Tacoma
(Aug. 2 – Xbox One, PC)
August 2017 Games to Look Forward to
Fullbright helped to change the landscape of video games back in 2013 when the studio first released Gone Home. While the “walking simulator” style of games wasn’t exactly new, it got much more of the spotlight than it ever did before and made many question what a video game is. It was deep and thought-provoking without employing many of the mechanics and features that most would expect to find in a game. It was subsequently nominated for many game of the year awards (of which it won a few), and opened up the floodgates for more meaningful experiences outside of gratuitous violence and endless action games.
Tacoma continues this trend, dropping players into a seemingly abandoned space station with nothing but recordings of those who were there before. Players will explore, learning what happened here and uncovering a deeper story that lies beneath the surface. If you’ve enjoyed games like Gone Home and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, this August release may be right up your alley.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
(Aug. 8 – PS4, PC)
August 2017 Games to Look Forward to
Hellblade was announced way back in 2014 during Gamescom and instantly caught the attention of many. This AAA indie experience, which promised the visuals and production values you get from a large studio actually comes from a small, tight-knit development team. With Norse and Celtic inspirations, the game showed dark shadows, and vicious foes that must be overcome by Senua, a small warrior who is venturing through a world of nightmares. Those nightmares, though, happen to be her own.
Players will have to deal with the reality created by Senua’s psychosis as they navigate a dark twisted world of her own creation. We don’t know what waits for her on the other side of all that pain and anguish, but we know that we will happily join her on that dark, emotional journey.
Sonic Mania
(Aug. 15 – PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)
August 2017 Games to Look Forward to
Sonic has been through the ringer over the past decade or so. While there have been some great games in the blue blur’s library, more often than not fans have been left utterly disappointed with the releases. I’ll give credit to SEGA for trying to make great games, but not everything needs to be completely reinvented to be great. Sonic Mania seems to have figured this out, and it’s looking to be the game that Sonic fans have been requesting for years.
It’s basically a Genesis era Sonic the Hedgehog game that has been updated for the current generation. You get all your maze-like levels that promote high-speed gameplay and tight platforming, beautiful backdrops, and a thumping soundtrack. Everything is faster and bolder, but it still has just the right hint of nostalgia while managing to be something great for newcomers. If you’ve been needing to re-strengthen your faith in the Sonic franchise, Sonic Mania is just what the doctor ordered.
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
(Aug. 15 – PS4)
August 2017 Games to Look Forward to
Nathan Drake’s adventuring days may be over, but the Uncharted universe is full of interesting characters and plenty of adventures waiting to be embarked upon. Picking up almost a year after the events of A Thief’s End, The Lost Legacy puts players in control of Chloe Frazer as she seeks out the Tusk of Ganesh. Fans will finally be able to explore this interesting character who has popped up throughout the series. On top of that, you’ll be joined by Nadine who proved to be just as interesting in Uncharted 4.
Players can expect the same brand of action and story they got with the last entry of the series, which definitely isn’t a bad thing. If you’ve been looking for something to scratch that Uncharted itch, make sure this is one of the games on your shopping list in August.
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
(Aug. 29 – Switch)
August 2017 Games to Look Forward to
When it initially leaked, nobody was really sure what to think of the upcoming Mario/Rabbids crossover. It was always known that Nintendo and Ubisoft had a rather strong relationship, with Ubisoft being one of the few AAA developers to pledge strong support to the gaming giant’s last couple of home consoles. But, seeing Mario with an arm cannon reminiscent of Samus Aran while surrounded by costumed Rabbids was pretty weird. But then we got to check out Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle at E3 2017 and we learned why they say to never judge a book by its cover.
The game is pure fun. It takes the turned-based tactics that many would recognize from XCOM and fits them into the universe of the Mushroom Kingdom, all the while adding tons of humor from Ubisoft’s crazed little bunny creatures. There’s a surprising level of depth and challenge to be experienced and it all works quite well together without ever losing the identity of either property. If you have a Nintendo Switch, this is one of those games that should definitely be on your radar in the coming weeks.
Yakuza Kiwami
(Aug. 29 – PS4)
August 2017 Games to Look Forward to
Yakuza Kiwami is actually a remake of the very first game in the series. It follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu as he fights to save his love while dealing with the violent Tojo Clan which he was once a part of. It’s a deep story that dives into Japan’s seedy underworld, but it’s also full of action and tons of humor that easily keeps fans locked in.
The remake takes everything that made the first game so great and gives it a current generation polish. Fully redone visuals make Yakuza Kiwami fit alongside some of the best-looking games on the PS4, and mechanics have been updated to provide more freedom in combat to players (utilizing a system like the one found in Yakuza 0). There is also more story added in to make the plot flow better, as well as add new experiences for the player. Oh, and keep an eye out for Goro who’s out and about and looking for a fight.
Life Is Strange: Before the Storm
(Aug. 31 – PS4, Xbox One, PC)
August 2017 Games to Look Forward to
While fans eagerly await a sequel to the beloved Life Is Strange from Dontnod Entertainment, August has a prequel in store that might pique fans’ interest. Life Is Strange: Before the Storm follows Chloe Price, Max’s close friend, a few years prior to the original game. It will recall the events that transpired while Max was gone and show the struggles that Chloe experienced in relationships and life in general.
Without Max, though, there is no time traveling, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have the ability to control how events play out. Backtalk lets you guide a situation along, hopefully in your favor, and you can even interact with the world. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out, especially with the different approach that Deck Nine, the developer of this particular project, is taking. If you loved the first game, this is one of those August games you should definitely keep an eye out for near the end of the month.
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