8 games coming out in August you need to know about

It's nearly August, there's a heat dome over New York, and everything feels like it's melting.

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The good news is that August is jam-packed with a tons of awesome new game releases, so you can hunker down in your air-conditioned living room and pretend that global warming isn't real.

Here are eight awesome games coming out that you can use an excuse to not go outside.

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"Abzû"

abzu
505 Games/Giant Squid

Let's get this out of the way: "Abzû" is gorgeous. This meditative and mysterious game is all about exploring the mysteries of the deep blue sea.

As you explore its lush and detailed environments, you'll find seemingly alien technology that slowly hints at some larger mystery that will slowly reveal itself over time. 

If you've ever played "Journey" for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, you'll want to check out "Abzû" — Matt Nava, who served as the art director on "Journey," is the creative lead for "Abzû," so the two games will likely feel similar in tone. That's good news.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC

Release date: August 2

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"Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1"

batman telltale
Telltale

Have you ever wondered what it's like to live as a superhero, balancing your real-life obligations with your duties as a caped crusader?

"Batman: The Telltale Series" wants to let you live that fantasy.

All games made by Telltale play like interactive stories — much more so than the typical video game — and they are almost always excellent. In fact, the game is parsed out into multiple chapters that release over the course of several months, much more like a television series than anything else.

You'll choose how Batman (Or Bruce Wayne, depending on the scene) responds to a variety of situations, and those choices will have implications on how the story ultimately plays out. So choose carefully.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC/Mac OS, mobile platforms

Release Date: August 2

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"No Man's Sky"

No Man's Sky Explore Trailer
PlayStation/YouTube

"No Man's Sky" is one of the most anticipated games of the last several years, and soon we'll finally be able to get our hands on it.

The game takes the phrase "open world" to a whole new level: You'll have the freedom to explore all of its 18 quintillion planets, fighting hostile alien wildlife, mining for resources, and cataloging foreign flora and fauna.

The game is also technically multiplayer, meaning that you could run into a friend if you happen to be in the same area at the same time, but that's not likely: It would take you over 500 billion years to see every single planet.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC

Release date: August 9

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"Brut@l"

Brut@l Screenshot
Stormcloud Games

"Brut@l" is kind of like a mix of "Tron" and "Diablo."

It has a stylish, computerized art style, but you'll be traveling through dungeon-like environments, fighting dragons and other vicious critters.

It's also a multiplayer game, so you'll have to fight with your friends over who gets to play as the Warrior, Mage, Ranger, and Amazon.

Platforms: PlayStation 4

Release date: August 9

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"Bound"

bound screenshot
Sony Santa Monica

"Bound" sounds like it could be just an ordinary exploration-based platforming game, but what makes it so intriguing is its amazing art style. The main character is a little girl whose every movement is like that of an elegant dancer.

Just take a look at how she tip-toes across this beam:

If you're up for something a little different from the usual guns and magic that are so common in gaming, check out "Bound." It looks beautiful.

Platforms: PlayStation 4

Release date: August 16

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"Resident Evil 4"

resident evil 4 playstation 4
Capcom

If you were a fan of the original "Resident Evil 4" when it came out in 2005, you'll have a chance to play it again on PlayStation 4.

This classic survival-horror action game has been lightly spiffed-up for HD televisions, but it's not a full re-make, like the newest "Ratchet and Clank."

But, given how well-regarded "Resident Evil 4" was when it first came out, why mess with it? 

Platform: PlayStation 4

Release date: August 16

 

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"Grow Up"

grow up game
Ubisoft

Your MOM's bits and pieces are scattered all over the place and your job is to pick them all up. But don't worry, MOM is just the name of the super computer that helps the hero of "Grow Up" navigate his environment and identify flora and fauna.

You play as BUD, short for "Botanical Utility Droid," in this sequel to the equally charming and silly "Grow Home" from February 2015. In that game, you had to carefully climb to the top of huge plant structures, harvesting seeds and trying not to tumble to your death in the process.

If "Grow Up" is anything like its predecessor, you're in for a fun ride.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Release date: August 16

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"Deus Ex: Mankind Divided"

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Square Enix

"Deus Ex: Mankind Divided" takes place in a dystopian future where individuals augmented with technological implants (colloquially called "Augs") are seen as dangerous second-class citizens in need of strong oversight.

You'll play as Adam Jensen, one of these so-called "Augs." 

It plays like a first-person shooter, but there's all sorts of deep customizations, upgrades, and dialogue options that will help flesh out the experience into something a bit more substantial.

Platforms: PlayStation 4

Release date: August 23

Gaming PlayStation 4 Xbox One
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