Keeping track of all the latest video games coming out is an increasingly complex task, what with multiple PC storefronts, Xbox One, PS4, Switch, mobile, and more to keep track of, but don’t worry, I’m here to help. Every month I’ll be running down the games you need to be keeping an eye on, from the big triple-A headliners, to the intriguing indies you might otherwise overlook.
While August lacks any truly huge AAA games, it’s perhaps the busiest month of the year thus far, offering a wide selection of mid-size titles and indies for all tastes. The month’s headliners include Microsoft Flight Simulator, A Total War Saga: Troy, and Wasteland 3, as well as the first of 2020’s big sports games, such as EA Sports UFC 4 and Madden NFL 21. Meanwhile, on the indie front, players will be able to tackle the trippy rhythm extravaganza No Straight Roads, chill island exploration adventure Windbound, and more!
Note: While I may have played demos or got early access to some of the games recommended in this article, in most cases I’m simply choosing games that look promising, and can’t vouch for the end product. Do wait for reviews before buying!
That said, here are the games you should be looking out for in August…
The Headliners
A Total War Saga: Troy (PC, Aug. 13)
A Total War Saga: Troy brings one of the most mythologized conflicts of all time to life this month. Wccftech’s Chris Wray has had multiple opportunities to go hands on with Total War Saga: Troy, so do read his previews of the game (here and here)…
[A Total War Saga: Troy] battles are engaging and smooth, as Total War should be. […] This is a game that interests me more and more, every time I look at it. It does help that this is the first game I’ve actually played since building my new rig, letting me get the most out of it, giving me a great experience of the new, stylised, visuals and having it run immaculately at the same time.
You can pre-order A Total War Saga: Troy here. The game will be free-to-play for its first day of launch.
EA Sports UFC 4 (Xbox One & PS4, Aug. 14)
It’s been a couple years since players have been able to step into the Octagon, but the leg kicks and arm bars return this month in EA Sports UFC 4. A lot of updates are promised for this year, including a much-expanded career mode with more diverging paths and reworked fight mechanics featuring updated takedowns and greater striking variation. The game’s full roster has yet to be revealed, but expect all the latest stars, as well as some select big names from the world of boxing. Pre-order the game here.
Microsoft Flight Simulator (PC, Aug. 18)
Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technologically ambitious games of the year. The game uses Bing Maps data to create gorgeous ultra-detailed maps of essentially the entire world. If you can point to place on the map, you can fly a plane over it. The game will also feature real-world weather patterns and flight traffic for an extra layer of realism. Microsoft is offering 20 to 30 aircraft and 30 to 30 to 40 “handcrafted” airports at launch, depending on what version of the game you buy, and there will also be a built-in mod marketplace, so expect tons of content to come. Pre-order the game here.
Battletoads (PC & Xbox One, Aug. 20)
Battletoads is back! Rare’s ultra-difficult brawler franchise has been missing in action for over 25 years, but you can’t keep a good alien toad down. The new Battletoads is being made by relatively unknown developer Dlala Studios under supervision from Rare, and features a more over-the-top cartoony style that past entries in the series. Of course, it’s the gameplay that matters, and Battletoads provides the 3-player co-op brawling you’d expect. Oh, and yes, there are Turbo Tunnel levels. My palms are already sweating in anticipation. Pre-order Battletoads here. The game will also be available through Xbox Game Pass.
Project Cars 3 (PC, Xbox One & PS4, Aug. 28)
Project Cars 3 brings gearheads more super-detailed racing sim action later this month. Developer Slightly Mad Studios is promising a new Career mode featuring over 120 events, revamped controls that will feel better for those playing on traditional controllers, and more. Of course, at its core Project Cars 3 is still all about the cars themselves, with the game offering over 200 rides that can be customized to your heart’s content. Gentlemen, start your engines. Pre-order the game here.
Wasteland 3 (PC, Xbox One & PS4, Aug. 28)
Looking for a game to beat the August heat with? Wasteland 3, which takes the RPG franchise to the frosty mountains of Colorado, may be just the ticket. Once again, here’s Wccftech’s Chris Wray from this hands on Wasteland 3 preview…
Wasteland 3 is quirky, fun and if the writing is good throughout, it will more than likely get you emotionally invested too. […] If there’s one thing my time with Wasteland 3 has taught me so far, it’s that InXile has pushed forward in branching the game out and that Microsoft has helped to boost the development of the game through their support of InXile.
