These are the game highlights in July

Philipp Rüegg

1.7.2023

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

The gaming industry doesn’t take summer vacations. In July, Pikmin 4, Exoprimal and Remnant 2 will be vying for your favour.

My Game Boy used to join me on holidays. Today it’s the Switch or Steam Deck. Even during the hottest month of the year, I won’t miss any of the following hit games for PC or console. Which one’s your favourite?

Synapse

«A must-have for all PS VR2 owners,» Domagoj Belancic writes in his review. The telekinesis action game that you control with your eyes is one of the most original VR games ever, according to him. Why are you still reading? Get it!

Release date: 4 July
Where: PS VR 2

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals

Part 1 grabbed me from minute one with its dense atmosphere and eerie story. At a first glance, Oxenfree II relies on the same old adventure-puzzle principle. Five years after the incidents in Part 1, Riley returns to her hometown of Camena, where mysterious radio signals are once again causing trouble.

Release date: 12 July
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Netflix

Manic Mechanics

Manic Mechanics looks like funky couch co-op fun. You and three buddies will repair vehicles, helicopters and UFOs across five neighbourhoods and then race against each other. Chaos involving exploding tyres, zappy robots and angry cowherds awaits you.

Release date: 13 July
Where: Switch

Exoprimal

As if hordes of dinosaurs pelting down from portals in the sky didn’t promise enough shooter fun, there’s also a crossover with Street Fighter. So you’ll be able to fight against the dino threat as Mecha-Ryu or Guile with futuristic weapons. Also playable in co-op mode.

Release date: 14 July
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series

Jagged Alliance 3

The turn-based tactics game with RPG elements first appeared for DOS. In the 90s, the series was one of the jewels of the genre. Numerous mediocre spin-offs sidelined the IP. Jagged Alliance 3 now wants to return to its roots. Hard-fought battles in which you have to position your mercenaries skilfully and use their abilities selectively are the order of the day.

Release date: 14 July
Where: PC

Ember Knights

After a year in early access, the 1.0 release of Ember Knights follows in July. It’s a rogue-lite for up to four players. Good reflexes are required to hold back the hordes of unique enemies summoned into battle by the crazy wizard Praxis. The beautiful pixel graphics provide the necessary ambience.

Release date: 18 July
Where: PC, Switch

Lakeburg Legacies

In Lakeburg Legacies, love is a resource you use to match couples. Only happy couples have children, so it’s important to pass on the best traits through generations. At the same time, you’ll turn your village into a kingdom by assigning workers and constructing buildings. Sounds refreshingly different.

Release date: 20 July
Where: PC

The Wandering Village

This original city planning simulator comes straight outta Switzerland. You’ll build a settlement on the back of a gigantic, wandering creature and live in symbiosis with this imposing colossus. What and how you build has an impact on the behaviour of Onbu, as it’s called. Explore new technologies, construct new buildings and face the beautiful but threatening post-apocalyptic world together. The game is still in Early Access, but the next big update is coming in July.

Release date: 20 July
Where: PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series.

Pikmin 4

My colleague Domagoj has already expressed his enthusiasm for the game in his preview. Part four picks up right where the last game left off. You’ll control small plant-like creatures called Pikmin as an alien astronaut. With them you’ll solve tricky environmental puzzles to overcome obstacles across widely varied levels.

Release date: 21 July
Where: Switch

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

One of the most colourful, varied and creative action platformers ever makes the leap to PC. Already on the PS5, the game was a must play for me. You won’t want to miss this playable Pixar blockbuster.

Release date: 26 July
Where: PC, PS5

Remnant 2

A dark fantasy world full of danger and mystery is waiting to be explored by you and up to two other friends. The gameplay has borrowed slightly from the «Souls» series. Even normal opponents can make your life difficult if you’re not careful. The real challenges, however, lurk with the scary bosses. In every biome, there’s at least one lurking, waiting to put you through the meat grinder, but also to reward you with new equipment. Part 1 is considered a cult hit, and I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel.

Release date: 26 July
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series

The Expanse: A Telltale Series

Today’s Telltale no longer has much in common with the studio that made a name for itself with The Walking Dead. In terms of gameplay, however, it follows the familiar formula. You’ll take on the role of Camina Drummer and relive the events that took place before the first season of the sci-fi show. In this adventure game, you’ll have to make numerous decisions that affect the game’s course. In past games, this was more theory than reality – but most Telltale games were nevertheless gripping.

Release date: 27 July
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch

Disney Illusion Island

Disney Illusion Island is a platformer in which you’ll have to save the world from disaster with Mickey and his friends. The game is aimed at a younger audience. However, co-op mode should make it perfect for families or relaxed gaming sessions with friends.

Release date: 28 July
Where: Switch

F1 Manager 2023

Another year, another chance to manage your own racing team. A new contract option is designed to simplify scheduling by letting you reserve drivers ahead of time. The AI has been improved to make vehicle development more balanced. In addition, there was a stronger focus on Formula 2 and 3 to make it easier to recruit drivers from these racing leagues.

Release date: 31 July
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series

Venba

Venba is, quite uniquely, a narrative cooking game. You play an Indian mother who emigrated to Canada with her family. Across various mini-games, you’ll cook long-lost recipes. Alongside this, you’ll explore your family’s history in branching conversations.

Release date: 31 July
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch

Philipp Rüegg

Senior Editor

Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles. more

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