Welcome one and all to the one year anniversary of my top anticipated games of the month! A lot has changed over this year, including a new website. But one thing that has stayed the same for the most part is this list. So, without further ado, let's get into this list. But anyone who has seen my previous lists would know, let's get into the rules.

The game has to be released on at least one of the major systems (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch). The game has to be new, so no remasters or re-releases onto new systems. One thing I do count is a game either entering or exiting early access, but that game can only be counted once. If a game does have multiple release dates like Destiny 2 or GTA 5, then I will only count the earliest release date. Finally, it has to be a game, not a DLC. With the rules out of the way, let's look at my top picks for August.

5. Phantom Doctrine

Phantom Doctrine, by CreativeForge Games, is a turn-based strategy game that has you play as a secret group known as the Cabal going around stopping others from pitting leaders against each other in the midst of the Cold War. Long story short, it's XCOM in the Cold War. That phrase in and of itself already gets me excited for this game, but there are more things to get excited about. The developers also made Hard West, it is said to have a lot of gameplay with replayability, stealth is a viable option to the game, you can play against others in multiplayer, and last but not least, you can make an investigation board. I had a solid time with Hard West, so if this game improves upon the flaws of that game, then I am all in. Phantom Doctrine is interrogating its way to PS4, Xbox One, and PC on the 14th.

4. Overcooked! 2

The chaotic cooking cooperative by Ghost Town Games is back. The game stays mostly the same to the original, but with new levels, ingredients, and strategies. Overcooked is a game I always tell myself I'm going to play, but never actually play. It's chaotic cooperative gameplay and fun art style have always made me want to jump right in, but I still haven't. Maybe this game will finally do it for me. Overcooked! 2 is dishing up an August 7th release date for all four systems.

3. Dead Cells

Dead Cells, by Motion Twin, has you dashing, stabbing, slicing, and shooting your way across generated metroidvania-style levels in this action-platformer game. I love this game. The combat is tough-but-fun, the levels feel really good for being generated, and the game is flowing with replayability. So, why didn't I rank this game higher on the list? Despite its August 7th release date, Dead Cells has been in early access for awhile, and I have already played some of it. Still, this upcoming release date gives me another reason to hop right back in. Just like another indie above, Dead Cells has the same release date and is also releasing on all four platforms.

2. Strange Brigade

Strange Brigade by Rebellion has you playing as an adventurer in the 30s uncovering the mysteries of Egypt in this up-to four player third person cooperative adventure game. I actually got to try this at Gamestop Expo last year, and my experience with the game is positive. The thirties Indiana Jones theme is fun, the levels are fast-paced and vibrant, and the shooting feels solid. Of course, things can change over a year; but if the game is still like the one I played, then that's great. I do fear that it is now releasing in an over-saturated cooperative shooter market, but I believe this game can carve a name out for itself. Stay tuned for its August 28th release for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

1. We Happy Few

We Happy Few, by Compulsion Games, has you surviving in an alternate drugged-out version of 1964 England as you try to escape from this crazy world. The game launched awhile ago to a mixed feeling as for the product didn't fit with the advertising. But over the years, the game has been changed to fit what we all thought the game would be. I don't know what the game was like before or now, but I am excited to jump in either way. The psychedelic 60s setting, interesting story, and fun game mechanics have me excited to play this game. The game will release on the 10th for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

Bonus: Some More Games

Here are some more games releasing this month that didn't make the cut because it didn't meet the rule requirements or I wasn't excited enough about. Death's Gambit, Firewall Zero Hour, Graveyard Keeper, Ground Branch, Monster Hunter World, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, Post Scriptum, Puss!, Regular Human Basketball, State of Mind, This is the Police 2, Two Point Hospital, Walking Dead Final Season ep1.

That about sums up the list. This is a pretty exciting month this month, and looking at the next few months they are only going to get better. Thank you all for reading, and tune in next month for some more games.