FIFA 19



  • RELEASE DATE: September 28
  • PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Switch, PC
  • DEVELOPER: EA Vancouver
  • PUBLISHER: EA Sports


Thanks to EA acquiring the license to portray the European Champions League in FIFA 19, this installment in the franchise will feature an entirely new, stand-alone mode that carries players through the league. EA has promised enhanced gameplay, included improved first-touch mechanics. Changes to the aesthetics of the game also promise a simpler gaming experience, with reticles aiding in defense and changes to avatars making map functions more efficient. Gamers will not only be able to create their ideal team but will have advanced options for control, being able to instruct their players with more specific orders than before.

FORZA HORIZON 4



  • RELEASE DATE: October 2
  • PLATFORMS: Xbox One, PC
  • DEVELOPER: Playground Games
  • PUBLISHER: Microsoft Studios


Similar to many current Battle Royale style games, Forza games change up track conditions and weather conditions based on season, giving players a unique gaming experience. Another special feature setting this franchise apart from many other racing games is its community experience. Rather than racing against AI vehicles, players race against other gamers. Players can customize much of their gaming experience, with options to personalize vehicles, drivers, and tracks being available to gamers. Players can play together or solo and can choose between casual or competitive races. Over 450 vehicles will be featured in Forza 4, along with a new Britain setting.

ASSASSIN'S CREED ODYSSEY



  • RELEASE DATE: October 5
  • PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
  • DEVELOPER: Ubisoft
  • PUBLISHER: Ubisoft


Nobody was expecting a new Assassin’s Creed offering this year after Ubisoft took a break to slow down development and get it "right" with last year's Origins but a leak revealed this planned title, forcing the studio to reveal their plans for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey just before E3. Odyssey promises to continue down the revamped path set in motion by Assassin’s Creed Origins with a somewhat open world and the updated fight mechanics. This title centers around the player choice, customizable characters, and conversation trees. It is currently unclear where Odyssey lands in the Assassin’s Creed timeline.

CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 4



  • RELEASE DATE: October 12
  • PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
  • DEVELOPER: Treyarch, Beenox
  • PUBLISHER: Activision


Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is taking the Call of Duty franchise in a different direction. This title will be putting a mysterious Battle Royale mode called "Blackout" front and center, taking a cue from the franchise’s multiplayer and forgoing a story campaign mode completely. The Zombies co-op mode is bigger than ever though and regular multiplayer is trying to be more tactical like Overwatch and Rainbow Six Siege. In a Screen Rant exclusive, gameplay designer Matt Scronce admitted the campaign mode was maybe not performing as well as the studio would have liked. So, they were not afraid to switch gears and bring the franchise’s multiplayer aspects to the forefront. Black Ops 4's Blackout mode will feature an immense map that is said to be 1,500 times larger than Call of Duty’s most popular multiplayer map, Nuketown. Confusion about DLC pricing, what Blackout actually is, and the dropping of a story has the player base a little confused but we expect to know more soon!

BATTLEFIELD V



  • RELEASE DATE: October 19
  • PLATFORMS: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
  • DEVELOPER: EA Dice
  • PUBLISHER: Electronic Arts



Like every developer with a shooter franchise, Battlefield V is also planning to offer a Battle Royale mode but not until post-launch. The main game however brings the series back to its World War II roots with even more impressive destruction effects and visuals than ever before. This one debuts the same week as Black Ops 4 but comes with a story campaign alongside a four-player co-op mode that generates objectives and narratives for replayability. Its core multiplayer is headlined by a multi-day (in-game days) Grand Operations mode which introduces paratroopers. Better yet, no DLC expansions or season passes - all new content is free to keep players together.