Top 5 Video Games Of July 2017

The first half of 2017 has been something for gamers to remember. On one hand, we’ve wept over the cancellation of the much-anticipated Scalebound. On the other hand, we’ve seen great video games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. And with the bulk of recent announcements from video game fairs such as E3 and TennoCon, there’s a lot of excitement for the second half of the year. As fate would have it, quite a few of them are to be released — or have already been released — this July. Here are the top 5 video games of July 2017.

1. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles – July 18

There has been a recent trend where video games seek to challenge players, putting them through brutal and epic stories where quick combat reflexes, mechanics, and competitiveness determine the victor. Yonder: the Cloud Catcher Chronicles is not that kind of game.

Yonder is a video game set on the fictional island of Gemea. Here the player must save the inhabitants from the evil Murk. What makes Yonder different from other video games is the lack of combat-orientedness. Instead, Yonder has the player master tasks such as fishing, farming, and cooking. Yonder is a rarity among video games. It echoes the immersion and cheerful atmosphere of classic life simulation games like Harvest Moon. It is scheduled for release on July 18, for PlayStation 4 and PC.

2. Beyond Skyrim: Bruma – July 1

Bruma is a fan-made expansion to the popular RPG The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Bruma might technically be a mod of a video game and not standalone title in itself. However, it is included in this list because of its sheer scope. Bruma is the first part of the massive Beyond Skyrim project, the goal of which is to bring the entire continent of Tamriel to the game. The crazy part, however, is that the entire Beyond Skyrim project is being developed for free.

This should keep Elder Scrolls fans sated while waiting for the elusive Elder Scrolls VI release date. Bruma is available for desktop and Xbox versions of Skyrim and Skyrim Special Edition.

3. Final Fantasy XII – July 11

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a remake of 2006’s Final Fantasy XII. Some worry that fans may experience burnout from over two decades of Final Fantasy. Judging from the reactions of those lucky enough to get their hands on early review copies, however, Square Enix has done right by their franchise’s legacy. The game is scheduled for release on July 11.

The only downside to The Zodiac Age is the fact that it is a remake, and as such, might offer no surprise to those familiar with the original. Regardless, a good game is a good game. It’s always a pleasure to return to the story and characters of a classic.

4. Aporia: Beyond the Valley – July 19

Aporia: Beyond the Valley is possibly the July video game release with the most intriguing story. In fact, you have to figure out what that story is in the first place. Aporia is a first-person puzzle video game. It features no dialogue or text. Only visual cues hint as to what is going on. The player is largely alone to solve the mysteries the game has to offer. While puzzle games are a niche not meant for everyone, the title does play on the innate human desire to learn secrets, and many have high hopes for this one in particular.

5. Splatoon 2 – July 21

Splatoon 2 is quite possibly the wackiest release this July. Players take control of an “Inkling,” and can alternate between humanoid and squid forms. The goal: attack opponents with colored ink. Splatoon 2  is technically a third-person shooter, however, it is also a Nintendo Switch exclusive. It is likely to be the most family-friendly video game of its genre this year. Splatoon also differs from every other title on this list with its focus on multiplayer.