The Most Anticipated New Video Games for August 2017

Oh boy…August is not a good month for the prospect of going outside. Regardless if you’re a PC or console gamer, from the beginning of the month to the very last day, it’s nothing but notable, time-consuming titles.
With over 20 games releasing, it’ll be tough to decide which of them should take priority — so let’s try to make your life a little easier with this short list of very GIF-able, must-play titles releasin in August.
‘Ark: Survival Evolved’ (PC, PS4, Xbox One) — August 8th
I know, I know. “But we’ve been playing Ark since June of 2015.”
Well, for those who haven’t been, Studio Wildcard’s open-world survival game is finally leaving early access!
The concept is a simple one — survive in a world of prehistoric beasts and back-stabbing fellow-survivors, but the implementation is far more complicated. Scavenge supplies, build shelter, upgrade weaponry, train beasts, and create your Dinotopia in an open-world game perfect for any wanna-be paleontologist.
‘Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice’ (PC, PS4) — August 8th
The team behind Heavenly Sword and the Devil May Cry reboot is back, this time tackling Norse and Celtic mythology in what they’re calling an “Independent AAA” game. Essentially, a shorter game developed by a smaller team with the quality of a AAA title and without the nuisance of an outside publisher.
Players control Senua, a quick-footed master of swordplay, as she explores gorgeous environments altered by her own hallucinations and crumbling psyche. Along her path, hulking monstrosities and devilish fiends make for capable and difficult foe and hinder her journey.
With solid-looking gameplay, impressive visuals, and a competent developer, it’s difficult not to get geared up for Hellblade.
‘Agents of Mayhem’ (PC, PS4, Xbox One) — August 15th
Getting past all the elements of Saints Row that will show up to remind you this is in the same universe, Agents of Mayhem is its own game that lets players control three of the twelve agents of M.A.Y.H.E.M. (Multinational AgencY Hunting Evil Masterminds).
Making use of each agent’s diverse abilities, Volition wants players to create their own unique experience by mixing and matching agents to test combinations of abilities and weaponry.
Like any Saints Row title, action will be at the forefront of Agents of Mayhem, but expect to spend some extra time dishing out experience points and toying around with new technology and agent mods.
‘Uncharted: The Lost Legacy’ (PS4) — August 22nd
What was meant to be a quick single-player DLC blossomed into a full release. But I ain’t complaining.
The Lost Legacy will feature larger maps, silenced weapons for better stealth options, and, maybe the most shocking change, a conspicuous lack of Nathan Drake.
Instead, players will control Uncharted alumna Chloe Frazer in a story set 6–12 months after A Thief’s End. Joining her on exploration of Western Ghats for the Tusk of Ganesh is Drake’s former adversary, mercenary Nadine Ross.
Despite the loss of the series’ main protagonist, it’ll feel good to be back in the world of Uncharted and in the skilled hands of the development team at Naughty Dog.
‘Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle’ (Switch) — August 29th
While playing earlier Rabbids titles, not once did I say: “This needs some Mario…” And yet here we are looking at our beloved Mario and those wacky Rabbids on the same screen.
And I’m actually looking forward to it.
Kingdom Battle plays out as a turn-based puzzler that pits Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, and zany versions of each Nintendo favorite against evil Rabbids that have overtaken the Mushroom Kingdom.
Never did I think I’d ever use the word “tactical” to describe a Rabbid game, but you will need to read your opponents and the playful battlegrounds to succeed in this much-needed Switch exclusive.
‘Yakuza Kiwami’ (PS4) — August 29th
Finally getting its worldwide release over a year after its Japanese launch, Yakuza Kiwami is the highly acclaimed remake of the original Yakuza for the PS2.
Obvious graphical differences aside, Kiwami changes things up a little by letting players switch between four different fighting styles for protagonist Kazuma Kiryu.
Beyond the hard-hitting action that will leave many of Kazuma’s enemies bloodied in the streets of Kamurocho, Kiwami also lets players live out Kazuma’s daily life through an abundance of mini-games, like pool and the newly added car racing.
It’s just like real life! …if your life involves frequent run-ins with rival clans and solving kidnappings.
‘Hello Neighbor’ (PC, Xbox One) — August 29th
The idea may sound simple, but sneaking into your neighbor’s house in this stealth horror title from Dynamic Pixels is going to be everything but.
Calling back to classic movies like The Burbs and Salem’s Lot, Hello Neighbor has the protagonist obsessed with what wicked truths their neighbor is hiding in the basement.
Procedural AI promises that every play-through with be tense, terrifying, and different as the “neighbor” learns from player actions and formulates new tactics to impede access into the basement. It’s this unpredictability that could potentially put Hello Neighbor in league with other popular stealth horror games like Outlast.
Don’t forget to check out some of these other August releases that’ll help keep you away from that cruel sunshine.
The Long Dark (PC, PS4, Xbox One) — August 1st
Lawbreakers (PC, PS4) — August 8th
Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 (PC, PS4, Xbox One) — August 8th
Sonic Mania (PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One) — August 15th
Cities: Skylines (PS4) — August 15th
Matterfall (PS4) — August 15th
F1 (PC, PS4, Xbox One) — August 25th
Madden NFL 18 (PS4, Xbox One) — August 25th
Absolver (PC, PS4) — August 29th
Everybody’s Golf (PS4) — August 29th
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen (PC, PS4, Xbox One) — August 29th
Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition (PS4, Xbox One) — August 29th
Warriors All-Stars (PC, PS4) — August 29th
Life is Strange: Before the Storm (PC, PS4, Xbox One) — August 31st
Mark LoProto is a horror-loving gaming enthusiast who also has a soft spot for Ghostbusters, bubble wrap, and kittens. Look for his work here, here, and here.
