Black Myth: Wukong

Chinese game developer Game Science has had a strong debut with Black Myth: Wukong, which will undoubtedly go down as one of the best action experiences of 2024. Based on the classic novel Journey to the West, Black Myth is a thrilling boss rush that starts off strong and never lets its foot off the gas pedal afterward. It’s chock full of memorable fights that are sure to push you to your absolute limits, and the combat rarely gets stale thanks to plenty of abilities and options at your disposal. Couple that with a bevy of imaginative vistas beautifully brought to life through Unreal Engine 5, and that makes Black Myth Wukong a truly special experience and worthy of all the hype.

SLITTERHEAD

There’s an abundance of horror games out there in our current market, but few of them (or more precisely, none of them) are anything like Slitterhead. Coming from Silent Hill, Siren, and Gravity Rush creator Keiichiro Toyama’s new indie team at Bokeh Game Studio, Slitterhead is undoubtedly a flawed game, and probably not to everyone’s tastes. It does tout a fascinating core premise and body swapping gameplay hook, however, which makes for one of the most unique action horror experiences in recent memory. Yes, there are a dozen different ways it could have been a better game, but even in its current state, Slitterhead has an undeniable (if very specific) appeal to it.

This game is every bit as enjoyable as it is straight-up crazy. There’s an unprecedented amount of variety in gameplay, the graphical quality is very impressive, and it also hearkens back to the golden age of 3D platforming in its structure and overall aesthetic, despite some minor flaws.

Squirrel with a Gun takes place in a sandbox neighborhood complete with houses to explore, roads and street obstacles to either run across or drive around or to even perform stunts for additional bonuses, underwater areas to explore, secret bases to escape, rivers to water ski on, and even bouncy castles in the sky to bounce through.

"The world it’s set in does an excellent job of delivering a great depth of diversity waiting to be experienced."

The watchword of this title is variety, and in terms of the game’s conceptual design, there’s certainly plenty of it, especially for a game that at first glance, arguably looks quite generic on the surface. However, this game is anything but generic in every aspect. The world it’s set in does an excellent job of delivering a great depth of diversity waiting to be experienced. Aside from that, however, Squirrel with a Gun is also graphically stunning, down to even the smallest details such as the squirrel’s fair follicles, the reflections in either the squirrel’s eyes or the agent’s sunglasses, the breathtaking water effects, and the superb use of lighting in the underground base sequences.

At its core, Squirrel With a Gun is a traditional 3D platformer, functioning fundamentally similarly to the likes of Banjo-Kazooie, and the original Jak & Daxter. The main objective is to collect two different types of acorns scattered throughout the neighborhood. These include the regular acorns found all over the streets, in houses, across obstacles, and even up power lines, but they can also be collected by either entertaining or menacing the locals, and by defeating enemies. There are also golden acorns that are obtained by completing specific tasks across each different section of the neighborhood.

These acorns are used to progress further throughout the game, as well as unlock different guns to wield, different vehicles to ride, and even different outfits to wear that can be used to traverse minefields and explore underwater; as well as them being used to unlock new skins for the player character. Locations of collectibles can be ascertained by climbing flagpoles relative to each area, and the player must then obtain them by undertaking precision platforming, defeating enemies, riding vehicles and solving wonderfully elaborate puzzles strewn across the neighborhood.

"Players save their progress by latching onto birdhouses scattered throughout the game as opposed to their being a simple save option in the pause menu for example."

Squirrel with a Gun has variety not only in its conceptual design but also in terms of gameplay. Puzzles are very cleverly designed, and there is also a great sense of challenge to be had when it comes to the platforming aspect. A good thing is that players are given the option to take their time when it comes to this. It provides a great gaming experience for both newcomers to the genre as well as seasoned veterans looking for an experience new to what they’re used to. Inevitably, comparisons can be drawn between this game and Conker’s Bad Fur Day, just without as much of the mature content as the former. There’s even an outfit that can be unlocked similar to Rareware’s squirrel.

