The second edition of Destructoid's monthly picks has arrived! Scheduled to run on the first Wednesday of every month (alcohol binges and road trips to Tijuana notwithstanding), we make that hard decision for you -- what games should you be blowing your hard-earned money on?

October represents a turning point, where the industry is bracing itself to explode all over your ... store shelves. Where did you think I was going with that?

Place bets now, and hit the jump to see what was what in October.

NINTENDO DS
Dementium: The Ward

Upon hearing that Renegade Kid's Dementium was chosen as Destructoid's DS game of the month, Gamecock's Mike Wilson was infuriated.

"Of the month? Try year, fools!" he yelled in our general direction, scaring our cats and alarming the neighbors. Our own Colette Bennett gave it an 8.5, demanding that you "buy it," so maybe Wilson is on to something.

Not your thing? Try ... Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials

PC
The Orange Box

Ignore the fact that The Orange Box has some of the most boring box art we've ever seen. If know what's good for you, you'll go buy this awesome collection of Source Engine powered goodness. Insert some witty reference to cake here.

Not your thing? Try ... The Witcher 

PLAYSTATION 2
Guitar Hero III

While the PlayStation 2 version of Guitar Hero III isn't the best on the market (no online play, no downloadable content, and it certainly doesn't look as nice), this is Guitar Hero we're talking about. The game started its life on Sony's console, and many of you still have your original guitars lying around. Instead of selling them for crack money (again), why not continue to rock out all over your PS2?

Not your thing? Try ... Manhunt 2 ... for laughs

PLAYSTATION 3
Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

Sony's first-party holiday onslaught begins with Insomniac's killer action-shooter-platformer. We said "we don't let you sit at our table at lunch if you miss this game," and we meant it. Let me tell you -- our moms pack some killer snacks, and we share. You want to sit at our lunch table, and you want to play Ratchet and Clank Future.

Not your thing? Try ... Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock 

PLAYSTATION PORTABLE
Castlevania X: The Dracula Chronicles

Konami crammed their miserable pile of Castlevania secrets into this killer collection for the PSP, and any fan of the series would be a fool to pass it up. At only $29.99, you get the first North American release of Rondo of Blood, the 3D remake, Symphony of the Night, boss rush modes, and unlockable soundtrack goodies.

Not your thing? Try ... Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions

WII
Guitar Hero III

Let's be honest here -- not much came out on this Wii this month that's worth mentioning. Activision pulled October out of a rut with the Wii release of Guitar Hero III, the only version that features a guitar that rumbles, and a speaker that reminds you how badly you suck.

Not your thing? Try ... Zack and Wiki: Quest For Barboros' Treasure

[Editor's note: For whatever reason, Zack and Wiki was not on the master list of October titles, thus the original back-up choice of Mercury Meltdown Revolution. In his review, Anthony Burch is adamant that Zack and Wiki is the best game on the Nintendo Wii to date. Read his excellent and compelling write-up, and make the choice for yourself.]

XBOX 360
The Orange Box

The best deal in videogames confirmed! The single package that is The Orange Box packs more hours of gaming into one disc than anything that has come before it. Portal alone would make this collection worth the MSRP of $59.99. Throw in a suite of Half Life 2 titles and Team Fortress 2, and this is -- without question -- a must buy for anyone who likes things that are good.

Not your thing? Try ... Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock

***

And now, the Virtual Console and Xbox Live Arcade picks for October 2007! Brought to by our resident retro/downloadable title experts from Retroforce GO!, Chad Concelmo and Topher Cantler:

VIRTUAL CONSOLE
Sin & Punishment: Successor of the Earth

"The fact that it is a cherished import title alone scores it some originality points," says Chad. "but what makes it worth the download is its addictive gameplay and tight design. Treasure's shooter may have been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait."

Not your thing? Try ... Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos

XBOX LIVE ARCADE
Every Extend Exta Extreme

"I like this trend of bringing the shinier gems in the PSP's library to XBLA," says Topher. "and this one is a welcome addition. It's fun, addictive, engaging, and still worth having on your hard drive after you've grabbed your achievements and set your best score. Most importantly, it represents the best kind of gaming experience: one whose fun and satisfaction resides in playing the game, not in simply beating it."

Not your thing? Try ... Puzzle Quest