Game preview July
Which game are you looking forward to the most?
These are the game highlights in July
1/7/2025
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
A banana-crazed monkey, a dinosaur carrying an entire civilisation on its back and hungry hungry Hobbits provide the best gaming fun this July.
Rocket League was the game highlight for July ten years ago. The unusual mix of racing and football took the gaming world by storm. It’s still one of the most popular esports titles today. I again have lots on offer for sports and multiplayer fans this month – but not just for them.
Mecha Break – heavy metal
From the cockpit of a huge but nimble mech called Break, you fight to prevent the impending end of humanity. There are different classes, plenty customisation options and several game modes. You can go it alone or compete in 3v3 and 6v6 matches.
When: 1 July
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: online PvP and co-op for up to 12 people
Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley/Harvest Moon: Skytree Village – back to the roots
The progenitor of cosy sim games, which also inspired Stardew Valley, returns. In addition to visual improvements, all DLCs for the two titles originally released on the 3DS are included.
When: 3 July
Where: Switch
Multiplayer: no
Missile Command Delta – puzzles and nukes
This sequel to the 80s classic offers a mix of puzzles, turn-based strategy and mystery. You explore a bunker during the Cold War and have to fend off missile attacks at the same time.
When: 8 July
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: no
Islanders: New Shores – slowing things down and building houses
The studio, which also developed construction strategy game Steamworld Build, is venturing into a minimalist city-building simulator. Part one was almost meditative; this sequel looks even more idyllic and extensive.
When: 10 July
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Multiplayer: no
Everdeep Aurora – make like a mole
Behind this visually captivating, monochromatic 16-bit design lies a mysterious world to explore. Since it’s raining meteorites on the surface, all inhabitants have retreated underground. There, you dig and jump in search of the secrets of Everdeep. Maybe you’ll even find something to cool you down on hot summer days.
When: 10 July
Where: PC, Switch
Multiplayer: no
EA Sports College Football 26 – let the pigskin fly
The better EA football game, if you believe the internet or my fellow editor Kim Muntinga. Although it doesn’t offer the complex simulation of Madden NFL, it focuses more and more on an authentic experience. This is also ensured by 300 new real coaches with individual playing styles.
When: 10 July
Where: PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: PvP and co-op, online and local
Mycopunk – psychedelic robot shooter
A colourful co-op shooter featuring quirky robots putting a stop to a deadly mushroom threat. Exudes a slight Borderlands vibe and comes with a lot of strange shooting displays.
When: 10 July
Where: PC
Multiplayer: online co-op for four people
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 – grind until your axles glow
This remake of the two skate classics offers both a modern design as well as new levels. Original parks such as the Foundry are, of course, also available, as are old and new skateboarding legends and the groovy soundtrack.
When: 11 July
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2, Game Pass
Multiplayer: PvP, online and local
Patapon 1+2 Replay – battle to the beat
These remakes of the cult music games for the PSP are making the leap to PC and console. You control the cuddly little Patapon, giving attacking and defensive commands with the right button combinations.
When: 11 July
Where: PC, PS5, Switch
Multiplayer: no
Striden – fighting bears and blasting moose
In this multiplayer shooter, three teams of five shoot and loot until one team has collected 15,000 points. Then you call the evacuation helicopter. The Scandinavian setting with a World War II twist also offers a supernatural aspect. Interestingly, you can control a radioactive bear or a moose pulling a cannon.
When: 11 July, early access
Where: PC
Multiplayer: online co-op and PvP
Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream – sneak away!
Another game set in Scandinavia, Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream. It already enchanted me at the last Gamescom. You sneak through a steampunk world from an isometric perspective, with numerous approaches available to you. Add to this a hopefully gripping story told across visually impressive cutscenes.
When: 15 July
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: no
Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate – the sci-fi opera continues
I won’t even try to explain the story. If you don’t already play the MMO, you won’t get it anyway. The latest expansion offers a new world, new weapons and new abilities. After layoffs, accusations of plagiarism and the postponement of Bungie’s next game Marathon, morale is reportedly at rock bottom. Perhaps a successful DLC launch can lift it a little.
