Games

12 Most Anticipated Games of August 2016

We take a look at the biggest games heading our way in August.

Published

8 years ago

August 2, 2016

2016’s impressive game line up continues as we roll into August. This month, we see a variety of new titles across many different genres, with a little something for everyone.

Batman: The Telltale Series

Release date: 2 August 2016 (Xbox One, PS4, PC, mobile) – Episode 1

Telltales Games, the developer behind the brilliant story-driven episodic Walking Dead and Wolf Among Us series, has a shot at the Batman franchise with Batman: The Telltale Series. The first episode arrives this month and sees players explore the adventures of the Dark Knight, but more importantly, the life of Bruce Wayne and his moral quandries around his dual identity. The game will give players the freedom to choose who they want the story to unfold, with the smallest of decision having greater impact as the game goes on.

The game also introduces a new feature called “crowd play” where players can allow people to watch your game session and participate in how to approach making decisions in the game. The game features a talent cast of voice actors including Troy Baker as Bruce Wayne, Laura Bailey as Selina Kyle, and more.

Mobius Final Fantasy

Release date: 3 August 2016 (Android, iOS)

With Pokemon Go turning into a worldwide phenomenon, it’s likely that other big-name franchise releases on mobile will get the attention they deserve going forward.

Mobius Final Fantasy (from the creators of the original Final Fantasy franchise) features the character development and depth we’ve come to expect from a Final Fantasy release, including a job system, multiple ways to upgrade and customize your character, and upgradable ability cards which you earn in battles. Each special ability is connected to one of six elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Light and Shadow.

Battling is truly the heart of Mobius Final Fantasy. Developed to be conveniently played with one hand with the phone held in portrait orientation, the battling system combines the turn-based combat system typically found in JRPGs with the familiar tap-and-slash combat mechanics found in many popular action games for mobile.

No Man’s Sky

Release date: 10 August 2016 (PS4), 12 August 2016 (PC)

What we haven’t had in a while is an intriguing-looking space exploration title. In No Man’s Sky, you can explore near-infinite worlds on your journey to the centre of the universe, mapping out planets as you go. The game is massively multiplayer in a sense, and any world you discover will proudly display your tag and you’ll have the chance to name it.

There’s an unlimited amount of places to discover in No Man’s Sky, but we wonder if the random planet generation will have the legs to keep players interested. Like the randomised gun system in Borderlands, it’ll definitely throw some different licks of paint in the opening hours, but will you inevitably see through the veil once you hit the real meat of the game? We’re excited to find out.

Bound

Release date: 16 August 2016 (PS4)

While we’ve become so used to having a marine or rugged badass as our video game protagonists, Bound is a stylish 3D platformer starring a ballerina – yeah, that’s right. Bound is designed with a focus on narrative to tell a “mature story.” The art house project has a gorgeous visual style to match, with environments inspired by modern art. There’s also an element of danger in the game, and players will have to use their grace and wit to outsmart enemies.

Grow Up

Release date: 16 August 2016 (Xbox One, PS4, PC)

Grow Up is the sequel to last year’s, Grow Home, Ubisoft Reflections’ surprisingly solid robot-starring platformer. The follow-up marks the return of B.U.D., the tiny climbing robot who starred in Grow Home, and this time, he’s heading to the moon. There’s set to be a whole lot more climbing, jumping, and exploring, with players having to once again control B.U.D’s two hands individually to grab the environment, which makes for a lot of fun.

The sequel has a lot at stake for B.U.D. though, as he is searching for M.O.M., the spaceship that took care of him in the last game. He has to explore and scale environments to find the missing pieces and rebuild his ship.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Release date: 23 August 2016 (Xbox One, PS4, PC)

Deus Ex: Human Revolution was a breakout hit in 2011, mixing up the monotony of first-person shooters and introducing some clever gameplay mechanics to the world of Deus Ex. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided sees the same team of creators emboldened by their success and working on an even grander scale, continuing the role-playing story of the consequences of human augmentation with technology. It’s a robust-looking third-person / first-person hybrid that lovers of shooters and RPGs will enjoy.

Worms WMD

Release date: 23 August 2016 (Xbox One, PS4, PC)

Those violent yet self-destructive Worms are back in Worms W.M.D. Playing like the classic games, Worms W.M.D. introduces vehicles and buildings into the mix. Get ready to blow your friends sky-high, or just poke them off a ledge – whatever tickles your fancy really.

Madden 17

Release date: 23 August 2016 (Xbox One, PS4, PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

The next entry in the Madden series is here yet again, this time featuring Rob Gronkowski as the cover athlete. Expect some slight gameplay changes, a roster update, and maybe some improved presentation options, but fans of the franchise should know what’s in store with the latest annual iteration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEmQEFCBp2c

Assetto Corsa

Release date: 26 August 2016 (Xbox One, PS4)

The racing-sim genre in gaming has involved quite substantially in the last couple years. Many of the second-rate (if we can call them that) entries onto the track always seem to be pushed aside by the far superior Gran Turismo and Forza series, with each holding a solid grip on different platforms. Assetto Corsa is here to change that.

The hardcore racer made its debut on PC back in December 2014, where it developed a name for itself amongst the racing community for its realistic handling and graphics. The console versions include over 90 high-performance cars, including the Ferrari LaFerrari, Pagani Zonda R, and Mercedes C9, plus over 20 different track “configurations”, including courses from Silverstone, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Autodromo Nazionale Monza and Nurburgring-Nordschleife.

Attack on Titan

Release date: 26 August 2016 (Xbox One, PS4)

Dynasty Warriors developer Omega Force takes on the dark, post-apocalyptic manga/anime Attack on Titan with their popular beat-’em-up formula. The story revolves around three young people who survive the destruction of their walled city district by enormous, man-eating Titans and eventually go on to join the Scout Regiment in order to protect humanity from this overpowering foe. It’s the brilliant action we’ve come to expect from Japanese anime, mixed with some solid beat-’em-up gameplay. Worth checking out if you’re a fan of the source material.

https://youtu.be/T3zRAOM2qg0

Resident Evil 4

Release date: 30 August 2016 (Xbox One, PS4)

Following the re-release of Resident Evil 5 and 6 on Xbox One and PS4 earlier this year, Resident Evil 4 (arguably the best entry in the series) gets its turn this month.

Resident Evil 4 tells the story of Leon Kennedy’s mission to rescue Ashley Graham, the president’s daughter, who has apparently been kidnapped by a Spanish cult known as Los Illuminados. The game debuted in 2005 on GameCube and then PlayStation 2, and marked a turning point in the third-person shooter genre with its over-the-shoulder camera.

The PS4 and Xbox One ports of Resident Evil 4 will come with all of the original game’s bonus content, as well as elements that Capcom added in later versions. That includes the side story featuring Ada Wong, which was first released in the game’s PS2 port, and the Mercenaries mode.

World of Warcraft: Legion

Release date: 30 August 2016 (PC)

World of Warcraft players will be excited to know that the sixth expansion into the insanely popular MMO is arriving this month, adding a new world area, visual upgrades, an increase in level cap from 100 to 110, artifact weapons for each class, the return of a familiar villain, and a new hero class – the demon hunter.