In Maniac (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1482380/Maniac/), you play a drunken Santa Claus on a GTA-like rage. Avoid the police, get your missions done and, well, don’t die. It’s a bloody good time on your Steam Deck, PC, whichever you enjoy most.
It’s also that time of the week 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.
CYGNI: All Guns Blazing ($29.99 / KONAMI)
August 6 – PC, PS5, XBOX
“An unrelenting onslaught of eye-popping visuals, ear bursting soundscapes and mind-melting action makes CYGNI the vanguard for the next generation of shoot-em ups. Outgunned, outmanned and out on your own, plunge into a sky full of hell in a last-ditch battle for survival.” – Steam
Single Player
Shared/Split-Screen Co-op
Remote Play Together
Steam Achievements
Interest level: 9/10
Plan to buy at launch: Yes – I already did!
Wishlist: YES
I’m going to remote play in Hollywood Polo in on this to help me during the show today. I’ve already put in a Steam review — this one is good!
NOTE: it is my understanding that this will be free on the Epic Games Store on August 8, 2024. That’s what I’ve heard, I do not know this for certain. For those that want to play on their PC, maybe wait and see and check it out there if you don’t want to drop 30 bones on this at Steam.
Pepper Grinder ($14.99)
August 6 (additional platforms) – PS5/PS4, XBOX, XBOX 1
“Pepper Grinder is an action-packed 2D adventure blending traditional platforming with an alternate drilling mode that allows you to dive in and out of the earth like a dolphin swims through water.” – Steam/PC
Single Player
Steam Achievements
Interest level: 3/10
Plan to buy at launch: No
Wishlist: YES
Creatures of Ava
August 7 – PC, XBOX
“Let your empathy guide you as you play an exciting action-adventure, creature-saver game. Understand and tame the creatures of Ava and let them lead you through a variety of ecosystems – all in the hopes of saving the planet from a life-consuming infection.” – Steam
Single Player
Interest level: 1/10
Plan to buy at launch: No
Wishlist: No
Cat Quest 3
August 8 – PC, PS5/PS4, XBOX, XBOX 1, NINTENDO SWITCH
“In Cat Quest III you play as a purrivateer in a freely explorable 2.5D open-world swarming with Pi-rats. You can sail the seas in your ship for treasures galore! But prepare for peril, as the Pirate King aims to hunt you down…” – Steam
Single Player
Shared/Split Screen Co-op
Steam Achievements
Remote Play Together
Interest level: 1/10
Plan to buy at launch: No
Wishlist: No
Deathbound
August 8 – PC, PS5, XBOX
“Deathbound is a one-of-a-kind party-based soulslike set in a callous world where Faith and Science clash. Dynamically transform between fallen warriors all with their own unique skill sets, combat styles, and rich history. Conquer a brutal reality where Life and Death were never more conflicted.” – Steam
Single Player
Steam Achievements
Interest level: 1/10
Plan to buy at launch: No
Wishlist: No
Steamworld Heist II
August 8 – PC, PS5/PS4, XBOX, XBOX 1, NINTENDO SWITCH
“Join Captain Leeway and his ragtag crew as they uncover the enigmatic menace threatening the Great Sea. Equip and upgrade your crew for turn-based gunfights packed with ricochet action and engage in real-time naval combat. Get ready to aim, plot, and plunder in this turn-based tactical adventure.” – Steam
Single Player
Steam Achievements
Interest level: 1/10
Plan to buy at launch: No
Wishlist: No
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles
August 8 – PC, PS5/PS4, XBOX, XBOX 1, NINTENDO SWITCH
“Spin a new tale of the Jura Tempest Federation together with all your favorite characters from the animated series!” – Steam
Single Player
Steam Achievements
Interest level: 1/10
Plan to buy at launch: No
Wishlist: No
Train Valley World
August 8 – PC
“Train Valley World is an engrossing transport tycoon inspired by the genre classics. Build and manage efficient railroads across the globe, create sophisticated logistics chains, design your own levels, and become a business mogul – solo or in multiplayer!” – Steam
Single Player
Online Co-op
Steam Achievements
Interest level: 1/10
Plan to buy at launch: No
Wishlist: No
The Crush House
August 9 – PC
“Film and produce 1999’s hottest reality TV show: The Crush House! Select a crush-worthy cast, satisfy voracious audiences and keep the show on air to uncover the sinister secrets behind this darkly comic thirst-person shooter.” – Steam
Single Player
Steam Achievements
Interest level: 1/10
Plan to buy at launch: No
Wishlist: No
SUMMARY
As mentioned above, finally a week where I’m excited about one of the launch games and bought, played and reviewed the game — CYGNI: All Guns Blazing — already. Any week where new game comes out and I’m really excited about that game is a good new games week! Polo and I will go over the rest of these on the show tomorrow, but in the meantime, please feel free to comment below if you’re looking forward to play any of these games this week?