June Games Roundup: Hell hath no fury like our backlogs

Who are we kidding? This month, a majority of us will probably be spending days and nights slaying demons and looting loot thanks to the imminent release of Diablo IV. Hell, some of you are probably already playing the game early because you pre-ordered it.

But for those of you who are not into Diablo (BLASPHEMY!), here are some games that are also worth your time and for you to forget about your backlog.

Fall of Porcupine

Are you giving me a hint about how the story goes here? | Critical Rabbit

Release Date: June 15
Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch

Published by Assemble Entertainment and indie developer Critical Rabbit, Fall of Porcupine is a cosy 2D adventure where you play as the newest fledgling medical practitioner, Dr. Finley, who has just reported for duty at the Porcupine hospital. While at first the town and its residents seem to be calm and peaceful, not everything is as it seems.

As you go along Finley’s journey of helping the residents of this small town and striving to find work/life balance, you will uncover heart-tugging stories that deal with themes like death, illness, mental health and grief through conversations with the many colourful characters you will meet. You will also have to watch your words as you build relationships with these characters as you do not want to get on their bad side.

I have a feeling I am not going to get very good grades at this. | Critical Rabbit

If you want to give this charming game an early trial run, you can download The Last Days of Summer prologue on your preferred platform. On top of that, if you are a healthcare professional, you can get a free copy of Fall of Porcupine for free as a token of gratitude from the developers by emailing healthcare@porcupine.game.

Aliens: Dark Descent

With me as your squad leader, it is bound to be game over man. | 20th Century Games

Release Date: June 20
Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

It has been two years since the last release of a game based on the Aliens franchise and if you have been waiting for another game where you have to deal with those pesky Xenomorphs, your wishes are being granted with the release of Aliens: Dark Descent.

Unlike Aliens: Fireteam Elite, which was a third-person shooter, Aliens: Dark Descent is a strategic, real-time, squad-based tactical action game where you will manage your squad as a single unit, thanks to innovative and intuitive controls. Marines will react intelligently to orders with the unique Squad Behaviour System that dispatches them automatically on the field. You can also slow down time at any moment to make tactical decisions when the Xenomorph threat gets overwhelming.

A room flooded with red light is never a good sign.. | 20th Century Games

Speaking of Xenomorphs, similar to how they are in the movies, these deadly creatures will adapt to your behaviour and action ensuring that every run is different. On top of that, you will not only have to manage your squad’s health but also stress levels. One last thing, if a Marine dies, they are gone for good.

Final Fantasy XVI

The outcome of this battle will be shocking! | Square Enix

Release Date: June 22
Platform: PlayStation 5

Besides Diablo IV, Final Fantasy XVI is the other AAA title that most gamers would have been waiting for as it has been almost a decade since the last mainline Final Fantasy game. Square Enix has promised that Final Fantasy XVI will deliver an all-new experience in its iconic franchise and aims to be a more mature adventure.

The game will feature an action-packed tale of revenge and warring kingdoms as the main protagonist, Clive Rosfield, goes on a journey to defeat the Dark Eikon known as Ifrit who destroyed his kingdom. Similar to previous Final Fantasy games, Clive will be aided by a party of AI-controlled companions throughout his journey and it will be up to you on how to utilise their strengths to your advantage.

Now that is an Eikonic looking creature. | Square Enix

If you are looking to purchase the game and if you have the non-digital edition of the PlayStation 5, you might want to consider pre-ordering a physical edition of the game as you might win a chance to meet the game’s producer Yoshida Naoki.

AEW: Fight Forever

AEW Fight Forever looks like it is going to be a (power) bomb. | THQ Nordic

Release Date: June 29
Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch

Finally! There is a new wrestling game that aims to disrupt the monopoly of the WWE 2K series in the wrestling video game division and it is by the very same company that has disrupted the WWE’s hold on the American professional wrestling scene.

AEW Fight Forever was developed by Yuke’s, the team that previously developed WWE games before 2K Games took over development duties. If you prefer the more arcade-style gameplay of the older WWE games, Fight Forever will be right up your alley as it draws inspiration from games like WWF No Mercy and Virtual Pro Wrestling.

I am not sure what this is about but I am hoping it is not a new match type. | THQ Nordic

The game will feature over 50 of the promotion’s wrestlers including Kenny Omega, MJF, Bryan Danielson, The Young Bucks, Sting, Jade Cargill and more. There will be nine match types that include the standard singles, tag team and triple-threat matches and even the more extreme Unsanctioned Lights-Out (hardcore) and Exploding Barbed Wire Death matches. There will also be a career mode and customisation tools that will allow you to create custom wrestlers, move-sets, entrances, teams and arenas.