July games you might have missed
a lot of video games comes out every month, even during quieter months like July. If you see the game release calendar a thwap with the old broom a few huge AAA games would probably fall to the floor like anvils. They would raise a cloud overshadowing the arrival of smaller games – potentially great ones even from developers you may have heard of and new indie creators. Like some that might end up on your GOTY list.
We don’t want to pass up on these games (and you’d probably love to know more about them, wouldn’t you?), so each month we’ll be rounding up a handful of notable game launches you should know about. Stay tuned towards the end of each month for our next series of video game deep cuts.
Disney Illusion Island
It’s hard to think of anything Disney-related as an in-depth game these days, but Disney Illusion Island definitely sets the mood. It is a 2D side-scrolling platform game that can be played alone, or with up to three others locally. The game has a beautiful animated style and goes against the traditional look used to bring the likes of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy to life.
If you like games like Rayman LegendsMario 2D titles and other platformers, this looks like one to check out when it launches exclusively on the Nintendo Switch on July 28.
Oxenfree 2: Lost signals
The direct sequel to Oxen freean indie hit from early 2016, just launched. Oxenfree 2: Lost signals Set five years after its predecessor, it seems bigger and more mysterious than before, while retaining its signature graphic and narrative style that is recognizable from the start.
I’m particularly interested in tuning the radio frequency, which unlike real FM and AM radio waves, can change the environment to help you solve puzzles. Ridiculous? A little bit, but it seems very smart. Oxenfree 2: Lost signals is now available on many platforms including PlayStation, Switch, PC, Mac. Finally, it is available on iOS and Android via a Netflix ad-free subscription (Netflix owns the game’s developer, Night School Studios).
Gylt
Previously captured as an exclusive on Google Stadia, the now-defunct cloud game streaming service, Tequila Works’ Gylt is now available on a wider range of consoles, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
While it borrows from themes of games made for adult audiences, Gylt looks like a more kid-friendly take on Alan Wake And The last of us, while still being able to sneak around with a flashlight, dodge monsters and get stealth kills. I don’t want to sell it short though; Gylt seems scary to me! If you’re looking for a spooky adventure, this could be one to check out.
Viewfinder
Viewfinder is one of those puzzle games that is almost instantly captivating to look at, let alone play. It’s a game where you progress by solving puzzles in the environment, but the solution is always the same: line up a picture just right. Sometimes it puts the photo in an obvious place to fill in the blanks. Usually you have to be creative and rotate photos to create paths where paths don’t exist.
If you like meditative puzzle games, including modern classics like Superliminal And The witnesschecking out Viewfinder on July 18 for PlayStation 5 and PC.
Venba
With most cooking video games, you pretty much know what you’re getting into. Venba offers something different. It’s definitely a cooking game, but it delves much deeper into a specific culture. The story revolves around a family who immigrated to Canada from Tamil Nadu in the 1980s. In parts of the game, you play as the mother trying to revive lost family recipes to give her husband and son a taste of the homeland. The branching conversations here add more soul than your average cooking game.
Venba coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Switch, and PC on July 31.
The Expanse: a telltale series
Telltale Games is back. The first major project since it was revived is a game based on The expanseAmazon Prime Video’s hit space drama show, which itself is based on James SA Corey’s book series.
Fans of Telltale Games’ greatest hits, including The living Dead, Stories from the Borderlands, and others have a lot to get excited about. If you’ve watched the trailer above, you can probably tell that the studio’s game and graphics engines have been drastically improved to look more realistic and atmospheric.
If it’s anything like the studio’s previous work, expect a gripping decision-based story you won’t soon forget. The Expanse: a telltale series releases July 27 on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons
The classic beat ’em up Double dragon franchise is back with an all-new entry, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons. It is made in part by Arc System Works, which also launched the original in the late 1980s. Developers Secret Base and Mod bring these to life.
It’s clear that a lot has changed in terms of game design and game design since the 1980s Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons seems to reflect that. As such, it has more depth in both the visuals and gameplay. You earn money while fighting enemies and mini-bosses that help you improve your character’s fighting skills. It looks like a good time!
Mister Run and Jump
Protect your eyes, but also look very closely at this new neon-filled game called Mister Run and Jump. It’s a fully baked version of a 2021 homebrew title made in the style of Atari 2600 games, and ironically, Atari is co-publishing it with developer Graphite Lab.
As the name implies, you run and jump a lot through levels that are like my worst Super Mario Creator nightmares come to life. While the neon style might not suit everyone, the high-contrast visuals should make speeding through the game a lot easier than Mario games. This title will launch on July 25 for all modern platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.