As we just started the second quarter of 2021, the first quarter was, I would say, bombastic with the release of blockbuster PlayStation Studios titles such as Returnal and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Capcom also launched Resident Evil: Village, and a few good shooters too like Necromunda: Hired Gun and Star Wars: Republic Commando.
Last month had a ton of great games. With the release of Final Fantasy VII: Remake Intergrade, fans were drooling over the new PS5 upgrades and Yuffie. PS5 owners also got a taste of interdimensional travel in Insomniac Games’ Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Plus, Scarlet Nexus and Guilty Gear Strive quenched the thirst for anime-based games. There were tons of variety for all kinds of gamers in June, but will July be any different?
We list down the top 10 highly anticipated games for you that may pique your interest because we know there are a couple of them like Cris Tales from Modus Games, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, and Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin:
F1 2021
Since Codemasters’ acquisition by Electronic Arts earlier this year, the studio’s self-published IP, Formula One, is now owned by its new publisher. This year’s F1 release, the game will have a new story experience called “Braking Point”, plus a new two-player Career mode and “Real-Season Start”. Fans and newcomers will be able to get that immersive F1 experience with this year’s release.
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, and PS5
Release Date: July 16, 2021
THE GREAT ACE ATTORNEY CHRONICLES
Since its initial release in 2017 exclusively for Nintendo 3DS and mobile (iOS/Android) in Japan, the US localization for both The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures and The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve is launching later this month. The gameplay sticks to the same courtroom-style of gameplay that the Ace Attorney franchise is famous for. Players will explore areas to look for evidence, and in the courtroom, the goal is to find inconsistencies from the witness testimonies to uncover the truth. Fans outside Japan will be happy to see the game finally launching with US dubs and subs.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PC
Release Date: July 27, 2021
SAMURAI WARRIORS 5
The next mainline entry of Koei Tecmo’s popular hack and slash franchise Warriors. Samurai Warriors 5 was initially revealed on February 17, 2021, to launch later this year, further details expounded that it’s considered to be a reboot of the franchise, making the team focus more on the Sengoku period with Nobunaga Oda and Mitsuhide Akechi as the main characters.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC
Release Date: July 27, 2021
MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR
We’ve seen how Asobo Studios innovated the newest mainline entry of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Aside from the major graphical improvements, making the flight-sim experience surreal. With the use of Azure and Bing to simulate the textures and environment. It’s quite impressive to take advantage of such tech, and with the upcoming Xbox Series X|S release later this month, it’s exciting to see how the next-gen Xbox will showcase such beauty that can only be achieved on PC.
Just a quick note, Microsoft Flight Simulator will be available on Xbox Games Pass day one. You will get tons of games and day one releases for only $9.99, and what’s even insane is you can get 3 months #XboxGamePass access for only $1 if you’re a new subscriber!
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (already available)
Release Date: July 27, 2021
DEATH’S DOOR
Devolver Digital’s support for indie developers is without a doubt amazing. There have been tons of great games under the publisher’s hood, and with Acid Nerve’s isometric hack and slash game, Death’s Door, it’s going to be a worthy addition. You’re a crow, your task is to track down that desperate thief who stole your assigned “soul”. As you traverse in realms untouched by death, you will face extraordinary creatures along the way. So expect intense and enjoyable battles.
And what do you know? Crows that wield swords and arrows are tight!
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: July 20, 2021
CRIS TALES
Modus Games’ upcoming JRPG-inspired game, Cris Tales, is finally getting out later this month. We’ve been excited since 2019 as the concept of the game is interesting enough for us to try it out. In the game, while it incorporates the traditional turn-based RPG combat, there’s a twist that makes the combat fun. You can manipulate the time during the battle, shifting the time for your advantage. Enemies either become too old but with a lot of experience but weaker, or too young with a boost in health points but with limited abilities. However, when you explore, you can still shift time to overcome puzzles and obstacles.
Plus, Cris Tales is also one visually striking game, JRPG fans and those gamers who love art will definitely love it.
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, and PS5
Release Date: July 20, 2021
NEO: THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU
The long-awaited follow-up on The World Ends With You is releasing this month. Neo: The World Ends With You is now a fully 3D action RPG title, unlike its predecessor. You can control multiple characters in combat with each having the ability to equip “pins” that would give them various abilities. Fans of the game are surely excited about this new change.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4
Release Date: July 27, 2021
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD HD
One of Wii’s critically acclaimed titles is getting a remaster release on Nintendo Switch. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD’s gameplay will remain unchanged. However, the HD release will feature two different controls — one of which is to replicate the Wiimote and Nunchuck through the JoyCons, and the other would have players use the right analog stick to use the sword. The game will also have improved resolution textures with 60 frames per second.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: July 16, 2021
THE ASCENT
We’ve seen a rise in cyberpunk games recently. Neon Giant’s upcoming open-world game, The Ascent, may deliver that twin-stick shooting fun in our hands. Players can also collect a ton of loot with different rarities after defeating enemies, but you can also buy them from vendors with in-game currency. What’s great about The Ascent is you also get to play with 3 other players through local or online co-op.
Another quick note, The Ascent will also be available on Xbox Game Pass day one.
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Release Date: July 29, 2021
MONSTER HUNTER STORIES 2: WINGS OF RUIN
Monster Hunter Rise was a huge success when it came out in March earlier this year, but that didn’t stop Capcom to put out a sequel for Monster Hunter Stories. Wings of Ruins will change the landscape of the spin-off sequel. As Hunters, you will engage in combat alongside the monsters you’ve raised in turn-based battles.
The narrative is focused on the main character raising the last Rathalos of the world, but that’s all that we know about the plot. So here we are, waiting for the game to come out on July 9 for us to finally discover what the ending is going to be. Will the Rathalos bring more death or will it be an ally?
Wings of Ruin will be the first Monster Hunter Stories entry to launch on PC.
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: July 9, 2021
Here are some of the biggest games in July 2021.