A hot season starting to cool down
This year’s summer has been chock-a-block with incredible games fromFinal Fantasy XVItoStreet Fighter 6,but things are starting to cool down with the August 2023 games lineup. There are still some great games likeSea of StarsandBaldur’s Gate 3on the horizon. However, we can take a bit of a breather as most of these anticipated titles are fairly niche. Here’s everything you may expect from the August 2023 games release schedule.
Publisher:From Software and Bandai NamcoDeveloper:From SoftwarePrice:$59.99Release Date:August 25TrailerOur Preview
The legendary studio behindDark SoulsandElden Ring(From Software) is bringing back a mech favorite withArmored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.TheSteam pageclaims it’s bringing the developer’s “signature action gameplay” into the mix with “fast-paced, omni-directional battles.” Each fight will be set in “massive stages,” and now with better graphical fidelity, the action will look even more intense and stunning. While there isn’t any Souls-like combat from this sequel, you can deeply customize your mech just how you’d like it.
Your judgment will impact your mech’s movement and even its battle style. The Steam page claims that “each mission can be approached with a unique mech strategy.” Something you’d expect from From Software is boss battles; this game comes with them in spades. Hopefully, this game lives up to the extremely high expectations of the developer’s huge fanbase after its 2022 magnum opusElden Ring.From the pedigree alone, this is one of the most anticipated August 2023 games.
Baldur’s Gate 3 (PC)
Publisher:Larian StudiosDeveloper:Larian StudiosPrice:$59.99Release Date:August 3 (PC) and September 6 (PS5)Trailer
RPG fans, rejoice!Baldur’s Gate 3is finally leaving early access on August 3. There is deep customization in the game, allowing you to pick from 12 classes (with 46 subclasses) and 11 races (including 31 subraces) for your hero/heroine. Larian Studios also claims your decisions will leave an impact on the storyline. “Every choice you make drives your story forward, each decision leaving your mark on the world,” says Larian on the game’sSteam page.“Define your legacy, nurture relationships and create enemies, and solve problems your way.”
We’ll see how grandiose the story is when the game fully releases, but it certainly sounds promising. As the game is set in theDungeons & Dragonsuniverse, it will be based on the 5e ruleset. You’ll be rolling the dice for your actions during combat and can interact with the environment in unique ways. Oh, and you can have romanticrelations with a bear…if that’s your thing.
Immortals of Aveum (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Publisher:EADeveloper:Ascendent StudiosPrice:$59.99Release Date:August 21Trailer
If you’re tired of guns and want a bit of a change-up, there’sImmortals of Aveumwith magic instead of ammo. You’ll be blasting away all sorts of foes with 25 different spells at your disposal. There are also 80 talents to learn in this FPS single player campaign. As one of the battle mages, you’re tasked to save the world from villains who plan to send it to the abyss.
The game looks exciting with plenty of intriguing enemies to fight and a sense of verticality within its level design. The graphics look pristine as well with gorgeous visual effects and grand environments. It’s one of the more intriguing August 2023 games on this list.
Madden NFL 24 (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Publisher:EADeveloper:EA SportsPrice:$69.99Release Date:August 17Trailer
EA has a busy month in store becauseMadden NFL 24is also dropping in August. Instead of slinging spells, you’ll be throwing footballs and handling them better with an improved version of FieldSENSE. EA claims on the game’sSteam pagethat it’s “giving you greater control and delivering realism to all the ways you play.” Additionally, there’s a new feature called the SAPIEN technology. Apparently, it adds more realism to the body definition and variation of the athletes’ physiques. EA claims this results in “realistic player movement.”
EA also says that your teammates’ ratings and situational awareness have improved since the last game with better AI. Thankfully,Madden NFL 24will include crossplay, allowing you to play with your friends on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. While this is not my particular cup of tea (soccer should be called football, damn it),this year’sMaddenseems to be a big step up. It might be worth waiting for it to come to Xbox Game Pass, however, likeMadden NFL 23.
Sea of Stars (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC)
Publisher:Sabotage StudioDeveloper:Sabotage StudioPrice:$34.99Release Date:August 29Trailer
Sea of Starsis the standout indie out of the August 2023 games list. Sporting wonderful 16-bit inspired graphics,Sea of Starswill wrap you up in some good ol’ JRPG goodness. It’s seemingly inspired by classics likeChrono TriggerandSuper Mario RPG. There’s a turn-based combat system that relies on timed button presses. If you time them correctly, your damage will increase. As the game proceeds, each combo will progress in difficulty.
The animations are absolutely gorgeous within the art style, adding even more of a nostalgic rush to the game. The game does feel modernized, however, with no random encounters and no grinding to speak of. Go at your own pace and stop The Fleshmancer performing their evil doings. To keep you entertained, there are other activities inSea of Stars, such as fishing, cooking, and a tabletop game called Wheels.
