Summer is coming to a close as we go into August. For the gaming industry, the biggest titles are still ahead of us for the fall season as we prepare for all the upcoming holidays.
However for this month, there are still a number of games hoping to give people entertainment as summer ends and some of us have to return to school.
Volgarr the Viking II
More than a decade after the release of an indie platforming classic, Volgarr the Viking II is a return to hardcore arcade style platforming that’s sure to break some controllers.
However it also sees many quality-of-life improvements that have come about these past 10 years since the launch of the original. These include features that make things much easier for not so skilled players, such as save states and checkpoints.
Volgarr the Viking II launches August 6th for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and GOG).
Cat Quest III
Cat Quest III takes the franchise to new heights for the feline pirate title. For the first time, players will be able to sail the seas with their very own ship and engage in battle with others over the rocky waters.
In this open-ended game, players will explore a pirate themed world known as the Purribean as they go on the search for a long lost treasure. All the while meeting a cast of quirky characters with unique stories to tell.
Cat Quest III sets sail on August 8th for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam).
Deathbound
Deathbound is a unique take on the soulslike formula that’s taken the industry by storm. While it retains the gameplay mechanics many have grown accustomed to in the genre, instead of fighting as one singular person, players will switched between a party of four as they do battle.
During combat, players will have to contend and decide which member of their party they wish to bring out during moments where split second decisions are a must. As they mix and match the numerous skills of the warriors they’ll face throughout the story, the game promises to have plenty of replayability.
Deathbound is set to launch on August 8th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store).
SteamWorld Heist II
SteamWorld Heist II has players follow captain Leeway and his misfit pirate crew as they try to uncover the mysteries of what’s threatening the Great Sea. They’ll do so in tactical 2D battles where positioning is key and taking aim to ricochet shots is vital to victory.
The rich job system allows players to fully command their squad as they see fit for every situation. However fighting with their crew goes beyond land engagements as real time ship battles are abundant in the open world players will be exploring.
SteamWorld Heist II sets sail for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store) on August 8th.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Isekai Chronicles
The hit anime franchise gets another new game with That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Isekai Chronicles with a brand-new storyline filled with popular characters from the show.
As players progress through the story, they’ll be able to battle foes attempting to destroy Tempest while they work on growing the small village into a formidable nation.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Isekai Chronicles is slated to launch on August 8th for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam).
Black Myth: Wukong
The wait will finally be over for one of the most hyped titles coming out in 2024 with Black Myth: Wukong. Players will be able to play as the famous Journey to the West legend as they do battle against monsters based in Chinese mythology.
Deep soulslike combat and a beautiful world built with Unreal Engine 5 await players when they are able to play the game later this month.
Black Myth: Wukong is set to release for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store) on August 20th.
Concord
Sony’s foray into live service titles continues with Concord, a hero shooter style of game where players compete against each other with space outlaws in 5v5 PvP combat.
With 16 playable Freegunners, six PVP modes, and 12 maps, Concord aims to bring a solid foundation of content that’ll be updated throughout the game’s lifespan.
Concord will launch for PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store).
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club
Nintendo made waves when they first teased Emio. While some were disappointed in what ultimately came to be, Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Dectective Club brings a new game to the franchise after decades of dormancy.
With a dead body being found whose slaying matches the profile of a famous serial killer, players will have to sift through the clues to find the truth to the cases as they struggle to solve the mystery.
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch on August 29th.
Gundam Breaker 4
Gundam Breaker is back yet again much to the joy of longtime Gundam fans. The latest mech title brings tons of customization features to allow players to make their very own Gundam theirs.
With their custom Gunpla, players can command it to complete numerous combat missions in the game’s single player mode. Or they can take it online to see all the other Gunplas people have created.
Gundam Breaker 4 will release for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC (via Steam) on August 29th.
Visions of Mana
The Mana series makes a triumphant return for the first time in 15 years with Visions of Mana. The story follows Val and his childhood friend, Hinnia, as they journey to the Mana Tree due to the latter’s newfound position as Alm of Fire.
Players can expect to explore the semi-open world with a new 3D battle system with the aid of elementals as they discover the truth of their world.
Visions of Mana comes out on August 29th for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam).
Squirrel with a Gun
Memey games with silly premises have become a norm in this industry over the past decade and Squirrel with a Gun continues by giving such a small critter some over-the-top firepower.
The game is a sandbox where players will be free to wreak as much havoc as possible with a variety of weapons from standard guns all the way to explosive rocket launchers.
Squirrel with a Gun blasts its way to PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store) on August 29th.
Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws brings the first true open world game for the beloved franchise. Players will be able to explore the galaxy as Kay Vess, a woman aiming to find freedom.
The game takes place between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Players will be able to explore the galaxy while making tough choices that’ll have a profound impact on their allies, enemies, and story they’ll embark on.
Star Wars Outlaws is set to launch on August 30th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Epic Games Store).
