It's the last--but certainly not least--episode of New Releases for August, and although Gamescom 2018 has wrapped up, there's still some nice football for our European viewers to experience in Pro Evolution Soccer 2019. For fans of Japanese games, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate and Yakuza Kiwami 2 are finally coming to the West. And for the indie aficionados, this week is home to both Donut County and The Messenger.
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate -- August 28
Available on: Switch
Ultimate is the Western version of an HD port of a 3DS game, but what all that means for you is hunting down monster using Generations' 14 different weapon styles. You can also use special Hunting Arts to dodge attacks, damage the enemy, or buff your party. And yes, there is totally Breath of the Wild-themed content for this Switch port.
Further Reading:
- Nintendo Switch Demo For Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate Available Now
Zelda: Breath Of The Wild DLC Armor Confirmed For Nintendo Switch's Monster Hunter
Yakuza Kiwami 2 -- August 28
Available on: PS4
Speaking of re-releases, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a full-on remake of the original Yakuza 2, but with new gameplay enhancements and cutscenes that iron out the wrinkly parts of the story. There's even a whole new scenario starring secondary protagonist Goro Majima. And of course the whole thing is stuffed with fabulous minigames like karaoke and batting cages.
Further Reading:
Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 -- August 28
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
And now something for the footie fans. PES 2019 looks to take a big step forward with Magic Moments, designed for better shooting and ball control. Individual players will handle better too, as this year's game features 11 new skill types ranging from no-look passing to double-touch dribbling. Hats off to David Beckham for landing the cover too.
Further Reading:
Donut County -- August 28
Available on: PS4, PC, iOS
Donut County is similar to Katamari, but instead of rolling around a ball to collect junk, you maneuver around a hole to swallow the scenery. The more you gobble up, the bigger you get--but size isn't all that matters. You can solve puzzles by consuming certain objects, like using an adobe oven's heat to raise a hot air balloon.
Further Reading:
The Messenger -- August 30
Available on: PC, Switch
This week's other indie offering is The Messenger, which takes more than a few cues from Ninja Gaiden. But here's the twist: this 8-bit platformer can also be transformed into a 16-bit Metroidvania and back again. Between navigating two worlds and collecting all sorts of power-ups, this ninja has quite the journey ahead of him.
Although this episode doesn't feature them, fighting game Blade Strangers (PS4, PC, Switch) and co-op shooter Strange Brigade (PS4, Xbox One, PC) both launch this week as well, on Tuesday, August 28. New Releases will return next week with a look at the whole month of September, featuring some much-anticipated games like Dragon Quest XI and Marvel's Spider-Man.
