As August 2025 comes to a close, it’s clear this month delivered a solid lineup of games even before the big fall release storm begins. We saw a couple of heavy-hitting remakes – Gears of War: Reloaded and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater – battling for players’ attention. Each spoke to its own audience, so it never felt like they were stepping on each other’s toes. And while not everyone is eager to revisit old classics, August also brought a handful of fresh, quirky titles that offered something lighter and more unusual. Looking back, it was a month packed with variety, and here are the standouts in the order they launched.
Mafia: The Old Country
Released on August 8 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, Mafia: The Old Country kicked off the month with a bang. Announced in summer 2024, it surprised many with its gritty Sicilian setting at the dawn of the 20th century. Players stepped into the shoes of Enzo Favara, an orphan navigating the mafia under the watchful eye of Don Torrisi.
With Unreal Engine 5 powering its rural landscapes and old-world towns, the game felt cinematic from start to finish. Brutal knife fights, tense stealth moments, and shootouts captured the essence of classic crime sagas. And while the open world wasn’t GTA-level in scope, it provided a rich backdrop for the linear, story-driven missions.
One quirky detail: Italian voice-overs weren’t available at launch, leaving subtitles to carry the authenticity. Developers hinted at adding Sicilian dialects later, but by the end of August, players were still waiting. Even so, the atmosphere was so strong you could practically smell the vineyards and gunpowder.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Definitive Edition
On August 14, PC players revisited one of the most beloved RTS titles of the 2000s with Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Definitive Edition. This wasn’t a new game, but a polished revival of the original 2004 release plus all its expansions.
Upgraded textures, shadows, and lighting gave the game a new shine while staying true to its roots. The camera tweaks made battlefield management smoother, proving that a 20-year-old RTS can still hold up in 2025. Long-time fans dove back into nostalgic campaigns, while newcomers got a chance to see why this game was hailed as a classic.
One of the highlights was the built-in mod manager. With the shift to 64-bit, the modding community now has even more room to experiment. By the end of the month, creative tweaks and community content were already starting to flow in. For the Emperor, indeed.
Bendy: Lone Wolf
August 15 brought us Bendy: Lone Wolf on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. Joey Drew Studios delivered one of the most atmospheric indie survival horror experiences of the year.
Set in a haunted animation studio, the game’s sepia-toned 1930s cartoon style was both unique and deeply unsettling. Playing as Boris the wolf, players pieced together sinister secrets while solving puzzles and dodging relentless “ink monsters.” The tension escalated the longer you survived, keeping adrenaline levels high.
The mix of cute-yet-creepy visuals and survival horror gameplay made Lone Wolf stand out in August. It wasn’t just about scares, it was about style – and it succeeded in carving out a niche all its own.
Sword of the Sea
Released August 19 on PC and PlayStation 5, Sword of the Sea quickly became one of the month’s most talked-about “chill” games. Developed by the creator of Journey, ABZÛ, and The Pathless, it lived up to expectations with its breathtaking visuals and meditative gameplay.
Players glided across vast deserts and ruins on the “aeroblade,” a hybrid of snowboard, surfboard, and sword. Combat was almost nonexistent, replaced by serene exploration and world restoration. Playing as The Ghost, you revived a barren necropolis into vibrant, living landscapes.
From surfing alongside giant flying orcas to exploring surreal ancient ruins, the game leaned into wonder and atmosphere. By the end of August, many players described it as a spiritual successor to Journey – the kind of game you experience rather than just play.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
On August 28, the much-anticipated Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater dropped for PC, PS5, and Xbox. This remake of the 2004 classic brought Hideo Kojima’s iconic Cold War stealth epic roaring into 2025.
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the jungle environments looked richer and more lifelike than ever. Sneaking through tall grass, crawling through mud, and camouflaging in face paint felt both nostalgic and cutting-edge. Character models were painstakingly rebuilt, and the new injury system – complete with scars that carried through the story – added an extra layer of realism.
Gameplay was smoother too. Delta fixed the clunky menus and camera angles of the original, making it far more accessible without losing the signature stealth tension. By the end of the month, fans agreed: this was a respectful, gorgeous remake that honored Snake’s legacy while modernizing the experience.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
Closing out the month on August 29, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance reignited a franchise that first began in 1987. Released across all major platforms, the game delivered fast, punishing 2D platforming with a modern hand-drawn aesthetic.
Players guided ninja Joe Musashi through levels packed with demons, samurai, and deadly bosses. The story of vengeance for his stone-cursed clan tied directly into the old-school spirit of Shinobi, but the visuals were sharp and new. With shurikens, swords, and powerful ninpo magic, the combat felt fresh yet faithful.
It wasn’t an easy ride, though. Just like the classics, Art of Vengeance demanded skill, patience, and plenty of retries. For fans of hardcore action platformers, it was the perfect way to cap off August.
Bonus Titles
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The Rogue Prince of Persia: This indie gem finally left Early Access in August, cementing its reputation as a stylish 2D roguelike worth your time.
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Echoes of the End: Released August 12 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, this Iceland-inspired fantasy adventure blended puzzles, cinematic storytelling, and dramatic world-building.
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Gears of War: Reloaded: Landing August 26, it served mainly as fan service. A remaster of a remaster, it still found its place among series loyalists.
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Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World: On August 28, Kirby returned in a polished, high-refresh-rate adventure exclusive to Nintendo’s new console.
One More Thing – Level Up Your Playtime with BUFF
Looking back at August, one theme is clear: variety. From remakes of beloved classics to fresh indies with bold styles, there was something for everyone. And while you’re clocking in hours across these titles, why not get rewarded for it?
That’s where BUFF comes in. BUFF runs quietly in the background while you play, turning your gaming time into points you can redeem for gift cards, skins, and more. Imagine grinding through the brutal battles of Warhammer or sneaking through Metal Gear Solid Delta while also earning Buffs toward real-world rewards. It’s gaming with perks, and it fits perfectly with a month like August, where variety kept us all busy.
So here’s to August 2025: a month that proved summer gaming doesn’t have to be quiet. September may bring the fall blockbusters, but August set the stage with style.
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