Summer is just starting off, it’s hot outside and you just don’t want to be subjected to that heat. So what can a person do? Well, it is July and there’s a whole mess of games that are being released this month. You name it, it’s being released. Action games, RPGs, Platformers and more. This month has something for just about everybody.
But not sure what titles you should be checking out? Not to worry, we got a few suggestions for you. Now sit back and feast your eyes on this month’s gems.
Octopath Traveler
A Nintendo Switch exclusive RPG, from the minds of Square Enix. When this was first announced, it had vibes of Final Fantasy. The look of a 16-bit title, with gameplay that rivals many modern day RPGs. You play as eight different characters, at any given time. However, the beauty is that through the use of narrative, everyone's story will connect in one way or another.
I've been excited about getting my hands on Octopath Traveler ever since it was announced and the demo was released. I haven't even touched the second demo as I just didn't want to spoil myself. This is an RPG that I simply must play and it releases fairly soon. Get ready.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: July 18, 2018
Price: $59.99, $99.99 for the Wayfarer's Edition. Available on Amazon.
Sonic Mania Plus
Sonic Mania, when it released was a glorious return of our favorite blue hedgehog. It has the amazingly good 2D stages. It had charm and it marked the return of Sonic, Tales, and Knuckles. It was the total package, wasn’t it? Well, not too long Sega had announced that they were working on an update for the title. Sonic Mania Plus, as it’s called is an update to the game. With it comes a lot more content, however,
This update introduces several forgotten characters; Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel. The last time these two characters were playable was in the Sonic the Hedgehog arcade game, which was a Japan-only release. The competition mode is being expanded to support four players and an encore more. The latter of which adds new remixed zones to the game, complete with several visual changes. Lastly but not least, the physical edition includes a 32-page collector’s artbook, a reversible SEGA Genesis cover, and holographic packaging. You can see this in the screenshot below. Definitely, something that fans of Sonic the Hedgehog and crew are going to want to snag. I know I am.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch
Release Date: July 17, 2018
Price: $29.99 Available on Amazon.
Ys: Memories of Celceta
Originally released on the PS Vita, the title received a PC release that was exclusive to China. This re-release will be the first time the game will see a PC release in North America. This time, our pal Adol finds himself washed ashore on the island of Celceta. Only, he has no idea on how this happened or who hs even is. Yep, this sounds like a Ys game. As for the timeline, this game takes place between Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished and Ys: The Oath in Felghana As a fan of series, I’m super excited for this as I’ve heard some good news about this game. In addition to coming to the PC in North America, this port will see a host of upgrades. The graphics were given the HD treatment, framerate support up to 120 FPS, mappable controls, KMB support and more. Let’s also not forget about the Boss Rush and Time Attack modes. I can’t wait to dive into this game, it’s been a long time coming.
Platforms: PC
Release Date: July 25, 2018
Price: $24.99 Available on Steam, GOG and Humble.
Mothergunship
Board a mechanized combat unit, build crazy guns and take it to some bad guys. That's what Mothergunship is all about. It's basically a first-person shooter that combines bullet hell elements, and damn is it fun. I had a chance to play this during PAX East 2017 and I was hooked. From the mind that gave us Tower of Guns, his words are that this game is everything learned from that game. All the bad stuff removed and everything that made it so good was dialed up to 11.
I definitely believe that fans of mecha games, Gundam, Mech Warrior and even the ill-fated Hawken, are going to love this. I sure do.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: July 17, 2018
Price: $24.99
Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 + 2
For Mega Man fans, this game has been a long time coming. While there was a Mega Man X collection that was released on the Gamecube and PlayStation 2, that one was a bit limited. However, this one includes every X title, with the exception of Mega Man X: Command Mission. Mega Man X, X2, X3, and X4 will be included in the first collection. While Mega Man X5, X6, X7, and X8, will be in the second part.
That's not all as the collection also includes a new challenge mode. This mode will pit you against two bosses at once and will include a new story as well. There's also something about a new armor that was never seen in a Mega Max X before. Updated graphics, filters, widescreen odes and yes, even the ability to toggle to play the games in their original forms. Fans of Mega Man X are going to love this.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch
Release Date: July 17, 2018
Price: $19.99 per collection or $39.99 for both. Available on Amazon