But with all the other elements of this game sprinkled over the 3D platforming side of it, it makes for an extremely entertaining game. Guns are not just used to defeat enemies, but also to traverse obstacles and solve puzzles. There are ways besides using guns to subdue enemies such as climbing on them and performing cinematic takedown moves. There are also a fair few boss fights thrown in for good measure that again require a decent level of strategy to undertake.

However, players save their progress by latching onto birdhouses scattered throughout the game as opposed to their being a simple save option in the pause menu for example. While it is a nice little gimmick reminiscent of how saves would be handled in classic games, it can make it considerably easy to lose progress if players forget to do it. 

I reviewed the PC version, and full keyboard and controller support is offered. They have been implemented extremely well; especially given how much diversity there is in its gameplay and how many different commands there are to execute.

"To complete Squirrel with a Gun  to 100% can take a maximum of 8 hours, which is the game’s most prominent flaw."

When it comes to platforming, adjusting the camera sensitivity option would be advisable for anyone who may initially struggle in this regard, but once done, the controls do not come in the way to hinder the game’s sense of fun and enjoyment. There is also an auto-aim function that makes gun wielding welcomingly uncomplicated, even when riding vehicles at the same time.

To complete Squirrel with a Gun  to 100% can take a maximum of 8 hours, which is the game’s most prominent flaw. Compared to the aforementioned traditional platformers, it falls short of them in that respect, and will inevitably leave players wanting more.

The silver lining is that the variety in gameplay and the fundamental structure of the game both offer scope for expansion if a sequel and/or a spiritual successor is ever developed. This game does have the potential makings for a prominent gaming series if the developers decide to expand upon it, and of course, there is more than enough variety in gameplay to make this title extremely enjoyable for the small amount of time it can be made to last. But regardless, Squirrel with a Gun is much too short.

"The cinematic finishes players can execute while defeating enemies are also hilarious at times and only add to Squirrel with a Gun’s overall comedic aesthetic. "

The premise of Squirrel with a Gun is as simple as it is hysterical. A lone squirrel breaks into a top-secret base and steals a golden acorn. He is then pursued by an organization of agents in typical James Bond fashion to retrieve the acorn and terminate their furry fugitive target. After having escaped the facility, the squirrel resolves to collect more golden acorns, help and/or harass the inhabitants of a quiet peaceful neighborhood, and defeat the agency pursuing him.

While the plot is much more simple than thematically compelling, that’s not what players will play this game for. Players will be moved to laughter with almost every comical cutscene that takes place throughout the game and will be generally charmed by its very basic initial premise. The cinematic finishes players can execute while defeating enemies are also hilarious at times and only add to Squirrel with a Gun’s overall comedic aesthetic. 

In a market that is becoming increasingly difficult to stand out among the crowd with more indie titles released year after year, Squirrel with a Gun’s wonderfully hilarious and engaging experience does an excellent job of standing out among many other titles.

This game was reviewed on the PC.

During Xbox’s day 3 Gamescom livestream, DeeDeeCreations and Maximum Entertainment announced the console release date for Squirrel with a Gun with a new trailer, and it’s not too far away. The game will release for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on October 15, roughly a month and a half after it debuts on PC. Check out the trailer below, which showcases new gameplay footage, highlighting the game’s weapons, combat and traversal mechanics, and more. 

Squirrel with a Gun will first release for PC on August 29. To learn more about the game, make sure to check out our interview with game director Dan DeEntremont.

Focused on the titular squirrel, players rampage through an urban sandbox after escaping a secret facility. While they must evade the Agents seeking their recapture, an impressive arsenal of weapons, from sniper rifles to rocket launchers, is available. Of course, there are also acorns to collect, with puzzle rooms providing golden acorns as rewards.

If that weren’t enough, you can roam the neighborhood in a small vehicle, take on quests from various residents and more. Aside from PC, Squirrel with a Gun is coming to Xbox Series X/S and PC. Check out our interview with the developer here.

