Summer is finally upon us. For many, this marks the end of a school year and the start of a nice long vacation. And while some might be heading out to the beach to enjoy the warm weather, there will be plenty that plan on staying indoors and away from the sun’s harsh rays.
This list is for the latter, but with the numerous releases coming out to start off the summer. There’s likely to be a game for everyone. Back in May, there were some big titles, with some unfortunate missteps. But June doesn’t look like it plans to disappoint.
In fact, June has some of the biggest names and launches for all of 2023. So even those planning on heading out for the summer might find themselves sidetracked with some great video games.
Street Fighter 6
June gets off to a major start with one of the biggest launches of the year with Street Fighter 6. We’ve actually already reviewed it, so you can check out our thoughts on it here.
But for a quick recap here, the game brings about tons of content, allowing you to create your own character to go through the story while interacting with new and classic Street Fighter characters.
Street Fighter 6 launches on June 2nd for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam).
Diablo IV
If one big name wasn’t enough to start off the month, then Diablo IV will provide people with that classic ARPG gameplay fans have loved over the past few decades. This is also another game we’ve reviewed, so check out our thoughts here.
Despite Blizzard’s setbacks and the lukewarm response to the previous title. Diablo IV brings the series back with solid gameplay that’ll bring plenty back wanting for more.
Diablo IV is set to launch on June 6th for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Battle.net).
Loop8: Summer of Gods
Loop8: Summer of Gods brings about a very classic formula. There’s JRPG turned based combat, relationships to balance among your party, and even a time loop as players attempt to find a way to save humanity.
None of what it promises is anything new, but the entire package brought together will give players a solid fun title with replayability as they improve or harm their relationships with fellow party members that’ll have impacts on the battlefield.
Loop8: Summer of Gods launches worldwide on June 6th for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (via Steam).
Jack Jeanne
When one thinks of otome games, they don’t think Tokyo Ghoul, yet Jack Jeanne is the visual novel is the brainchild of Sui Ishida of dark fantasy stories such as the aforementioned Tokyo Ghoul and Choujin X.
This one isn’t as dark as his other stories and put more of a focus on the relationships as protagonist Tachibana Kisa must hide her identity to pursue her dreams of acting at an all-boys drama school. There’s even some rhythm gameplay so that you too can find yourself in the heat of the performance.
Jack Jeanne will be exclusive on Nintendo Switch when it launches on June 15th.
Layers of Fear
Despite the confusing title, Layers of Fear is actually the definitive version of the popular horror series. It contains the first and second games, enhanced through Unreal Engine 5, while also containing a brand new story within it.
This promises to being about the conclusion of the story first created with the original game back in 2016. So fans of the series shouldn’t skip out and they’ll even get to see some familiar sights in a brand new light.
Layers of Fear is slated for release on June 15th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store).
Park Beyond
Park Beyond will allow gamers to create the theme park of their dreams. It has all the features one could expect from a coaster tycoon style of game such as managing revenue streams from guests by providing them with a mix of fun rides and amenities.
However the game also promises the creative freedom to allow people to express themselves and create the theme park they’ve always dreamed of.
Park Beyond is set to launch on June 16th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam).
Aliens: Dark Descent
Aliens: Dark Descent is the latest in the long running Aliens franchise which has seen numerous games releases ever since the original movie aired in theaters way back in 1979.
This new game takes a different approach where players assume the role of a commander rather than being a part of the action themselves. But with real time combat and permanent death for their squad members, the game will continue to take the tense atmosphere that made the original movie famous.
Aliens: Dark Descent will release for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam).
Crash Team Rumble
Crash Team Rumble is the newest spinoff for the classic Crash franchise. After seeing recent remakes and even a new title in the mainline games, it’s now time for the series to take a step into new styles of gameplay.
This time, players will be able to take the role of the heroes or villains of their choice in 4v4 team based action. Where the goal to win is to collect the most Wumpa fruit while defending the ones you’ve already collected from your opponents.
Crash Team Rumble releases for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Final Fantasy XVI
What might be the biggest launch of all of 2023 is Final Fantasy XVI, which is the latest mainline title in the legendary Final Fantasy franchise. This project is helmed by Naoki Yoshida, the man who helped bring Final Fantasy XIV to the forefront among the MMORPG space.
With this new title, Final Fantasy XVI promises to bring all the features expected from the franchise that has made it a powerhouse, such as tight gameplay, epic battles, and a beautiful world to explore.
Final Fantasy XVI launches exclusively for PlayStation 5 on June 22th.
