Keeping track of all the games arriving each week on PC, handhelds, consoles and mobile is no easy task, but don’t worry, I’m here to help. Every week in Five Games I separate the wheat from the chaff and pick the titles you need to pay attention to.
Here’s the format for Five Games: The Pick of the Week is listed first, and the rest of the games are filed under headings that will hopefully be more helpful for you. Looking for the latest indie hotness? Check the Steam picks. Want to download something for your Xbox One or PS4 on a Saturday night? Hit up the Console Downloads section. So, without further ado…
Pick of the Week
Batman: The Telltale Series – Realm of Shadows (PC, Mac, Xbox One & PS4, Aug. 2)
Telltale Games have shown they can knock comic book adaptations out of the park with The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us, and now they take on perhaps the greatest comic book hero of all time: Batman.
Batman: The Telltale Series takes place in a unique universe, which takes a lot of inspiration from Batman: Year One, but will also delve off in different directions. As in most Telltale series, agonizing choices will be a big feature, with players having the option to make Batman do things he usually wouldn’t do, like kill. It will certainly be interesting to see what new territory this five-part M-rated series takes the Caped Crusader to.
This Week on Steam
Mandagon (PC, Aug. 4)
Mandagon is a new retro-style platformer that draws inspiration from Tibetan religion and philosophy. In the game, you find yourself stuck in Bardo, the Tibetan version of Limbo. Eventually, you’ll learn who you are and why you’re there as you try to make your way to a nicer corner of the afterlife. Mandagon looks like a nice, heartfelt effort. Here’s the game’s Steam page.
This Week in Console Downloads
Abzu (PC & PS4, Aug. 2)
Abzu is a pretty game. A very pretty game. From some of the folks who made classic Sony chill-out experiences Flower and Journey, Abzu tasks players with diving and exploring a vibrantly colorful underwater world. What you actually do under the ocean is being kept somewhat vague, but even if there’s no actual goal, Abzu may still be worth picking up purely as an art/discussion piece. The game is also available on PC.
Overcooked (Xbox One & PS4, Aug. 3)
Overcooked is a new multiplayer game where you and three other people team up to make a meal. Sounds pretty basic, right? Well, Overcooked throws a twist into the scenario with crazy kitchens located on ice floes, volcanoes and floating space stations. This one looks to serve up a lot of good ol’ same-couch multiplayer fun.
This Week in Virtual Reality
Everest VR (HTC Vive, Aug. 2)
If we’re being honest, a good percentage of virtual reality games look pretty janky, but Everest VR is anything but. A stunningly realistic trip up one of the planet’s highest, most treacherous peaks, Everest VR promises an exhilarating, slightly terrifying experience. The game will even take you to parts of Everest that nobody has ever climbed to in real life! Strap on that climbing gear and VR helmet.
Could the summer doldrums finally be passing? Any cool games that I missed? Feel free to shout ’em out below.