Five Games Released by September 12 Worth Playing This Weekend
Metal Eden
Released on September 2 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Metal Eden delivers breakneck sci-fi action. Players take on the role of Aska, an android navigating a futuristic orbital city where combat revolves around “Core hijacking.” Removing enemy Cores can either destroy them, serve as grenades, or be absorbed for health and melee enhancements. Jetpacks, grappling, and wall-jumps create fluid verticality, making every firefight dynamic. The main campaign is roughly 8 to 10 hours long, but completionists experimenting with upgrades and hidden content can extend their playtime significantly.
Hell Is Us
Launched on September 4th on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Hell Is Us is a third-person narrative-driven adventure set in a civil war–torn land plagued by supernatural beings. Stealth, exploration, and brutal melee combat shape its gameplay, while environmental storytelling replaces traditional HUDs. The average main story playthrough should take 12 to 15 hours, with full exploration and lore discovery stretching closer to 30 hours.
Cronos: The New Dawn
Arriving September 5 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch 2, and macOS/Linux, Cronos: The New Dawn blends survival horror with RPG progression. Players battle grotesque reanimated creatures using melee weapons and firearms, all while managing scarce resources. Failure to properly dispatch enemies means they’ll return stronger, heightening tension. A focused playthrough takes about 15 to 18 hours, but completionists exploring every secret and upgrade path can expect over 25 hours.
Scar-Lead Salvation
Released on September 2 for Xbox Series X|S after earlier PC and PlayStation launches, Scar-Lead Salvation is a bullet-hell roguelite in third-person form. Procedural levels, permadeath loops, and evolving weapon loadouts ensure no two runs feel the same. While individual sessions may last under an hour, dozens of runs are needed to unlock everything, potentially pushing players into the 30- to 40-hour range if pursuing mastery.
Borderlands 4
The big-ticket release of September 12, Borderlands 4 arrives on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with Switch 2 support following in October. This new chapter transports players to Kairos, a war-ravaged world where rebellion clashes with ruthless authoritarian rule. Double jumps, grappling, weapon crafting, and modular gear push the looter-shooter formula further than ever before. The main campaign runs about 15 to 20 hours, but full exploration, co-op runs, and gear optimization can push gameplay beyond 40 hours.
