We’re almost at the end of September 2019 with this week’s Content Drop. We’ll see PC game releases such as Code Vein, Magic: The Gathering Arena, FIFA 20, The Surge 2, Cat Quest 2, and more.
For the other games that have released this September 2019, check out the monthly PC game releases listing. As for the rest of the games launching this year and beyond, you can view our updated release dates list.
The Surge 2
- Release Date: September 24
- Developer: Deck13
- Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
- Store: Steam
Deck13’s latest offering, The Surge 2, takes players to Jericho City. In this besieged metropolis, your character has to fight against numerous opponents — human, mechanical, and nanite-infused ones. It’s a hellacious action game, one where you can cut off opponents’ limbs to upgrade your own capabilities. Combat is fast-paced, hectic, and quite challenging given that Deck13 did note that The Surge 2 will be inspired by the Dark Souls franchise.
The only downside, as mentioned by Andrew Farrell in our official review, is that the challenge is marred by inconsistent combat and parry systems. Andrew found himself suffering the brunt of attacks despite knowing he’d been further away from bosses, and that certain attacks would require picture-perfect timing to counteract. There were also a few technical issues such as choppy framerates and “garbled graphics” that “required a restart.”
If you’ve been looking forward to The Surge 2, know that it does have a few notable flaws. There’s also another Dark Souls-inspired game that’s coming out this week, one which may turn your attention away from The Surge 2. That’s none other than Bandai Namco’s Code Vein.
Cat Quest 2
- Release Date: September 24
- Developer: The Gentlebros
- Publisher: PQube Limited
- Store: Steam
Cat Quest 2 is no longer just for the single-player experience. In fact, Cat Quest 2 is also no longer about cats. That’s because the sequel adds a new continent with dog inhabitants, a playable dog character, and local/couch co-op.
In my Cat Quest 2 review, I mentioned how my wife and I found the game charming, fun, and adorable for a time. Unfortunately, it’s also best played in short bursts. The longer we played in one sitting, the more we recognized its shortcomings such as repetitive mechanics and a bland story that overly relied on the usual cat puns and jokes that you’ve seen in the first game.
That’s not to say Cat Quest 2 is a bad game. It’s something that you can definitely get some enjoyment out of, especially if you’re playing with a family member or a friend. It’s just that it does seem lacking in depth for a sequel. In any case, you can still check out our Cat Quest 2 guides and features hub for more tips about the game.
Magic: The Gathering Arena
- Release Date: September 26
- Developer: Wizards of the Coast
- Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
- Store: Official website
Hearthstone, Artifact, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokemon, Gwent — these games and many others have a lot in common. It’s that they are, in many ways, inspired by the granddaddy of collectible card games (CCGs) and card battlers. Magic: The Gathering Arena is raring for a bout, and it’s not going to be deterred.
Magic: The Gathering Arena originally launched its beta phase last year. Since then, it has undergone a number of changes, a few events, and additions, and it has amassed a dedicated following. It will be officially releasing this week, with Epic Games as an exclusive third-party download partner. Note that the game will still be available on the official website, and players will still be able to challenge others regardless of the storefront they choose.
Anyway, Magic: The Gathering Arena‘s official launch this week will introduce the Throne of Eldraine set to the Standard format. You’ll also have some nifty battlefields with fairy tale themes in good humor. Magic: The Gathering Arena will also have a limited-time event where you can pick from any card in the Standard format and just build your deck around your collection. However, you can only play up to twelve games and you’re done. Don’t fret, though, because another event from October 6-9 will allow you to have all the Standard cards (including Throne of Eldraine cards) provided that you win 12 games before you lose two.
Code Vein
- Release Date: September 27
- Developer: Bandai Namco
- Publisher: Bandai Namco
- Store: Steam
The Surge 2 isn’t the only Dark Souls-inspired game that’s releasing this week. We’ll also see the arrival of Bandai Namco’s Code Vein. The action here is also expected to be fast, fluid, and frantic. Players will be able to use numerous weapons to take out their foes, and they can also access skills related to blood infusion and blood draining.
Unlike The Surge 2 which is a single-player experience, Code Vein allows for online co-op. You can team up with a friend to demolish your enemies. If you can’t find a buddy to share that experience, you can also choose from various AI-controlled NPCs that can help turn the tide of battle.
So, which Souls-like game will win out in this week’s Content Drop: The Surge 2 or Code Vein?
Other Content Drops this week
FIFA 20 (September 23/27) – It’s football, it’s the beautiful game. It’s FIFA, and it’s the 20th mainline game in the franchise. A new mode called Volta, featuring street football, will also be part of the game. Note that the game releases on September 27, but early access will allow you to play on September 23. You can find it via EA Origin.
Contra: Rogue Corps (September 24) – Action, shooting, and mayhem will come your way in the latest installment of the Contra franchise. You can find it on Steam.
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid (September 24) – Celebrate 25 years of the Power Rangers franchise in this fighting game where you take part in 3-vs-3 tag battles with new and old characters. You can find it on Steam.
Rage 2: Rise of the Ghosts (September 26) – Return to the world of Rage 2 in a brand new region where you’ll fight the cannibalistic Ghosts faction. You can find it on Bethesda.net.
I Love You, Colonel Sanders! A Finger-Lickin’ Good Dating Simulator (September 26) – Uh, yes, it’s a dating simulator featuring Colonel Sanders. Is that enough of a selling point? You be the judge. You can find it on Steam.
Next week’s Content Drops
Well, that about does it for September 2019’s Content Drops and PC game releases. No major titles will be releasing on the 30th, but we will see more once the first week of October rolls around. We’ve got Warsaw, Paranoia: Happiness is Mandatory, and Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered. Oh, and it’s time for some shootin’ and a bit of lootin’ when Ghost Recon Breakpoint and Destiny 2: Shadowkeep launch on the same week.
Note: All release dates are for North America.
