Welcome to my monthly ranking of the top five anticipated games. The month? July. How many of these lists have I done? twelve. How are the games overall this month? Rather underwhelming. Still, I went in and managed to pull out some games that look good, and here are my top five. But before I get into the list, I want to put out the rules I put upon myself.

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 July.

5. Earthfall

Earthfall, a game by Holospark is a four player co-op FPS where you and some others fight an alien invasion. Think of it as Left4Dead but with aliens. But the improvements this game adds to that formula makes it a game worth checking out. The big addition to this game are building mechanics that allow you to build defenses and even print more guns. The four player co-op formula that this game uses is a solid formula that I have always had fun with, so needless to say I am excited for this game. Earthfall is coming out on PS4, PC, and Xbox One on the 13th.

4. Muddledash

Muddledash is a game by Slampunks in which you and up to three other friends race to the goal while fighting over a single present in this competitive platforming game. I always love it when developers find an interesting spin on a basic formula, and I believe that is just what this game is. Sure, they could've made a platforming game where you race from one end to the next, but this game makes you fight over a single present that will grant that person access to the finish line, which I think could be a lot of fun. Not only that, the cute visuals gives the game a great aesthetic and generated levels stops the game from getting repetitive level-wise. Muddledash is dashing its way to Steam and Switch on the 10th.

3. Pool Panic

Pool Panic is a billiards-themed game by Rekim that has you play as a cue ball exploring a strange world. I have always been a huge fan of billiards, but I have never liked playing it virtually. I only enjoy real billiards, though I have never owned a pool table so I haven't played all that much. What I love about this game is how it takes on the themes of pool while not trying to be real pool. It's a really unique pool game that tries something different, and I like that. Plus, the gameplay is packed with a lot of levels and their is a lot of variety to the gameplay as well. Pool Panic is rolling its way to Switch and Steam shelves on the 19th.

2. Banner Saga 3

Banner Saga 3 is a turn-based strategy role playing game by Stoic that has you continue your viking story from the first two games. I haven't played the first two Banner Saga games, but I have been meaning to. And a mixture of the release of this game as well as getting free copies with Twitch prime just may get me to start the series. I love turn-based strategy games, and I think combining that with a good story and great art sounds like a fantastic idea. This final trek is releasing on all four platforms on the 24th.

1. Octopath Traveler

Octopath Traveler is a 2d RPG that has you plays as eight characters as they all start their own journeys. When I first saw the game, I couldn't get my eyes off of the visuals. The lighting effects and tilted 2d camera makes this game a piece of art. But its the gameplay that also makes this game great. The gameplay calls back to a SNES era of JRPGs and the different characters allow you to play however you want to. Octopath has had my interest for awhile, and I can't wait to get my hands on the game once it finally releases on the 13th for the Switch.

Bonus: Some extra games

Here are some extra games I am interested in, but didn't quite make the list because it either doesn't meet the rule requirement or I didn't have as much interest as the top five. The games are: Red Faction Guerilla Re-Mars-Stered, Mega Man X Collection 1 and 2, Fear the Wolves, Spectrum Retreat, and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.

That is going to sum up this list. I cannot believe I have done a year's worth of these lists. What are your top picks? Put 'em down in the comments below. Thank you all for reading and tune in next month when we look at my birth month at what games are coming next.