Nine months into 2019, gamers have already been treated to some instant classics such as “Fire Emblem: Three Houses” and the remake of “Resident Evil 2,” but the past is in the past and it is time to look ahead.

As the holiday season gets closer and closer, the gaming industry’s heaviest hitters are beginning to be released and The Wood Word is here to help you keep track of it all. $60 is the price tag for most video games so it can be hard to justify potentially spending all of that money on a product you don’t know will be any good, but we’ve got you covered. These are the titles that should be on every gamer’s radar over the last four months of 2019.

“Gears 5”

The “Gears of War” series has been a staple for the Xbox brand since the original launched on the Xbox 360 in 2006. 13 years later and the franchise is still running strong with its latest entry “Gears 5.” This new game sees Kait Diaz searching to uncover the truth of her family’s legacy along with the cast of characters gamers journeyed with in its predecessor. The game features five unique modes including an entirely new map builder that players can use to build and share levels with other gamers around the world, adding tons of replay value to make your purchase justified. “Gears 5” launched exclusively on Xbox One on Sept. 10.

“Borderlands 3”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av5Eyx3bGtM

The next installment to the immensely popular “Borderlands” series has arrived promising over one billion guns and plenty more loot for gamers to search for. In “Borderlands 3,” players take on the role of a “vault hunter” as they aim to open the Great Vault before the evil Calypso Twins do. The combat is fast-paced fun, completing quests is addictive and the characters are hilarious, ensuring you will never be board over your 30 hour long adventure through the borderlands. “Borderlands 3” launched on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on Sept. 13.

“The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening”

“The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening” is a remake of the 1993 Game Boy title of the same name updated with high definition visuals and other new features. In “The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening,” Link is washed ashore on the secluded Koholint Island and has to escape by surveying the world and fighting his way through various dungeons. Players can also create their own dungeons using chambers they’ve discovered on their adventure and use them to reap different rewards. “The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening” launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch on Sept. 20.

“Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint”

“Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint” is an open world military co-op shooter and serves as the 11th installment in the “Ghost Recon” franchise. “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint” brings gamers to the fictional island of Auroa and places a large emphasis on survival. To win most battles, players will have to think tactically while also managing their fatigue, hunger and hydration levels. “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint” launches on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on Oct. 4.

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare”

Although it may share a similar title to 2007’s “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare,” the latest entry in the long running franchise, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare,” is anything but the same game. This new game serves as a soft reboot of the sub-series, featuring some of the same characters, but in an entirely new storyline. “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” is also set to focus more on realism and to feature more tactical gameplay not present in its predecessor. “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” launches on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on Oct. 25

“Luigi’s Mansion 3”

After receiving a mysterious invitation to a hotel, series protagonist Luigi is once again sucking up ghosts after things take a dark turn in “Luigi’s Mansion 3.” Luigi’s “Poltergust G-00” includes new features such as a slam that can damage one or multiple ghosts, a suction shot that allows Luigi to destroy obtrusive parts of his surroundings and a burst that can blow away ghosts to give Luigi space. Also new to the game is the inclusion of “Gooigi,” a Luigi clone made entirely of goo that can pass through metal fences, walk on spikes and assist Luigi in tasks that are too difficult for him to handle alone. “Luigi’s Mansion 3” launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch on Oct. 31.

“Death Stranding”

“Death Stranding” is the the first game from legendary video game developer Hideo Kojima since his messy departure from developer Konami in 2015. In “Death Stranding,” gamers will attempt to “reconnect isolated cities and a fragmented society,” according to Kojima. If that sounds cryptic, it’s because the game has been largely shrouded in mystery since its reveal, but its objective is becoming clearer the closer the game’s release date gets. The game has also been highly publicized for its star studded cast featuring Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Lea Seydoux, Margaret Qualley, Troy Baker, Lindsay Wagner, Nicolas Winding Refn, Guillermo del Toro and Tommie Earl Jenkins. “Death Stranding” will launch exclusively on PlayStation 4 on Nov. 8.

“Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield”

For the first time ever, a main series “Pokémon” title is being released on a platform that isn’t exclusively handheld. “Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield” are the franchise’s true step into the next generation, featuring all new visuals, pokémon and battle types. As is customary for the series, players will choose from a fire, water or grass type pokémon to begin their journey through the new Galar region to becoming a Pokémon League champion. “Pokémon Sword” and Pokémon Shield” launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch on Nov. 15.

“Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order”

After a series of “Star Wars” themed video game cancellations and disappointments, “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order” looks to right the ship and restore hope to gamers that “Star Wars” can be just as magical as a video game as it is on the silver screen. In “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,” players take control of Jedi Padawan Cal Kestis as he runs from the Galactic Empire, who are hunting down the remaining Jedi Knights. Throughout his journey, Kestis will encounter characters and travel to locations featured in the films. “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order” launches on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on Nov. 15.

“Doom Eternal”

“Doom Eternal” is the highly anticipated sequel to one of the most popular games of the current generation, “Doom.” In “Doom Eternal,” players once again play as the Doom Slayer as they attempt to save Earth, which has been invaded by demonic forces. The game will continue to place emphasis on its fast-paced combat as well as feature new enemy types and a new multiplayer mode called “Invasion,” which allows gamers to invade other player’s campaigns and attack them as a member of the demonic forces. Its addictive gameplay is what keeps players coming back for more and is why you should feel comfortable paying full price for it. “Doom Eternal” launches on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on Nov. 22.

Even though the warm weather may be leaving, the Fall is bringing with it no shortage of exciting titles to keep gamers occupied through the colder months.

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