Welcome back, SPUD readers! If you spent your summer like I did, you more than likely spent most of your time indoors, in front of a screen or blowing your paychecks by stocking up on expansion packs for your favorite game. All summer we awaited the releases of games such as the sixth expansion to MMO game series, World of Warcraft, EA’s newest release ofThe Sims 4: Backyard Stuff, and the augmented reality game that took millions across the US and Europe by storm, Pokemon Go!  No matter what you invested hours into playing, this summer was one to remember in the gaming universe and the fun doesn’t stop there!

NBA 2K17 (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One) – September 16th

This June, we watched as the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers battled it out to become NBA champions in the finals. Since then, we’ve all been anticipating the release of the newest game in the NBA 2K series.

In last year’s version, you were able to scan your face through your console’s camera utilities and put yourself in the game. However, several issues came about with the feature, some players even saying it was nearly impossible to use. No longer! The developers of 2K have heard our pleas and  gotten right to work, very hopeful that the new version will do a better job of giving us simple self creation!

MyLeague and MyGM are popular game modes in the 2K series. Allowing players to expand their team, based on individual taste, the developers of NBA 2K17 have promised players more feature additions. Players will be able to create things, such as personalized jersey logos, and be able to share their custom teams through Xbox Life and the PlayStation Network.

Known as the franchise that “all sports video games should aspire to be”, according to GamesRadar, NBA 2K17 is expected to take the series above and beyond, continuing to blur the fine line between video gaming and reality.

Destiny: Rise of Iron (PS4, Xbox One) – September 20th

Destiny: Rise of Iron is the next highly anticipated addition to the Destiny series. Start with the cinematic story campaign, set within the newest location, The Plaguelands. Quarantined for centuries, Devil Splicers have broken through the walls, dug deep into the earth and found technology of unlimited power. Become Lord Saladin on his conquest to journey into the land of toxic wastes and growing threats, more dangerous than anyone can fathom. Cinema Blend says  Destiny: Rise of Iron is “gunning for an epic experience…” With several new features taking over the newest expansion, there’s no room for disappointment.

FIFA 17 (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One) – September 27th

Beginning annual releases in 1993, the FIFA video games have sold over 3.2 million games, so it’s easy to say EA Sports developers have quite the audience to impress. In the game’s story mode, you take form as Alex Hunter. Alex is the game’s protagonist, on a journey to make his mark in the soccer world. Emerging as one of the most talented young prospects, expectations are high for Alex to perform his best on the world’s biggest stage. You will begin the gameplay, after you select the team you want Alex to play for. For the first time in FIFA video game history, you will be pulled through the most true-to-life experience in the 2016 video gaming year. You can experience brand new worlds, while navigating your way through the emotional highs and lows of playing in the Premier League. Alex’s career is impacted by your performance on the field and the decisions you make off of it. The decisions you make throughout the game will determine how other characters react to you and will change what events you witness next. From free kicks and corner kicks to various penalties, put your own sense of personality into the game and experience complete control, no matter what dead ball situation you’re in.

September was the month for sports games developers to show off, attempting to beat out their biggest competitor with bigger and better features than the game released before them. While the summer fun has officially come to a close, the gaming never stops and September’s upcoming releases are sure to prove that. No matter what type of game is your personal preference, you won’t be disappointed. Game developers everywhere, be warned. The month of September is going to be a hard one to beat.

Also Coming this September:

Also this month, don’t miss your favorite little yellow guy, PACMAN, as he returns to PC, PS4 and Xbox One in Pac-Man Championship Addition 2, on September 13th.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (3DS) – September 8th

Jotun: Valhalla Edition (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U) – September 9th

Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One) – September 13th

ReCore (PC, Xbox One) – September 13th

Sonic Boom: Fire and Ice (3DS) – September 27th