Games to get you through the summer

Summer is the worst season for games hands down. New games barely come out and when they do they are pretty stiff. It's also hot and everyone is on vacation except you. No fun.

The grim reality of your backlog looms over you like a book report due at the end of the summer (thanks Steam Sale) and you find yourself saying "I don't have anything to play." Even though you should be working through that backlog, there are definitely some great console games that you probably didn't give the attention they deserved.

Shacknews is here to help with a list of games by console that will get you through the summer doldrums. So pick em' up, dust em' off, and give em' a run!

Xbox One

HIGH REPLAY VALUE: Yes, the Xbox One has some great games. And the first one leading out of the gate is none other than Titanfall. Respawn Entertainment's glorious multiplayer shooter remains a huge draw nearly three months after its release, between the basic maps that were provided with the original game, and new ones recently added via DLC. The gameplay continues to be quite addictive, whether you're hoofing it or blasting away at enemies from the convenience of your well-armored Titan. This one's well worth returning to.

Since we're still in the midst of the World Cup (despite) the United States losing yesterday), FIFA 14 is another easy recommendation. Coupling a terrific visual engine with the kind of gameplay we've come to expect from EA Sports' savvy soccer team, it's still the most fun you can have kicking balls into goals. Throw in Ultimate Team features and ideal online play, and you have a game that'll keep you busy until the next chapter arrives this September. GOAL!

HIDDEN GEM: Need a game that isn't so securely on the radar? Be sure to check out Super T.I.M.E. Force. Capybara's crazy side-scrolling shooter neatly employs time travel elements, so that you'll reuse allies even though they bit the dust. Plus, it has a pleasurable retro look and sound to it, something that could've easily been overlooked in the face of the games above.

Xbox 360

HIGH REPLAY VALUE: Despite all the "new" games coming to Xbox One, the Xbox 360 still has several great games to choose from. The first one is Grand Theft Auto V, which still has the kind of replay value that most developers can only dream about. In this massive action/adventure, you'll execute all sorts of dangerous criminal activities while building up your cash flow, buying your ideal car and living life one bullet at a time. The online portion continues to be heavily addictive as well, so make sure you log in and stir up trouble.

Ultra Street Fighter 4 won't make its retail debut until early August, but right now, you can download the update and add it on to Super Street Fighter IV with very little trouble. It's easily the best update for the series yet, with more characters, insane balancing that makes the game feel just right, and the ability to upload to YouTube, turning yourself into a fighting superstar (or a dunce) overnight. The upgrade is only $15, and you can buy Super for around $20 or so. Not a bad investment at all.

HIDDEN GEM: With DrinkBox's Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition arriving this week, it's easy to overlook the company's previously unveiled Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack. However, if you like a good platformer with a 50's sci-fi kitsch to it, this is the game for you.

For suggestions for PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS, click here.