August is shaping up to be an exciting month for video game releases across various platforms. Some of the most anticipated video game list that gamers have been waiting a long time for are finally seeing the light of day. From major new installments in popular franchises to intriguing indie adventures, there’s something for every type of gamer to look forward to.
Black Myth: Wukong (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
| RRP | $59.99 |
| Price At EF | $55.99 |
Easily one of the most anticipated games this year, Black Myth: Wukong is an action-RPG based on the classic Chinese tale Journey to the West. After more than three years in development and multiple gameplay trailers showing off its stunning visuals and Souls-like combat, expectations are sky-high for this title.
Black Myth Wukong gameplay shows seamless transitions between exploration, platforming and battling mythological Chinese beasts. The combat includes unique weapons and magic abilities drawing from WuKong’s monkey king staff and clone abilities. As we covered previously, Black Myth Wukong draws heavy inspiration from Dark Souls with weighty third-person combat, ominous atmospheres and menacing enemies.
There is still no firm release date for Black Myth: Wukong, but the developers have stated they are targeting an August 2024 20 release after missing their original 2021 timeframe. The game will launch simultaneously on PC and next-gen consoles PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no PS4 or Xbox One versions planned.
A free demo is also expected to arrive on all platforms prior to release, which should give fans a taste of the game’s stunning visual fidelity and challenging combat. This will likely be the most graphically impressive title available when it arrives, truly showing what next-gen hardware can do. Gamers starving for a new Souls-like adventure, especially one based on classic Chinese mythology with a monkey king protagonist, will surely have this at the top of their Wishlist.
Platforms
Originally announced as a PC and next-gen console exclusive, Black Myth: Wukong is now confirmed to be launching on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The game will support Ray Tracing and other advanced graphical features on capable platforms for stunning visuals.
Gameplay
As evident in the Black Myth gameplay trailer, the combat seems to take cues from titles like Dark Souls while having quicker, snappier animations akin to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The game features a karma system where your actions affect the story and endings. Mini-gameplay snippets indicate excellent utilization of the Monkey King’s powers like his signature staff.
Demo
The developers had initially released a short 13-minute gameplay video showing intense combat and breathtaking environments built on Unreal Engine 4. While not a proper demo, this video offered the first in-depth look at the game’s combat, visuals, and art direction to widespread acclaim.
Star Wars: Outlaws (PC, Xbox, PS5)
Announced earlier this year from Lucasfilm and developer Zynga, Star Wars: Outlaws is a MOBA-style multiplayer shooter set in the Star Wars universe between Episodes VI and VII. Players take control of various ruffians, mercenaries and smugglers from the galaxy far, far away to compete in team-based battles.
While details are still scarce on Star Wars Outlaws gameplay, we know it will feature characters from the extended Star Wars universe. The game appears to take gameplay inspiration from Overwatch and other popular hero shooters with specialized character types and abilities. Leaked screenshots show intense blaster battles similar to Fortnite with environments everyone will find familiar.
Perhaps most intriguing is Star Wars Outlaws’ focus on multiplayer battles. Developer Zynga has described it as having MOBA elements which likely means an emphasis on cooperative teamplay complete with tanks, damage dealers and support characters. There is still no word if Star Wars Outlaws will support cross-platform multiplayer between iOS and Android.
Reviews from closed beta testers have been mostly positive so far, praising the familiar Star Wars settings and fun blaster combat. With the Star Wars franchise popularity, this game looks primed to suck up hours for fans when it launches sometime in August 2024. Gamers can pre-register now on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
Gameplay
The recently released Star Wars Outlaws gameplay trailer shows slick third-person gunplay featuring blasters and melee combat. As expected, iconic abilities like force push, thermal detonators, jetpacks, and more make an appearance. The combat seems skill-based with a reasonably high time-to-kill. Special hero characters like Han Solo seem to have very powerful abilities. The trailer shows game modes supporting 3v3 and 5v5 team battles.
Multiplayer
Yes, Star Wars Outlaws has been confirmed to be an online multiplayer title from the start. Given its competitive arena style combat nature, the entire game has been designed around multiplayer.
Cast
From the trailers and promotional images, Outlaws seems to feature new bounty hunter characters instead of known Star Wars personas. However, Han Solo has been teased as a special hero character. More familiar faces may be included eventually.
Visions of Mana (PC, PS5, Switch)
The Mana series has been home to some of the most beloved action-RPGs ever created. After lying dormant following the release Trials of Mana remake, Square Enix is bringing out an intriguing new entry called Visions of Mana. This game recaptures the charm of the 16-bit era with a fresh perspective.
Visions of Mana gameplay shows a top-down action-RPG grind fest featuring series staples like real-time battles and item/weapon upgrades. The pixel art visuals are wonderfully realized while the swelling orchestral score tugs on nostalgic heartstrings. Platforming elements help keep exploration interesting as players battle through forests, caverns and more.
Fans will be happy to know Visions of Mana has already launched on PS5 and Switch in Asian territories to positive reviews. Western gamers will finally get their chance when it releases on August 29, 2024, simultaneously on PC (Steam), PS5 and Switch. Preorders are available now granting some bonus items to use in-game at launch.
Platforms
Initially announced for the Nintendo Switch, Visions of Mana is now getting a multi-platform launch on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and Steam on August 29.
