This is a big month as far as game releases go. It’s such an eclectic mix with everything from huge fan favorites to highly anticipated indies to exciting exclusives. Here are all the games releasing throughout the month of August and everything you need to know about them.
August 2
Tacoma – Xbox One, PC
From the same developers that brought us Gone Home, the Fullbright team has traded the atmospheric Pacific Northwest for outer space, while still keeping with its roots of narrative exploration. Set aboard a space station in the year 2088, Tacoma invites you to explore how the crew lived and worked while on board. The pieces you put together culminate in an ending that exemplifies themes of “fear and resolve in the face of disaster.”
August 8
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice – PlayStation 4, PC
This upcoming action-adventure game has been described by the Ninja Theory team as an “independent AAA” because they are are “embracing the creative spirit that comes with independence without letting go of the stunning production values that we are known for.” Based on Celtic and Norse mythology, the story will follow a young girl named Senua as she embarks on a personal, and potentially life-changing, journey.
LawBreakers – PC, PS4
“Gravity Defying” is the term permanently attached to LawBreakers. Gravity defying combat. Gravity defying maps. Gravity defying competition. When the game releases next week, bring your skills and your A-game as you dodge and deliver death from every angle. LawBreakers will be sure to challenge even the most experienced of FPS players in this fast-paced, omni-directional combat title.
Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 – PC, PS4, Xbox One
Capcom announced the sequel to Mega Man Legacy Collection back in early June. This next collection includes four Mega Man titles: Mega Man 7, Mega Man 8, Mega Man 9, and Mega Man 10. For those who are new to the series, the collection will have the option to play with extra armor as you make your way through for the first time. Other features will include online leaderboards and a Challenge Mode with brand new stage remixes.
August 15
Agents of Mayhem – PS4, Xbox One, PC
From the creators of the Saints Row franchise comes a new open-world, third-person action game. In Agents of Mayhem, you’ll be running a “no-holds barred operation against a shadowy super-villain organization known only as Legion and their mysterious leader, the Morningstar.” Play as a variety of Agents, each with their own unique weapons and personalities, while exploring the city of Seoul in an attempt to take down Legion operatives.
Sonic Mania – PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch
Everyone’s favorite blue hedgehog is returning in an all new adventure. Play as Sonic, Knuckles, or Tails, and race through completely re-imagined classic worlds from Sonic’s early days. Sonic and the gang have new abilities as they take on familiar villains like Dr. Eggman, and as they discover new secrets and hidden pathways. More than anything, though, Sonic Mania is a celebration of everything that’s made Sonic great over the years, while also “pushing the envelope” with current gen gameplay and graphics.
August 22
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – PS4
This standalone adventure in the Uncharted franchise is one that I am personally looking forward to. The Lost Legacy features fan-favorite, Chloe Frazer, along with Nadine Ross, as the pair venture through India’s Western Ghats. The women are in search of the Golden Tusk of Ganesh, and it wouldn’t be Uncharted if they weren’t pursued by a vicious warlord who desires the same ancient treasure. It’s safe to say fans are expecting the same of level of action, adventure, and a story with heart that has been present in all the other games.
August 25
Madden NFL18 – PS4, Xbox One
Just in time for fall, we’re getting another Madden. Yes, yes, I’m sure you all are very surprised. Joking aside, this time around there are some noticeable differences coming to the long-running franchise. Madden 18 has an all-new story mode called Longshot in which you experience the journey of a young prospect named Devin Wade on his road to the NFL Draft and the decisions Devin must make on and off the field. Another new feature is the Mut Squads where you team up with friends in a 3 vs. 3 online team.
August 29
Absolver – PS4, PC
This unique title is blending martial arts with RPG elements and features fluid, real-time combat. Players will assume the role of a Prospect and explore the ruins of a fallen empire and prove themselves worthy of becoming members of the elite corps of Absolvers. Through exploration, you will learn new combat techniques and obtain new weapons and armor, while also building a team of warriors to fight beside you in combat.
Warrior All-Stars – PS4, PC
Warrior All Stars features plenty of Koei Tecmo favorites, including (but not limited to) Ryu Hayabusa from Ninja Garden; William Adams from Nioh; Kasumi and Marie Rose from Dead or Alive. The game was released in Japan earlier this year, and is finally coming to the U.S in just a few weeks.
Everybody’s Golf – PS4
Old school gamers won’t be slipped up by the name change. Formerly known as Hot Shots Golf, this well-loved franchise is getting something of a makeover for its release on PS4. True to its visually pleasing style, Everybody’s Golf will also include “deep” golf mechanics and customizable avatars, as well as new activities such as fishing and karting to explore across the courses. If you’re really feeling your skills, compete in online tournament against other players, or play in the offline/online mode multiplayer mode with family and friends. *Some online features will require a PS Plus membership*.
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle – Switch
This unlikely mashup is one that (most) Switch users are looking forward to. Mario, Princess Peach, Luigi, and Yoshi are teaming up with Rabbids heroes in this fast, turn-based combat game in order to restore order to the Mushroom Kingdom. Players can explore four uniquely different worlds and equip their team with hundreds of weapons while customizing their characters and skills along the way.
Yakuza Kiwami – PS4
This remake of Yakuza will take players back to the start of the series and has been completely rebuilt for the PlayStation 4. Yakuza Kiwami not only features enhanced gameplay, but fans will also be treated to extended cinematic moments from the original. Kiwami means “extreme” in Japanese.
August 31
Life is Strange: Before the Storm – PS4, Xbox One, PC
Life is Strange: Before the Storm was a big surprise when it was shown at Microsoft’s E3 conference back in June. The three-part episodic adventure will serve as a prequel which focuses on Chloe and her emotional journey after losing her father. Based on the trailer and footage we’ve seen thus far, much of the story will also be focusing on aspects of her relationship with Rachel Amber, who was missing (and then found dead) during the main events of the game. Before the Storm will take place three years before Max’s return to Arcadia Bay, and no, we won’t be seeing Chloe get any rewind powers of her own.
Let us know which games you’re looking forward to.
