Can you believe we’re now halfway through the year? We can’t. Just where has the time gone? But with summer here in full force, we’re also in the period of the year where big game releases slow down a little. It’s not all bad news, however. We’ve still got some good indies to look forward to. And there’s the chance to catch up with our ever-growing backlogs.
So if you’re looking to find out what games are coming out this July, you’re in the right place. Read on for our picks of the best new releases this month.
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Synapse
- Release date: 4th July
- Formats: PSVR 2
If your PSVR 2 headset is crying out for a new game to play, you’re in luck. Synapse releases on July 4th, and while our review isn’t quite ready yet, it’s certainly a VR game that has us excited. It’s from developer nDreams, who has quite the legacy of bringing excellent VR games to life. Synapse is an action-packed shooter that equips you with telekinetic powers and a range of sophisticated skills.
Oxenfree II
- Release date: 12th July
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Switch and PC
If you loved 2016’s Oxenfree, you’re in luck: its long-awaited sequel is just around the corner. Set five years after the original, Oxenfree II: Lost Signals puts players in control of Riley as she returns to her hometown to investigate mysterious radio signals. We’re absolutely ready to get embroiled in a fantastic narrative adventure once more.
Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg
- Release date: 13th July
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Switch and PC
If you’re done with Atelier Ryza 3 following its March release, you’ll be pleased to know that another Atelier game is less than two weeks away. Atelier Marie Remake brings the first ever Atelier game from way back in 1997 back to life with beautiful visuals – it’s also the first time the game has been released in the West. A fine piece of Atelier history, then – and if our preview is anything go to by, it’s going to be well worth your time.
Read our preview of Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg
Exoprimal
- Release date: 14th July
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC
We might not have had a new Dino Crisis game in more years than we care to count, but Exoprimal is the next best thing. This online multiplayer shooter equips you with an exosuit and sends you out in the world to battle against dinosaurs. We’ve spent a fair bit of time with the game over a couple of previews, and it’s exhilarating.
Viewfinder
- Release date: 18th July
- Formats: PS5 and PC
If you’re a fan of first-person puzzle games, then Viewfinder really ought to be on your radar. This clever game has you explore a 3D environment, which can be expanded and changed by placing photographs which can be walked into. It’s beautiful, mind-bending and oh so very clever. We can’t wait to play more of it.
Read our preview of Viewfinder
Pikmin 4
- Release date: 21st July
- Formats: Switch
Fans of Nintendo’s Pikmin series will be very pleased to hear that the next game in line is just around the corner. Pikmin 4 once again puts you in charge of strange little creatures which can be used to help you solve puzzles and explore the environment. This time, you’re also in charge of a cute dog-like creature as you go about your business. Hooray for dogs!
Remnant II
- Release date: 22nd July
- Formats: PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC
We quite liked Remnant: From the Ashes when it released back in 2019. This gun-toting Souls-like introduced us to a fascinating world, and its sequel, Remnant II, promises to allow us to delve deeper into that same world. Well, multiple worlds, really, as Remnant II will have its players jumping in and out of different universes. Playable alone or with friends, it’s one to watch if you’re a fan of action.
The Expanse: A Telltale Series
- Release date: 26th July
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S & PC
We were lucky enough to get our hands on episode one of The Expanse: A Telltale Series back in May. It’s a prequel to the now-cancelled Expanse TV series, focusing on Carmina Drummer some years before we met her in the show. In true Telltale Games style, your choices will shape the outcome of the game, and if you’re into space-age adventures, it’s well worth keeping on your radar. The first episode releases on 26th July, with the rest dropping every two weeks after.
Read our preview of The Expanse: A Telltale Series
F1 Manager 2023
- Release date: 27th July
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC
If you prefer being in the control centre rather than behind the wheel, F1 Manager 2023 is the F1 game for you. It’s fully licensed, featuring official F1 cars, drivers and circuits, and as a manager it’s your job to get your team up to speed. Pun fully intended.
Check the price of F1 Manager 2023
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons
- Release date: 27th July
- Formats: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch and PC
Fans of classic beat ’em up games, rejoice! This new entry into the Double Dragon series provides a brand new side-scrolling, action-packed adventure that sees you kick and punch your way through the New York City streets. It’s set in an alternate timeline where a nuclear war has destroyed the world, providing a dark and intriguing environment to make your way through.
Check the price of Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons
Disney Illusion Island
- Release date: 28th July
- Formats: Switch
This Switch-exclusive platformer is one to watch for any Disney fan. A colourful side-scrolling adventure, Disney Illusion Island puts players in control of classic Disney characters as they make their way through the island of Monoth. It looks delightful, and we can’t wait to get our hands on it.