Gameplay
Built ground-up using an upgraded engine, Visions of Mana retains the simple yet satisfying hack-and-slash combat of its predecessors. Players can switch between multiple unique characters on the fly, chaining combos and unleashing special abilities. Co-op support further enhances the formula.
The game structure sticks closer to classic Mana games with an overworld and 2D sprite-based graphics versus the 3D remake Sword of Mana. Various Biomes such as Silent Desert, Forgotten City, and Ice Kingdom give the levels beautiful backdrops. Puzzles and obstacles encourage exploration off the critical path resulting in rewarding unlocks
Preorder Bonuses
Fans who digitally preorder Visions of Mana on console stores get early access to two exclusive weapons – Luminous Sword and Heavenly Axe. Meanwhile, Steam preorders also grant the original Mana series soundtracks.
The Precinct
An immersive first-person police simulator, The Precinct puts you in the shoes of an upcoming rookie beat cop. Developed using cutting-edge photogrammetry for unparalleled realism combined with gripping narratives, this promises to be a genre benchmark.
Release Date
Initially slated just for next-gen consoles, developers Hypercane Studios have confirmed The Precinct will also see a simultaneous PC launch on August 17. However, no current or past-gen console versions have been announced.
Platforms
Thanks to the visual advancements powered by photogrammetry and ray tracing, The Precinct is designed exclusively for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S platforms.
The Precinct (PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
Announced at The Game Awards 2023, The Precinct comes from the twisted minds at New Blood Interactive known for ultra-gory retro FPS titles. The Precinct turns their attention to the beat ‘em up genre while retaining the studio’s affinity for pixelated carnage.
As a newly trained police officer, players are tasked with cleaning up the seedy streets by any means necessary. The Precinct gameplay aims to capture the feel of arcade classics like Final Fight and Streets of Rage. Combat is frenetic consisting of combos, grabs and splattery finisher moves to demolish thugs of all varieties. Levels consist of apartment complexes, nightclubs and subway stations oozing with crime. Sources describe it as a tribute to 70-80’s exploitation and grindhouse cinema.
Early Precinct reviews praise the absurd violence and premise while some felt the gameplay lacks depth compared to classics that inspired it. Gamers who reminisce about Quinton Tarantino’s early filmography will surely appreciate the style regardless.
The Precinct hits PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on August 12th complete with four player local and online co-op. A Nintendo Switch port is also planned for early 2025. Those seeking an arcade style beat ‘em up dripping withinders and grime should look no further.
Release Date
Initially slated just for next-gen consoles, developers Hypercane Studios have confirmed The Precinct will also see a simultaneous PC launch on August 17. However, no current or past-gen console versions have been announced.
Platforms
Thanks to the visual advancements powered by photogrammetry and ray tracing, The Precinct is designed exclusively for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S platforms.
Reviews
Early reviews praised the authenticity achieved through photogrammetry across characters and environments for deeper immersion. The progressive career mode and field training concepts were also well received. Reviewers felt The Precinct sets a new bar for realism in the largely underserved police sim genre. Some felt the game was quite demanding hardware-wise during crowded downtown scenarios.
Dustborn (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X)
Announced during a 2021 indie gaming showcase, Dustborn is an upcoming story-centric adventure title focused on a colorful cast of misfit characters. It comes from developer Red Thread Games consisting of talent behind beloved like Dreamfall Chapters and Draugen.
Dustborn gameplay puts personality first with a strong emphasis on choice, consequences and character development. Early hands-on previews describe it as equal parts point-and-click adventure and visual novel. Environments consist of vibrant, slightly exaggerated backgrounds that populate the game’s post-apocalyptic road trip setting.
You take control of Pax, a human guide assisting a group of misfit travelers that include gangsters, elderly mages and handymen robots. Where you go and how situations resolve depends on dialogue choices and character interactions. Core gameplay involves resource management, relationship building through conversations and some hacking mini games.
So far Dustborn reviews praise the charm and personality with some wishing gameplay had a bit more meat on its bones. Thankfully narrative focused gamers have plenty to sink their teeth into regardless of when it launches for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X this summer on August 19, 2024.
Release Date
After repeated delays since its 2020 announcement, publisher Red Thread Games has committed to an August 10 release for Dustborn on PC and consoles.
Gameplay
In Dustborn, you traverse through procedurally generated levels of a fallen America as a band of misfits on an epic road trip adventure. The visuals adopt a striking graphic novel style with hand-drawn textures. Developer Dustborn takes a pacifist approach to gameplay using traversal, stealth, hacking, and dialogue persuasion instead of direct combat. Your crew members have special abilities for progression or alternate paths during missions spanning this episodic story.
Platforms
First unveiled for Google Stadia, Dustborn has now been confirmed for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PC on August 10.
Characters
The game features a diverse cast of charming characters who grow throughout your journey. This includes the hooded, soft-spoken Pax who has a mysterious past; Van West, an optimistic frontiersman; and Zana, a bold mechanic. More characters are set to join your convoy as you befriend allies and defeat tyrannical foes using non-lethal tactics.
Final Words
Whether you want to dive into massive new worlds, compete against others online or rediscover gaming gems of the past, August 2024 is set to satisfy across all genres. Clear out some room in the backlog and let us know which games you’re most excited to play this month!
We at Electronic First are ready to help you download these games as soon as they are available. Feel free to take a look at our website and be ready to download them whenever available.