5 Incredible Video Games to Play This Summer

So far this year, we’ve already seen the release of some of the most highly-anticipated video games. From the long-awaited Final Fantasy VII remake to the adorable Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you would think things couldn’t get any better.

The year is only halfway over, though. The summer promises to see the release of even more amazing titles. Whether you have your favorite game already queued up and waiting to play or you’re not so patiently awaiting this summer’s newest releases, here are some of the best games to play this summer.

League of Legends

Okay, so this first game is far from new, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth playing. The online multiplayer battle area game originally released back in 2009. Eleven years later, it’s one of the most popular eSports games around.

While professional gamers play LoL, regular players enjoy it to this day. Over the years, there have been numerous updates. Players have more than 120 playable champions to choose from and can customize their stats. The game sees over 100 million active users a month worldwide, allowing you to connect with players from all over. You can even bet on yourself playing games. If it’s been a while since you’ve fired up LoL, or maybe you’re finally ready to leap into the highly-ranked MOBA, this summer is the perfect opportunity.

Final Fantasy VII

Talk of a Final Fantasy VII remake circulated for over a decade. The first mention of a possibility happened all the way back in 2005. Over the next ten years, rumors flew around, but nothing was ever confirmed, until the 2015 E3 conference. It took another five years for the first part of the game to come out.

The graphics are nothing short of stunning. While some reviewers like Eurogamer find some faults, it received overall positive reviews upon release. The bold retelling is a bit different, but it brilliantly preserves the essence of the original game. The game takes around 40 hours to complete (there’s a lot to explore), giving you plenty to keep busy this summer. The most difficult part will be waiting for the next installment, which has yet to be formally announced.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

If you’re looking for something a little more laid back this summer, Animal Crossing: New Horizons may be the perfect game for you. While there are no battles and you’re limited to exploring your island, there’s still so much to do and experience.

The main goal of Animal Crossing is to meet Tom Nook’s demands and pay off your debts. There is an “ending” of sorts, but the game doesn’t truly end there. Even after the formal credits roll, you can continue to explore, build, collect, and take part in seasonal or special events.

The Last of Us: Part II

The first The Last of Us was one of the best games of the decade, meaning that the second part has a lot to live up to. It picks up several years after the end of the first game. While it begins in the safety of a thriving community, the main character (Ellie) quickly needs to leave the comforts of her home to face new dangers.

Set to be released on June 19, trailers show The Last of Us: Part II will be an incredible game. If you’re a fan of the first, this may be one you don’t want to miss.

Paper Mario: The Origami King

The original Paper Mario was the perfect mix of story-telling, amazing visuals, and humor. Some of the later installments got a bad reputation for not being able to maintain the charm of the first. The new Paper Mario: The Origami King, however, is promising. Set to be released on July 17, it features beautiful graphics and some much-needed changes that could put Paper Mario back into popularity.

Whether you’ve recently purchased one of the newer releases this year or you’re impatiently awaiting the release of the summer’s hottest titles, there are so many games to keep you entertained all season long.