New games for 2025: a calendar of major releases

Contents:

• Mafia: Land of Ancient Traditions
• Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War — Definitive Edition
• Gears of War: Rebirth
• Metal Gear Solid Delta: Return to Snake's Roots
• Lost Soul Aside
• Shinobi: The Art of Vengeance

August marks the end of the classic summer lull in the world of video games. Fall is just around the corner, and the traditional flood of releases will soon begin, but before then, we still have plenty of interesting games to look forward to. In the coming weeks, we will be delighted with remakes of three iconic titles, a new game in the Mafia series, and a few more surprises. You will find all the details in our review.

Contents

• Mafia: The Old Country
• Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Complete Edition
• Gears of War: Reloaded
• Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a reimagining of the classic game Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. This update retains the original storyline, set in the chronological order of the Cold War. Players assume the role of Naked Snake, tasked with a challenging mission to eliminate his former mentor, known as Big Boss.

  During the game, Snake will encounter a variety of enemies and witness numerous dramatic moments that shape his character and lay the foundation for future conflicts in the Metal Gear universe. Stealth mechanics remain a key element of the gameplay, allowing players to choose between a stealthy approach or open confrontation with enemies.

  Graphics and sound have received significant improvements, creating a more immersive atmosphere. Additionally, the updated version includes new elements that enrich the experience while maintaining the spirit of the original. Thus, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater gives both old fans and new players the opportunity to relive this legendary story.

• Lost Soul Aside
• Shinobi: The Art of Vengeance

Mafia: Land of Ancient Traditions

Release date: August 8.

Gaming platforms: personal computers, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S and X.

The prequel to the Mafia trilogy immerses us in the exciting world of crime dramas, exploring conflicts between gangsters, mainly with Italian and Sicilian roots. However, in the third part, the plot focuses on a black American who is a veteran of the Vietnam War. Unlike previous games, which were set in fictional US cities, The Old Country will take players to Sicily at the beginning of the 20th century, immersing them in the atmosphere of the formation of the local criminal community.

The story's protagonist is a young man named Enzo Favara, who comes from an ordinary mining family. His dream is to join the Torrisi mafia organization, believing it will open the door to wealth, power, and a carefree existence. However, as is typical of the genre, the reality turns out to be considerably more disturbing.

According to available information, The Old Country will introduce some changes to the gameplay compared to previous titles. While it remains a third-person action game, players will not be able to explore a vast open world. The game will have a mostly linear structure.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War — Definitive Edition

Release date: August 15th.

Platforms: PC

The updated version of the cult real-time strategy from Relic Entertainment, created based on the famous Warhammer 40,000 universe, is ready to delight fans. The new edition will not only feature the original but also all expansions, allowing players to enjoy four extensive story campaigns. The Definitive Edition also offers nine unique factions, including Space Marines, Orks, Eldar, and Necrons. In addition, users will be offered over two hundred maps for multiplayer mode.

Of course, visual improvements will play a significant role in the updated version. Among them are 4K textures, improved lighting, and more realistic shadows and reflections. The camera and interface will also be optimized, adapted for widescreen displays. These are just some of the innovations that players can expect. For dedicated fans, it's important that the new version will support most of the modifications created for the original and its expansions over the past two decades.

Gears of War: Rebirth

Release date: August 26.

Gaming platforms: personal computers, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S and X.

The second remaster of the legendary Gears of War, originally released in 2006, has been released. As a reminder, the first updated version, known as Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, debuted in 2015. However, the question remains why a new remaster was needed for a game that already looks quite attractive in its original version.

The list of improvements seems quite familiar: support for 4K resolution, 60 frames per second in the single-player campaign and the ability to run up to 120 FPS in multiplayer modes, textures and visual effects of improved quality, as well as all additional content. No changes are expected in the storyline and gameplay - it is still a dark third-person shooter, telling the story of the conflict between humanity and the aggressive Locust for possession of the planet Sera, rich in valuable resources.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake's Return to the Roots

Release date: August 28.

Gaming platforms: personal computers, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S and X.

A new version of the third part of the famous spy franchise Metal Gear Solid, originally developed by Hideo Kojima, has been created. This remake was created without the participation of the renowned Japanese game designer, but it retained all the main aspects of the original, including the plot, its presentation, gameplay, as well as the style of cutscenes and character voice acting. As an innovation, the Unreal Engine 5 is used here, on which the updated game runs. Thanks to this technology, the visual design of the remake meets modern graphic requirements.

The plot of the game Snake Eater serves as a prequel to the entire franchise. The story centers on a young American agent named Naked Snake, who goes to the Siberian jungle, where, according to rumors, a certain "Shagohod" is being developed - an installation with the ability to launch nuclear missiles from any terrain. During his search, Snake soon discovers that his mentor, known as The Boss, is in the same jungle. However, doubts arise, as she appears to be collaborating with the Soviet military, which raises many questions. During his perilous journey, he not only finds the answers to these questions, but also gains the opportunity to prevent a potential war between the United States and the USSR.

Lost Soul Aside

Release date: August 29.

Platforms: PC, PS5

The similarities between Lost Soul Aside and the renowned Devil May Cry series are evident from the very first seconds: both games feature a main character in an elegant black cloak battling monsters, and the gameplay is dynamic slashers where combos and the use of a variety of unique abilities play a key role. However, Lost Soul Aside stands out from its sibling thanks to its significant emphasis on RPG elements. This allows players to improve the main character's stats and unlock new abilities, which adds depth to the gameplay.

Lost Soul Aside truly has its own original universe. The game takes place in a fictional world under the oppression of a cruel tyrant. The main character, Kaser, is a young man who fights for the resistance, striving to put an end to the despotic rule. However, the inhabitants of this world soon face an even more serious threat: aliens from other dimensions, called Voidrax, suddenly appear, intent on taking over Kazer's homeland and eliminating all who oppose them.

During the attack, unforeseen events also affect Kazer's sister, Louise. In response, Kazer embarks on a perilous journey to free his world from the invaders and rescue his sister. Along this challenging journey, he must collaborate with Arena, a mysterious warrior with the ability to transform into various weapons and even a dragon, who aids Kazer in battles against his enemies. It is noteworthy that Arena is one of the invaders from the Voidrax race, but, tired of watching the destruction that her relatives cause to other worlds, she decided to go over to the side of good and oppose them.

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Shinobi: The Art of Vengeance

Release date: August 29

Gaming platforms: personal computers, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S and X, Nintendo Switch.

This 2D platformer follows the adventures of a ninja named Joe Musashi, whose home village was destroyed by a mysterious spell. The protagonist begins his journey to find those responsible for this disaster and exact revenge. In combat, Joe uses his sharp katana, kunai, and other traditional ninja weapons. However, in addition to fighting opponents, players will have to explore levels, find hidden secrets and solve various puzzles.