New video game releases: July 11-17

Happy Monday everyone! It’s the start of a new week, which means we have some exciting new games to look forward to. Whether you love action-adventure games, puzzle games or JRPGs, there’s a new game release just for you. So, let’s not waste anymore time as we dive into this week’s new video game releases!

Garden Story (July 12)

Starting things off, we have Garden Story. Developed by Picogram and published by Rose City Games, this Zelda-like action game sees you take on the role of a grape named Concord. As Guardian of the Grove, it’s Concord’s job to eliminate the Rot and rebuild your home islands.

Although the game offers dungeons to explore and bosses to conquer, it also features a cheerful and laid-back aesthetic. With tons of unique characters to interact with and a vibrant world that you help build with the construction mechanics, you’ll have tons of fun with this cute title. While Garden Story initially launched last year for Nintendo Switch and PC, players on Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One can start their adventure tomorrow.

Time on Frog Island (July 12)

Hopping into your home next is the new game Time on Frog Island. Developed by Half Past Yellow and published by Merge Games, this charming adventure game puts you in the boots of a sailor stranded on an island populated by frog people. Your goal in the game is to help the sailor collect all the parts needed to rebuild his ship to leave the island.

While the island’s frog citizens are friendly, they also speak a foreign language unknown to the sailor. Therefore, players will need to navigate the vibrant landscape and solve puzzles to find unique items to barter with. You can jump into Time on Frog Island tomorrow for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Loopmancer (July 13)

Developer and publisher eBrain Studio introduces its new action game Loopmancer on Wednesday. The cyberpunk themed roguelite follows the story of Detective Xiang Zixu. After dying in a mission tracking a crime kingpin, Zixu wakes up in his apartment the morning of the incident.

The game’s story focuses on discovering the cause of the time loop Zixu is stuck in. Throughout the game, Zixu will retain memories of his past lives to help solve the mystery. Loopmancer launches on July 13 for PC.

Escape Academy (July 14)

Although Escape Academy had a previous release date set for June 28, Coin Crew Games delayed the game’s launch until this Thursday, making it eligible to reappear on this week’s New Video Game Releases article. This puzzle game places you and a friend in an escape room simulation. Taking on the role of a student at a school dedicated to teaching escape artists the tricks of the trade, you’ll need to bring your wits together with your ally to solve a series of thrilling puzzles.

In addition, the game’s co-op mode highlights a split-screen experience for both local and online multiplayer. Although players adamantly look down on screen peeking for most games, it’s critical to solving puzzles together in this one. Escape Academy breaks out on July 14 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC.

Eyes in the Dark: The Curious Case of One Victoria Bloom (July 14)

If you love stylistic platformers with a gothic aesthetic, you won’t want to miss the new game Eyes in the Dark: The Curious Case of One Victoria Bloom. Developed by Under the Stairs and published by Gearbox Publishing, this twin-stick platformer boasts a striking black and white art design and tight gameplay. Armed with just a flashlight and slingshot, Victoria Bloom must traverse the Bloom Manor while fighting off the darkness.

Throughout the game, players will have to navigate dark corridors and find batteries to keep the flashlight going. In addition, players will also face a variety of enemies by utilizing twin-stick controls to launch projectiles with the slingshot. Eyes in the Dark: The Curious Case of One Victoria Bloom launches on July 14 for PC.

Rune Factory 5 (July 15)

Rune Factory 5 is a JRPG that continues the series’ tradition of highlighting discovery and mystery to create satisfying progression. Developed by Hakama and published by XSEED Games, this fun new role-playing game starts you off in the town of Rigbarth with no memory of how you arrived. From there, you’ll take a job as a ranger and investigate mysterious places find clues and get answers.

Along with the main action-RPG gameplay, the game also offers farming mechanics and relationship-building mechanics to provide a rich and rounded experience. Helping townspeople can lead you to love, farming can earn you money to upgrade your items and clearing dungeons earns you XP while advancing the plot. Although the game first arrived in March for Nintendo Switch, PC gamers can begin their adventure on July 15.

What new video game releases will you be playing this week?

All in all, we have a lot of exciting new games to look forward to this week. But which new video game release are you most anticipating? As always, share your thoughts with us in the comments below!