It might not be the peak time of year where publishers unleash mountains of game titles on us, but there are still quite a few August releases which look like they’re going to be tons of fun.

From smaller indie titles to major releases, here are some of the games I’m looking forward to – along with why…

The Escapists 2

The Escapists, released in 2015, was a charming and hilariously fun prison-break game. Its charming pixelated graphics and multitude of ways to escape prison made it a great title for indie fans.

So when I stumbled upon the sequel, due later this month, my interest was immediately piqued.

The Escapists 2 is much like the original game, in that your aim is to escape the confines of prison. However, it comes with updated graphics (while retaining their charm and retro look) and more in-depth mechanics and gameplay.

You can create your character with much more customisation, and there is a new combat system with new ways to escape.

The Escapists 2 is available to pre-order on Steam for £19.99 (R219 in South Africa), with its release scheduled for August 22.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

From the creators of DmC: Devil May Cry comes this Nordic-inspired tale about a Celtic warrior who enters Viking Hell to try save her dead lover’s soul.

The developers, Ninja Theory, describe the title as Independent AAA due to its exceptional quality – despite the studio being technically indie.

Boasting not only gorgeous graphics, the game turns the traditional hero-saves-lover narrative on its head – with a female protagonist as the saviour.

Rather than just making a demon-brawler, the game looks at research around psychosis to shape Senua’s experiences in hell.

While it’s expected to a relatively short game (around 7 to 9 hours), it definitely looks like it will be a tense and emotional journey.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice will be available on Steam from August 8, for £24.99/$29.99/R319. Pre-orders are currently open.

Observer

There’s something about Polish developers that seems to make them great at developing horror games. Bloober Team SA have already proved this skill with their title Layers of Fear.

Their upcoming cyberpunk horror game, Observer, looks like it will also be a psychological scarefest.

Rather than just being another abandoned house horror game, Observer has quite an interesting concept behind it. In the game, you are a “neural detective” in a dystopian future where people have become addicted to drugs, virtual reality and neural implants.

Equipped with government authority that no detective should have, you hack into the minds of criminals and victims. It’s within these insane minds that you’ll find the terror and horror of the game.

“What you see will disturb you,” the game’s description says.

The game launches on Steam on August 15.

Absolver

This title from developers Sloclap and publishers Devolver Digital combines a unique art style and mechanics to create a compelling online melee fighter game.

With singleplayer, online multiplayer and online co-op modes, the game looks like it may be capable of keeping players’ attention while catering for multiple play styles.

The game will allow you to travel through an online world and narrative, coming across other players as you explore.

There are also dedicated PvP and PvE areas, including dungeons. However, how large the world will be and whether it holds a dynamic narrative remains to be seen.

The game is available for pre-purchase at a 10% discount from the launch price, which will be £24.99/$29.99/R319. Absolver is set to launch on August 29. It will also be available on PS4.

Which games are you looking forward to in August? Let me know in the comments below!