July will be all about pirates and role-playing. In addition, crazy trains and speeding anime elves promise unique gaming experiences.
Pokémon Go took the world by storm ten years ago in July. No one’s expecting the coming month to provide a similar cultural phenomenon. But it’s too hot to go outside anyway. In exchange, I’ll show off a few picturesque in-game beach locales.
Rhythm Heaven Groove
A rhythm title filled with quirky mini-games you’ll have to beat in time with the music. It reminds me of WarioWare, only without the angry moustachioed Italian. Judging by how hard my coworkers laughed while testing it in the office, it’s sure to be a lot of fun.
When: 2 July Where: Switch 1, Switch 2¹ Multiplayer: online and local for up to four players
Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations
In the first DLC, Doom Slayer finds himself in a frosty world where new weapons, puzzles and demons await him. Him taking off off his helmet and revealing his face makes me sceptical, though.
When: 7 July Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Multiplayer: no
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced
This remake of one of the most popular Assassin’s Creed games of all time is just around the corner. It features new graphics and a revamped combat system, and does away with modern frills. But you can look forward to plenty of naval battles, treasure hunts and assassinations.
When: 9 July Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Multiplayer: no
Echoes of Aincrad
A colourful JRPG you can explore with a custom hero. You’ll also have a companion by your side, giving you access to combos in battle.
When: 9 July Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Multiplayer: no
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok
The adventure continues. Endless Ragnarok features novel bosses, a new solo mode, master abilities and summons for more tactical options.
When: 9 July Where: PC, PS5, PS4, Switch 2 Multiplayer: online co-op for up to four players
Denshattack!
On a high-speed train, you’ll grind and flip your way through a colourful Japan. Along the way, you’ll battle rival gangs and shady corporations. It’ll be a wonderful trip.
When: 15 July Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 Multiplayer: no
The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu
Embark on an expedition into a creepy jungle where Lovecraftian horrors await. At least you’re not alone – you’ll face monstrous creatures alongside up to three companions.
When: 15 July Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Multiplayer: online co-op for up to four players
Moss: The Forgotten Relic
Since VR is stagnating, you’ll soon be able to control this cute little mouse on your flat-screen monitor or TV too. This new edition combines both parts and features improved visuals. I’m curious to see if this award-winning experience is just as compelling without VR.
When: 16 July Where: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 1, Switch 2 Multiplayer: no
The Mermaid Mask
A point-and-click adventure with a captivating design and a promising story. The captain of the world’s strangest submarine has been murdered. Rumour has it he was a time traveller or a vampire. Playing as detectives Grimoire and Sally, you have to figure out what happened.
When: 16 July Where: PC, PS5, Switch 1, Switch 2 Multiplayer: no
Heave Ho 2
My friends and I laughed until we cried while playing the first part. The sequel to that chaotic couch co-op game promises to be just as wild. You’re tasked with completing various missions by high-fiving or headbutting each other. There’s a new online feature too.
When: 16 July Where: PC, Switch 1, Switch 2 Multiplayer: co-op, online and local for up to four players
Seed
Berlin-based studio Klang Games has burned through 80 million euros to develop a social simulator that features no NPCs. Fellow editor Debora has already given it a look. She’s cautiously optimistic, but believes the studio still faces a lot of work during early access.
When: 21 July (Early Access) Where: PC Multiplayer: no
Tears of Metal
Join forces with a Scottish battalion to liberate your island from an enemy invasion. Play alone or with friends as you cut through hordes of enemies in this hack-and-slash roguelike. You’ll receive ongoing upgrades, improving your troops and expanding your settlement.
When: 22 July (Early Access) Where: PC Multiplayer: online co-op
Splatoon Raiders
The latest instalment in this ink-based shooter series focuses on a single-player campaign. Instead of two teams splattering each other with ink, you shoot at waves of Salmonid enemies.
When: 23 July Where: Switch 2 Multiplayer: co-op, online and local for up to four players
Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game
Who would win in a head-to-head: Avatar Aang or Avatar Korra? Well, you can find out in this new fighting game based on the popular animated series.
When: 23 July Where: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 1, Switch 2 Multiplayer: online PvP
Forsaken Realms: Vahrin’s Call
An action role-playing title that promises a fully free approach to its combat. You decide whether you’ll explore this colourful fantasy world as an agile archer, a fireball-flinging mage or an axe-wielding whirlwind of death.
When: 27 July Where: PC Multiplayer: no
Halo: Campaign Evolved
This remake of the cult Xbox classic is almost unrecognisable. The graphics have been completely redesigned. Still, both returning players and newcomers are sure to enjoy this timeless classic. I really enjoyed my first look.
When: 28 July Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Multiplayer: online co-op
Mistfall Hunter
How about an extraction action RPG for a change, instead of an extraction shooter? Mistfall Hunter definitely delivers a fresh concept. In a dark fantasy world, you’ll battle monsters and other human enemies using steel and magic.
When: 29 July Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Multiplayer: online PvP and co-op
Truck-kun Is Supporting Me from Another World?!
Strange Scaffold is the most versatile studio I know. Following Max Payne-style shooter El Paso Elsewhere and the strategic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown, you’ll now get behind the wheel of a magical delivery truck. As a muscular anime elf, you’ll run over pedestrians to send them to another world as Truck-kun, helping the elf to activate a galactic gate using stars. Any questions?
When: 29 July Where: PC Multiplayer: no
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
This epic JRPG is coming to the Switch 2 as a remaster, nearly ten years after its original release. It offers a smoother frame rate, higher resolution and a new action-combat mode.
When: 30 July Where: Switch 2 Multiplayer: no
Kusan: City of Wolves
A frenetic top-down shooter that looks like a new Hotline Miami. Since there’s no news on a third instalment in that series, let’s just enjoy this bloody action-packed spectacle.
When: 30 July Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 1, Switch 2 Multiplayer: no
The Relic: First Guardian
July is RPG month. And with The Relic: First Guardian, I have an Asian-inspired game ready for you. The combat system looks wonderfully intense. Every weapon and piece of armour is unique too, each with its own story. Same goes for the more than 70 bosses you can use to test out your gear.
When: 31 July Where: PC, PS5 Multiplayer: no
Corsair Cove
Is there too much fighting in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced for your taste? Then build your own pirate settlement in Corsair Cove instead. Raise pigs, send ships on expeditions and smoke out the king’s spies.
When: 31 July Where: PC Multiplayer: no
¹ Switch 1 version, also compatible with Switch 2.
Game preview July
Which game are you looking forward to the most?
‘Rhythm Heaven Groove’
3%
‘Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations’
9%
‘Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced’
41%
‘Echoes of Aincrad’
7%
‘Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok’
1%
"Denshattack!"
1%
‘The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu’
4%
‘Moss: The Forgotten Relic’
3%
‘The Mermaid Mask’
1%
‘Heave Ho 2’
2%
‘Seed’
0%
‘Tears of Metal’
2%
‘Splatoon Raiders’
5%
‘Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game’
3%
‘Forsaken Realms: Vahrin’s Call’
3%
"Halo: Campaign Evolved"
19%
‘Mistfall Hunter’
5%
‘Truck-kun is Supporting Me from Another World?!’
3%
‘Xenoblade Chronicles 2’
3%
‘Kusan: City of Wolves’
0%
‘The Relic: First Guardian’
4%
‘Corsair Cove’
16%
another
8%
The competition has ended.
Teaser images: Corsair Cove, Kusan: City of Wolves, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, Mistfall Hunter
As a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.
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