The slightly long-winded tutorial phase aside, Arcadegeddon seems intent on keeping you in the action as much as possible with a contracted hub world and efficient system of accepting multiple challenges at once and diving into the game’s levels to start chipping away at them. At its core, you have a fairly standard third person multiplayer shooter. The PvE wing of the game is an adventure mode that has you going up against the corrupted beings that are infesting Gilly’s game throughout several levels while accomplishing different challenges from the folks hanging around the arcade. This mode is the bread and butter of the experience with fast and kinetic combat and amusing weapons to toy around with. It plays a lot like most rogue-lites you’ll find out there, with different runs randomizing locations of things like chests as well as what’s in them, and starting you over when you die, but Arcadegeddon does have a level of polish and style that you don’t normally see at the 20-dollar price point.

"It plays a lot like most rogue-lites you’ll find out there, with different runs randomizing locations of things like chests as well as what’s in them, and starting you over when you die, but Arcadegeddon does have a level of polish and style that you don’t normally see at the 20-dollar price point."

Enemy, weapon, and level layout variety do stop short of being amazing, but they are quite good and kept me engaged pretty consistently during my sessions with the game, which always seemed to last a little longer than I was planning. Shooting feels great and compliments the snappy movement well. Different weapons definitely work better against different enemy types, and you will get plenty of chances to experiment with higher level weapons and elemental infusions, but overall, you can’t really go wrong in the arsenal. The weapon types themselves bring little to the table that you haven’t seen before, but the variety within those conventional restraints is fine. It gets better after you pick up a few powerups like increased blast damage for rockets or quicker firing rate for sniper rifles, though.

I quickly found my favorites, but I can’t say I ever discovered anything that I didn’t like at all. This combined with the snappy mobility makes a very kinetic, well-rounded and satisfying combat experience that is perhaps the brightest point of the entire game. Even if the average enemy variety or contrived mission objectives don’t blow you away, the shooting itself will always keep things reasonably fun. I can’t say much about the PvP mode other than it seems to exist. PC players have been enjoying a variety of modes within the PvP wing of the game for a while, so it’s probably safe to say that those experiences will translate well over on the PS5.

The presentation of Arcadegeddon is a familiar look, especially in the rogue-lite multiplayer space, but it does have its own twist that might remind one of Osmosis Jones or even the old TV show Reboot before it reminds you of its competitors in the genre, which, as far as this genre goes, is pretty refreshing. I found the character designs as well as the general aesthetic of the game to be really likable, especially with how well it’s used in the game’s customization store and with the handful of characters hanging around the arcade that you will inevitably get to know better as you play. It’s also mixed up nicely by the level variety, which, again, isn’t outstanding but more than gets the job done with different level styles, color pallets, and just enough wackiness to feel like your video game character is in a video game of their own.

"The presentation of Arcadegeddon is a familiar look, especially in the rogue-lite multiplayer space, but it does have its own twist that might remind one of Osmosis Jones or even the old TV show Reboot before it reminds you of its competitors in the genre, which, as far as this genre goes, is pretty refreshing."

The motif of being two layers deep in a video game is played up a little bit in some ways, like using continues and how different characters acknowledge the progression systems of the game itself like it’s a part of their lives, too. I would have liked to see a little more of that given the setting of the game, as just passingly acknowledging it feels like a missed opportunity to really get as much out of that as the experience could’ve.

I also would have appreciated a bit more movement with the central plot, as the game does go through all the effort of setting up a cool world with an engaging conflict between the little guy and a massive corporation – but then kind of just sidelines that and focuses on standard multiplayer gameplay mechanics. Those mechanics work fine for what the game is, and the gameplay itself is good, so it’s not a huge blunder, but a more well-paced unfolding of the narrative would have really sealed the deal for me.

Along with cool graphics is some truly outstanding music. I’m not sure what you would call it, but it mixes in some fundamentals from different branches of pop and electronica with lo-fi beats, dreamy shoegaze, and heavily processed staccato synth parts that form a energetic sound that, while not quite my personal cup of tea, does undeniably elevate the vibe of the game in an authentic way. Some may find themselves turning it down after a while as it can be quite a lot to process, but I ultimately ended up enjoying what the soundtrack does for the overall tone of the game.

