September has always been a great time for video games. A ton of notable classics launched during the month in the past, including the original Star Wars: Battlefront, System Shock, and Capcom’s highly influential platformer DuckTales. One is bound to find a game they love on the following list of September 2019 gaming anniversaries. It’s a testament to just how important these 30 days have always been to the community.
September 2019 Gaming Anniversaries | Halo 3: ODST (10th Anniversary)
Halo 3: ODST released for Xbox 360 on September 22, 2009 and is the first game in the Halo franchise to not feature Master Chief. Rather, it has fans play as an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper during and after the events of Halo 2. The title eschews Halo 3‘s bright environments and grand overtures in favor of a more subdued atmosphere.
A feeling of loneliness pervades one’s mission to piece together the location of their missing teammates. It’s impossible not to feel paranoid throughout the experience, as players don’t have access to the advanced armor and damage-absorbing energy shields in prior entries. Fans looking to experience the title before next year’s Halo Infinite can do so today via Halo: The Master Chief Collection, as the game became a part of the package in 2015 via DLC.
September 2019 Gaming Anniversaries | Fable (15th Anniversary)
It’s no surprise that the original Fable became the Xbox’s fastest-selling game shortly after it released for the system on September 14, 2004, as it encourages players to experiment with the vast array of combat options and skills available to them in order to acquire awesome rewards and praise from NPCs.
While the title is a remarkably dense action RPG, it doesn’t neglect its sense of humor. It’s hard to forget one’s first time completing a quest while naked. Fable allows anyone to enjoy the genre and does little to prevent them from having fun. Curious RPG fans who have yet to try the game out can do so through Fable Anniversary on Xbox 36o and PC, the likes of which features high-definition graphics and content not included in the original title.
September 2019 Gaming Anniversaries | Star Wars: Battlefront (15th Anniversary)
As its name suggests, Star Wars: Battlefront has players wage war with one another across a variety of iconic places featured in the original Star Wars movie trilogy and its prequel films. When it released for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC on September 21, 2004, critics praised how well it recreated the franchise’s unique sounds and settings. Each class in the Confederacy of Independent Systems, Galactic Empire, and Rebel Alliance feels unique and it’s fun to switch between a shield-wielding Droideka and a B2 super battle droid on the fly. While mired in controversy, EA made the right decision in choosing to resurrect Battlefront for modern consoles, as it’s one of LucasArts’ most beloved properties.
September 2019 Gaming Anniversaries | Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (20th Anniversary)
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis revitalized Capcom’s famed horror franchise when it released for PlayStation on September 22, 1999 in Japan. Its beautiful graphics properly convey Raccoon City’s devastation and Nemesis’ grotesque appearance. Gunpowder types allow fans to experiment with their weapon arsenals and the addition of dodges and 180-degree turns aids in the zombie-slaying frenzy. To top it all off, live action choices encourage fans to play through the game at least twice if they’re brave enough. Newcomers should be warned that the title’s villain leaves an indelible impression. It’s hard to get over the adrenaline rush one gets after witnessing Nemesis randomly burst out of a wall or ceiling.
September 2019 Gaming Anniversaries | Crash Team Racing (20th Anniversary)
While Crash Team Racing does heavily borrow from Mario Kart, its practical control scheme, colorful presentation, and charming characters make it stand out from its contemporaries. The game, which released for the original PlayStation on September 30, 1999, places emphasis on speed. As a result, racing down tracks feels fluid and natural and the soundtrack and visuals have aged well even in this HD era. It’s appropriate that an incredible remaster titled Nitro-Fueled released this year, as the spin-off game is still cherished by a lot of ’90s kids today.
September 2019 Gaming Anniversaries | System Shock (25th Anniversary)
When System Shock released for MS-DOS on September 23, 1994, it revolutionized the action-adventure genre. As a hacker aboard a space station, players are tasked with bringing down an AI called SHODAN before it seeds Earth with a virus capable of turning humanity into mutants. This narrative-driven approach was something that action games rarely explored previously and is responsible for influencing some of the medium’s most popular franchises including Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid, and Half-Life. System Shock‘s focus on emergent gameplay is also noteworthy, as players can tackle obstacles in a variety of ways. The game’s controls may take some time getting used to, but it’s definitely worthwhile for anyone interested in learning more about one of the industry’s most important titles.
September 2019 Gaming Anniversaries | DuckTales (30th Anniversary)
There’s no understating DuckTales‘ influence on the industry. Since the title released for Nintendo Entertainment System on September 14, 1989, developers all of the world have tried to replicate its nonlinear approach to gameplay and fun pogo stick mechanics. Though Scrooge McDuck’s globe-trotting adventure is accessible by children and parents alike, it isn’t afraid to put one’s platforming skills to the test in later sections. Popular games like Shovel Knight wouldn’t exist today without the foundation that DuckTales laid decades ago. Modern audiences who don’t feel like buying a used NES online should rest assured knowing that a remastered version of the title is available for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PC.
This September seems like it will keep in the tradition of offering fans a slew of memorable titles to enjoy, as Borderlands 3, Gears 5, and a The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening remake are all slated to release within the next 30 days. Here’s hoping that the month never loses its luster.
