The PC, console, and handheld video games you’ll want to play this month.
Platform: PC Release Date: August 1 MSRP: $19.99
Yakuza 0 is a prequel that predates the original series by a few years and establishes the protagonist, Kiryu, as a badass Japanese gangster with a heart of gold. The Yakuza games combine street brawling with zany side quests and over-the-top gangster drama. Yakuza 0 marks the series’ first time on PCs, so gamers who haven’t already delved into the series can get a good start here.
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch Release Date: August 7 MSRP: $24.99
Dead Cells is an unforgiving, Metroid-like action-platformer that takes inspiration from rogue-like games, as well as the Souls series. Dead Cells makes great use of its pixel visuals style, randomized layouts, and tight side-scrolling combat to deliver a constantly challenging and ever-changing experience. There are plenty of weapons and spells to find, which aid you as you explore the vast, interconnected castle. But the game is focused on skill-based movement and fighting, rather than power-up collecting.
Platform: PC Release Date: August 9 MSRP: $59.99
Nothing feels quite as satisfying as charging a powerful blow with a massive sword and cracking down on a giant monster’s skull. With Monster Hunter World arriving on digital shelves this month, PC gamers can finally enjoy a mainline Monster Hunter game, and experience the improvements the World iteration has introduced. MHW streamlines the weapon and armor crafting systems, tweaks all of the weapons, and gives you a massive interconnected realm to explore.
Platform: Nintendo Switch Release Date: August 9 MSRP: $19.99
Play as Okami Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun reincarnated as a white wolf. Evil spreads across Nippon, and only by reclaiming your lost power and cutting down monsters can you bring peace. Okami is a lengthy action-adventure game that is strongly inspired by Nintendo’s Zelda series, but incorporates a Sumi-e ink art style to let you literally draw your powers into the world. This art style creates a fantastic aesthetic, and Okami is still a great looking game nearly a decade after its original release.
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One Release Date: August 10 MSRP: $59.99
This new iteration of Madden NFL hits console and PC shelves, which is nice considering the series hasn’t been on the personal computer in over a decade. Madden 19 aims for more realism than previous games by incorporating Real Player Motion, a system that lets you push and cut across the field. Madden 19 also expands its single player story mode, and introduces 3 vs. 3 online matchups.
Platform: PC, PS4 Release Date: August 14 MSRP: $19.99
Death’s Gambit is another side-scrolling Souls-inspired game slated for release this month. Death’s Gambit drops you into the world as a servant of Death. You can revive thanks to Death’s pact with you, but you are bound to serve him in turn. The game features side-scrolling action and platforming, as well as strong RPG leveling mechanics. Death’s Gambit also features a large, interconnected world to explore and conquer at your leisure, but unlike Dead Cells, the level design is set, and not randomized.
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One Release Date: August 21 MSRP: $29.99
Shenmue was a landmark in gaming, offering one of the first persistent open worlds to explore, filled with activities to enjoy, NPCs with cyclical schedules, weather changes, and day/night cycles. It was also one of the earliest games with QTEs. You explore the world of both games as Ryo, and must investigate your father’s murder while also beating down any thugs who get in your way.
Platform: Nintendo Switch Release Date: August 28 MSRP: $59.99
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is an expanded port of Generations, including all new monsters, fighting styles, and quests to undertake. Ultimate is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, unlike the original Generations release, which launched on the Nintendo 3DS. If you have Generations saved data, you can transfer it over to Ultimate to pick up where you left off. If you want to crack some monster skulls on the Nintendo Switch, do not pass this game up.
Platform: PS4 Release Date: August 28 MSRP: $49.99
Kiwami 2 is a PS4 exclusive remake of the original Yakuza 2, featuring an expanded story as well as revamped gameplay. The story in particular has been tweaked to smooth over the more confusing plot points in the original release, as well as integrate elements from Yakuza 0’s story. You control series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, as well as the goofy Goro Majima, and beat down Japanese thugs with over-the-top street brawling action, all while completing the absurd side quests the series is known for.
