E3 has come and gone, and we're in the post-convention lull. We have a lot of things to look forward to, though, including a new Avengers game, a new Star Wars title, and a Keanu Reeves vocal performance. Unfortunately, it will be awhile before we get to see or play any of these games.
This month, there are re-releases of popular titles, registration deadlines for video game competitions, and final content releases for ongoing titles. At the end of the month, there are also a couple of high-profile game launches.
Here is your video game news round-up for July 2019.
Xbox Live Gold Free Video Games for July 2019
Xbox One
'Big Crown: Showdown' (July 1 to July 15)
This is a couch/online co-op game with a medieval theme. Beat up your friends in a chaotic, colorful world as you jump from platform to platform.
'Inside' (July 1 to July 31)
From the same people who brought you indie sensation Limbo, Inside is another puzzle game with creepy atmospherics.To say much more would spoil the experience, but suffice to say, it didn't get multiple Game of the Year nominations in 2016 for no reason.
Xbox 360 (backwards compatible)
'Castlevania: Symphony of the Night' (July 1 to 15)
If you're in the mood for a bonafide classic, check out Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, first released in 1997. Along with Super Metroid, this game birthed the "Metroidvania" genre that is ever-so-popular amongst indie game developers.
'Meet the Robinsons' (July 16 to July 31)
Based on the 2007 animated film, this third person shooter has a time travel plot and the classic Disney charm.
Playstation Plus Free Video Games for July 2019
'PES 2019: Pro Evolution Soccer' (July 2)
An elite soccer simulator with photorealistic models and sophisticated strategy, PES 2019 ups the customization and move variety from prior iterations. This is the 18th installment in the annual sports franchise.
'Horizon Chase Turbo' (July 2)
Think of a classic arcade car racer from the '90s, give it some modern polish and graphics, and you'll have Horizon Chase Turbo. This is how nostalgia is supposed to be done.
'Red Dead Redemption 2' Soundtrack (July 12)
Red Dead Redemption 2, one of the most successful games of 2018, is making its memorable music commercially available this July. You'll be able to buy both the original score and the soundtrack, which includes the climactic "Unshaken" by D'Angelo, and the "Cruel Cruel World" end credits song by John Homme of Queens of the Stone Age.
Last Chance To Register for EVO 2019 (July 14)
Evo is the biggest fighting game tournament in the world, and it's returning from August 2 to August 4 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Anyone can enter the tournament, which includes games such as Mortal Kombat 11, Street Fighter V, Tekken 7, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and more.
San Diego Comic-Con 2019 (July 18 to July 21)
The massive comic/sci-fi/fantasy convention is mostly for TV and movies, but multiple video game companies, including Capcom and Skybound, will also be in attendance. Expect a few surprise announcements from game developers to mark the occasion. Or, just go to the convention to gawk at the incredible cosplay—just make sure to ask permission before snapping pics.
Final 'Splatoon 2' Splatfest (July 18 to July 21)
Nintendo has supported Splatoon 2 on the Nintendo Switch for two years, and its last add-on comes in the form of a final, epic Splatfest. Online support will continue on; you'll now be able to create private Splatfests with the latest updated software.
'Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order' (July 19)
Currently exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, this game will allow you play as Iron Man, Luke Cage, Black Panther, Spider-Man, and more. Enemy bosses include Thanos, Loki, and The Kingpin. The game's plot will be a variation on the comics' Infinity War storyline, and exist separately from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
'Beyond: Two Souls' on PC (July 22)
From the developer behind Heavy Rain and Detroit: Become Human, this game is about a young girl with telekinetic powers, who is trained and later hunted down by the government. It was originally released as a Playstation exclusive in 2013, but this is the first time it will be available on PC.
'Kill La Kill' (July 26)
Based off of the anime series of the same name, Kill La Kill is a 3D fighting game with a distinctive, stylized look. The game's storyline follows the main plot beats of the show, and you engage in flashy fights while navigating the political oppressiveness of Honnōji Academy. It will be available on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
'Wolfenstein: Youngblood' (July 26)
Taking place two decades after the events of Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, Wolfenstein: Youngblood is the next chapter in alternate American history, where the Nazis won World War II. You play as one of B.J. Blazkowicz's twin daughters, and travel to Paris to find your father. The prior game was pulpy, trashy fun; here's to hoping that its sequel is more of the same. It will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
