As much as I would like to say that I usually finish all the games I review, it is quite an impossible task because some games are just designed for you to take your time or even replay to experience everything it has to offer. That task will definitely be harder to achieve with these four upcoming games that offer near-endless replayability according to the information I have received and gathered.
This is great news, especially for those of you who love to invest your money and time in games that will last you a long while.
Baldur’s Gate 3
It is always a lot more fun with friends. Until they backstab you. | Larian Studios
Release Date: August 3
Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, macOS
If you thought you would be able to finish Baldur’s Gate 3 in a week or over the weekend, you would be in for a shock as the game’s script contains over two million words, over 170 hours of cinematics, seven playable protagonists and eleven playable races and 31 subraces, 12 classes and 46 subclasses, and finally over 600 spells and actions. This game is going to last you a long while and has plenty of replayability.
Larian Studios is taking things up multiple levels with Baldur’s Gate 3 when compared to their last game, Divinity: Original Sin 2 and fans of Dungeons and Dragons and fantasy role-playing games will be in a for a treat. If you are a PC gamer, just be sure that your PC is up to the task of running this game.
Ah! The classic fire arrow trap where I usually fail to cross successfully. | Larian Studios
Similar to the Divinity games, Larian Studios have also included multiplayer and split-screen co-op for Baldur’s Gate 3 so you will be able to go adventuring with your friends. For a bit more information about the game’s story, head on over to our previous coverage here.
Blasphemous 2
I am sure this is one of the tamer enemy designs. | Team17
Release Date: August 24
Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
For fans of The Game Kitchen’s Blasphemous, you will already have an idea of what to expect in the sequel. But for those of you who do not know what this game is about, it is a 2D action platformer a.k.a Metroidvania that is set in a very grim world and if you are not up to the challenge, you will be in for a grim time as well. In short, the game is incredibly challenging.
Blasphemous 2 is set after the events of the first game’s 2021 Wounds of Eventide update. The Miracle has returned, the birth of a prophetic new miracle child has been foretold, and once again, you play as the Penitent One who has to stop this prophecy from coming true. Your quest will see you exploring new enchantingly grotesque landscapes filled with brutal monsters and unforgiving traps.
Momma said not to speak to strangers but I don’t think she said anything about giant hands. | Team17
In this sequel, you will have three unique weapons to acquire and a host of new brutal executions and combos to deliver judgment to all who stand against you. Furthermore, you will also have the ability to customise and improve the Penitent Ones’ base skillset. Quite frankly, you will need all the help you can get as you go up against the twisted bosses lurking in the darkest corners of this twisted new land.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
I wonder if it will only take one hit for my mech to fall apart. | Bandai Namco
Release Date: August 25
Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
After years of punishing gamers with their Soulsborn games, FromSoftware finally gives us a new Armored Core game with Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. If you prefer giant mechs duking it out with each other compared to being a weak human being that gets killed in one hit by an ogre, then yes, this is the FromSoftware game for you.
Armored Core VI is essentially a mecha-based vehicular combat game where not only do you get to pilot giant mechs but also customise them using parts to upgrade and fine-tune their power. But all that power will not mean much if you are not able to master the fast-paced battles that take place on both land and in the air. To be the most successful mercenary, you will need to adapt to the rapidly changing combat distances, use the environment for protective cover, and overcome enemies in omni-directional battles.
2 on 1. If playing Elden Ring has taught me anything, it is that I am about to rage quit. | Bandai Namco
In terms of narrative, Armored Core VI takes place on the distant planet known as Rubicon 3 where a mysterious new energy source has been discovered. Dubbed as “Corals,” instead of increasing humanity’s technological capabilities, it instead causes a cataclysmic event known as “The Fires of Ibis.” Almost half a century later, Coral has resurfaced on Rubicon 3 and while the planet has been sealed off, mega-corporations and resistance groups fight over control of the substance. You play as an independent mercenary who takes jobs from both parties and will undoubtedly get caught up in the power struggle.
Sea of Stars
There is something really charming about glowing trees. Until it comes alive and smacks you in the face. | Sabotage Studio
Release Date: August 29
Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Sea of Stars by Sabotage Studio is a turn-based role-playing game inspired by classic JRPGs released in the 90s such as Breath of Fire and Chrono Trigger. What makes it an intriguing title is that it is actually set thousands of years before The Messenger, which was an action-platformer released in 2018.
The game tells the story of Children of the Solstice, Valere and Zale, as they face their fated duty to become Solstice Warriors. They wield the power capable of defeating the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer. Similar to the games it is inspired by, you will meet dozens of original characters and progress through a captivating journey filled with epic, silly and emotional moments. However, unlike the classics, Sea of Stars has a navigation system that lets you swim, climb, vault, jump off or scale ledges while traversing through the world.
At least this creature won’t trick me into thinking it was something else. | Sabotage Studio
Other than that, the game also has an “active turn-based” combat system where pressing the action button in sync with battle animations strengthens a hero’s attacks and reduces incoming damage during defense. There is also plenty to do outside of combat such as sailing, cooking, fishing, visiting a tavern to listen to a song, or playing a tabletop game known as “Wheels.”
