August 2023 is shaping up to be yet another strong month for new video game releases. There are, in effect, many notable and highly anticipated games launching during the last month of summer this year. In this article I will list the highest profile titles to keep on your radar as summer comes to a close. At the end, I will then also include a few honourable mentions that are not to miss either.
03/08/23 – Baldur’s Gate III (PC)
Next month promises to start with a bang thanks to the release of Baldur’s Gate III. This is an upcoming action-role playing game being developed and published by Larian Studios. It is set 120 years after Baldur’s Gate II and features turn-based combat. The game has a huge amount of story content and cinematics, along with very impressive visuals. It has has rightfully become one of the most anticipated RPG’s of the year. The sheer scale of this title really makes it stand out amongst other games in it’s genre. For example, there are reportedly 17,000 possible endings. This is in addition to over 174 hours’ worth of in game cinematics, which is more than all seasons of Game of Thrones twice.
It has been in early access since 2020, and has been met with a lot of praise so far. Apart from its PC launch, the game will also see the light of day on the PS5 on 6th September 2023. An Xbox Series X/S version is also planned, but the release is yet to be announced. This is due to difficulties in optimising split-screen co-op for the Series S.
10/08/23 – Atlas Fallen (PC, PS5, XSX)
Atlas Fallen is an action-adventure title in development by Deck13 Interactive. The game allows you to create and customise your own character. You are then equipped with a gauntlet allowing you to manipulate the sand. The gauntlet and sand manipulation play a key part in this title. It is an invaluable asset in combat and exploration. All in all, Atlas Fallen seems like a very unique and exciting take on the action-adventure genre.
Lastly, the latest combat trailer shown below shows just how much depth and complexity the game has to it.
18/08/23 – The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is an upcoming game based on the 1974 film of the same name. It will be a multiplayer title featuring both cooperative play and PvP. The central plot will be focused on the victim’s attempts to find a character called Maria. From the trailers, Texas Chainsaw Massacre is not lacking in blood and gore at all. It is certainly not a game for the faint-hearted. However, it is sure to satisfy long-time fans of this franchise.
22/08/23 – Immortals of Aveum (PS5, XSX, PC)
Immortals of Aveum is a first-person shooter game developed by Ascendant Studios and published by EA. This game is a first-person shooter but with a twist. In brief, you play as a sorcerer named Jak who attacks by using magic. You effectively shoot enemies with spells rather than with guns in this title.
All in all, Immortals of Aveum has about 25 spells. Some of these are offensive and some defensive. The title is a very unique take on the FPS genre and it looks great too as it has been developed with Unreal Engine 5. All the particle effects, textures, lighting and environments look fantastic and really help bring the game to life. As a result, This is another title that is definitely worth keeping an eye on. It is undoubtedly one of the biggest games releasing in August 2023
25/08/23 – Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon (PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX)
To finish off August 2023, we have Armored Core VI. This is an upcoming vehicular combat game in development by FromSoftware. In the game, you can pilot and customise mechs called Armored Cores. The basic premise revolves around a mysterious energy source called ‘Coral’. It is your mission to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. FromSoftware is the same company behind the critically acclaimed title Elden Ring as well as the Dark Souls games. As a result, there are high expectations for Armored Core VI. It has much potential to be a big success, especially when being developed by such a talented company.
Honourable Mentions
08/08/23 – Tower of Fantasy (PS4, PS5)
10/08/23 – Stray (XBO, XSX)
15/08/23 – Everspace 2 (PS5, XSX)
17/08/23 – Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew (PC, PS5, XSX)