Thursday, July 23 is set to be the busiest day for video game releases this summer. The packed schedule includes new entries from major franchises like Avatar, Splatoon, and Halo, alongside several other notable titles.
Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game
After a three-week delay, Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game will launch for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. This 1v1, 2D fighting game features both a story mode and online multiplayer. At launch, players can choose from twelve characters originating from Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, including Sokka and Kyoshi. Each fighter can be paired with a support character to alter their playstyle, and a dedicated mode is included for fighting game newcomers.
Splatoon Raiders
Splatoon Raiders, the first dedicated single-player experience in Nintendo’s Splatoon series, is releasing for the Switch 2. In the game, players assume the role of a mechanic stranded on the Spirhalite islands. Accompanied by the musical trio Deep Cut, players will raid islands and battle enemies in pursuit of loot. This loot can be used to upgrade equipment, including weapons, ink tanks, and customizable gadgets, to combat waves of Salmonids, a familiar foe from Splatoon 2’s Salmon Run mode.
Halo: Campaign Evolved
The highly anticipated remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved, titled Halo: Campaign Evolved, is launching in early access for Windows PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X on the same day. This release marks a significant moment for the Halo franchise, being the first new game since Halo: Infinite in 2021 and commemorating the series' 25th anniversary. Campaign Evolved is a comprehensive remake, featuring modernized mechanics, redesigned missions, and rerecorded dialogue, all with upgraded graphics. Early access of up to five days is available for those who pre-order the premium edition or upgrade their standard edition pre-order.
Additional Releases
Beyond these flagship titles, July 23 also sees the release of a Nintendo Switch port for Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster. The tactical role-playing game Disgaea Mayhem will launch on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PC. Additionally, the dinosaur-themed point-and-click adventure game Theropods is set to release for Windows PC.
This concentration of releases suggests a trend of developers strategically spacing out major titles, possibly to avoid direct competition with the November 19 launch of Grand Theft Auto 6.