Ah, Summertime. Who doesn’t love this time of the year? The time of the year that’s filled with burning heat, where movie theaters are filled with the latest action blockbusters, and people from different parts of the world visit strange new lands with family and friends. So, it’s the perfect time of the year to sit indoors, crank the A/C up and play some video games. While there are plenty of games that are released year round, Summer is kind of the dead zone of game releases. Most developers spend this time relaxing and going on vacation, like the rest of us.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few games that will catch your attention and keep you occupied until the fall releases. To be considered on this list, the only criteria is that the game has to be released between June to August. With that said, these are the games to check out during the Summer.
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
If you’re a kid of the ’90s, You know all about Crash Bandicoot. The once Sony-only Mascot released an amazing Trilogy of Platformers that were given an HD paint job in 2017 with Crash Insane Trilogy released on PS4 and later on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. So, it would only be natural to Remaster the excellent Crash Team Racing for current gen consoles. The original received wide acclaim for its superb sense of speed, wacky gadgets, a surprisingly well-implemented adventure mode, and for being one of few games on the original PlayStation that you could play with up to 4 friends. Now, fans and newcomers will get to re-experience this excellent Kart Racer, now with online multiplayer and 4K UHD visuals. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled will be released on June 21 for PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
For years, old-school gamers have been clamoring for a new retro-style Castlevania game in the format of the beloved Symphony of the Night. While we may never see another Castlevania game, we will be getting the next best thing with Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Developed by one of the producers of the original Castlevania series, Bloodstained will have you playing as Miriam, an alchemist on a quest to save the world against the evil summoner Gebel and his army of minions. Players will jump, attack and cast magic spells through a demonic castle filled with monsters big and small. Get ready to slay some demons as Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night will be released on June 18th, 2019 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC and June 25th, 2019 for Nintendo Switch.
Judgment
From the creators of the cult-hit Yakuza series, Judgement will have players controlling private detective Takayuki Yagami as he investigates a serial murder case. Along the way, you’ll get to explore the vast world of a digitally re-created Tokyo, as you solve crimes, catch criminals and wrestle with a few goons. Using a similar combat system of the Yakuza games, you’ll be swapping between different combat styles to take down the thugs that get in your way. From the Tiger style that focuses on one foe at a time to the crane style that lets you take on enemies all at once, you’ll find the perfect way to punch some guys in the face. Judgment will be hitting the US on June 25th, 2019 exclusively for PS4.
Super Mario Maker 2
Who doesn’t love playing Mario? No one, that’s who. The follow up to the Nintendo Wii U and the 3DS smash hit, Super Mario Maker 2 will let you build, share and play through levels that are made from fans across the world. Along with assets and a course themes based on Super Mario 3D World, Nintendo will include a story mode and also allow players to play with friends on the couch and online with up to four players. It might not be for everyone, but Super Mario Maker 2 is still looking like a lot of fun for those who love to create. Super Mario Maker 2 will be released on June 28th, 2019 exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
With the Marvel Cinematic Universe becoming the highest grossing movie franchise of all time, it’s easy to see why people are excited for a game based on the Marvel Universe. The first new Marvel Ultimate Alliance game in almost 10 years, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 will have you playing as some of the most iconic Marvel characters of all time and have you facing off against Thanos and the titular Black Order. From the Avengers, Spider-Man, the Guardians of the Galaxy, to the X-Men, Venom, Ms. Marvel and Deadpool, there’s a character here for just about everyone. With Marvel on a role with Video Games, like last years Spider-Man, you’ll see why fans are clamoring for the latest offering. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order will be released on July 19th, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
Wolfenstein: Youngblood
Who doesn’t hate Nazi’s? They were some of the evilest and vile people that ever graced history. Well, Machine Games and Bethesda will have you covered by letting you kill some more Nazi’s in Wolfenstein: Youngblood. The 4th installment to the Wolfenstein reboot series, players will take control of newcomers Jessica and Sophia Blazkowicz, the twin daughters of Wolfenstein protagonist, B.J. Blazkowicz, as they travel to Paris to look for their missing father. Get ready to kill some Nazi’s with some insane weapons, and with a friend, in this alternate history First Person Shooter. Wolfenstein: Youngblood will be released on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch on July 26th, 2019, for the budget price of $30.
Control
From the developers of Quantum Break and Alan Wake comes Control. This inventive, upcoming 3rd Person Shooter has players in the shoes of Jesse Faden, an agent from a secret paranormal organization. She’ll have to stop an evil being called Hiss, and his army of possessed humans form taking over the world, with the help of a supernatural gun that can change its function for various combat encounters. Along with this gun, she also gains telepathic powers, including telekinesis, levitation, and mind control. All can be upgraded in different ways, allowing you to become flexible with your playstyle. Get ready to shoot and blast your way through Paranormal infested building, as Control is set for release on August 27th, 2019.