It’s month four in this beautiful year of 2016 and the games have been coming thick and fast with some absolute classics, and some absolute shockers. April isn’t huge for games, but there’s a few that have got me interested, and I think should get you interested as well…
1. Quantum Break – Due April 5th for Xbox One and PC
This is one of those games that’s suffered setback after setback, almost to the point where the game isn’t nearly as anticipated as it would’ve been had it come out when it was originally supposed to. Delays aside, Quantum Break looks to reinvigorate the third-person-shooter genre by splicing in time mechanics and offering a compelling user specific live action narrative. Developed by Remedy Entertainment, I’m hoping Quantum doesn’t overpromise and delivers something truly unique.
2. Dirt Rally – Due April 5th for PS4 and Xbox One
For years the Colin McRae games have been the game of choice for any rally fanatic, offering the truest representation of the sport whilst still remaining fun. The newest DiRT instalments of the series started to lean towards a more arcade feel than the older classics but were still good in their own right. Now, in walks DiRT Rally, a real simulation man’s rally driving game, offering an unforgiving experience more true than any rally game before it. For me personally, this is the racing game I’ve been waiting for, a chance to use all of the new technological improvements in racing physics and apply them to hurtling like a madman round off road corners… without the need for a real world ambulance if I fail.
3. Ratchet and Clank – Due April 22nd for PS4
Don’t worry, you haven’t travelled back in time to 2002, but are in fact witnessing the re-imagining of the ever-popular Ratchet and Clank, the first game in the series. The reason we have this re-imagining is because Ratchet and Clank is also becoming a Hollywood blockbuster, due for release on April 29th. Honestly, I’d have preferred a sequel, or something completely different, but after seeing how the game looks (it looks beautiful) and seeing the trailer for the film (it also looks beautiful) I’m quietly excited to be taken back to a stage of my gaming life when I was more care free, and had more hair.
4. Star Fox Zero – Due April 22nd for Wii-U
Wii-U owners rejoice! This is the second month in a row where a game has come out that actually validates owning a Wii-U; last month’s being Pokkén Tournament and this month’s being Star Fox Zero. It’s another game that takes the approach of being neither a sequel, prequel, reboot or remake, but who cares? In Star Fox Zero you control the Arwing with the Wii-U pad, with your cockpit display being in your hands as you whoosh around the skies of the Lylat system. I personally can’t wait to get my hands on Star Fox Zero and start a barrel roll extravaganza the likes of which have never been seen before.
5. Dark Souls III – Due April 12th for PS4, Xbox One and PC
The Souls games are hard; from Demons Souls to Dark Souls and even spiritual Souls game Bloodborne, all of the games are hard. Dark Souls III is the latest in the “hard as nails” genre and offers to be just as hard, if not harder, than previous instalments. Closely following the style of Dark Souls II but apparently adding a little more fluidity to make it easier for newcomers (but not that easy, because it’s still a Dark Souls game, and it feeds off your sadness). Expect the same old school RPG elements with all your favourite medieval weapons, and expect it to be hard.
Honourable Mention
Yo-Kai Watch – Due April 29th for Nintendo 3DS
Yo-Kai Watch was originally released in 2013 as a Japanese exclusive and has garnered such praise and been so successful that we in the US and UK finally get to play it. At its core it is a game about exploration and RPG battles where you can gain the fighting services of Yokai (spirits) by discovering them. Similar to the idea of Pokémon but set in a much more realistic world, and with changes and twists to the formula, Yo-Kai Watch could be the one to knock Pokémon off of its increasingly stale throne.
Remember, if you’re interested in getting the most out of your retro or modern day gaming console, then pop into your local store or give them a call and find out what could improve your gaming experience.
Author – Hal, Plymouth store
