With a new month on the horizon, we’re excited to share the upcoming video games that Endless Mode‘s editors, Garrett Martin and Elijah Gonzalez, are eagerly anticipating. This August brings everything from classic ’80s revivals to enigmatic new adventures.

Gradius Origins

Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC

Launch Date: August 7

Konami is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its influential shmup series with Gradius Origins, a comprehensive collection that includes six versions of the Gradius and Salamander games. Curious about the differences between Salamander and its American counterpart Life Force, or how the original Gradius was adapted for Western audiences? This collection makes it easy to explore these variations. More excitingly, it introduces Salamander III, a brand-new title designed to mimic the late ’90s gaming aesthetic as a true sequel to Salamander II. This addition alone is likely to draw in both new and seasoned shmup enthusiasts. M2, known for their excellent ShotTriggers reissues of classic shmups, is managing the project. Given that shmups were once a dominant genre, and Gradius has been a significant player, this collection is perfect for newcomers wanting to delve into the genre.

Drag x Drive

Platform: Switch 2

Launch Date: August 14

Drag x Drive turned heads during Nintendo’s Switch 2 reveal event last April. This innovative wheelchair basketball game uses the new Joy-Con’s mouse controls to simulate the experience of maneuvering a wheelchair by hand. Players use a Joy-Con to mimic the throwing or shooting motions of a basketball. Matches are brief yet intense, demanding enough to quickly tire your arms and shoulders, providing players with a new appreciation for the physical prowess of wheelchair athletes. As one of the earliest titles for the Switch 2, Drag x Drive offers a unique and empathetic take on sports gaming.

Off

Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch

Release Date: August 15

The cult classic RPG Off, which has inspired titles like Undertale, is being remastered. Originally launched in 2008 by Belgian developer Unproductive Fun Time and later translated by fans into English in 2011, Off features a character known as the Batter on a mission to “purify” the world, achieved through turn-based gameplay. Noted for its intriguing narrative, unique atmosphere, and challenging puzzles, the remaster is built in Unity and will include music from guest composers like Toby Fox. Despite the abundance of remasters saturating the market, this version marks the first official English translation of Off, potentially introducing it to a broad new audience.

Sword of the Sea

Available on: PlayStation 5, PC

Release Date: August 19

After covering Sword of the Sea post-Summer Game Fest, I’m thrilled for its release. Picture a game with the aesthetic of Journey combined with the gameplay mechanics of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, except with a giant sword instead of a skateboard and no set objectives. My experience playing in a bustling event space was so immersive that I tuned out everything else around me. I eagerly anticipate diving back in later this month.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Available on: PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X/S

Release Date: August 28

This August, Konami is bringing back the Metal Gear Solid series with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, an Unreal Engine 5 remake of Metal Gear Solid 3. This version updates the game with new features like third-person aiming, borrowed from later games in the series, while preserving the original’s beloved stealth gameplay, narrative, and music. Recognizing the game’s enduring legacy, Konami is implementing only essential enhancements, with an optional “Legacy Style” setting to retain the classic controls and camera angles. It will be interesting to see how this remake resonates with both newcomers and long-time fans.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Release Date: August 29

Although not quite as iconic as Ninja Gaiden, Shinobi has been a significant series for Sega since the ’80s and ’90s. Art of Vengeance marks the return of Joe Musashi, the original protagonist, for the first time since 1993’s Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master. This new installment revives the classic side-scrolling action while incorporating some exploratory elements similar to Metroid. Given the recent success of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, if Shinobi’s comeback is just as impressive, fans may soon be clamoring for more revivals of classic ninja titles.

Editor-in-chief Garrett Martin writes about video games, theme parks, pinball, travel, and more. You can find him on Bluesky.

Elijah Gonzalez is an associate editor at Endless Mode. He enjoys the latest in gaming, along with anime, movies, and dreams of finishing all the Like a Dragon games. Follow him on Bluesky @elijahgonzalez.bsky.social.