'Beast of reincarnation' and 'Resonance: A plague tale legacy', among the 7 most notable video games of August
During the coming weeks interesting and varied proposals arrive so that there are no options missing during the summer holidays
August brings sequels and spin-offs from well-known franchises, but also risky and innovative projects that present completely new universes. Let's review the most relevant titles arriving in the middle of summer.
The list starts strong with an RPG and action game developed by Game Freak, the studio's first major project outside the Pokémon saga in twenty years. The title is set in a post-apocalyptic Japan where Emma, a young outcast with magical powers, and her loyal dog Koo, try to eradicate a corruption that alters the environment and spawns monstrous beasts. Curiously, the game is coming to all major platforms except Nintendo's and will be available on Game Pass from day one. There is much curiosity to see how this experiment from the creators of the famous pocket monster games turns out.
We continue with a proposal, at least risky and that seeks to discover new territories. The new and anticipated cooperative game from the creators of the indie Untitled Goose Game (yes, that game where you have to sow chaos by embodying a goose) focuses on exploration and social communication within an extensive open world. The visual style is very welcoming, with cute and colorful characters that contrast with realistic landscapes. The game arrives on all platforms except Xbox and will be included in the PS+ service on the same day of its release.
Fighting game experts Arc System Works are back with an adaptation of a well-known universe. The title features an initial roster of 20 iconic Marvel comic characters, with the intention of expanding it in the future. The combat features a four-on-four team system, in which the different heroes and villains can help each other or tag in as the fight progresses. Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, it boasts a highly stylized "anime aesthetic with clear Japanese inspiration.
This sequel once again opts for psychological horror and survival within the universe of H.P. Lovecraft. The Ukrainian studio Frogwares presents the continuation of their 2019 title, this time set in the city of Arkham during the twenties. The game combines combat and exploration with a clear objective: to survive in a semi-open world that transforms and floods as the city sinks.
Another dark-themed sequel, in this case to the popular Mortal Shell (2020). The action RPG with soulslike mechanics expands the universe of the first title, but introduces an independent plot. This new installment promises to improve the shell system, which allows inhabiting the armor of different warriors, and eliminates the traditional stamina bar to offer faster and more aggressive combat. The video game, developed by Cold Symmetry and published by Playstack, is presented as a much larger and more polished experience and a good option for fans of the genre.
The third installment of the A plague tale series functions as a prequel to better understand the origin of the events in Requiem (2022). Asobo Studio, which until now had prioritized stealth, is opting this time for an adventure much more focused on action, and the new protagonist, Sophia, is capable of facing enemies head-on. The plot introduces a double timeline that jumps between the Middle Ages and the Bronze Age, in the heart of Minoan civilization in Crete, but one must be careful, as actions in the past will have an impact on the present. It will be included from day one in the Game Pass catalog.
We close the month with a new adaptation of the Star Wars universe. This tactical action title, developed by Bit Reactor and Respawn Entertainment, offers turn-based combat very similar to the XCOM saga. The adventure incorporates role-playing elements in a linear campaign lasting about 30 to 40 hours. Set during the Clone Wars era, the player takes control of the Hawks, a former Republic officer tasked with forming a company of mercenaries and misfits to protect the galaxy from a new threat.
Extra level!
Beyond the big releases, we cannot forget about the local scene nor the most relevant ports and updates.
Neo-retro action and an indie ‘Kingdom Hearts’
On August 13, two new video games developed in Spain will be released. To start, Future Knight is the first major project resulting from the alliance of Studio Koba (Narita Boy) and Aeternum Game Studios (Aeterna Noctis). Developed between Barcelona and Madrid, the proposal is a frenetic 2D shooter game with a neo-retro style that pays homage to classic LCD screens. On the other hand, Duskfade is the independent title that won the award for best game in the first edition of the BCN Game Fest. This promising classic action-platformer adventure is developed by Weird Beluga, a studio founded in 2019 in Madrid.
More fantasy and 'souls' formula on Nintendo
Switch 2 continues to expand its catalog with adaptations of great hits. Highlights include Lies of P: Complete edition (August 6), The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remastered (August 11), and the award-winning Elden ring: Tarnished edition (August 28).
Conflicts of yesterday, today, and tomorrow
On August 13th, the warlike multiplayer Hell let loose: Vietnam arrives; on the 20th, WW1: Gallipoli does, and at the end of the month, on the 27th, the awaited compilation Metal gear solid: Master collection Vol. 2 arrives. On the other hand, for those looking for more content in expansion form, Mafia: The old country premieres Man of honor on August 14th, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 updates with Cost of hope on the 20th.