When: 15 July
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: online PvP and co-op
Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition – castle simulation
This Definitive Edition expands the original real-time strategy with eight new units, four enemy lords and new campaigns. The graphics of the 2002 PC classic have been properly upgraded. This should make the trip to the Holy Land during the legendary crusades a feast for newcomers and returnees alike.
When: 15 July
Where: PC
Multiplayer: online PvP and co-op
Dungeons & Dragons Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition – a role-playing game to sink into
I loved Bioware’s legendary and epic role-playing game like no other. The first part already offered incredibly deep gameplay, countless characters, skills and, of course, a convoluted story. Part two makes everything even better. The Enhanced Edition contains all expansions, various improvements and is available on consoles for the first time.
When: 15 July
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: PvP and co-op, online and local
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact – fight like in the manga
Fans of the manga can look forward to the first game adaptation. As in the original, two teams of three face off. Different characters offer many possible combinations. If you prefer to play against AI, legendary moments from the anime await you in story mode.
When: 16 July
Where: PC, PS5, Switch
Multiplayer: PvP, online and local
Donkey Kong Bananza – monkey mania
The first big singleplayer highlight for the Switch 2 features the banana-obsessed Donkey Kong. In this latest 3D adventure, he can practically dig his way through any surface, always on the lookout for the next golden banana. The open gameplay is reminiscent of Super Mario Odyssey – not surprising since the same studio is behind it. Fellow editor Domagoj has already played it extensively and loves it.
When: 17 July
Where: Switch 2
Multiplayer: no
Robocop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business – the metal policeman is back
It was really only supposed to be a DLC. However, the scope grew to such an extent that it became a spin-off of the 2023 surprise hit – that, or they simply wanted to cash in more. We’ll see. In Unfinished Business, Robocop will primarily rely on his gigantic gun over his brains. Hopefully, it won’t be too monotonous.
When: 17 July
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: no
The Drifter – a murder plot is just the beginning
A pixelated point-and-click adventure, where a homeless man observes a murder he’s promptly framed for. According to the developers, the story is inspired by authors such as Stephen King, Michael Crichton and filmmaker John Carpenter. There’s also a large helping of Australian grindhouse from the 70s. The trailer already exudes a nice, dark mood.
When: 17 July
Where: PC, Linux, Mac, Switch
Multiplayer: no
The Wandering Village – a city on six legs
This urban planning simulator developed in Zurich is leaving early access after three years. You advance your civilisation on the back of a dinosaur-like creature. Live in symbiosis with the onbu, as the six-legged creature is called. Together, you have to survive the beautiful but also dangerous post-apocalyptic world.
When: 17 July
Where: already in early access on PC, releasing soon for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Multiplayer: no
Neon Abyss 2 – a firework display of pixels
An action-packed 2D roguelike that also offers a four-player co-op mode. This should make the run’n’gun gameplay even more chaotic and explosive. The numerous item synergies, allowing you to perform new and crazy attacks, add a lot of variety.
When: 1 July
Where: PC, early access
Multiplayer: online co-op for four people
Fretless – The Wrath of Riffson – shredding for justice
Rick Riffson is the boss of an evil record label (is that an oxymoron?) looking to get his hands on every note, every chord and every song. Since you’re a musician yourself, you try to stop this and restore an untuned world. In this pixelated 2D role-playing game, it happens through turn-based battles, all of which have something to do with music. So swing your guitar and let the riffs rip.
When: 17 July
Where: PC, Mac
Multiplayer: no
Shadow Labyrinth – Pac-Man reinvents himself
If that little yellow ball looks familiar to you, there’s a good reason: he’s called Pac-Man. However, the new game bears no resemblance to the 45-year-old arcade sensation. In it, you control Swordsman No. 8. He’s brought to life by Pac-Man and fights his way through a dark 2D fantasy world.
