August is an in-between month for many entertainment media. Many game studios are putting the finishing touches on titles premiering around the holiday season. However, this August will feature plenty of medium-sized and more niche titles to enjoy as the summer starts to wrap up.
WarioWare Gold
- Release Date(s): EU: July 27, AU: July 28, JP: Aug 2, NA: August 3
- Developer(s): Nintendo, Intelligent Systems
- Platform(s): 3DS
- Genre: Action, Rhythm
Wario, Mario‘s evil counterpart, is getting another entry in the hilariously offbeat WarioWare series. Although Mario games generally focus on a handful of specific mechanics and are fairly linear, the WarioWare games feature disconnected minigames that swing wildly between styles and objectives. The best distinction between the two series is the fact that Mario is trying to save Princess Peach, while all Wario wants to do is make some quick cash.
WarioWare Gold seems like it will have one of the best collection of minigames yet in the franchise. Along with its usual bizarre and surreal games, the lineup will include edited versions of levels from other Nintendo series, like Fire Emblem and Mario Kart. While it may not push the boundaries of gaming, WarioWare Gold looks to be a bizarrely fun time.
Overcooked 2
- Release Date(s): August 8
- Developer(s): Team 17 Digital Limited, Ghost Town Games
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre: Cooperative Simulation
Do you like food but find cooking simultaneously too complicated and not hectic enough? If you answered yes, then Overcooked 2 is the perfect game for you! Overcooked 2 places players in the role of chefs tasked with creating various dishes across the Onion Kingdom. As recipes and levels get more complex, players will have to hone their teamwork and coordination to ensure that delicious meals come together quickly and efficiently.
The original Overcooked was a surprisingly fun romp that made for a solid evening with friends and family. Overcooked 2 is set to push the series even further by adding new mechanics to this winning concept, like throwing items to other players across the level. If this sequel lives up to the charm and design of the first, Overcooked 2 should be a great way to spend a night in with those you’re close to.
Dead Cells
- Release Date(s): August 7
- Developer(s): Motion Twin
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- Genre: Roguelike, Metroidvania
Do you need a 2-D Soulsborne to play now that you’ve conquered Hollow Knight? Don’t worry — Dead Cells has you covered. Initially making waves months ago when it hit Steam Early Access, Dead Cells drew the eye of many with its mix of challenging gameplay, retro-style graphics, and darkly intriguing setting.
Now that it’s about to release on all major platforms, Dead Cells has all the markers of an indie hit. With its Metroidvania elements and a wide selection of weapons and items, this game is sure to provide dozens of hours of challenging entertainment.
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
- Release Date: August 28
- Developer(s): Capcom
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
- Genre: Action RPG
Coming off the heels of the unbelievably popular Monster Hunter World, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is set to bring the revitalized franchise to Switch. Since World is incompatible with the portable console, Generations Ultimate offers an enhanced version of the Monster Hunter Generations 3DS game.
Now that the series is finally gaining popularity in the West, this could be a solid opportunity for it to cement itself as a staple of the RPG genre. If Generations Ultimate brings the same quality of life improvements to its formula as World did, it could easily be a smash hit. You’ll also be able to play it on the go, which is one feature sadly lacking from the otherwise incredible Monster Hunter World.
Yakuza Kiwami 2
- Release Date: August 28
- Developer(s): Sega
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4
- Genre: Action-adventure
Boy, the Yakuza series has finally gotten its due. After years of being an incredible, yet niche title, the series finally gained mainstream popularity with the release of the fantastic Yakuza 0 and Yakuza 6. Now those looking to catch up on the decade-old franchise will have the opportunity to play a remaster of the second game in Yakuza Kiwami 2.
The Yakuza games are a genuinely delightful mix of ridiculous situations, over-the-top action, and more heart than just about any other series of games. At its core, the Yakuza games are about a man trying to adhere to his ideals in growingly difficult situations. Kiryu‘s story is one of the most heartfelt in gaming, and now is the best time to experience it.
