It’s that time of the week again to check for noteworthy game releases for PC/Steam, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch via Metacritic. We also discuss these games live on the High Noon with Hollywood Polo stream at noon Tuesdays PST (GMT-8) here: https://www.twitch.tv/playgamesmoredotcom including commentary from other PGM members, wishlist interest and more.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail (expansion)
July 2 – PC, PS5/PS4, XBOX
Blue seas, clear skies, and boundless possibilities await in Dawntrail, the newest expansion pack for the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XIV Online! Explore uncharted territories with familiar faces as you discover new tribes, confront formidable threats, and expand your horizons as hope’s light dawns once more.
Pre-purchase FINAL FANTASY XIV: Dawntrail on Steam (steampowered.com)
Single Player
MMO
Online PVP
Online Co-op
Cross-Platform Multiplayer
Downloadable Content
Remote Play on Tablet
Interest level: 1/10
Plan to buy at launch: No
Wishlist: No
The First Descendant
July 2 – PC, PS5/PS4, XBOX, XBOX 1
The First Descendant is a third-person looter shooter powered by Unreal Engine 5. Become a Descendant. Fight for the survival of humanity. Descendants have unique abilities to tackle both solo and co-op missions. Up to 4 players use varied mechanics to defeat giant bosses. BE THE FIRST DESCENDANT!
The First Descendant on Steam (steampowered.com)
Single Player
Online Co-op
Cross-Platform Multiplayer
Interest level: 1/10
Plan to buy at launch: No
Wishlist: No
Zenless Zone Zero
July 4 – PC, PS5, MOBILE
In New Eridu, you step into the shoes of a Proxy, a professional specialized in navigating the dangerous Hollows, guiding those who, for various reasons, need to venture inside. You will embark on an adventure with unique characters to explore Hollows, battle formidable enemies, complete commissions and learn about the mysteries behind the city.
Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero
July 5 – PS5/PS4, XBOX, XBOX 1, NINTENDO SWITCH
Anew mysterious enemy threatens the world once again! Only one hero can save the world… Shockman!
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak
July 5 – PC, PS5/PS4, NINTENDO SWITCH
The spriggan known as Van Arkride, an underground professional, accepts any job, acting as detective, negotiator, or bounty hunter. Dive into the Trails series’ latest chapter with intense combat, beautiful visuals, and a new alignment system in Calvard!
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak on Steam (steampowered.com)
Single Player
Steam Trading Cards
Steam Achievements
Interest level: 1/10
Plan to buy at launch: No
Wishlist: No
SUMMARY
Final Fantasy aside, this week is leaving this author cold. Luckily, we’re in the midst of the big Steam Summer 2024 sale. PGM member Vacantcode curates a list of recommended games, many arcade-related. This week’s featured recommendation is called Scoop Kick! Available for $3.99 (50% off) only during the Steam Summer 2024 sale here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1866990/Scoop_Kick/
Look at the screenshot above and think: Burgertime, only filling ice cream cones instead of making a burger. You can roll the ice cream at enemies and smash them inside the layers of the cone. There is strategy in rolling and piling up a cone as high as possible, scoring even more points the higher it goes with multipliers.
You’re also working against a timer and not losing lives for the best score. So, replay value in figuring out the best way to complete the levels in the fastest time with the biggest score. Lastly, there is no pepper like in Burgertime, so you have to time your paths so you don’t collide with the enemies or you’ll lose a life.
Scoop Kick! plays good on the Steam Deck with default controls, so adding to my spreadsheet. If none of the new games are tickling your fancy, you like arcade games like Burgertime, then consider checking out Skoop Kick!