As Summer gets into full swing, there are more than a few bright tales for players to enjoy this month. From exploring a quirky and quaint town to becoming a warrior of legend to fighting the good fight in a fractured world or heading to a galaxy far, far away. August brings with it epic tales, chances to explore like never before and even a few laughs to enjoy during the warm days.
Thank Goodness You’re Here!
Have a jolly old time in a quaint village for this comedy caper. Set in the town of Barsnworth, Thank Goodness You’re Here! follows the story of a travelling salesman who has to find something to do while waiting for a meeting with the town’s major. Deciding to go for a walk around the town, players will meet the locals and be able to complete some odd jobs for them, opening up more of the town and introducing more people to meet. But Barnsworth is no ordinary town, and these odd jobs certainly live up to their name. Just remember to keep one eye on the time so you don’t miss the big meeting.
Players who pre-order will receive a discount on their purchase.
Thank Goodness You’re Here! will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC from August 1*
Black Myth: Wukong
Confront your destiny in this mythological adventure. Based on the Chinese classic novel Journey to the West, Black Myth Wukong is an epic action adventure following a character known as the Destined One. As you travel through China, players will have to hone their skills with both weapons and magic to defeat the foes who stand against them. Discover the range of different landscapes as you journey through the pages of legend, building the story of the world around you by your actions and your interactions with other characters as the true fate of the Destined One is revealed.
Players who pre-order any edition will receive the Trailblazer’s Scarlet Gourd. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the game, a Folk Opera equipment set, Wind Chimes curio, Bronzecloud staff and a selected Digital soundtrack. The Deluxe Edition includes the Digital Deluxe Edition, a 1:1 scale of the Constricting Headband, silk scroll print of Chaos at the Peach Banquet, Wind Chime necklace, Thunderstone ring, Gold Sun Crow pin, stamp and postcard set and a Warranty Certificate, all within a limited-edition Steel Case. The Collector’s Edition includes the Digital Deluxe Edition, a Confront Destiny 40cm figurine, Teaching of the Heart Sutra silk scroll print, Wind Chime necklace, Thunderstone ring, Gold Sun Crow pin, stamp and postcard set and a Warranty Certificate, all within a limited-edition Steel Case.
Black Myth: Wukong will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC from August 20*
Dustborn
Embrace the power of words in this story-driven road-trip adventure. Set in an alternate version of the United States in 2030, Dustborn is the story of Pax, an ex-con looking to rebuild their life. Hired to take a package from Pacifica to Nova Scotia, Pax realises she can’t do this alone, so she hires a crew to form a band – using the guise of being on tour to help them get past the patrols and keep a low profile from the authoritarian forces of Justice, who look to stop Pax at all costs. Travelling across the states, players will learn more about Pax and her crew through conversations and building friendships and bonds aboard their robotic tour bus, using the power of words to bond and battle in equal measure.
Players who pre-order will unlock the Vision Tour Bundle, which includes a Sherbet Twirl hat, EYE C U jacket, and Psycho Pete bat to help them start their journey.
Dustborn will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC from August 20*
Concord
Gather your crew and venture forth in this sci-fi shooter. Concord will see players set out into an alien universe as a “Freerunner” – a mercenary for hire to take on high-stakes jobs across the galaxy. Playing as one of 16 playable characters, the player will set out from their ship – the Northstar – to complete their missions alongside their crewmates with a variety of challenges. From the no-respawn Cargo Mode to pick up a Blue Buddy bot or the Trophy Hunt taking down rival crews for their bounty cards, there is more than one way to make a living in this universe.
The Digital Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the game, 72 hours of Early Access, access to the Open Beta, Vale’s Monarch pack and Northstar Freegunner Pack.
Concord will be available on PlayStation 5 and PC from August 23*
Visions of Mana
Travel through a new tale in this new chapter in the Mana series. In Visions of Mana, players follow Val, a carefree and curious young man living in Tianeea, one of the Fire Villages. With the blessings of the village, Val sets out alongside his childhood friend Hinna on a journey to the Mana Tree. Hinna has been tasked with making the pilgrimage by the Faerie – who has proclaimed Hinna to be the new Alm of Fire, responsible for helping maintain the flow of mana in the world. Val chooses to join Hinna as her soul guard – with his sole objective of keeping her safe on the journey from those looking to take the power of mana for their own ends.
Players who pre-order the Standard Edition will unlock the Brave Blade weapon for Val. Players who pre-order the Digital Deluxe or Collector’s Edition will unlock the Guardian Garment for Val and a Starter Pack of items. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the game with 24 hours Early Access, a Mana Superstars costume set – including items inspired by other titles in the Mana series – and the Mana Series BGM 26 track bundle. On console, the Digital Deluxe Edition also includes the game for both current and next-gen consoles. The Collector’s Edition includes the game and a Collector’s Edition Goods Box – which includes a Ramcoh plush, Art of Mana special issue artbook and Visions of Mana soundtrack in a limited edition collector’s box.
Visions of Mana will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC from August 29*
Star Wars: Outlaws
Explore the world of Star Wars like never before. Set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Outlaws is an open-world adventure where players take on the role of Kay Vess, a thief looking for that dream score that will set them free of the world of scoundrels. Alongside their small companion, a curious creature named Nix, players will help Kay explore the worlds and systems of the galaxy taking on work for one of four rival factions. But be careful, as Kay’s actions across the story can impact how the groups react to her should she appear on their turf and it’s not always a warm welcome. There is also the small matter of the Imperial forces, who are also keeping a close eye on Kay and Nix.
