Month in Review: The Best Games of August 2021

A great month for PSVR players

August might be behind us but let’s not forget it in a hurry. It was a month that saw some of the best PSVR games to grace the platform. We also got a new next-gen racer in the form of WRC 10. Of course, there were some stinkers, too, but for the most part, August 2021 was a fantastic month and we all had a lot of fun playing and reviewing games at Pure PlayStation.

Month in Review: The Best Games of August 2021

Now, starting with the Game of the Month, let’s have a look at last month’s releases from best to, er, not so best.

Synth Riders – Game of the Month

Kluge Interactive’s music rhythm game nailed a perfect 10/10 when I reviewed the game back last month. It’s a fantastic game and I recommend it to anybody with the means to play it.

“Synth Riders is the closest thing to a perfect video game that I’ve ever played, and it’s a must-play for any PSVR owner – or any fan of video games for that matter.” (Full review)

Fracked

“nDreams has managed to squeeze a little bit of magic out of the PS Move wands to put together a bombastic VR shooter that feels far bigger than the aged platform it has been built around.” (Full review)

I Expect You To Die 2

“I Expect You To Die 2 delivers on its promise of a captivating, funny, and witty escape room puzzler. It’s challenging enough without being frustrating and it rewards experimentation. The only downsides are that it’s over too soon and the replayability just isn’t there.” (Full review)

WRC 10

“WRC 10 is another solid entry in the long-running series. This year’s a special one for WRC fans thanks to the 50th-anniversary content which is its own game mode. The racing is as good as ever and the Career mode has taken pains to bring fans into the backroom of the sport. A few performance issues aside, WRC 10 is a must-play for rally fans.” (Full review)

Faraday Protocol

“Faraday Protocol is an enjoyable experience even if it isn’t a particularly long one. If you enjoy a decent puzzle game that is sure to give you a challenge, Faraday Protocol ticks all the right boxes.” (Full review)

Traffic Jams

“Traffic Jams manages to do a lot with a little, expanding its five levels with a huge list of challenges, multiple game modes, and heaps of fun gameplay. Who knew directing traffic could be so much fun?” (Full review)

Spiritfarer

“Spiritfarer offers calm and serene gameplay while dealing with some heavy subject matter that will surely poke at your emotions. The mini-games are a fun distraction and being able to dish out hugs whenever you feel they are needed helps make this journey a very personal one. Don’t forget your tissues…” (Full review)

Get Packed: Fully Loaded

“Get Packed: Fully Loaded is a fun couch multiplayer game with enough variety to keep its gameplay feeling fresh. It’s best played with at least one other player and competitively, though solo players can still have a good time with the game’s over-the-top physics.” (Full review)

Button City

“Button City is a child-friendly adventure that pushes the right buttons with its combo of a sweet narrative and fun gameplay.” (Full review)

Tribes of Midgard

“Tribes of Midgard’s biggest problem is tied to its core gameplay loop – time. There’s just never enough of it. The game has a world full of goodies and gear to loot, but you’ll be lucky to see half of it, and even less if you’re a solo player. There are still good times to be had and the loop is fun and rewarding – just make sure you take a few mates with you.” (Full review)

The Falconeer: Warrior Edition

“The Falconeer is weird and wonderful with its surprisingly good sci-fi/high fantasy story and lore-ridden world. Despite its unusual and “out there” premise, it falls into the familiar and doesn’t do anything new with its gameplay. There’s a world worth seeing in The Falconeer and it really is an artistic piece by a passionate artist, but it feels like a piece of a larger picture.” (Full review)

RiMS Racing

“RiMS Racing is a solid foundation for RaceWard Studio to work on. The racing is by the numbers and its campaign mode is very familiar, but the depth of its simulation and customisation sets it apart. It’s rough around the edges but it’s a solid enough entry in the bike racing genre.” (Full review)

Paw Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls

“Paw Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls is more of the same gentle platforming and collecting that will only really appeal to the younger, less experienced players. Two-player mode is a highlight and the mini-games offer some silly fun once the main missions have been beaten. It’s all over quite quickly, though, and it may not keep your pups going until the inevitable sequel.” (Full review)

Rustler

“The biggest crime in Rustler is that the game is very funny but not very fun. The writing is a highlight but with tacked-on RPG elements, poor combat, and a world that’s just a little bit boring, Rustler is hard to recommend.” (Full review)

King’s Bounty II

“King’s Bounty 2 is a challenging turn-based game with a fantasy world that aches to be explored. It has the potential to be an amazing game but the disjointed story, wasted RPG mechanics, and frustratingly difficult battles hold it back.” (Full review)

UltraGoodness 2

“The fight between the forces of good and evil rages on in this twin-stick shooter, and this time around, evil wins. If you’re looking for the next platinum for your trophy case, then UltraGoodness 2 is a cheap and easy addition. But, with an underused time-motion mechanic and awkward environmental surroundings, it’s not one a trophy you’ll have much fun getting.” (Full review)