5 PS4 games to watch out for in August, from Uncharted to Life is Strange

Another stellar month for the console

2017 has already proven a stellar year for gaming, August set to be another busy month, particularly for the PlayStation 4. Check out the most anticipated releases below.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Though heavy combat sequences and mythological worlds are something of a trademark for Devil May Cry developer, Ninja Theory, Hellblade sets itself apart with its approach to mental health. Set in the aftermath of a Viking invasion, Hellblade aims to portray an accurate picture of psychosis, casting players as a Celtic warrior traumatised by war. You’ll experience the world through Senua’s eyes, guiding her though the nightmarish ‘Hel’ amidst distorted whispers and visions infused with Norse symbolism.

When Can I Play It? 8th August

Agents of Mayhem

After the nefarious Dr. Babylon establishes complete control over a fictionalised Seoul, South Korea, it’s up to the agents of M.A.Y.H.E.M to overthrow his unnerving world-order, and they’ll use the most dramatic means possible.

Set in the same fictional universe as Saints Row, Agents of Mayhem features open world exploration and wild combat options, offering twelve playable agents with their own ridiculous MO. From the shade-flipping Agent Hollywood, to hulking sailor captain Hardtack, Agents of Mayhem appears to offer an impressive range of character classes, meaning those with varied play styles will likely find an agent they click with.

When Can I Play It? 15th August

Sonic Mania (August 15, PSN, PS4)

In contrast to the combat-oriented platforming of his later incarnations, Sonic Mania harkens back to the Genesis roots of Sega’s spiky blue mascot, being a sidescrolling platformer inspired by the original Sonic the Hedgehog. Retaining the original’s capacity for ‘going fast’, players blitz through a multitude of themed zones as Sonic, Tails or Knuckles to defeat the dastardly Dr. Robotnik.

Alongside adaptations of original stages, Mania reimagines the Eggrobo henchmen in Sonic and Knuckles as the new ‘Hard-Boiled Heavies’. Players can also include Tails as a support character, enabling the foxy sidekick to carry Sonic through the air.

When Can I Play It? 15th August

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (PSN, PS4)

Uncharted 4 marked the end of the road for the intrepid Nathan Drake, but it appears the adventurer’s affiliates aren’t finished just yet. This standalone spin-off dives into the heart of the Indian mountains, where Chloe Frazer and Uncharted 4 mercenary, Nadine Ross team up to recover an ancient artefact from the grasp of a despotic war chief.

The Lost Legacy features a fresh storyline and exotic new locations while maintaining the platforming, puzzles and shooting system the Uncharted series is known for. If you’re missing Drake’s foolhardy antics, The Lost Legacy could well fill the void.

When Can I Play It? 22nd August.

Life is Strange: Before the Storm Episode 1: Awake

Developed by Ratchet and Clank Collection developer Deck Nine, this is the prequel to Dontnod’s well-received adventure game, Life is Strange. The story will revolve around the punky Chloe Price and will explore her relationship with Rachel Amber in greater depth.

Unlike the original, the game doesn’t include time travel, instead allowing Chloe to use a dialogue tree to ‘Backtalk’ her way out of certain situations. As your words carry potential to permanently change your surroundings, making tough, heart-wrenching decisions will still very much be essential to Before the Storm.

When Can I Play It? 31st August.