New Releases highlights some of the top games released each week, and this episode features two games that you can grab for free. Hyper Scape, Ubisoft’s take on the battle royale trend, is completely free to play, while A Total War Saga: Troy will be free at lunchtime. This week, you can also jump into Metamorphosis, EA Sports UFC 4, and Risk of Rain 2, as it left early access.
Hyper Scape – August 11th
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Ubisoft mixes the Battle Royale formula with Hyper Scape, most notably when it comes to looting. If you pick up the same weapon multiple times, upgrade it with things like an improved firing rate and extended magazine. You will also plunder special forces, called Hacks. You do not have to beat every other scene to win both: hold on to the special crown long enough at the end of the match, and you will win.
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Risk of rain 2 – 11 August
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch
Risk of Rain 2 may take the roguelike survival game into the third dimension, but it still requires you to gather resources and fight monsters as you hope to escape its alien planet. Fortunately, you can play it solo or with friends in co-op. It leaves early access this week, at which point it will have a slight price increase.
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Metamorphosis – August 12th
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch
This is definitely the most Kafkaesque game that appeared on New Release, because you literally control a person in the body of a bug. You need to use your newfound bug skills to solve puzzles, save your friend and get back to normal.
A Total War Story: Troy – August 13th
Available on: PC
The Total War series is known for its great strategy and deep combat tactics, and this entry springs into some Greek flavor with its Trojan War setting – a conflict that you can “rewrite” depending on your gains and losses. It initially comes exclusively to the Epic Games Store, and it will be free for its first 48 hours on the market.
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EA Sports UFC August 4 – 14
Available on: PS4, Xbox One
UFC 4 does not have Joe Rogan as the Ultimate Team, but there are still some improvements to this year’s game. Clinches, takedowns, and groundwork have all been resold. You can also jump online in Blitz Battles, taking opponents back-to-back in a fast-paced tournament.
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There’s still a lot of August to go, and the moon has more expected games on the horizon. Next week we will take a look at two games that are making their comeback: Microsoft Flight Simulator and Battletoads.