Following a supercharged E3 Expo, and a spring season filled to the brim with blockbuster games, July is comparably quieter month for video games. As such, I’ll be devoting some time to catching up on recently released games, but I also plan on checking out a few new games too. Games high on my radar this month include Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII, Monster Hunter Generations, Batman: Return to Arkham, 7th Dragon III Code: VFD, and Super Dungeon Bros. Let’s take a closer look at each, shall we!
[Note: The below release dates are subject to change at the sole discretion of the game publisher at any time]
Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII
Release Date: July 5, 2016
Genre: War Simulation, Strategy
Platform(s): PlayStation 4
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
I’ve been hooked on Koei Tecmo’s Romance of the Three Kingdoms war simulation franchise ever since the NES days, so the eight year hiatus in the series has felt extreme long. The amazing news is the franchise is back, and launching on PS4 in early July! RotTK XIII was developed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the franchise, which is based on the historic novel of the same name. Strategy fans will feel right at home here as you build cities, foster alliances, and rally your troops in attempt to reunite 2nd century China and restore peace. History buffs will also love the deep list of historical characters you can control—or do battle with—including Zhao Yun, Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and more.
7th Dragon III Code: VFD
Release Date: July 12, 2016
Genre: Role-playing game
Platform(s): Nintendo 3DS
ESRB Rating: T (Teen, 13+)
After seven years of being a Japan-only role-playing game franchise, 7th Dragon is heading to North America this July on Nintendo 3DS. 7th Dragon III Code: VFD is set in the year 2100, a time when dragons has invaded Earth and driven humanity near the brink of extinction. Although times are bleak, Nodens Enterprises has discovered a way to potentially turn the tide in humanity’s favour: send brave adventurers through time to upset the balance of the dragons’ power. I’m a huge sucker for JRPGs, and 7th Dragon III looks extremely promising. I particularly like it customization options, which allow you to create up to 9 distinct characters, including their character class, appearance, and voice.
Monster Hunter Generations
Release Date: July 15, 2016
Genre: Action role-playing game
Platform(s): Nintendo 3DS / new Nintendo 3DS XL Monster Hunter Bundle
ESRB Rating: T (Teen, 13+)
The hunt is on! Following last year’s highly successful Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, the next entry in the critically acclaimed franchise is once again coming to Nintendo 3DS. I had a chance to play this game at last year’s Tokyo Game Show, and really loved the two new weapon classes (The Insect Glaive and Charge Blade) and the four new Hunting Styles that effectively add different fighting styles for each weapon in the game. If you want to sample the game early, a demo will be arriving on the Nintendo eShop on June 30th, and for those who played Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, by transferring your save file to Monster Hunter Generations you can snag yourself a free in-game armour set for your palico!
Batman: Return to Arkham
Release Date: July 26, 2016
Genre: Action-adventure
Platform(s): PlayStation 4 / Xbox One
ESRB Rating: T (Teen, 13+)
Continuing the tradition of remastered titles arriving on current-generation platforms, WB Games’ upcoming Batman: Return to Arkham gives you visually enhanced versions, using Unreal Engine 4, of two all-time classics on one disc: Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City. I can’t wait to jump back into the dark world of Gotham City to relive these epic tales as the iconic caped crusader (and see Mark Hamill’s amazing portrayal of the Joker!) This two-in-one combo package also includes every piece of DLC released for both games, which includes new gameplay content, new challenge maps, new playable characters, new skins, and more.
Super Dungeon Bros
Release Date: July 26, 2016
Genre: Platform
Platform(s): PlayStation 4 / Xbox One
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
Now here’s a game that looks really interesting. Super Dungeon Bros puts you in the roles of four heavy metal dudes—Axl, Ozzie, Freddie, and Lars—who are out to search for epic loot in the realm of Rökheim, and maybe uncover the legend of long lost Rock Stars while they’re at it. Each “bro” has their own unique attacks (and personality) that will help the rock ‘n rollers navigate enemy-filled dungeon and solve puzzles. Super Dungeon Bros can be played co-operatively local, or you can online with up to three of your friends.
Additional games releasing in July 2016
July 5
- Carmageddon: Max Damage (PlayStation 4 / Xbox One)
- Rocket League Collector’s Edition (PlayStation 4 / Xbox One / PC)
July 12
- Ghostbusters (PlayStation 4 / Xbox One)
- Resident Evil 5 HD (PlayStation 4 / Xbox One)
July 19
- MX vs ATV Supercross Encore (Xbox One)
July 26
- Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force (PlayStation 4)
Are there any games coming out this month you’re interested in? Let us know in the comments section below!
I’m especially excited about Return to Arkham. At first I thought “ughhh, not another remaster,” and then I read that the games had been rebuilt from the ground up in Unreal 4 and my interest was piqued. The more I’ve looked into it, the more these really look like they belong on the current-gen consoles, and even in some ways look better than Arkham Knight!
I can’t wait for the the 26th!
JB
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