After a first launch in 2016 that met with mixed reviews, “No Man’s Sky” makes a much more favorable re-entry across Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC; “The Banner Saga 3” wraps up a great adventure story, “Go Vacation” plops players onto a holiday island full of minigames, and “Hello Neighbor” pounces onto mobile, PS4 and Switch, while “Ys: Memories of Celceta” is a good entry point to a well-regarded fantasy RPG franchise and “Mega Man X Legacy Collection” packages up a decade’s worth of gaming history.
No Man’s Sky / No Man’s Sky Next
For Xbox One / PlayStation 4, Windows PC from July 24
Nearly two years after its debut, this ambitious, interplanetary sci-fi excursion inspired by vintage book cover art takes an appealing stride forward with co-operative multiplayer, a visual makeover, and expanded base building among other new features.
The Banner Saga 3
For PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, Mac from July 24
Storyline choices and battlefield strategy meet once, incorporating progress from its predecessors for returning players, and concluding a carefully presented story of Viking survival and tribal travel in the face of great adversity.
Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 + 2
For PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC, Nintendo Switch from July 24
Eight games in the classic “Mega Man X” jump, run, and boss battle franchise split across two collections (or combined at physical retail), with the first three games most universally loved. A clever new Boss Rush mode, in which players tackle two level-ending enemies at once, is identical across both collections.
Ys: Memories of Celceta
For Windows PC from July 25
First released on the portable PlayStation Vita to a near-rapturous reception, this action-oriented role-playing adventure could make for an ideal and accessible jumping-in point to the well-respected series, given that its lead character has been struck with amnesia and is trying to regain his memory with the aid of a helpful stranger.
Go Vacation
For Nintendo Switch from July 27
A decent collection of carefree getaway-themed minigames, running with the concept behind Nintendo’s “Wii Sports” and “Wii Sports Resort” and, like them, first released on the Wii in 2011. Scuba, mini golf, tennis, street racing, horse riding, even snowball fights and snowman making are among the 50-plus co-operative and competitive activities.
Hello Neighbor
For iOS, Android, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch from July 27
Though not too well received on its PC and XBO debut in 2017, this stealth horror game generated a loyal and enthusiastic following thanks to its unique approach: as a kid, you have to sneak into and then explore a strange neighbor’s house, avoiding and running away from him while searching for whatever’s hidden in the basement.