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After six months of non-stop hits, July feels like a much-needed breather on the gaming calendar. While there are still some games to look forward to next month, there's a more relaxed atmosphere with what's on offer. More good vibes than end-of-the-world panic for most of the games on this list. There's a cozy feeling of calm, highly anticipated PC ports, and adorable strategy to look forward to. RPG fans get both The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie and Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg, two dives into wildly different universes anchored by a lovable cast of wizards and alchemists. Prefer something more laid-back instead? Then check out Oxenfree II, which combines witty banter with a Twin Peaks-style mystery to create a fascinating dive into conspiracy theories and cults. On the AAA side of the calendar, Capcom is bringing a dino crisis to console and PC, albeit in the form of Exoprimal. Imagine a fusion between Anthem and Overwatch set in Jurassic Park, and you've got a good idea of what to expect here. Nintendo has a busy year ahead, and with the first brand-new Pikmin game in a decade, the studio is building up some big momentum with its return to quirky real-time strategy and adorable puzzle-solving. You can see the rest of the highlights below and everything else coming out later this month. Don't expect to see Immortals of Aveum this month, as EA's first-person magic-shooter has been delayed to August 22, a date that sandwiches it between possible GOTY contender Smurfs Kart and Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.To see what else is arriving this year, you can check out our feature on all the games coming out in 2023.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie - July 7
It has been a great year for RPGs, and for another game in that genre that'll gobble up hours of your time, look no further than The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie. This new entry in the series follows three protagonists--Cold Steel IV's Rean Scwharzer, Trails to Azure's Lloyd Bannings, and new character C--across individual storylines and draws the curtain on the Crossbell and Cold Steel Arcs of previous games. The refined combat includes the new United Front system that allows you to boost your abilities by using the power of your teammates, and you'll be able to draw on other skills from the Crossroads System in your journey.
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals - July 12
Oxenfree II doesn't look like it'll be drastically deviating from the formula of its predecessor, but it does look like it'll be tightening up on that beloved coming-of-age saga with more polished narrative-adventure gameplay. Like the first game, expect a distinct art style, dynamic conversations, and environmental puzzles in this spooky tale that features new characters, cults, and plenty of banter. If you have a Netflix account, keep an eye on your mobile storefront as Oxenfree II will be added to the Netflix gaming library on day one.
Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg - July 13
Not every RPG needs to be focused on saving the world from a cataclysmic cosmic threat! In this remake of the charming Atelier Marie, it's up to you to help the alchemist pass her exams and enjoy life at the same time. For the remake, developer Gust has gone all-out with updated graphics that blend 2D and 3D animations, expanded tutorials, improved navigation, and a new Unlimited Mode option that'll allow you to play the game at your own chill pace.
Exoprimal - July 14
Dino Crisis might be deader than the liquid fossils currently powering your car, but Capcom has a different game about rampaging prehistoric beasts coming out this month. Exoprimal is a team-based action game in which humanity fights back against a literal flood of Cretaceous-era beasts with cutting-edge exosuit technology. With all manner of dinosaurs rampaging and even more dangerous beasts lurking about, the clock is ticking as humanity races to avert a catastrophe 65 million years in the making.
Jagged Alliance 3 - July 14
What happens when a nation rich in natural resources gets overtaken by a paramilitary force and its president goes missing? You pull some purse strings and call in a small mercenary army to help save the country of Grand Chien from sinister armed forces. Like previous games, Jagged Alliance 3 is all about tactical turn-based combat, colorful soldiers of fortune, and upgrading your forces as they go behind enemy lines. Control territory, train the locals to watch your back, and defend against enemy forces in an active warzone in this sequel to the 1999 classic.
Pikmin 4 - July 21
An entire decade has passed since the last Pikmin game was released, but at long last, those little critters are back and ready to lend a helping hand. Chill vibes, strategy gameplay, and frantic Dandori Battles are just some of the features that you can expect from the return of this Nintendo IP, and for newcomers to the franchise, Pikmin 4 is shaping up to be a welcoming experience.
Remnant 2 - July 25
After Remnant: From The Ashes proved to be a sleeper hit with its blend of Souls-like action and loot-and-shoot loop, developer Gunfire Games is aiming to build on that foundation with some ambitious ideas. There's a natural evolution on display here, and with several rougher areas of the original game being further refined alongside some highly requested quality-of-life changes, Remnant 2 is aiming to be bigger and better than its predecessor. Plus, it has a great dog to help you out when you're faced with post-apocalyptic monsters.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart - July 26
Like one of the best Beastie Boys songs, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is intergalactic and planetary. A fresh PC port of the 2021 PS5 game, this version packs the original adventure with a host of new PC-specific features, including unlocked frame rates, new ray traced features, and ultrawide monitor support. A 17% discount is available with the code "FANATICAL17" on Fanatical.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons - July 27
Back from the phantom zone of almost-forgotten video game franchises, Double Dragon is punching its way back into the spotlight this month with a rogue-like twist to its classic formula. It's still a stylish and challenging journey through the tough streets of New York City as the titular Double Dragons--Triple Dragons would be better and safer--and with new tag-team gameplay, extra characters, and upgrades to invest in, Billy and Jimmy's return is looking like a fun blast from the pixelated past.
Disney Illusion Island - July 28
A platforming game featuring several of Disney's main event animated characters is an easy sell, but Disney Illusion Island looks like a love letter to the House of Mouse with its handcrafted animations and smooth multiplayer gameplay. An approachable adventure starring Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck, Illusion Island holds big appeal for anyone who grew up on Genesis games like Castle of Illusion or World of Illusion. Throw in some heartwarming and family-friendly touches to the platforming formula, and you've got a recipe for Disney magic right there.
July 2023 video game release schedule
- Synapse (PlayStation VR2) - July 4
- Gylt (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) - July 6
- Scarf (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) - July 7
- The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie (PC, PS4, PS5, Switch) - July 7
- The Valiant (PS5, Xbox Series X|S) - July 11
- Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals (PC, PS4, PS5, Switch) - July 12
- Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg (PC, Switch, PS5, PS4) - July 13
- Touhou: New World (PC, Switch) - July 13
- Ed-0: Zombie Uprising (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) - July 13
- Exoprimal (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) - July 14
- Earth Defender - Steam Early Access (PC) - July 14
- Jagged Alliance 3 (PC) - July 14
- Coreborn: Nations of the Ultracore (PC) - July 18
- Lisa: Definitive Edition (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) - July 18
- Cross Tails (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) - July 20
- Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening (PC, PS4, Switch) - July 20
- Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes - Definitive Edition (PC, Switch, PS4) - July 20
- Pikmin 4 (Switch) - July 21
- Crymachina (Switch, PS5, PS4) - July 27
- Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) - July 27
- Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) - July 27
- Rightfully, Beary Arms (PC) - July 27
- The Expanse: A Telltale Series Episode 1 (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) - July 27
- Disney Illusion Island (Switch) - July 28
- F1 Manager 23 (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) - July 31
- Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) - July 31
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