The August 2024 games lineup is surprisingly heavy with releases based on a galaxy far, far, away, and a colourful, expansive JRPG world to explore. Let’s take a look at some of the bigger releases!
Black Myth: Wukong (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
Publisher: Game Science
Developer: Game Science
Price: $59.99
Release Date: August 20
Trailer
Following up Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Black Myth Wukong seems to be the next epic action RPG to get excited about. Steeped in Chinese mythology, this game has us play as the Destined One trying to complete their journey to the West. We’ll be using a staff, in addition to multiple spells, abilities, weapons, and equipment to help vanquish the foes that stand in our way. If the game’s visuals are anything like the gameplay trailers so far, we should be in for an eye-pleasing treat as well.
Keep in mind, however, that there has been an alleged problematic work culture within Game Science, as reported by IGN.
Concord (PS5, PC)
Publisher: PlayStation
Developer: Firewalk Studios
Price: $39.99
Release Date: August 23
Trailer
I have to admit, I wasn’t sure if Concord should make the most anticipated list for the August 2024 games lineup, but it is a first-party game from one of the industry’s brightest publishers, PlayStation. Trying to take a bite from the live-service audience who plays games like Overwatch and Paladins, this hero shooter stars vibrant personalities with wildly different playstyles.
These Freegunners charge into their foes head-on in Braun Strowman-like WWE fashion, use a vacuum as an offensive weapon, and can see through walls utilizing stealth abilities. It does feel different from its competition, but the game doesn’t seem to stand out in a crowded market, especially after a poor first impression with PlayStation fans. It feels late to the party for many. At least there will be some sort of narrative element with a new cutscene released every week. Hopefully, it will overcome the odds and become a success when it launches on August 23.
Madden NFL 25 (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
Publisher: EA
Developer: Tiburon
Price: $69.99
Release Date: August 16
Trailer
America’s favorite pastime is back in the gaming world with Madden NFL 25 after the successful debut of College Football 25. In this year’s Madden, EA has FieldSense which has a new physics-based tackling system that “unlocks realistic collisions and new gameplay animations on both sides of the ball,” according to the game’s Steam page. There’s also a new Ball Carrier Balance System alongside other features to make the game hopefully more realistic than ever.
Those looking for new plays on the pitch will be happy with Madden NFL 25. EA says they’re “from some of the game’s most inventive team playbooks.” If you pre-order the NFL 25 Deluxe Edition, you can get three days of early access.
Star Wars Outlaws (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Massive Entertainment
Price: $69.99
Release Date: August 30
Trailer
Star Wars Outlaws is Ubisoft’s next huge open-world game to explore, and this time we’ll be taking the role of a bounty hunter Kay Vess, who is accepting high-stakes missions across the galaxy. Your decisions will make an impact as your allegiances with factions in the game determine Kay’s future and reputation. In addition to shooting foes with your blaster and exploring the first open-world Star Wars game, you’ll be flying into space with the Trailblazer. You’ll even take part in dogfights against the likes of the Stormtroopers and pirates among the stars.
Our preview said the space combat plays similarly to Star Wars Squadrons, stating that “Dodging asteroids and space debris while flying around and dealing with enemies is always a good time, and it looks like the systems for doing so are a big part of Star Wars Outlaws rather than just an added sub-feature.”
Visions of Mana (PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Price: $59.99
Release Date: August 29
Trailer
Visions of Mana seems to strike many aspects of a JRPG fans crave from the genre. It has vibrant graphics with an anime-inspired art style, a seemingly fast-paced action-RPG combat system, and large open areas to explore with different biomes to find. You can also ride on an adorable dog-like creature called a pikul. This is a big deal for many Square Enix fans as this will be the first new Mana game in 15 years.
“The open zones and linear battle sections tying together, with elemental traversal and good, solid action, layered over with great art and music, all give me the feeling of booting up an RPG classic on a Saturday morning,” said our preview.
Honorable Mentions
The August 2024 games lineup is jam-packed with exciting titles, so it was difficult to choose just five games to feature in this article. For example, there’s a promising indie sequel Cat Quest III on the horizon. The next World of Warcraft expansion is also heading our way.
- Tomba! Special Edition (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC) – August 1
- Closer the Distance (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – August 2
- World of Goo 2 (PC, Switch, iOS, Linux) – August 2
- Creatures of Ava (Xbox Series X|S, PC) – August 7
- Cat Quest III (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC) – August 8
- Deathbound (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – August 8
- Steamworld Heist II (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC)
- Should of Giants: Ultimate (PS5, PC) – August 12
- Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse Remastered (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC) – August 14
- Dustborn (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – August 20
- Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds (PC) – August 20
- World of Warcraft: The War Within (PC, Mac) – August 26
- Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club (Switch) – August 29
- Gori: Cuddly Carnage (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC)
- Gundam Breaker 4 (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC) – August 29
Published: Jul 27, 2024 10:30 am