When: 18 July
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2
Multiplayer: no
Wildgate – hoist the space sails
A team-based multiplayer adventure reminiscent of both Overwatch and Sea of Thieves. Twenty people, divided into five teams, use their spaceships to search a colourful sci-fi world for treasures. The most valuable of all is the Artifact. Once you’ve got hold of it, you have to make it to the Wildgate in one piece. This is when the chaotic PvP battles really begin, with different classes playing an important role.
When: 22 July
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: online PvP and co-op for 20 and five people respectively
Hell Clock – the clock’s ticking, monsters are chomping
The style here is strongly reminiscent of the Hellboy comics. With that name and title design, it’s probably no coincidence. As a big fan of Mike Mignola, I was immediately taken by the graphics. In terms of gameplay, it’s a mix of roguelike and ARPG à la Diablo. You’re under time pressure in the fight against undead forces. So it’s fitting that the gameplay looks fluid and fast-paced.
When: 22 July
Where: PC
Multiplayer: no
Wheel World – magical bike adventure
If Pro Cycling Manager 25 doesn’t offer you enough bike action, take a look at Wheel World. Here, you’re selected by ancient cycling spirits to bike against other elite teams. There’s an open game world and numerous upgrade options for your bike.
When: 23 July
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: no
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – feathers will fly
They’re now a dime a dozen: soulslikes with a fantasy setting and epic boss battles against monstrous creatures. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is the next example. It’s set during the late Ming dynasty. You’re a pirate warrior with amnesia and a mysterious past. So far, so standard. For fans of the genre, however, it should still be an action-packed treat.
When: 24 July
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: no
Killing Floor 3 – blast ’til you drop
In part three of this cooperative first-person shooter, you and up to five other players mow down never-ending hordes of Zeds. Thanks to the Meat system, these monsters can be dismembered even more realistically.
When: 24 July
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Multiplayer: online co-op for up to six people
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV – even more chaos
The party game has been pimped up a little for the Switch 2. There’s a new Jamboree TV mode that makes use of the optional camera to put you in the limelight. New Switch 2 functions such as the mouse or the HD 2 rumble are also used in other mini-games.
When: 24 July
Where: Switch 2
Multiplayer: online PvP for up to 20 people, up to 4 locally
Hotel Galactic – Intergalactic Planetary
A cosy management game that immediately makes it obvious that the style here is based on the legendary Studio Ghibli. In a magical fantasy world, you try to turn an intergalactic hotel into a flourishing tourist magnet. Expand your premises, tend to lush gardens and cultivate relationships with oddball creatures.
When: 24 July, early access
Where: PC
Multiplayer: no
Ratatan – set the beat
This month sees both the release of a new Patapon edition, but also its spiritual successor. The similarity of Ratatan is no coincidence. After all, some of the same minds from the PSP original are behind it. The rhythm game can even be played by four people.
When: 25 July, early access
Where: PC
Multiplayer: online co-op for up to four people
Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game – fancy a second breakfast?
The Hobbit race, who stand for cosiness like no other, are getting their own game. And that’s exactly what it’s about. Explore the Shire as a Hobbit, free from stress and worry. Decorate your home and conjure up a feast from numerous ingredients.
When: 29 July
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Multiplayer: no
Grounded 2 – Honey, I shrunk the kinds, again
How Obsidian manages to release three games in one year is a mystery to me. After Avowed and before The Outer Worlds 2 comes the sequel to a miniature survival adventure. As children who’ve been shrunk to the size of ants, you have to survive in a garden. Collect resources, build a base and explore a familiar world from a new perspective on the back of spiders.
When: 17 July, early access
Where: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Game Pass
Multiplayer: online co-op for up to four people
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound – pixel ninjas
The studio behind brilliant action platformer Blasphemous is venturing into the new edition of Koei Tecmo’s cult series. Jump and climb as a blue ninja through beautiful 16-bit worlds and drench them in blood. Ryu Hayabusa isn’t just athletic, he also knows how to use his katana.
When: 31 July
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Multiplayer: no
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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