SAN FRANCISCO, Sept 21 — Football fever kicks off with renewed enthusiasm as the new “FIFA 15” arrives on consoles, handhelds and smartphones, while “Disney Infinity” expands into Marvel territory with its new range of figurines and in-game pursuits.

FIFA 15 (360 PC PS3 PS4 WinPC XBO)

North America: September 23

European regions: September 25 (UK: September 26)

Japan: October 9

New features for this year’s overhaul include emotional intelligence, dynamic match presentation, improved goalkeeping and team tactics, and graphics designed to take advantage of next-gen tech on PS4 and XBO. With over 40 faithfully reproduced stadiums (20 from English Premier League clubs), top leagues chosen from over 25 countries around the world, and national sides representing over 45 Football Associations. Alternate versions also available on 3DS, Wii, Vita, iOS and Android.

easports.com/fifa

Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes (360 iOS PC PS3 PS4 WiiU XBO)

North America: September 23

Is it a year later already? The second outing for “Disney Infinity” focuses on its stable of Marvel characters, with The Avengers, Spider-Man and the Guardians of the Galaxy providing a triple focal point for this new line of figurines, video game storyline, and build-a-world sandbox mode. A standalone version is available for those that want the game but not the minifigs or physical Infinity Base that acts as conduit between game and figurine.

infinity.disney.com

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter (PC)

From September 25

First game from the studio set up by Adrian Chmielarz, creative director on “Bulletstorm” and “Gears of War: Judgement,” but this is more about supernatural powers than superweapons, as players explore the dark mysteries of Red Creek Valley in search of a missing boy. A PlayStation 4 version is to follow in 2015.

ethancartergame.com

Hyrule Warriors (Wii U)

North America: September 26

European regions: September 19 (AUS: Sep 20)

Japan: since August

“The Legend of Zelda” switches genres and becomes a full-on action game, retaining its bright colour palette whilst diving into a congested battlefield crammed with iconic characters. Mixed reviews, with some ecstatic over the attention to detail and novel approach, others not quite as enamoured with combat and storyline.

zelda.com/hyrule-warriors

Neverending Nightmares (Linux Mac WinPC Ouya)

September 25

Overt in its homage to the art style of Edward Gorey, this black and white, hand-drawn horror is intended to chart the developer’s struggles with mental health and provide a positive message of hope to those that find an overlap with their own experiences.

neverendingnightmares.com

Forza Horizon 2 (360 XBO)

September 30

Over 200 cars in an open world that stretches across the southern European, Mediterranean coastline, the promise of breathtaking graphical fidelity and easy drop-in drop-out social racing sessions or just friendly exploration of the game’s surrounds. Like “Titanfall” before it, this Xbox exclusive is available on the older 360, but is primarily promoted as an Xbox One title.

forzamotorsport.net/en-US/games/fh2

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (PS4 WinPC XBO)

North America: September 30

European regions: October 3

PC: September 30

Go deep into enemy territory as a half-human, half-wraith ranger in search of vengeance from Sauron’s increasingly powerful minions. Early gameplay appears to blend elements of the acclaimed “Assassin’s Creed” and “Uncharted” games with an adaptive AI that will hold its own grudges against the player. Arrives the week of November 18 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

shadowofmordor.com — AFP-Relaxnews