Author: Greg Lozano
Another month, another bunch of new games to look out for. Below is a list of some titles that will be reaching consoles and PC.
The First Descendant (PC, PS4/5, XSX/S, Xbox One) July 2nd
A third person looter shooter that carries the expected RPG elements of games of similar structure. The great part about this game, it’s free. Team up with up to three friends or run missions solo in the graphically stellar game running on Unreal 5.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail (PC, PS4/5, XSX/S, Xbox One) July 2nd
With the original story at a close, players will get the chance to travel westward to the new land of Tural. Engage with two new classes and a world of new lands to explore as the expansive MMO continues to reach new grounds. With updated graphics for the modern era, players can play a large portion of the original game for free. FFXIV is highly regarded as the best Final Fantasy story in the mainline series, and with the new expansion, it looks to create more stories as well as give a fresh new feel.
Zenless Zone Zero (PS5, Mobile, Windows) July 4th
A free-to-play urban fantasy action RPG that looks like it is fueled with high octane. Explore the alternate dimension known as the Hollows and expand your party as you traverse this dangerous post-apocalyptic land. The game also features a day cycle which potentially leaves room for the difficulty to adjust depending on the time of day.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak (PS4/5, Switch, Windows) July 5th
Originally released in 2021 to high praise, the title is making its way onto consoles. This single player RPG is part of an ongoing franchise known as the Trails series. Blending real-time combat with turned-based combat, the series is a solid choice for fans of RPGs of this style.
Once Human (PC, Mobile) July 9th
A post-apocalyptic open world survival game with an incredible design. Ever seen a house walk with creepy arms and legs? You will in this game. With several modes available, players will be able to partake in PVP and PVE. The tone is excellent for those interested in a creepy and strange world. Another free game for the month of July, and the exciting part, any monetization done with this game is strictly cosmetic.
Ace Combat 7 (Switch) July 11th
Initially released in 2019 on all other platforms, this title will finally be making its appearance on the Nintendo Switch console. The series is known for incredible aerial combat and the recent installment continued that legacy. Met with high praise on all other platforms, it would be nice to know if the title receives the same praise once it hits Nintendo’s portable/console hybrid.
TMNT: Splintered Fate (Switch) July 17th
Originally released on all other consoles and mobile, Ninja Turtle’s first roguelike will be stepping foot onto the Nintendo Switch console in the middle of this month. With no two runs being the same, players will get to enjoy their favorite pizza loving turtles while having a fresh challenge each time.
Dungeon of Hinterburg (PC, XSX/S) July 18th
Stylish does not begin to explain this game. Set in a thriving tourist destination in the Austrian Alps with exploration, combat, puzzle solving, and community building, this game looks to offer a lot in such an explosive package. Looking like parts of the puzzle solving takes the game into isometric environments, while the exploration and combat are in third person. There aren’t many times that games look original, and this one really hits those marks. This is definitely on my list of games that I need to check out.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn (PC, PS4/5, XSX/S, Xbox One) July 18th
A single-player Action RPG where players assume control over the character Nor Vanek, a member of a group that is defending humanity against the old Gods. This open world RPG gives players agency to use both melee and projectile weapons, but those projectiles happen to be scarce in this world, making for a tighter engagement in combat. There is a demo available for anyone that wants to try it out and give their thoughts before committing to a purchase, but it’s nice to see an original IP surface into the gaming world.
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition (Switch) July 18th
Partake in a part of history as you challenge yourself and friends for person best scores in an array of over 150 challenges. Test your speed running skills that brought the competitive world of Nintendo to life back in the NES era and see if you have what it takes to get those personal best scores.
The New Denpa Men (Switch) July 22nd
Just by looking at the site, I wouldn’t blame anyone for saying, “what?” when it comes to this game. Strange little creatures that a born from radio waves and are invisible to the naked eye are what these little creatures are, but the game is so much more than just collecting these strange little guys. A combination of dungeon crawler, where you’re able to gather a rather large party to battle and explore, and a sim-like town builder like Animal Crossing, where players get to arrange their village how they want is what this game is about, and frankly, I’m here for it. This looks silly and fun, and on top of exploring dungeons, collecting little guys, and building your town, you have the agency of dressing them up in lots of outfits.
Earth Defense Force 6 (PS4/5, PC) July 25th
Continuing the story of Earth Defense Force 5, the human race was successful in fending off its last invasion, unfortunately all that remained of the human population is 10% of what it once was. In the year 2027 another invasion takes place and it is now up to you to enlist your help in fending off the new hordes of enemies that have come to invade the planet. Looking like a satire space invasion style game, it looks comedic as well as gory in fending off the rush of aliens.
So grab your controller, power up your console or PC, and start exploring these fantastic games today. Happy gaming!