Games Out This Week — 10/5–10/11

Another week, another stack of digital diversions ready to claim your free time. This time around, the offerings range from heavy sci-fi action to something that sounds suspiciously like a relaxing afternoon of hauling goods. Welcome to the latest round of releases, where choice is abundant, and your backlog simply grows another layer.

Gears of War: E-Day

Known for its particular blend of bulky protagonists and even bulkier weaponry, the Gears series returns this week with what looks like a prequel. 'E-Day' suggests a trip back to where it all started, before the Locust Horde became a daily inconvenience. It's the gaming equivalent of finding out your favorite disaster movie has a whole origin story about the first crumpled building.

The details

• Release Date: October 6
• Anticipation: 114 users

Star Wars: Galactic Racer

Another Star Wars title enters the arena, this time focusing on what appears to be high-speed galactic competition. It's probably a safe bet that midichlorian counts won't be a primary factor in lap times, which is a relief for those of us who just want to go fast without a philosophical detour.

The details

• Release Date: October 6
• Anticipation: 81 users

Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival

When Clive Barker's name is attached, you generally know what you're in for: intricate puzzles and existential dread, often in equal measure. A 'Revival' implies the original's unique brand of unsettling entertainment is back, polished up and ready to make you question your life choices, much like signing up for an all-you-can-eat buffet.

The details

• Release Date: October 8
• Anticipation: 56 users

Silver Pines

The name 'Silver Pines' might evoke images of serene forests and quiet reflection. Or, as is often the case in this particular industry, it's a cleverly disguised title for something that will actively try to make you jump out of your seat. It's the gaming equivalent of a suspiciously friendly clown.

The details

• Release Date: October 8
• Anticipation: 39 users

Order of the Sinking Star

An 'Order' and a 'Sinking Star' suggests a combination of cosmic mystery and perhaps impending doom. One expects a narrative rich with difficult choices and perhaps a few moments of existential despair, which, when you think about it, is just another Tuesday, but with better graphics.

The details

• Release Date: October 8
• Anticipation: 30 users

Truckful

Sometimes a title is so direct, it almost feels like a challenge. 'Truckful' implies precisely what it says on the tin: trucks, and a lot of things to put in them. Whether it's a nuanced simulation of logistics or simply a pleasant way to spend an afternoon behind a digital wheel, it promises a clarity that few marketing departments achieve.

The details

• Release Date: October 9
• Anticipation: 19 users

Also out this week

• Forever Ago — 10/8
• Paperhead — 10/9
• Calx — 10/8
• Kingdom Hearts Collection [I-III] — 10/8
• Echo Weaver — 10/8
• Maid Cafe Simulator — 10/8
• Dragon's Dogma II: Dark Arisen — 10/9
• Keep Watering — 10/8
• True Love For Her — 10/9
• Highway Blossoms: Gold Rush Edition — 10/7
• PlantUp — 10/8
• Run Giraffe Run — 10/8
• Dino Time Raiders — 10/8
• Ship Shape Slam!!! — 10/8
• Boku to Tsuri Nikki — 10/8
• Rainbow Islands CS — 10/8
• Thunder Hoop Collection — 10/8
• Horse Club Ride West — 10/9
• Sign: Broken Kether — 10/9
• Celestay Craft&Slowlife — 10/9
• Lost & Found — 10/9
• Sesame Street: Friends & Fun — 10/9
• Rhythm Roll — 10/9
• Rusty Prison: Horror — 10/10

So, with another week's worth of new digital worlds to explore, what's got your attention? Let us know which one you're diving into first.