The dog days of summer continue. June was a rather slow month, although it was bookended by Tekken 7 and Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, and July promises to be even pokier. That said, there’s always going to be something worth playing!
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Really, July belongs to Nintendo, with the release of the New Nintendo 2DS XL, several new games for that platform, including Hey! Pikmin and Kirby’s Blowout Blast, and Splatoon 2 for the Nintendo Switch. Aside from Nintendo’s offerings, we have the Final Fantasy XII remake, and not a lot else from the big third parties. Hopefully indies like Where the Water Tastes Like Wine and Pyre can step up and fill the gaps.
Every week we do a more detailed rundown of what you need to play in The Five, but for now, here’s a broader overlook of all the good stuff coming in April. Hit the following pages for five highlights, then a full list of everything worth paying attention to…
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age (PS4, July 11)
While it’s been somewhat lost amongst the excitement over Final Fantasy XV and the Final Fantasy VII Remake, you shouldn’t overlook Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age. Square Enix’s remake of the PS2-era classic will feature improved visuals, tweaked gameplay, and the addition of the Zodiac job system. Final Fantasy XII doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves, but it was a darn fine game worthy of your time.
Splatoon 2 (NS, July 21)
Get ready kids ‘n’ squids, because Splatoon 2 is almost here! Like the surprise-hit Wii U original, Splatoon 2 is a multiplayer shooter that focuses on splattering the scenery rather than your opponents. In addition to the expected new maps and weapons, Splatoon 2 also features an all-new, more-ambitious single-player campaign, and the added co-op player vs. AI Salmon Run mode. Splatoon 2 looks like a perfect dose of summertime fun.
Pyre (PC & PS4, July 25)
Pyre is the latest from Supergiant Games, makers of the acclaimed Bastion and Transistor. Like previous Supergiant titles, Pyre is an action-RPG featuring gorgeous stylized visuals and a dark storyline, although this time combat feels like it’s been ripped from a sports title. Battles take place in arenas where teams of three compete to destroy their opponent’s pyre (a large column of magical flame). Will this unique mashup of RPG and sports gameplay actually work? Given Supergiant’s track record, the chances are good!
Hey! Pikmin (3DS, July 28)
Nintendo’s quirky strategy series transforms into a slightly more traditional puzzle-platformer in Hey! Pikmin. Take command of Captain Olimar and surpass various puzzles and obstacles using your horde of multicolored, multitalented critters. Hey! Pikmin may not be the strategy game fans are craving, but its visually impressive for a 3DS game and looks like to be a solid little diversion.
Hardware: New Nintendo 2DS XL
The 3DS family of systems welcomes yet another new model this month. The New Nintendo 2DS XL boasts all the features of the New Nintendo 3DS XL, including the clamshell design, extra processing power and camera nub, but it skips the stereoscopic 3D. The result is a sexy system at an equally-attractive price of only $150. If you’re not into the 3DS’ titular feature, now may be the time to upgrade.
Full List of Major Games and Hardware Releasing in July:
- Where the Water Tastes Like Wine (PC, Xbox One & PS4, July 2)
- Time Golf Squad (PC & Mac, July 4)
- Kirby’s Blowout Blast (3DS, July 6)
- Accel World vs Sword Art Online: Millennium Twilight (PS4 & PS Vita, July 7)
- Fable Fortune (PC & Xbox One, July 11)
- Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age (PS4, July 11)
- Splatoon 2 (NS, July 21)
- Pyre (PC & PS4, July 25)
- New Nintendo 2DS XL (July 28)
- Hey! Pikmin (3DS, July 28)
- Miitopia (3DS, July 28)
Looks like it’s time to take your 3DS out of its dock, or perhaps invest in a New 2DS XL! And if you’re not a Nintendo fan? Well, better luck next month, I guess. Remember, check in on The Five each week for a more detailed rundown of everything you need to play. See you next month!
