Though it is an arguable point, I think we’re out of the summer doldrums. It’s still summer of course but every week in August has at least one triple A title, with one week even having two. As an avid video game lover and lover of writing about any and all video games, I’m so glad to see our lovable software releasing again as that means I will no longer have to sit in my chair and eat microwavable pizza every night. Truth is, I will now do both.
Persona 4 Arena
Release Date: August 7th
Developer: Atlus
My admiration for Persona 3 and Persona 4 are both unmatched by literally any franchise in history. There’s this certain level of giddiness that arises once either the name Chie or Yukiko are mentioned that I can’t explain, but it just doesn’t stops happening and still hasn’t to this day. Persona 4 Arena should be right up my alley, though admittedly I’m not a fighting game fan, Atlus and co-developer Arc System Works (BlazBlue, Guilty Gear) have both promised a very accessible experience for all.
The juiciest part of this deal for myself and Persona fans in my position is the fact that there is going to be over 50+ hours of new Persona story. The story will be on a by character basis with fights between characters meshed into it, similar to how Mortal Kombat integrated its story. Either way, I just want to see some more Persona. Though I hope the next Persona I see after Arena is called Persona 5. TGS quickly approaches, Atlus!
Hybrid
Release Date: August 8th
Developer: 5th Cell
The idea that the guys behind Scribblenauts are now working on a cover based 3rd person shooter is something I’ve been wrestling with for a while now. It isn’t up until you see video of their shooter, Hybrid, when it all comes together. No, it still doesn’t make sense but there’s no doubt that 5th Cell has added their own unique touch to a mostly boring genre.
In Hybrid, you choose from two factions at the get go, one called the Paladins and one called the Variants. From there you compete for regions on a world map, attempting to take it over for your respective faction. The most interesting aspect of this is the fact that the world is literally always at war as battles rage on throughout night and day. There’s no doubt Hybrid is on a lot of people’s radar, but will it meet expectations?
Sleeping Dogs
Release Date: August 14th
Developer: United Front Games
The story behind Sleeping Dogs has been talked about quite a bit on this website, mainly from me, but that’s because it’s just a fascinating tale. It’s not something entirely unique, just ask Duke Nukem or Prey, but the intriguing part is that Sleeping Dogs still has a shot to be a decent game. We knew before its release that Duke Nukem was going to be a piece of trash and that Prey was going to just be another mediocre shooter but with a dry year for open world games, Sleeping Dogs could be a surprising hit. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not an idiot, I know the chances of all this happening are slim but hey, a little faith never killed anyone, right?
Darksiders 2
Release Date: August 14th
Developer: Vigil Games
People compared the original Darksiders to Zelda so often that you just came to expect the phrase “Zelda but mature” every time Darksiders was mentioned in a sentence. Vigil Games embraced that and ran with it, something that is hard not to respect as most developers would shy away from comparisons to similar games.
It’s clear that Vigil has decided to step out of the mold however as Darksiders 2 adds more depth that wasn’t found within the original. The newest iteration in the Darksiders franchise adds multiple things, such as a completely redone main character. While you played as War in Darksiders, a heavy character that unleashed strong attacks, in Darksiders 2 you will play as Death, a quick and agile character that can unleash flurries of attacks in a heartbeat. That isn’t the only new thing as there will be a full skill tree, new weapons, and a new loot system that will only add more depth to an already deep experience.
Dust: An Elysian Tail
Release Date: August 15th
Developer: Humble Hearts
Most people are aware by now that Dust: An Elysian Tail was made by one man, Dean Dodrill, and his sole passion and love for the game is something that has been apparent since the name Dust started appearing on video game websites across the web. Dust: An Elysian Tail is a tie-in to a series also made by Dodrill and is a hack and slash 2D adventure game.
Apart from that small tidbit of information, nothing much has come out regarding Dust. It wasn’t but two years ago that Dodrill was developing Dust to be an Xbox Live Indie Game but then announced Microsoft had picked it up to publish it onto Xbox Live Arcade. The most encouraging thing, however, is that Microsoft had enough confidence in Dodrill’s project to make him the closing game to Microsoft’s prestigious Summer of Arcade. Let’s hope that confidence pays off for everyone involved.
Madden NFL 13
Release Date: August 28th
Developer: EA Tiburon
While possibly the least exciting release for most, Madden NFL 13 is undoubtedly coming out in late August, just like it does every year. I’ve made no bones about the fact that I’m the guy who happily purchases these games every year, and with the recent disappointment that was NCAA Football 13, I’m relying on Madden to bandage up some of those wounds.
The biggest edition this year is the brand new tackling engine, entitled the Infinity Engine. The engine is named after the fact that there are, according to Gameplay Designer Vincent Lugo, “limitless possibilities.” The system will hopefully add a bit more of a realistic feel and eliminate the previous awkward, canned animations that happened upon contact from other players.
Also releasing in August:
Sound Shapes (Aug. 7th)
Way of the Samurai 4 (Aug. 21st)
The Ratchet and Clank Collection (Aug. 28th)
What is your most anticipated?