Summer is upon us, and with Summer comes blockbusters of the gaming variety to keep us busy for another wee while. Something for everyone this month!
F1 2022
Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – July 1
First out of the blocks, the latest entry in the Codemasters F1 franchise, and the first proper release from the series under the EA umbrella.
New features include adaptive AI to keep players challenged no matter their skill levels, VR modes for PC and F1 Life where players can collect clothing, accessories and vehicles.
On the downside, there is unfortunately no story mode this year to follow up on the Braking Point story included in F1 2021, with Codemasters claiming this was down to logistics and resource complaints. Still plenty here to keep F1 fans happy, however.
Matchpoint: Tennis Championships
Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC – July 7
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a great Tennis game, long gone are the glory days of Top Spin, but a new challenger has entered the court, Matchpoint – Tennis Championships.
Boasting immersive and authentic gameplay and a full blown career mode where you create your own world tennis star to lead to victory, Matchpoint has set its sights high. Hopefully it serves up an ace when it releases during Wimbledon season.
Klonoa Phantasie Reverie Series
Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC – July 8
To celebrate Klonoa’s 25th anniversary of the side-scrolling platformer, Bandai Namco are remastering two beloved titles – Klonoa: Door to Phantomile and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil and releasing them in one lovely package.
The Phatasie Reveries Series boasts graphical upgrades whilst remaining true to the original gameplay and worlds. There is also an always welcome addition of adjustable difficulty levels, ensuring the game is accessible for new fans as well as easing the fans of the originals back in.
As Dusk Falls
Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One and PC – July 19
Featured at the Xbox and Bethesda showcase last month, As Dusk Falls is an original interactive drama exploring the lives of two intertwined families across a period of 30 years. A collaboration between Xbox Games Studios and Interior/Night, a studio set up by the lead game designer of Heavy Rain and Beyond Two Souls, As Dusk Falls looks set to provide a truly unforgettable experience, one I myself am really looking forward to.
With the ability to play co-operatively with up to 8 players, this looks set to be a unique experience with a unique art style to match. Launching day 1 on Xbox Game Pass, you shouldn’t struggle to find people to play with.
Stray
PlayStation, PlayStation 4 and PC – July 19
It’s that one you’ve all been waiting for, you know, the cat game! Stray sees players take on the role of a stray cat who needs to navigate the murky environments and seedy underbelly of a run-down cybercity to unravel its mystery and find a way to escape its claws.
Developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by AnnaPurrrrna (sorry, couldn’t resist) Interactive, this PlayStation console launch exclusive launches straight on to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers on day 1.
Live A Live
Nintendo Switch – 22 July
Originally released in 1994 on the Super Famicom in Japan, Live a Live is a role playing game telling a tale woven across seven distinct time periods. Every time period features its own story and characters, with bespoke gameplay mechanics making each one a unique experience.
Remastered in Square-Enix’s now familiar HD-2D engine (Octopath Traveller, Triangle Strategy), Live a Live looks to win over a new auience in the west for the very first time. As we’ve become accustomed to, a demo is available which carries over to the full game, so no excuse not to give this one a try!
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Nintendo Switch – July 29
Announced at February’s Nintendo Direct, this much rumoured sequel was initially slated for September, however in an unusual move the release was brough forward to July – a delightful surprise in this heavily delayed world we currently live in.
Having already caused chaos during pre-order periods, Nintendo look to have another winner on their hands when Noah, Mio and their friends set off on their adventures across epic landscapes doing battle to end the violence engulfing their homelands
Best of the rest
Other titles of note releasing in July include:
- AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative – PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch – July 8
- Endling – Extinction Is Forever – PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch – July 19
- Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels DLC – PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One – July 19
- Hell Pie – PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch – July 21
What are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below.
The Cross Players 