Players who pre-order will unlock the Kessel Runner bonus cosmetics pack. The Gold Edition includes the game, 3 days of Early Access, pre-order bonus content and the Season Pass – which will include two post-launch DLC, Jabba’s Gambit exclusive mission at launch and the Kessel Runner character pack. The Ultimate Edition – which will be available to Ubisoft+ subscribers – will include all of the content in the Gold Edition along with a digital artbook, and two additional cosmetic bundles: Sabacc Shark and Rogue Infiltrator.
Star Wars: Outlaws will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC from August 30*
Free to Play
PlayStation Plus subscribers of all tiers will have three games available to download and keep for free this month as part of their subscription. From August 6* Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga and Five Night’s At Freddy’s: Security Breach will be available on both PS4 and PS5, with Ender Lillies: Quietus of the Knights available on PS4.
Full details on this month’s Prime Gaming content – including the latest batch of titles available on Amazon Luna – can be found on the Prime Gaming website.
Also Released This Month
August 1* – Tomba Special Edition (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Kitsune Tails (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Switch), Operation: Tango (PC), Star Wars: Bounty Hunter (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Mars 2120 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Airport Sim (Xbox Series X/S), Hakuoki: Chronicles of Wind and Blossoms (Switch), Spark The Electric Jester 3 (Switch)
August 2* – Aero the Acro-Bat (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch), Closer the Distance (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC), Fragment’s Note+ (PC), Fragment’s Note+ AfterStory (PC), Fragment’s Note 2+ (PC), World of Goo 2 (PC, Switch), The Mortuary Assistant (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5)
August 5* – Cygni: All Guns Blazing (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC, Mac), Fields of Mistria (PC)
August 6* – Volgarr The Viking 2 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Pepper Grinder (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5), ONE BTN BOSSES (PC), Bleak Faith: Forsaken (Xbox Series X/S, PS5), Natsu-Mon! 20th Century Summer Kid (PC, Switch)
August 7* – Creatures of Ava (Xbox Series X/S, PC)
August 8* – Cat Quest 3 (Switch), SteamWorld Heist 2 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Deathbound (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC), That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Preserve (PC – Early Access), Koumajou Remilia: Scarlet Symphony (PS5), Princess Maker 2 Regeneration (PS4, PS5), Revue Starlight: El Dorado (Switch, PC), Zombie Police: Christmas Dancing with Police Zombies (Mac, PC)
August 9* – The Crush House (PC)
August 12* – Shoulders of Giants: Ultimate (PS5)
August 13* – Stormgate (PC – Early Access), Guayota (Switch, PC)
August 14* – Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse Remastered (Xbox One, PS4, PC), Hellbreach: Vegas (PC), Love, Ghostie (PC), Streets of Rogue 2 (PC)
August 15* – Hunt: Showdown (Xbox Series X/S, PS5), I Am Your Beast (PC), Kena: Bridge of Spirits (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S), Magical Delicacy (Switch), Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines (Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC), Dredge: The Iron Rig (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Farewell North (Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC), The Precinct (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC), White Day 2: The Flower The Tells Lies: Complete Edition (Xbox Series X/S, PS5)
August 16* – Madden NFL 25 (2024) (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC), Castaway (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Elrentaros Wanderings (Switch, PC), SunnySide (Xbox Series X/S, PS5), Windstorm: Start of a Great Friendship Remastered (PS5)
August 21* – Mika and the Witch’s Mountain (Switch, PC), Enotria: The Last Song (PS5, PC)
August 22* – Tactical Beach Wizards (PC), Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch (PS5, Switch), Tiebreak (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5)
August 23* – Track Winter Wonderland (Switch), Turbo Boost Racing Kit (Switch), Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition (Switch)
August 26* – World of Warcraft: The War Within (PC), Endzone 2 (PC – Early Access)
August 27* – Core Keeper (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS, Switch, PC), Monster Run (PC), Conscript (PS5, Switch)
August 29* – Bloodless (PC), Monster Jam Showdown (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Switch), Emio – The Smiling Man (Switch), Gori: Cuddly Carnage (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Gundam Breaker 4 (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Squirrel With A Gun (PC), Akimbot (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC), Shadow of the Ninja Reborn (Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Everlasting Flowers (PS4, Switch, PC), Asphalt Legends Unite: Supercharged Edition (PS5), Leo the Firefighter Cat (PS5, Switch)
August 30* – Kilborg Prologue (PC), Uma Musume Pretty Derby – Party Dash (PS4, Switch, PC), Planet Zoo: Console Edition (Xbox Series X/S, PS5), The Doinksoft Collection (Switch), INDIKA (PS5), Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition (PS5, Switch), Ugly (Switch)
*Dates refer to UK release only. International dates may vary. Information correct at time of writing.
Words by Megan Roxburgh
We’re trying to raise £200 a month to help cover our operational costs. This includes our ‘Writer of the Month’ awards, where we recognise the amazing work produced by our contributor team. If you’ve enjoyed reading our site, we’d really appreciate it if you could donate to The Indiependent. Whether you can give £1 or £10, you’d be making a huge difference to our small team.