THE HUNT FOR DREAD OCTOBER

Nightmarish puzzlers, vampire odysseys and an all too plausible Battlefield title... here's our pick as both the nights and games get darker

- CHERYL MULLIN

MY favourite month of the year has arrived, bringing with it all the thrills and chills of Halloween.

But not everything about the tenth month is fun.

Sadly October also heralds the arrival of cooler weather, and longer, darker nights. But there's no need to despair. This month also sees the arrival of a clutch of new games that will help to keep you entertained during the bleak autumn evenings.

GHOST OF YOTEI

(PEGI 18) PS5 Release: October 2

This gorgeous-looking action-adventure game is the sequel to 2020's superb Ghost of Tsushima.

Set 329 years after the events of Tsushima, it follows a new Ghost named Atsu on a journey through the lands surrounding Mount Yotei.

Centred on the theme of "underdog vengeance", this PlayStation exclusive combines sword fighting with stealth and exploration.

Unlike its predecessor, Ghost of Yotei boasts a dynamic weather system, inspired by the real environment around Mount Yotei, so Atsu also has the elements to contend with.

A truly beautiful looking game, I have high hopes for this title.

SUPER MARIO GALAXY + SUPER MARIO GALAXY 2

(PEGI 7) Switch 2 Release: October 2

I've struggled with Nintendo's decision to seemingly ignore the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros - the game which elevated the Italian plumbers to the status of cult figures.