August was a hot month but it's nothing compared to September. There are so many games coming out that I actually feel bad for store employees and customers alike. It's just a crazy amount of content, but that's why this feature exists. Below is the majority of September's releases as well as a short description of each game. But don't go crazy buying all of these titles. Not with October and November just around the corner.

NHL 2K6
Platform: Xbox and PS2
Publisher: 2K Sports
Release Date: 9/7/05

Since EA snatched up the ESPN rights I'm interested in seeing how 2K Games will respond with its latest hockey title. Presentation aside, expect on the fly coaching, snazzier visuals, improved animation, and quality online play, all for the extremely low price of $19.99.

One Piece
Platform: GBA
Publisher: Bandai
Release Date: 9/7/05

One Piece fans may find a lot to love about Bandai's side scrolling beat-em-up, which features characters from the popular series, bright and colorful graphics, special moves, power ups, tons of items to collect, and multiple areas to explore.

Nancy Drew 75th Anniversary 5 Pack
Platform: PC
Publisher: Dreamcatcher
Release Date: 9/7/05

The definitive Nancy Drew experience, this mega game pack includes such hits as Treasure in the Royal Tower, Message in a Haunted Mansion, Secrets Can Kill, Stay Tuned for Danger, and Final Scene. Basically, if you missed them all (you're loss), this is your chance catch up on all of that super sleuthing.

One Piece Grand Battle
Platform: GameCube and PS2
Publisher: Bandai
Release Date: 9/7/05

The popular anime comes to life in this fully 3D fighting game that includes 16 playable characters, 32 support fighters (Marvel Vs Capcom style), hot looking environments, weapons, and a plethora of unlockable goodies.

Gretzky 2006
Platform: PS2
Publisher: SCEA
Release Date: 9/7/05

Sony is really trying to establish a foothold in the sports market with this title, which includes a strange yet intriguing Wayne Vs Wayne Mode, EyeToy functionality, a new franchise mode, improved team play, better visuals, and the AHL license, among other notable improvements and special features. Hopefully, it'll be a nice alternative to NHL 06 and NHL 2K6, especially if EA's product is lacking.

Rainbow Six Lockdown
Platform: Xbox, PS2, GameCube
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: 9/7/05

Yet another installment in the popular Rainbow Six franchise, except this one expands on the successful formula by allowing you to create your own operative and build up his stats, tosses in sniping sequences into the single-player campaign, introduces new characters, and has a much darker story that revolves around bio terror. I had the opportunity to go a few rounds with it and came away very impressed, so things are looking good for the latest Tom Clancy FPS.

Radiata Stories
Platform: PS2
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: 9/7/05

Two siblings attempt to become knights in their home of Radiata, only to be plunged in the middle of an epic war. Square Enix shenanigans ensue.

Marine Park Empire
Platform: PC
Publisher: Got Game Entertainment
Release Date: 9/8/05

Not to be confused with the Galactic Empire, Marine Park allows you to construct the ultimate...erm...marine park, thrilling audiences with all sorts of shows featuring the ocean's biggest stars.

Bet on Solider: Blood Sport
Platform: PC
Publisher: Digital Jesters
Release Date: 9/12/05

An intriguing FPS that casts you as a warrior out for revenge against a team of blood thirsty competitors, Bet on Soldier is a unique title where you use money won from competing to upgrade your arsenal. With no armor, health packs, weapons, or ammo lying about, you'll need to make smart decisions if you intend on reaching the top of the ladder. While Digital Jesters loves to discuss how cool the betting system is, the game's best feature is armor degradation. Firing at someone causes their armor to break off into numerous pieces, a slick visual effect that will probably be copied by other developers.

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