Star Wars Outlaws

As the first open-world single-player Star Wars title (Star Wars Galaxies – never forget), Star Wars Outlaws launches on August 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, it follows Kay Vess and her companion, Nix, as they prepare for the biggest heist the Outer Rim has ever seen. Between building – and breaking – loyalties with various syndicates, traversing through different locations, hiring experts, and engaging with space battles, there’s a lot to do, and hopefully enough compelling reasons to do them.

SteamWorld Heist 2

Turn-based side-scrolling real-time aiming strategy returns with SteamWorld Heist 2. As Captain Quincy Leeway, players recruit other Steambots to solve a rampant water crisis, as pirates do. This means breaking into restricted bases and fighting against the oppressive navy, among other threats. Alongside real-time naval combat in the overworld, there’s a new Job system, allowing each Steambot to equip different weapons to change their class and abilities. Level up, and you can mix and match skills for potent combinations. SteamWorld Heist 2 launches on August 8th for PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Sam and Max: The Devil’s Playhouse Remastered

After what seems like forever, Sam and Max are back again, once again, this time in a remaster of Telltale’s 2010 adventure. The adventure sees the Freelance Police dealing with a galaxy-trotting group of villains after Max gains psychic powers that quickly spiral out of control. The latter allows for all kinds of techniques, like mind-reading and clairvoyance, but there’s still the usual range of unorthodox characters and baffling puzzles (now with a new hint system) to experience. With updated lighting, lip-syncing, music and more, the remaster is a great way to visit the duo’s last video game adventure when it launches on August 14th for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits (Xbox)

Ember Lab’s acclaimed 3D action adventure finally comes to Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One on August 15th. It includes the Anniversary DLC for new outfits, Spirit Guide Trials, and New Game Plus, which offers more challenging battles. Xbox players also get pirate hats for their Rot (a likely nod to Sea of Thieves), alongside a Golden Rot skin and unique staff. As insignificant as those seem, experiencing Kena’s adventure for $39.99 is a pretty decent deal.

Madden NFL 25

After College Football 25 launched and captured the hearts of millions, what does Madden NFL 25 bring to the table when it launches on August 16th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and PC? Besides new broadcast teams and a revamped Franchise mode, there’s BOOM Tech for dynamic, physics-based tackling. Carrier balance and recovery have also received some retooling, allowing you to take some hits and still push through. It sounds decent, but will it be enough to compete with College Football? We’ll find out soon.

Black Myth: Wukong

Four years after its initial announcement, Game Science’s Black Myth: Wukong will launch on August 20th for PS5 and PC. Inspired by Journey to the West, you control the Destined One, wielding an extendable staff and engaging in battles with over 100 different enemies across about 15 hours of gameplay. Between the fast-paced melee combat, dodging, and magic, it boasts some truly spectacular visuals courtesy of Unreal Engine 5.

Dustborn

From Red Thread Games, the developer of Dreamfall Chapters, Dustborn is an odd adventure game where you road-trip as Pax across a dystopian republic to deliver a package. The twist is that she’s an Anomal, who can use words to force others to obey her will. When you’re not bashing robots or navigating conversations with an eclectic cast, you’re making decisions with supposedly major ramifications on the story. Dustborn arrives on August 20th and will be available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Concord

The Freerunner crew of Firewalk Studios’ upcoming hero shooter didn’t receive the most enthusiastic response following the open beta. Nevertheless, Concord promises 12 maps and six modes at launch with the same roster while offering hundreds of earnable customization items, several unique Variants per character, and no Battle Pass. Will it warrant a better response, especially for $39.99? Time will tell, but Concord is out on August 23rd for PS5 and PC.

World of Warcraft: The War Within

Following Dragonflight, World of Warcraft is embarking on a brand new trilogy, with The War Within as the first part. Set in Khaz Algar, with four unique zones, eight new dungeons and a brand new zone await. There are also new activities like Delves (which can be completed solo or co-op) alongside new Hero Talents, talents and abilities to go with the increased level cap. World of Warcraft: The War Within arrives on August 22nd for PC.

