August 2025 Gaming: 5 Must-Play Releases After August 12th
The late summer gaming drought is officially over! August 2025 brings a stellar lineup of releases that'll keep you glued to your screen well into fall. From tactical espionage remakes to Switch 2 exclusives, here's your complete guide to the must-play games releasing after August 12th.
Quick Answer: Top 5 August 2025 Releases
- Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater - August 28 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
- Shinobi: Art of Vengeance - August 29 (PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC)
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Switch 2 Edition - August 28 (Switch 2 Exclusive)
- Lost Soul Aside - August 22 (PS5, PC)
- Mafia: The Old Country - August 15 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Platform Requirements & Preparation
Hardware Checklist
- Switch 2 owners: Prepare for Kirby's enhanced adventure
- PC gamers: Ensure 100GB+ free space for Metal Gear Solid Delta
- PlayStation Plus/Xbox Game Pass: Check for day-one availability
- Storage: Clear at least 250GB for all five games
Pre-Download Windows
- Metal Gear Solid Delta: Available August 26
- Shinobi: Art of Vengeance: Available August 27
- Digital pre-orders unlock 48 hours before release
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (August 28)
Why It's Essential
Konami's ground-up remake of the beloved MGS3 brings Naked Snake's origin story to modern hardware with photorealistic graphics, enhanced controls, and quality-of-life improvements while preserving the original's tactical espionage DNA.
What's New in Delta
- Unreal Engine 5 visuals with dynamic weather
- Modernized control scheme (classic controls available)
- Enhanced CQC system with new animations
- Expanded survival mechanics
- All original voice acting preserved
- New Game+ with exclusive camo patterns
Platform Performance
- PS5: 4K/60fps or Ray Tracing/30fps modes
- Xbox Series X: Identical to PS5 with Quick Resume support
- PC: DLSS 3 support, uncapped framerate
- Steam Deck: Verified compatible at 40fps
Pro Tips Before You Play
- Play on Normal difficulty first - Delta's AI is significantly smarter
- Master the new "tactical crouch walk" for stealth sections
- Collect kerotans early for unlockable rewards
- The cure system is more complex - stock medical supplies
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (August 29)
Why It Matters
SEGA revives its classic ninja franchise with a gorgeous 2.5D action platformer that blends traditional arcade gameplay with modern combat mechanics. Think Strider meets Ghost of Tsushima in 2D.
Standout Features
- Hand-drawn art style at 120fps
- Skill tree with 50+ ninja techniques
- Roguelike "Shadow Run" mode
- 4-player co-op campaign
- Level editor with Steam Workshop support
Combat System Breakdown
- Basic Combat: Light/heavy attacks, perfect parries
- Ninjutsu: Elemental attacks consuming chakra
- Shadow Step: Teleportation dodge with i-frames
- Execution System: Instant kills on stunned enemies
Platform Differences
- Switch version launches October 1st
- PS5 uses adaptive triggers for sword tension
- PC supports ultrawide displays
- All versions feature crossplay
Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Switch 2 Edition (August 28)
Switch 2 Exclusive Enhancements
Nintendo's pink puffball returns with the definitive version of 2022's hit, featuring exclusive content that showcases Switch 2's power.
Star-Crossed Worlds DLC Included
- 8 new levels across 2 worlds
- New copy abilities: Cosmic and Mirror
- Boss rush mode with online leaderboards
- Dedede campaign unlocked from start
Technical Improvements
- Native 4K docked, 1080p handheld
- 60fps in all modes (original was 30fps)
- Ray-traced reflections in hub worlds
- Reduced loading times (2-3 seconds max)
- Enhanced Mouthful Mode physics
New Features
- Ability Fusion: Combine two abilities
- Challenge Rooms: 50 new puzzle stages
- amiibo Support: Exclusive power-ups
- Local Wireless: 4-player co-op
Lost Soul Aside (August 22)
The Long-Awaited Arrival
After 8 years in development, this indie action-RPG finally launches, delivering Devil May Cry-inspired combat with Final Fantasy aesthetics.
What to Expect
- 25-30 hour campaign
- Fluid combat combining melee and ranged attacks
- Semi-open world with Metroidvania elements
- Deep skill customization system
- Boss fights inspired by FromSoftware games
System Requirements (PC)
- Minimum: RTX 2060, 16GB RAM
- Recommended: RTX 4070, 32GB RAM
- Storage: 85GB (SSD required)
Mafia: The Old Country (August 15)
Return to Roots
Set in 1900s Sicily, this prequel takes the franchise back to the origins of organized crime with a more grounded, authentic approach.
Key Features
- Largest open world in series history
- Honor system affecting story outcomes
- Realistic weapon handling (no auto-aim)
- Italian voice acting with subtitles option
- 40+ hour campaign
Preparation Tips
- Play Mafia: Definitive Edition for story connections
- Adjust to slower, methodical gameplay pace
- Crime doesn't pay - stealth often beats shootouts
Which Game Should You Play First?
For Stealth Fans
Start with Metal Gear Solid Delta - The most content-rich experience with 30+ hours of tactical espionage action plus extensive post-game content.
For Action Enthusiasts
Grab Shinobi: Art of Vengeance - Pure arcade action that's perfect for quick sessions between longer games.
For Family Gaming
Kirby Switch 2 Edition - The enhanced co-op and accessibility options make it ideal for all ages.
For RPG Lovers
Lost Soul Aside - Deep combat systems and character progression will scratch that action-RPG itch.
For Story Focus
Mafia: The Old Country - The most narrative-driven experience with meaningful choices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't skip tutorials - Each game has unique mechanics worth learning
- Avoid spoilers - Metal Gear Solid Delta adds new story scenes
- Check storage space - These games combined need 300GB+
- Update drivers - PC players should update before August 15
- Pre-order carefully - Wait for reviews if unsure
Pre-Order Bonuses & Editions
Metal Gear Solid Delta
- Standard: Game + Legacy camo pack
- Deluxe: Season pass + OST + Artbook
- Collector's: Replica survival kit + Snake figure
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
- Standard: Game + classic Shinobi costume
- Ninja Edition: Season pass + digital OST
Kirby Switch 2
- Physical: Includes Star-Crossed Worlds DLC
- Digital Deluxe: Extra copy abilities + theme
FAQ Section
Q: Do I need to play previous Metal Gear games?
A: No, Delta is a prequel and perfect starting point for newcomers.
Q: Is Shinobi connected to previous games?
A: It's a reboot with easter eggs for fans but tells a standalone story.
Q: Can I transfer my original Kirby save to Switch 2?
A: Yes, Nintendo confirmed save transfer support with bonuses.
Q: Which game has the best value?
A: Metal Gear Solid Delta offers 30+ hours of content plus extensive replay value.
Q: Are any games coming to Game Pass?
A: No confirmations yet, but Shinobi may arrive in 2026.
Related Gaming Content
Looking ahead? September 2025 brings Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles and NBA 2K26. For more upcoming releases, check our comprehensive 2025 gaming calendar.
The late August 2025 lineup proves gaming's best experiences often arrive when summer ends. Whether you're infiltrating Soviet jungles, mastering ninja arts, or exploring Sicily's underworld, these five releases offer something for every player. Clear your calendar - August 28-29 is gaming's next big weekend.