Author: Greg Lozano
In previous years, June was the month to look out for when in terms of gaming news. This once was the month that gathered gamers from around the world due to E3, but alas, with news from last year, E3 has officially announced its closure. Now hopeful gamers await a new gaming outlet while publishers such as Nintendo and Sony release their showcases of titles that we will see in future months. For this month, releases are low, but there is still gaming worth looking out for.
Destiny 2: The Final Shape (PC, PS4/5, XSX/S, Xbox One) June 4th
The most recent expansion to hit the long running live service game. Players will get to embark on a campaign that builds on the previous installment’s story. Rather than being a seasonal set as previous expansions were, this entry will undertake three large episodes which will work as standalone experiences. Fans of the series will be in for a treat as several new subclasses will be available, free-roam maps, PVP maps, as well as many PVE locations. The first episode of this expansion will occur on June 11th with the rest tentatively releasing in October.
Star Wars Hunters (Mobile, Switch) June 4th
Star Wars fans rejoice as the franchise enters into the mobile arena PVP style gaming popularized by League of Legends and DotA. Players will get the opportunity to play as Wookies, Sith, Jedi, Stormtroopers, as well as many other characters. With the setting taking place between Episode VI and VII there are bound to be lots of Star Wars easter eggs to keep fans happy for hours.
Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game (PC, PS4/5, XSX/S) June 4th
Isometric team horror has a new 80s cult classic to add to the catalog. With the genre going strong in Dead By Daylight, having numerous horror mascots, and the shutdown and delist of Friday the 13th, it was time for another franchise to take the reins. With many fans of the movie, it has been stated that many of the jokes and atmosphere stays true to the original film. While this is definitely a game for the fans, it is recommended that anyone that is interested in playing the game should dive into watching the film to get many of the references and see exactly how goofy and true to its source material that makes it as enjoyable as can be.
V Rising (PS5) June 11th
This is a game that has been discussed in previous months in regard to its release on other platforms. Finally making its way to PS5, reviews of all 1.0 versions on other platforms have given it astounding praise. Play as a vampire that hunts for resources to build a castle to your vampiric liking. Players can engage with other players in practically building a suburb of vampire castles, which could give it a comedic effect, though not intended. DLC does exist and will allow fans of the Castlevania franchise to battle against the iconic hero (yet villain to the vampires) Simon Belmont.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (PC, PS4/5, Switch, XSX/S, Xbox One) June 14th
Originally released as an exclusive to the Switch, Vengeance releases on all platforms with extended gameplay, added locations, added choices, and new demons to capture. For those not familiar with the series, SMT is a darker toned RPG with similar gameplay mechanics to that of Pokemon where players will be able to persuade demons to join them in battle. Similar to Pokemon, demons will have special traits and weaknesses that will change the tide of battle with mere moves. One thing about the SMT series is that it is true to classic JRPG style where saving is important to the highest degree. If at any point your main player falls, your last load point was when you last saved, so if it’s been an hour, expect to have to redo it all over again. This is not a series for the casual gamer, but the stories are generally so deep and involved, they tend to become favorites of the hardcore RPG fanatic.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC (PC, PS4/5, XSX/S, Xbox One) June 21st
This is by far my most anticipated game of the month. I was so involved with Elden Ring’s base game that I managed to get a platinum on both the PS4 and PS5 version of the game, while beating it with 4 different builds. The original Elden Ring was a spectacle of a game that brought many gamers that were not a fan of the soulslike difficulty into somehow enjoying it. The freedom of exploration mixed with the complexities of dungeons really set the genre to new heights, and now, the expansion finally arrives with an estimated 40 hours of gameplay. For those counting, that’s about one dollar per hour, which in today’s economy, you can’t find anything that entertaining for an hour. Fans of the lore will be rewarded with an incredible amount of content, and those looking for more challenges will be sure to get their fill.
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble (Switch) June 25th
The Super Monkey Ball series has been around since the Gamecube and they are honestly loads of fun. This entry looks to follow suit, with many features to give it an enjoyable experience. The main game looks to be filled with over 200 stages and allows for 4-player co-op. There is also a 16-player competitive mode with many unlockables such as characters and outfits. Be the top banana in this wacky adventure.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD (Switch) June 27th
Known as the most linear of the series, Nintendo works to revamp the art style in a way only far beyond just improving textures into an HD setting. Take part in this mission based adventure or go head to head in 4-player battles where people compete to vacuum up the most ghosts. With this entry in the Switch, that only leaves the original Luigi’s Mansion missing from the system’s library.
SPYxANYA Operation Memories (PC, PS4/5, Switch) June 28th
A slice of life game based on the anime SPY x FAMILY where players control Anya in order to fill out her picture book with memories. Players will get the chance to unlock new outfits for characters as well as partake in numerous minigames while doing so. Experience joyful moments with family and friends as you go through school and various locations.