Core Keeper

While the year has seen several compelling sandbox titles, Pugstorm’s Core Keeper has racked up some respectable numbers (91 percent positive reviews, over 2 million players) since its early access launch in 2022. The premise is simple: Venture into a cavern with up to eight players and mine your way to the Core. Collect resources, craft better tools and weapons, automate processes, fish, explore, and battle powerful Titans across multiple biomes. With 1.0 launching on August 27th for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC, we can’t wait to see what else it offers.

Gundam Breaker 4

Gundam Evolution may be dead, but Bandai Namco Entertainment has a good substitute – the next Gundam Breaker. Launching on August 29th for PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch, the action RPG allows extensive customization using more than 250 kits. You can then take your creation into battle, breaking off more parts and further augmenting your creation. With optional online modes and a Diorama function for admiring your units, Gundam Breaker 4 promises to be an enthusiast’s dream come true (and at a far more affordable price).

Monster Jam Showdown

The month is surprisingly slim on racing titles, but Milestone’s Monster Jam Showdown may fix that when it launches on August 29th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. As with previous titles, you’ll control various monster trucks in off-road locations, whether it’s in the non-linear Showdown Tour or optimizing tricks in Extreme Freestyle mode. With over 40 trucks and ten modes, it’s a different racing experience that may be worth dabbling with.

Squirrel with a Gun

At first, Squirrel with a Gun appears to be just that. However, Dee Dee Creations’ title is also a sandbox shooter with some puzzling and platforming. You could spend time disposing of the strange Agents out to get you with rocket launchers, grenade launchers, six-shooters, and whatnot, or ride around the neighborhood, helping or harassing its citizens. It’s out on August 29th for PC, and Xbox Series X/S and PC this Fall.

Deathbound

If you’re seeking a more traditional Souls-like experience, there’s Deathbound, set in a medieval world at odds with its sci-fi roots. The main hook is channeling fallen warriors and using their abilities in combat. Synergizing spirits and building up the sync meter for a powerful attack is key, though plenty of challenging foes await to put you down. Deathbound launches on August 8th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, and promises over 20 hours of gameplay and New Game Plus.

Level Zero: Extraction

Extraction shooters are probably the most well-worn trend that barely got started, but Level Zero: Extraction could break out with its twists. Teaming with two other players, utilizing various military weapons with extensive customization, your job is to garner loot and extract. However, all kinds of threats are present on each map, from mines to mutants. Opposing players can also control a powerful alien with cloaking abilities and an EMP. Level Zero: Extraction enters early access for PC on August 13th, with two maps and 16 weapons. As a weird combination of Escape from Tarkov, GTFO, and more, it could be a dark horse.

"Any game developer will tell you they have a thousand ideas floating in their head at a given moment. But it takes a long time to execute an idea, so they must choose one carefully. I’ve had the idea of a squirrel holding a regular-sized gun in my head for a while."

Like many others, Squirrel with a Gun first caught my eye when its clips were doing the rounds on Twitter, and I was instantly reminded of how great video games can be when they’re not afraid to have fun and not take themselves too seriously. So, my question is, why does the squirrel have a gun? How did that idea first come up, and what was the process like of then actually designing an entire game around it?

Any game developer will tell you they have a thousand ideas floating in their head at a given moment. But it takes a long time to execute an idea, so they must choose one carefully. I’ve had the idea of a squirrel holding a regular-sized gun in my head for a while. It might have been subconsciously influenced a bit from Eddie Izzard where one of the punchlines is “We wanted diamonds, or sherbet or a squirrel with a gun!”

