for gamers looking for an easier gameplay experience. If you’re playing on Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll be able to play this great-looking game at 4K.
While Nintendo isn’t asking for an upgrade fee for Switch 2 players, watch out–this release is $70 for an 18- and 15-year-old set of games, and they’re $40 each individually.
Battlefield 6
Release Date: October 10, 2025
Platforms: PC (Steam, EA App, Epic), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Gamers are hyped about a Battlefield game again.
Can EA meet their expectations? We’ll find out in just a couple of weeks. Aside from the success of Battlefield 1, many of the series’ launches have been plagued by issues.
This entry features a variety of new mechanics. Perhaps the most substantial of these is the latest ‘Kinesthetic Combat,’ which allows players to lean around cover, hitch a ride on vehicles, and drag comrades to safety to revive them.
Destructibility is still a feature, but you won’t be leveling skyscrapers. Instead, the destruction is more controlled to allow for things like eliminating cover, without also making the map frustrating to play on.
To give you an idea of how focused on performance DICE is this time around, Battlefield won’t get ray tracing at launch and perhaps ever.
Ray tracing can make games look great, but it won’t significantly improve performance for those seeking sharp visuals in a precision shooter like Battlefield.
Ninja Gaiden 4
Release Date: October 21, 2025
Platforms: PC (Steam & Xbox store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a new mainline entry in the Ninja Gaiden series that began in 2004.
Series protagonist Ryu Hayabusa will play a significant role in the game, but you’ll be playing as a new character called Yakumo, who will act as the game’s lead.
This game is being developed by Team Ninja, as with their other games, but Platinum Games (known for Bayonetta and Vanquish) is contributing to enhance the game’s action sensibilities.
Dispatch
Release Date: October 22, 2025
Platforms: PC (Steam), PlayStation 5
Former Telltale developers formed a new studio, AdHoc Studio, and are back to work on another narrative-focused game.
Dispatch is a “superhero workplace comedy,” featuring dialogue trees that are typical of the genre. But as a superhero dispatcher, you’ll also be managing a map of crimes and events, deciding which heroes are the best fit for which events.
There’s also a hacking mini-game and some quicktime-style events. The cast is led by Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad, Bojack Horseman), Jeffrey Wright (The French Dispatch, The Batman), and Critical Role vets Matthew Mercer, Laura Bailey, and Travis Willingham.
The Outer Worlds 2
Release Date: October 29, 2025
Platforms: PC (Steam, Xbox store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S; Day-one on Xbox Game Pass
Hey Obsidian, can you chill for just a second? Microsoft has acquired dozens of studios (and closed too many), and Obsidian stands out as one of the very best.
While Bethesda is taking a decade in between game releases, Obsidian is on its third this year. The Outer Worlds 2 follows Avowed in February and Grounded 2’s early access release in July.
This game features more reactive dialogue and decisions compared to the original, as well as new traversal options and expanded character customization.
There are six companions to pick up throughout the story, and three factions to navigate. The Outer Worlds was an interesting but limited game, and we’re hoping Obsidian can nail it this time around.
At least this sequel isn’t releasing at the same time as The Outer Wilds again.
Mina the Hollower
Release Date: October 31, 2025
Platforms: PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch & Switch 2, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X/S
Shovel Knight was released in 2014 and became a massive hit for the then-new developer Yacht Club Games.
After years of supporting that game, they finally have a new title: Mina the Hollower. You’ll play as the titular Mina, a mouse and inventor who can burrow—or hollow–underground as she explores and fights enemies.
If this game is up to the standard set by Shovel Knight, this one should be another instant classic.