Gaming Reports 
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As we move into the second half of 2024, the game release schedule is picking up steam. July is particularly notable, with several highly anticipated live-service games taking the spotlight. Among these are the new Final Fantasy XIV expansion, Dawntrail, Nexon’s The First Descendant, and Hoyoverse’s Zenless Zone Zero. In addition to these, a variety of intriguing smaller titles and delayed releases also add to the excitement. Here’s a detailed look at what’s coming this July.
Major Releases
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail
- Release Date: July 2
- Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S
Final Fantasy XIV’s latest expansion, Dawntrail, kicks off the month. Players can explore the tropical island of Yok Tural, embark on a new storyline, and try out two new playable classes: Pictomancer and Viper. The level cap has been raised to 100, and various tweaks are included in this fifth expansion. Notably, Xbox fans can now join the adventure following the game’s launch on Xbox Series X|S in March.
The First Descendant
- Release Date: July 2
- Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
Nexon’s The First Descendant offers a free-to-play, loot-driven action experience that will appeal to fans of Destiny and Warframe. Set on the planet Albion, players must fend off invaders as Descendants with unique abilities and firepower to protect the continent of Ingris.
Zenless Zone Zero
- Release Date: July 4
- Platforms: PC, PS5, iOS, Android
Hoyoverse’s Zenless Zone Zero blends Cyberpunk with Persona, set in the post-apocalyptic city of New Eridu. Players create avatars called Hollows to combat Ethereals and protect humanity’s last bastion. This free-to-play game promises a unique and engaging experience for fans of Hoyoverse’s previous titles.
Smaller Titles and Indie Gems
Anger Foot
- Release Date: July 11
- Platforms: PC
Anger Foot is an action-packed game where players kick their way through crime-ridden areas, taking on gangsters in slums, sewers, and skyscrapers. The game combines glutes-and-shoot gameplay with stylish visuals and customizable footwear for your character.
Aerial_Knight’s We Never Yield
- Release Date: July 16
- Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
This futuristic runner set in Detroit focuses on speed, reflexes, and a captivating soundtrack. After its initial PC launch in May, it arrives on consoles this month, promising an adrenaline-fueled experience.
Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus
- Release Date: July 17
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch
Metroidvania enthusiasts should keep an eye on Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus, which features hand-drawn animations inspired by Japanese folklore. The game combines graceful combat with an interconnected world of myth, requiring precision and finesse to overcome its challenges.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
- Release Date: July 18
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
Dungeons of Hinterberg offers a unique blend of dungeon exploration and socializing in the Alps. Players can slay monsters by day and build relationships by night, all set against a colorful and charming art style. Available on Xbox Game Pass from day one, this game is sure to captivate.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
- Release Date: July 18
- Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
Mixing elements of God of War and Elden Ring with firearms, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is a Souls-lite action game from A44, the developers of Ashen. Players use a combination of vengeance, gunpowder, and magic to challenge divine entities in this fantastical world. Another title available on Xbox Game Pass at launch.
Noteworthy Mentions
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition
- Release Date: July 18
- Platforms: Switch
A compilation of NES-themed minigames focused on speed, this title features over 150 minigames from 13 classic NES titles. It offers a nostalgic yet competitive experience, available in both digital and physical editions.
EA Sports College Football 25
- Release Date: July 19
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PS5
EA Sports returns with College Football 25, aiming to deliver the most authentic college football experience yet. Expect over-the-top grandeur, realistic gameplay mechanics, and an emphasis on home and away game dynamics.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Release Date: July 19
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Capcom’s Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is set in a mythical world filled with monsters and gods. Players take on the role of Soh, a masked warrior who defends villages from enemy spirits. This fantastical samurai game is also a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass.
The Star Named EOS
- Release Date: July 23
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch
Photography enthusiasts and puzzle lovers should check out The Star Named EOS. This story-rich adventure game lets players explore a beautiful hand-drawn world, capture fleeting moments through photography, and uncover a family mystery. It promises a deeply engaging and artistic experience.
Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure
- Release Date: July 25
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Switch
Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure is perfect for those who enjoy testing their problem-solving skills. Set in a world built on an interconnected grid, players move grids and columns to progress. Playing as Jemma, you’ll embark on a journey of self-discovery, helping a world that has become stagnant.
Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance
- Release Date: July 25
- Platforms: PC, iOS, Android
The latest entry in the beloved tower-defense series, Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance, keeps the classic formula intact. Players can expect challenging landscapes, powerful towers, and new enemies in this colorful and strategic game.
Delayed Releases
Frostpunk 2
- New Release Date: September 20
Initially scheduled for July 25, Frostpunk 2’s release has been pushed back to September 20. Developer 11 Bit Studios cited the need for additional features and feedback from recent beta testing as reasons for the delay, aiming to deliver the best possible experience on day one.
Complete July 2024 Game Release Schedule
- Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S) – July 2
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (Mac, iOS) – July 2
- The First Descendant (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) – July 2
- Zenless Zone Zero (PC, PS5, iOS, Android) – July 4
- The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch) – July 5
- Lifeless Moon (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) – July 9
- Once Human (PC) – July 9
- Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (Switch) – July 11
- Anger Foot (PC) – July 11
- Darkest Dungeon II (PS5, PS4) – July 15
- Aerial_Knight’s We Never Yield (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) – July 16
- Cataclismo (PC) – July 16
- EvilVEvil (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) – July 16
- Flock (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) – July 16
- Magical Delicacy (PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) – July 16
- Nobody Wants to Die (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) – July 17
- Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch) – July 18
- Dungeons of Hinterberg (PC, Xbox Series X|S) – July 18
- Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) – July 18
- Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition (Switch) – July 18
- Schim (PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC) – July 18
- EA Sports College Football 25 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S) – July 19
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) – July 19
- Été (PC) – July 23
- F1 Manager 2024 (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) – July 23
- Rawmen: Food Fighter Arena (PC) – July 23
- The Star Named EOS (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch) – July 23
- Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure (PS5, Switch, PC) – July 25
- Earth Defense Force 6 (PS5, PS4, PC) – July 25
- Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance (PC, iOS, Android) – July 25
- Thrasher (Quest 3, Quest 2, PC) – July 25
- Tokyo Xanadu eX+ (Switch) – July 25
- One Piece Odyssey (Switch) – July 26
July 2024 is packed with a diverse array of games, from major expansions and highly anticipated live-service titles to charming indie games and delayed releases. Gamers have plenty to look forward to as the summer heats up
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