Abzu
(PS4, PC)
August had some big action titles and some triple A releases that really pulled a lot of the focus throughout the month, so you’d be excused for passing over this artistic adventure game. Developed by Giant Squid (a studio founded by Matt Nava, art director of Flower and Journey), Abzu places players into a beautiful, underwater world. Exploration is the primary focus of the game as you move from chapter to chapter, interacting with the aquatic life all around you and making your own little discoveries.
It’s a concise, thoughtful experience for those who like something a bit different from their games. If you’re looking for a sort of palette cleanser between all of the shooting and loud noises, you may want to give this bite-sized gem a try.
Bound
(PS4)
Bound is yet another stunning indie game released in the middle of big action titles. Unlike Abzu, however, there is a bit more action to this experience. You take on the role of a ballet-dancing princess as she moves through her own childhood memories. The dreamlike makeup of the worlds you’ll explore set a beautiful backdrop to the impressive score. The gameplay is a bit on the simple side, which may be a deal-breaker for some, but the overall, atmospheric experience helps to make that less of a problem.
This isn’t one of those games that’s for everyone, but it is definitely something worth trying out if you ever get the chance. Platforming and repelling enemies with the power of dance make up the bulk of the actual gameplay, but the beautiful worlds and ethereal nature of moving through one’s own memories are the biggest selling points.
Metroid Prime: Federation Force
(3DS)
Metroid Prime: Federation Force is a game that was more passed over than overlooked. Thanks to its new approach to Metroid gameplay and the fact that players couldn’t take control of the series’ usual protagonist, Samus Aran, fans felt Federation Force shouldn’t be counted among the Metroid games. And while there is a strong argument for that, it can’t be denied that there is some fun to be had in this Nintendo 3DS title.
Shooting and puzzles are enjoyable, the multiplayer is a nice touch, and there are a few callbacks to the overarching Metroid series that are sure to please fans, even though it may not be the game you imagined the next Metroid title to be.
Obduction
(PC)
Obduction is an adventure, puzzle game from Cyan Worlds that places players in control of a character who has, you guessed it, been abducted. You must then explore an alien planet containing pieces of earth preserved in odd spheres, almost as if the aliens are making some sort of collection. Solving puzzles and staying mindful of your choices drives the narrative as you work to find a way back home.
The backdrops are stunning, and, like all great adventure games, there’s a new mystery around every corner as you learn more about the planet you’re on from hologram recordings scattered about the play area. Obduction presents a much slower pace when compared to some of the month’s biggest games, and that helps set this intriguing experience apart in the best of ways.
Assetto Corsa
(PS4, Xbox One)
Assetto Corsa has been available on PC since 2014, but finally made its way to the Xbox One and PS4 on Aug. 30 of this year. It is first and foremost a racing sim, with an intense focus on detail and realism from the visuals to the way tires wear out as you drive. While that may at first sound like a bad thing to some, as sims can be incredibly difficult to get into, Assetto Corsa actually offers a lot of options to control just how much of a sim it is. There are a ton of different ways to transform the experience to better fit your particular level of skill.
Once you have everything adjusted to your liking, you can enjoy one of the best racing sims to ever hit consoles. One thing we must warn you of, though, is the incredibly ridiculous AI. At times, opponents will try to make your life a living hell, but if you can look past some occasionally, insanely challenging computer drivers, there’s a stunningly beautiful racing game waiting for you.
Master of Orion
(PC)
Maser of Orion is a classic strategy game that drops players into the wide expanse of space as they work to build their colonies into an unstoppable force. The property was picked up by Wargaming.net back in 2013, and saw a reimagining release on Aug. 25. It offers deep strategic gameplay that is complex but still forgiving to newer players looking for a way to get into the genre.
If you like strategy games, specifically of the 4X variety, you may want to check this one out on PC.
The Turing Test
(PC, Xbox One)
The Turing Test is a puzzle game that places players in a research station on Europa (one of the moons of Jupiter). You’ll take control of Ava Turing after she is awoken by an artificial intelligence that monitors the station. From there, you’ll have to solve a series of room puzzles that revolve around collecting and shooting orbs to power various machines and doors that block your progress. If any of this sounds even remotely familiar, you’ve probably played Portal, another puzzle game that has you firing around rooms in order to solve puzzles and progress.
Portal is one seriously esteemed game, and many games would love to stand shoulder to shoulder with it in greatness. Not many have accomplished that feat, but The Turing Test’s sense of atmosphere and challenging gameplay definitely help bring it very close. The story is quite gripping as well, as you learn more about your research and your fellow engineers through your progression.
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