"In a space as crowded as the multiplayer rogue-lite shooter genre, you better come correct if you’re going to take a stab at carving out your own audience. Thankfully, Arcadegeddon mostly does just that."

In a space as crowded as the multiplayer rogue-lite shooter genre, you better come correct if you’re going to take a stab at carving out your own audience. Thankfully, Arcadegeddon mostly does just that. While its central theme of standing up to modern sensibilities with creativity and uniqueness is somewhat undercut by the fact that Arcadegeddon’s own gameplay largely just ends up catering to modern multiplayer expectations, it’s something that is pretty easy to ignore most of the time. The combat comes in swinging with tight and speedy action. The cantankerous enemies and bosses are a blast to take on, and the perpetual loop of accomplishing newer and bigger challenges while improving on each and every run almost immediately falls into place.

On top of that, it runs like a dream on the PS5 and I encountered no notable stability issues that I can recall. For 20 bucks, it’s a pretty solid package. I wish there was perhaps a tad more meat on the bone with the narrative and more of a willingness to buck current trends with its conventional weapons, level layouts, and overall structure, but if you’re looking for a slightly different spin on this tried-and-true format, you could certainly do a lot worse than Arcadegeddon.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

F1 2022

F1 22 is out in July worldwide for those who didn’t purchase the Champions Edition for early access. Along with the usual 10 teams and 20 drivers, Grand Prixs, and MyTeam and MyDriver Career Modes, there are a bundle of new features in this year’s iteration. Formation Laps and Pit Stops can either be Immersive, with the player in control or automatic; new Sprint Races are now in play on eligible tracks; redesigned cars offer changes to the driving; and VR has been added for the first time ever on PC.

Then there’s F1 Life, a new lifestyle element with clothes to purchase, interior decorating for one’s crib, and Supercars to collect. F1 22 releases on July 1st for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC.

Rune Factory 5 (PC)

Just a few months after finally releasing in the West for Nintendo Switch, Hakama’s Rune Factory 5 is coming to PC on July 13th via Steam. Following Rune Factory 4 Special, the sequel sees the amnesiac protagonist in Rigbarth. After joining SEED, the town defense force, players can set about completing tasks for the townsfolk and help combat growing threats.

There’s farming to be done, monsters to tame, festivals to attend and up to 12 different companions to bond with. The real-time combat is also faster-paced and sleeker-looking while featuring new mechanics like Link Attacks. Though its Switch version was plagued by performance issues, Rune Factory 5 on PC seems to offer consistent 60 FPS performance.

As Dusk Falls

Though first announced in July 2020, As Dusk Falls shone in its recent trailer at the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase. The narrative adventure title starts in Arizona in 1998 with a botched robbery. Two families are involved and throughout two books across decades, one has to make decisions that will affect their fate.

Inspired by the likes of Breaking Bad, Fargo and Dog Day Afternoon, As Dusk Falls also supports multiplayer for up to eight players online and locally (or even a mix of both). It’s out on July 19th for PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S along with Game Pass.

Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels

Playground Games has been doing an exceptional job with its open-world racing title Forza Horizon 5, releasing new features, updates and cars since its launch last year. On July 19th, it will receive its first paid expansion with Hot Wheels, adding 10 new cars based on the toyline like the 2000 Hot Wheels Deora II. Players can also race and create outrageous tracks from more than 80 pieces. The expansion will be available for Premium Edition, Expansions Bundle and Premium Add-Ons Bundle owners of Forza Horizon 5 on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Arcadegeddon

Illfonic of Predator: Hunting Grounds and Friday the 13th: The Game have something a little different to offer with Arcadegeddon. In early access since July 2021 on PlayStation and PC, the co-op shooter focuses on Gilly, who becomes mixed up with an evil megacorporation to save his beloved arcade. Offering a mix of PvP and PvE, Arcadegeddon sees up to four players battling through evolving stages in various biomes.

The full launch promises new Surge abilities, a new PvP mode, new Gangs and much more. It’s out on July 5th for PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S with cross-platform play supported.

KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series

The ear-flapping, platforming goodness of Klonoa returns when KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series launches on July 8th for Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch worldwide. It features remasters of the very first two Klonoa games – Klonoa: Door to Phantomile, which first launched in 1998 for PS One, and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil, which released in 2001 for PS2. The visuals have been significantly revamped, whether it’s the character models or the environments and lighting (for better or worse in some cases).

It also features two-player co-op, difficulty settings – including an Easy Mode which reduces damage taken, grants infinite lives and five health hearts – and runs in 4K/60 FPS.

Loopmancer

While several roguelites embrace various kinds of animated styles, eBrain Studio’s Loopmancer offers realistic 3D visuals to go with its fast-paced action. The setting is Dragon City in 2046 with detective Xiang Zixu investigating the death of a famous journalist. He eventually meets his demise but finds himself back in his apartment, seemingly trapped in a time loop.

With seven stages to explore, over 100 weapons, and various skills and items, players will make different decisions throughout loops to ultimately find a way out. Loopmancer releases on July 13th for PC.

Stray

Cyberpunk adventure Stray releases on July 19th for PS4, PS5 and PC (while also available in the Extra and Premium tiers for PlayStation Plus). As a stray cat in a run-down cybercity inhabited by deteriorating machines, the player’s goal is to reunite with their family. They’re joined by B12, a small drone, and must solve puzzles, gather clues, and platform through environments to progress.

Along the way, there are swarms of Zurks and various hostile drones to avoid. With its gorgeous visuals and setting, and unorthodox protagonist, Stray promises an atmospheric adventure unlike any other.

Digimon Survive

Over four years, multiple delays and a developer change since its initial announcement, Bandai Namco’s Digimon Survive is finally on the verge of release. Part visual novel, part tactical RPG, it follows Takuma Momozuka and his friends as they visit a mysterious temple during Spring Break, discover Digimon and find themselves dragged into another world. The group must look for a way to survive but can also engage in turn-based tactical battles with their Digimon.

Based on one’s decisions, different routes, digivolutions and endings can be unlocked. While not quite like The Quarry in terms of the body count, it’s also possible for characters to die if you make the wrong choice. With about 80 to 100 hours of gameplay promised for all of the routes, Digimon Survive could be a dark horse in terms of RPGs this year. It’s out on July 29th for Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC and Xbox One.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Almost five years after the launch of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, the story is finally continuing. MonolithSoft’s Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is out on July 29th for Nintendo Switch as one of the rare games moved up from its original September release. Set in the world of Aionios, with two nations – Keves and Agnus – in constant conflict, it focuses on Noah and Mio. Though opposed to each other, both are off-seers who use flutes to mourn the fallen soldiers. Along with their respective companions, the party embarks on a seemingly common mission to Sword March while a strange threat looms behind the scenes.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 continues the series tradition of open world exploration with stunning locales, dangerous wildlife and numerous quests to partake in. Combat features six party members (along with heroes that can be recruited as a seventh member) with numerous classes, character switching mid-battle, Chains, and much more. The new Interlink system also allows two characters to fuse into a single powerful entity called Ouroboros with a dedicated progress tree.

With compelling characters, a serious story and cool-looking combat, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 may be the series’ best outing yet.

Toys for Bob and Activision’s 3D platformer Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, Supermassive Games and Bandai Namco’s interactive horror adventure title The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan, and Illfonic’s PvPvE shooter Arcadegeddon (which is a new launch) will be the free-to-claim games for subscribers in July. All three will become available on July 5. Members of all three PlayStation Plus subscription tiers will, of course, have access to this lineup.

That means you have just a few more days left to claim June’s free offerings– God of War, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl, and Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker.

The game tasks a group of players with clearing out hordes of enemies and bosses in a wide variety of environments, with what’s looking like plenty of variety across its biomes. There’s a bunch of interesting loot to collect as well. The game’s art style and shooting mechanics seem to draw a lot of inspiration from Epic Games’ Fortnite. It looks interesting- take a look below.

There are a number of announcements and reveals lined up in the conference, but don’t expect any God of War Ragnarok or Horizon Forbidden West news for now. In the meantime, stay tuned for more.