The Best Game of August 2017

The Best Games of August 2017

Honorable Mention: Life is Strange: Before the Storm – Episode 1

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Starting with a couple of honorable mentions, check out the Twinfinite’s Staff picks for our best games of August 2017 which includes of course, our Game of the Month!

Guides Editor Chris Jecks: Deck Nine’s first episode of Before the Storm felt familiar. That’s not a bad thing, in fact, it’s quite the contrary. As I jumped into this prequel series, I was skeptical about just how true to the original this series would be, especially considering the time control mechanics that made the original so unique were absent this time around. However, after a few hours of being back in Arcadia Bay and seeing the opening chapter to Chloe Price and Rachel Amber’s story, I couldn’t be more excited to see what lies in store.

Replacing Max’s time control ability is a Talkback mechanic, allowing Chloe to use her quick wit and smart-talking skills to win people over in arguments. This is not only a perfect fit for a sassy teen protagonist like Chloe, but it helps to divert your attention from the absence of time manipulation, and focuses it on the more in-depth decision system present in Before the Storm.

Outside of these more impactful decisions, the core experience largely remains the same, and that’s exactly what fans wanted. It didn’t take long for Before the Storm to get its hooks into me. Its soundtrack was just as emotive as the originals, the narrative is captivating, and the writing, for the most part, is solid. The scripting for Chloe, in particular, is true to the character, and her complete disregard for authority had me smiling away to myself throughout.

Before the Storm’s first episode is an excellent opening for this prequel. Chloe is more than capable of filling the shoes of Max as an endearing, strong protagonist, a deeper choice and consequence system than the original has me second-guessing even seemingly minor decisions, and some intriguing mysteries surrounding the story have definitely piqued my interest. Returning to Arcadia in Before the Storm is just as immersive and enthralling as the original series, and it feels hella good.

The Best Games of August 2017

Honorable Mention: Madden NFL 18

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Editor in Chief Ed McGlone: I’ve done the last few Madden reviews and after harping year after year that the series has to do something to freshen up, it finally did and I have to give credit where it is due. I wasn’t convinced that Longshot mode would be something that I would care about or thought add value, but it actually quite enjoyable. It’s corny and cliche, but that’s the best part about it. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and instead just focuses on being something fun for long time Madden veterans to sink their teeth into as a distraction from their usual main activity, and also serves as an entry point for newcomers to Madden to give it a try.

Aside from Longshot Madden NFL 18 is the most feature packed version of the game to date especially for those interested in online competitive play. If it wasn’t clear to fans by now, Madden Ultimate Team is without a doubt the premiere mode of Madden, and it’s rich with tournaments, challenges, and ways to play with your fantasy squad. If all of this is something you can get into, then Madden NFL 18 is going to provide you with many hours of entertainment this season.

The Best Games of August 2017

Honorable Mention: Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle Review

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Reviews Editor Zhiqing Wan: Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle isn’t a game that anyone saw coming in 2017, but somehow it’s become one of the most impressive and beautiful tactical RPGs we’ve played this year. Crafting a game that brought Nintendo’s iconic characters together with Ubisoft’s wacky Rabbids ended up being a winning formula for an RPG that’s packed full of comedy and charming personality every step of the way.

Aesthetics aside, Ubisoft has also succeeded in producing a game that’s equally satisfying to play. Kingdom Battle’s style of gameplay is very reminiscent of that of XCOM, where every character on map has a hit percentage, which can vary depending on your positioning and cover. The combat and upgrade systems are surprisingly deep as well, with a wide selection of characters with unique abilities that you can choose from, along with weapons with different super effects to complement your play style. Don’t let the goofy cover art fool you, either; Kingdom Battle is no cake walk, and its vibrant boss battles will truly push your skills to the limit.

Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is quite possibly one of the best crossover games we’ve seen in recent years, and it’s obvious that Ubisoft has put a lot of thought into the game’s little details and intricacies when considering how best to handle the interactions between characters like Mario, Peach, and their Rabbid counterparts. The game is yet another shining gem to add to the Switch’s growing library, and Switch owners would be remiss to pass it up.

The Best Game of August 2017: Sonic Mania

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Editor in Chief Ed McGlone: Up until Sonic Mania was in the hands of the masses, many jaded Sonic fans and observers of the franchise believed that the Sonic franchise was too tarnished to ever return to its high point of the 90s. While the series certainly has improved since the low mark that was Sonic ’06, the newer Modern Sonic gameplay has remained divisive. However Sonic Mania has delivered the first unequivocal hit for the Blue Blur in a long time.

For fans of “Classic Sonic” it’s the perfect return to form. The gameplay feels exactly like the original Genesis games but is loaded with new experiences. There are both old and new stages, but the returning stages have acts that are remixed to the point that they are essentially brand new zones with a fresh coat of nostalgic paint. It masterfully mixes all of the best moments of the Genesis (and Sonic CD) games and does it intelligently. Sonic Mania never beats you over the head with references and instead you’ll find yourself smiling and nodding as you whiz by a familiar Badnik or level mechanic.

Between playing through the main mode with the three different characters and various combinations, gathering up the Chaos Emeralds, uploading your fastest times to an online leaderboard, or playing with a friend in a Sonic 2 style versus mode, there’s a ton to do in what is a $20 package.

Sonic Mania is the ultimate return to form for the franchise and hopefully is a pivot point toward more great games for the franchise.

That does it for our August 2017 Game of the Month. Congratulations to Sonic Mania! What do you think were the best games from last month? Let us know in the comments.