August 2025: Level Up!

August is shaping up to be a month of revisiting classic gaming universes. Beyond the regular Madden release, many of the most anticipated titles this month are revivals of beloved franchises, including one that hasn’t seen a new installment in nearly a decade and a half.

While some are remakes or remasters, our initial highlight, “Mafia: The Old Country,” represents a genuine return to the core elements that defined the series.

The upcoming Dying Light entry revisits the original game’s main character, thrusting him into a fresh landscape with enhanced abilities. It’s a case of old meeting new in exciting ways!

The gaming landscape is generally less crowded as we approach the end of summer. However, the traditional “slow period” is increasingly a myth, as summer now delivers its fair share of exciting releases.

This year has already featured major launches like the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, Dune: Awakening, Death Stranding 2, Donkey Kong Bonanza, and Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4. While August may be slightly calmer, there are still numerous compelling games worthy of your attention.

Mafia: The Old Country

Release Date: August 8, 2025
Platforms: PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

The key takeaway for “Mafia: The Old Country” is that it’s *not* an open-world experience.

Unlike its predecessor, Mafia III, “Old Country” presents a focused, narrative-driven story. Players assume the role of Enzo Favara, a mobster navigating the treacherous criminal landscape of early 20th-century Sicily.

Expect to ride horses, pilot vintage automobiles, and brandish weaponry like stiletto knives and sawn-off shotguns as you accompany Enzo on his journey.

Adding to its appeal, the game is priced at $50, making it particularly worthy of consideration.

Madden NFL 26

Release Date: August 14, 2025 (Early Access August 11 with Deluxe)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, EA App), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

It wouldn’t be August without a new Madden title.

That isn’t to say that long time fans won’t find something new to enjoy.

Alongside updated player statistics, players can look forward to features like “Coach DNA,” which strives to replicate the distinct strategies and tendencies of real-world NFL head coaches.

The new weather system will change gameplay in a substantial way, adding real depth rather than being purely visual.

Sword of the Sea

Release Date: August 19, 2025
Platforms: PC (Steam), PlayStation 5 (Day-1 on PS Plus)

You play as a sword-wielding warrior with no enemies in sight and little recollection of past battles.

Your sword transforms into a surfboard, and as you explore the world of Sword of the Sea, you glide across sandy landscapes, working to restore hydration to the environment.

If watching the trailer gave you flashbacks to “Journey,” there’s a good reason: This title comes from Giant Squid, the studio responsible for ABZÛ, The Pathless, and Journey.

Dying Light: The Beast

Release Date: August 22, 2025
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

In this standalone game, players will be stepping into the shoes of Kyle Crane, the protagonist from the original Dying Light. Following thirteen years of torturous experimentation conducted by a character known only as The Baron, Kyle is on a mission for vengeance.

He has been endowed with new abilities thanks to the experimentation done to him, most notably the one referenced in the game’s title. Kyle has the capability to call on the Beast, giving him the ability to rip apart zombies and human adversaries alike, take massive leaps, and more.

The game also features driving mechanics, many stealth options, and more, making its rural setting both fun to explore and exciting for fighting.

Gears of War: Reloaded

Release Date: August 26, 2025
Platforms: PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox Cloud (via Game Pass)

“But wait,” you may ask, “didn’t we already have a Gears of War remaster with Gears of War Ultimate Edition?”

That was a decade ago, and Gears of War will celebrate its 20th anniversary soon. Older gamers, apologies for bringing this to your attention.

Gears of War: Reloaded is headed to PlayStation 5, in addition to PC and Xbox. That idea was unconscionable to fans of the original when it first came out on launch day, or Emergence Day, to use the Gears of War parlance.

With this latest version of the classic game, you can expect the main campaign to run at 4K resolution and 60 FPS. Multiplayer will achieve a framerate of up to 120 FPS on consoles (and presumably, even higher on PC, pending your GPU capacity).

It will include contemporary enhancements such as 4K textures, HDR, upscaling and feature improvements, such as shadows.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Release Date: August 28, 2025
Platforms: PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

The highly-anticipated Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is slated for release this month.

While a remake, this is the first major release in the Metal Gear Solid series in many years. It is also being developed without the involvement of series creator, Hideo Kojima.

The game has been remade from the ground up with modern visuals and new features. A few examples include realistic wounds remaining visible on Snake’s body while his uniform will reflect bullet holes, dirt, and leaves accumulated from sneaking.

Players have access to real-time camo swapping. Delta offers a modern control scheme as well as a classic Metal Gear Solid control scheme.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Release Date: August 29, 2025
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

2025 is undoubtedly the year of the ninja, at least in video games.

We already have Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ninja Gaiden Black II, and Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Ninja Gaiden 4 will be released this fall.

Before then, Sega will be bringing back the Shinobi franchise with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, which releases at the end of August.

Shinobi remains true to the series’ 2D side-scrolling roots while implementing beautiful visuals and promising gameplay.