Pre-order Wasteland 3 here. The game will also be available through Xbox Game Pass.
Promising Indies
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout (PC & PS4, Aug. 4)
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout could very well end up being the under-the-radar multiplayer hit of the year. Seemingly inspired by shows like Wipeout or The Floor is Lava, Fall Guys gleefully unleashes mayhem by throwing 60 online players into a variety of wacky obstacle courses. The insanity continues until only one player stands tall (good luck with that!) Here’s the Steam page for Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout.
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch, Aug. 20)
Wait, what? There’s going to be a Peaky Blinders game? Yup, and it actually looks quite promising! Peaky Blinders: Masterminds is a strategy game that tasks players with carrying out various heists and plots using favorite characters from the show, including Tommy, Arthur, Polly, and more. Don’t worry if your plans go awry – Masterminds allows you to rewind time and change plans. Time to get scheming! Here’s the Steam page for Peaky Blinders: Mastermind.
No Straight Roads (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch, Aug. 25)
One of the most interesting-looking games of 2020, No Straight Roads is a unique mashup of action-adventure and rhythm game. Players control Mayday and Luke, who are looking to bring rock back to Vinyl City, which is currently dominated by the EDM Empire. No Straight Roads is bright, vibrant, and its gameplay looks wildly varied, although in all cases, listening and reacting to the game’s kickass soundtrack will be key to your success. This is exactly the kind of upbeat adventure we need here in 2020. Here’s the Epic Games Store page for No Straight Roads.
Windbound (PC & Xbox One, Aug. 28)
Windbound is the latest game to try to recapture the sense of adventure and freedom of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Windbound casts players as Kara, who find herself lost in the mysterious Forbidden Island. Sail unfriendly seas, hunt, survive, explore, and eventually discover the Forbidden Islands’ secrets. Island getaways are out for most people this year, but this might be the next best thing. Here’s the Steam page for Windbound.
Full List of Games Worth Watching in August:
- Relicta (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Stadia, Aug. 4)
- Skully (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch, Aug. 4)
- Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout (PC & PS4, Aug. 4)
- There is No Game: Wrong Dimension (PC, Aug. 6)
- Fast & Furious Crossroads (PC, Xbox One & PS4, Aug. 7)
- Hyper Scape (PC, Xbox One & PS4, Aug. 11)
- Risk of Rain 2 (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch, Aug 11)
- Metamorphosis (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch, Aug. 12)
- Bite the Bullet (PC, Xbox One & Switch, Aug. 13)
- Boomerang Fu (PC, Xbox One & Switch, Aug. 13)
- A Total War Saga: Troy (PC, Aug. 13)
- EA Sports UFC 4 (Xbox One & PS4, Aug. 14)
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (PC, Aug. 18)
- Peaky Blinders: Mastermind (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch, Aug. 20)
- Train Sim World 2 (PC, Xbox One & PS4, Aug. 20)
- Battletoads (PC & Xbox One, Aug. 20)
- PGA Tour 2K21 (PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch & Stadia, Aug. 21)
- Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch, Aug. 21)
- No Straight Roads (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch, Aug. 25)
- Kandagawa Jet Girls (PC & PS4, Aug. 25)
- Best Friend Forever (PC & Switch, Aug. 27)
- The Dungeon Of Naheulbeuk: The Amulet Of Chaos (PC, Aug. 27)
- Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition (PS4 & Switch, Aug. 27)
- Moon: Remix RPG Adventure (Switch, Aug. 27)
- Tell Me Why – Chapter 1 (PC & Xbox One, Aug. 27)
- Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions (PC, Xbox One & PS4, Aug. 28)
- Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars (PC, Xbox One & Switch, Aug. 28)
- Madden NFL 21 (PC, Xbox One & PS4, Aug. 28)
- Project Cars 3 (PC, Xbox One & PS4, Aug. 28)
- Wasteland 3 (PC, Xbox One & PS4, Aug. 28)
- Windbound (PC & Xbox One, Aug. 28)
- Serious Sam 4 (PC & Stadia, August)
And those are the games you should be keeping an eye on this coming month. What games are you planning to pick up in August? Did I miss anything you’re looking forward to?
