Outstanding October: Twelve Games to Look Out for This Month

We have reached the beginning of a new month, so that means it's time to take a look at the planned North American retail video game releases for the month. We've reached the busy time of the game release season, and this is just the beginning. Next month is sure to be even crazier. For now, check out these twelve releases hand-picked by the SuperPhillip Central staff. As always, release dates are subject to change (hopefully not, though). Which of these games do you plan on purchasing, if any?

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (Wii U)
Release Date: 10/4

Already released digitally to Wii U owners, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is having its official retail release on Friday. A limited edition of the game is available for purchase at GameStop stores and online, featuring a collectible 5" Ganondorf figurine. The actual game contains many improvements over its decade's old original, including the obvious higher definition visuals, a less tedious Triforce quest near the end of the game, and Wii U GamePad functionality. The hits keep on coming to the Wii U this fall, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD continues this trend.

Beyond: Two Souls (PS3)
Release Date: 10/8

From the makers of Heavy Rain, Beyond: Two Souls is an upcoming psychological thriller releasing next week in North America. The game is receiving lots of hype, and it's well deserved. Actors Ellen Page and Wiilem Dafoe lend their likenesses and voices to the game. Beyond: Two Souls contains a plethora of dialogue, a thought-provoking story, and plenty of twists and turns to keep the player engaged. The game had the honor of being screened at the Tribeca Film Festival-- only the second game to be featured at the festival, the first being L.A. Noire. It looks like Beyond: Two Souls will be yet another killer exclusive for PlayStation 3 owners.

Pokemon X/Y (3DS)
Release Date: 10/12

For the first time in a long time, the majority of staff at SuperPhillip Central (okay, that's two out of three people) are excited for a new mainline Pokemon game. Instead of simply being evolutions (pun intended) to the series, Pokemon X and Pokemon Y are meant to be revolutions to the series, offering 3D maps, 3D battles, character customization, multiple new Pokemon, mega evolutions, new Pokemon types, and so much more. There's no doubt Pokemon X and Y will send Pokemaniacs into a tizzy when it releases on October 12.

Skylanders: Swap Force (Multi)
Release Date: 10/13

Since Disney Infinity released back in August, Activision's Skylanders series got a whole new heap of competition. Rather than rest on its laurels, the newest Skylanders game features an intriguing new component to it, the ability to swap parts of figurines with others to create new characters. In total, there are 256 combinations (heads and bodies) to utilize. In addition to this, a feature from the handheld versions of the series makes its console debut-- the ability to jump, adding platforming to the mix to create an even fresher experience. Skylanders: Swap Force will release October 13. With this and Pokemon releasing back-to-back, kids this October will be more than set for the rest of the year!

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (Multi)
Release Date: 10/22

Having already dealt with the DC Comics universe with LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, TT Games are moving onto the Marvel universe of characters. Over 150 Marvel superheroes and villains will be on display in LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, a game following the structure of past LEGO games (i.e. action-adventure moments and puzzle solving gameplay). The story has the universe-destroying Galactus as the main villain, having Nick Fury calling in his team of S.H.I.E.L.D. all-stars to combat the threat. Coming off LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes and LEGO City Undercover, we're certainly hyped for the latest in the LEGO series. We won't have to wait long either, as LEGO Marvel Super Heroes joins forces with consumers on October 22.

Batman: Arkham Origins (Multi)
Release Date: 10/25

When a less refined Batman gets a bounty put on his head, a myriad of assassins make their way into Gotham City to obtain the reward through silencing the Dark Knight for good. Batman: Arkham Origins may not have Rocksteady Studios at the helm, but we believe WB Games Montreal will create a worthy successor to both Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. For the first time in the series's history, a multiplayer component will be implemented. The Wii U version does not contain such a mode, but thankfully it will be priced ten dollars less than the other versions. It's a good alternative for those who don't want multiplayer in their Batman games. Batman: Arkham Origins releases October 25.

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (3DS, Vita)
Release Date: 10/25

Accompanying the release of its big brother, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is a handheld exclusive game that will launch alongside Arkham Origins. Armature Studios (a studio made up of former Retro Studios developers) is the force behind this 2D Metroid-like game. The focus of Blackgate will be on obtaining new gear, armor and gadgets to access previously inaccessible areas, taking down henchmen and bosses like the Joker, Penguin, and Solomon Grundy. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate releases on the same day at the completely different home console versions.

Wii Party U (Wii U)
Release Date: 10/25

Wii U is having a party soon, and you're definitely invited. No need to RSVP either! Wii Party U will be releasing later this month, and it will offer a huge array of mini-games, each offering unique ways to play. The game will utilize the Wii Remote Plus controller for the majority of the time, while tabletop games, such as baseball and slot car races, will be played between two players by sharing the Wii U GamePad. Wii Party U might not be everyone's cup of tea, but its relatively low entry price, bundle with a Wii Remote Plus, and oodles of fun for friends and family will make for a grand old time for anyone with an itch to party hearty.

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (Multi)
Release Date: 10/29

While all of us have brand fatigue from this yearly series, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag will most likely interest those that still enjoy the franchise. The game will have a focus between land and naval exploring, offering a multitude of means to journey around Black Flag's three unique cities. Outside of these cities are other areas to come across, such as ruins, forts, and sweltering jungles. Alongside this exploration focus, players will be able to captain their own ship, as well as recruit new crew members. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag will debut with their respective console launches next month, but for Wii U, PS3, PC, and Xbox 360 owners, you'll get your chance to venture through the world of Assassin's Creed IV late this month.

Battlefield 4 (PS3, 360, PC)
Release Date: 10/29

While Assassin's Creed is a series we have brand fatigue from, the military shooters is a genre we suffer genre fatigue from. Still, for those that can't get enough gunning down the enemy as a soldier, Battlefield 4 looks to set itself apart from its closest competition, the almighty Call of Duty franchise. The game will feature large-scale maps for multiplayer action while the single-player campaign will introduce miniature open-world levels to create a greater sense of openness, creating new opportunities for battle. Like Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, a PS4 and Xbox One version will be releasing on those systems.

Sonic: Lost World (Wii U, 3DS)
Release Date: 10/29

Coming fresh off the heels of Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations, Sonic's Nintendo-exclusive pair of new titles takes the series back to new heights. Sonic: Lost World is a game heavily reminiscent of Super Mario Galaxy, but that's quite alright. Why not draw inspiration from the best? Sonic's arsenal includes all-new parkour moves to reach new areas in the levels of the game, more options to control Sonic's speed, and a focus on tight platforming rather than heavy speed. Though the game was delayed a week from its original October 22 release date, we can wait a week to try out Sonic's newest platforming escapade.

WWE 2K14 (PS3, 360)
Release Date: 10/29

WWE 2K14 is the first game in the series under the 2K moniker, as THQ went belly up and 2K Sports took the series's mantle. Many improvements have been made to create a faster, more fluid gameplay experience. The big draw of WWE 2K14 is the new 30 Years of Wrestlemania mode, a mode featuring three decades of WWE Wrestlemania highlights, playable matches, and superstars past and present to play as. Each era of the WWE will be fully represented, tugging on the heartstrings of those of us who grew up watching Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and many more. WWE 2K14 will lay the smack down on store shelves near the end of the month.