At inception, the only certain ideas were “Squirrel holding normal-sized gun” and “Powerful recoil.” From there, the recoil evolved into a way to enhance movement. Then, we thought “What if it came to a normal suburban neighborhood and caused some chaos?” But tormenting unarmed civilians by itself seemed a little mean-spirited and not very challenging. So then, what’s a bad guy archetype we can all get behind? Why, nameless faceless goons in suits, of course! And thus, the Agent enemies were conceived.

Squirrel with a Gun’s guns are going to be more than just weapons and will also be serving as tools for traversal and platforming. Can you tell us about what sort of depth and variety the game is going for there? Will the physics of each weapon be different and enable different movement and platforming actions?

Each gun class enhances Squirrel’s jump in a unique way. For example, the pistol will allow a few extra midair “jumps,” while the shotgun gives you a huge amount of pure verticality. A weapon such as the rocket launcher can cause extreme damage by shooting downward but can throw Squirrel incredible distances.

I understand that using guns is (obviously) the main draw here, but what will combat in Squirrel with a Gun look like when players are trying to take a more melee-centric approach?

Squirrel can be quite formidable even without a gun. There are lots of objects, such as bricks lying around that you can throw at the enemies to damage or stun them. Squirrel can even perform an unarmed face-scratch takedown on stunned enemies. You can also climb enemies, up to their neck, and snap it as a stealth takedown! There are even a few high-level moves like parrying melee attacks and grabbing rockets to ride back to the enemies who fired them. There’s a lot of options available for players once they get a handle on the basics of combat.

"An interesting thing we’ve learned is that when you play as a character 1/10th the size of a human, an entire residential block can be massive."

What can you tell us about the game’s open world sandbox? How large will the world be, and what should players expect from it in terms of the activities and optional quests it will have on offer?

An interesting thing we’ve learned is that when you play as a character 1/10th the size of a human, an entire residential block can be MASSIVE! This is actually what prompted the need to traverse with the RC Car in the first place. The Neighborhood sandbox is divided into 3 major Areas. Each Area in the Neighborhood contains a multitude of unique puzzles, often involving the Citizens. As an example, one location has a man wearing a party hat, alone, crying. What you must do is bring him a cake while avoiding nearby agents. Completing these puzzles typically gives you an Outfit piece or a Golden Acorn. Collecting enough Golden Acorns is the key to unlocking new vehicles and opening other Areas of the Neighborhood. In addition to the sandbox area, Squirrel will occasionally travel underground into agent “Bunkers” where there are more golden acorns to collect, along with a few bosses to fight.

How many different types of vehicles will players be able to drive around the world? Will the game also have driving-focused side activities?

There are 3 types of vehicles in the game. The one on land, another for water and one for the air! There are a few Golden Acorns and combat areas in the game that will require vehicles.

What should we expect from Squirrel with a Gun’s progression mechanics? Will players be finding new ways to become more powerful as they progress forward beyond new weapons?

Throughout the game, Squirrel can find “Reload Energy,” which allows it a certain number of reloads to any gun it is currently holding. As the player collects Reload Energy throughout the game, they can continuously use their gun in combat without the need to run away to look for more ammo. Squirrel is mainly enhanced by the guns and outfits it has equipped, though we do have a hidden “leveling” mechanic, which is tied to how many Golden Acorns it has collected. The higher the level, the longer its health bar gets.

"We are working on a lot of fun costumes and accessories."

I imagine the fact that the game’s protagonist is a squirrel probably opens up some really unique and interesting ideas where cosmetic customization options are concerned. What should players expect from the game in that area?

Yes! We are working on a lot of fun costumes and accessories. Some accessories keep with the idea of “human sized thing held by a squirrel” such as a wedding ring being used as a tiara. Some outfits can enhance Squirrel’s abilities. The bomb suit can make it immune to explosions (at the cost of running speed). And there are, of course, different colored furs based on different squirrel species.

Do you have plans to add any multiplayer elements to the game?

Squirrel with a Gun will be a single-player experience.

Roughly how long will an average playthrough of the game be?

Based on time spent so far in playtests, we expect the game will have around 10 hours of content.