What’s up, gamers? April showers bring us a few notable video game releases. While 2024 has been consistently delivering must-play gaming experiences, April remains a month that seems to satisfy a range of genres. From fast-paced action to turn-based battles, this month will surely offer something that catches your eye. Please let us know what you think about picking up in the comments below.
Children of the Sun | PC | April 9, 2024
We can all agree that we thought we were the greatest sniper at some point in our gamer careers. Whether going for a high score in Sniper Elite or landing that 360 no scope in Modern Warfare, sniping is inherently a fun time. Children of the Sun from developer Rene Rother takes this concept and adds a puzzle twist to it, requiring players to guide a bullet through the air utilizing telekinesis and taking down groups of enemies with one shot.
However, this isn’t just a shooter. Children of the Sun presents a rather grim reality for our main protagonist, a girl who aims to take down an influential Cult. I mean, I have no problem taking down evil Cults, so this game was an easy recommendation for me. However, the evolving gameplay systems where new abilities are learned make you more powerful and introduce more complex-level designs. This is one of those games where you’ll likely be humbled by the leaderboards, even after a confident level completion. We’re definitely looking forward to this unique title.
In case you missed it, check out our preview.
Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide | PS5 | April 18, 2024
The adventure of Final Fantasy XVI continues with the release of The Rising Tide DLC. This content will include some expanded story elements before the game’s ending. However, the main quest explores Jill’s origins and reveals more about the mysterious Eikon, Leviathan. This DLC also seems to pack some other plot devices, considering what has been teased in trailers, leaving us wondering how the hell Clive grew wings.
Still, it isn’t just story elements that are arriving. An update to the overall battle system and Eikon usage, created based on player feedback, is coming, too. Quality-of-life improvements such as quest navigation and various other enhancements are also on the way, allowing new players to jump into one of the most action-centric Final Fantasy entries. Let us know if you’ll be jumping into The Rising Tide DLC.
Check out our interview with Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide producer Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P) and director Takeo Kujiraoka.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes | PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC | April 23, 2024
When bringing up classic JRPGs, the Suikoden series stands out for its unique battle system and narrative. The game typically includes a world on the brink of war, where players must rise against all odds, build a team of warriors, and fight against the threats. The agency players have control over the creation of their base, and their battle party allows for individual player experiences, but the series has been largely dormant since 2006. Enter Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, a game that ran a successful Kickstarter campaign and is comprised of members of the Suikoden development team.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes takes place in Allraan, home to several races, including humans, beastmen, and elves. Like Suikoden tradition, war is on the way, and players must utilize the power of rune-lense magic to overcome obstacles. Luckily, they don’t have to do it alone, as players can enlist many other characters by completing quests for them and adding their strengths to their initiative. This is an experience that we’ve been waiting for for years, and we are happy to see it so close to release.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU | PS5, PC | April 23, 2024
Publisher EA is bringing a metroidvania adventure from indie developer Surgent Studios called Tales of Kenzera: ZAU. This game explores themes of loss and acceptance as a boy immerses himself in the adventures of his late father. Players assume the role of Zau, a young shaman who wishes to bargain with the God of death to bring his father back to life. This quest requires Zau to access cosmic powers within him and confront three powerful beings that block him from his goal.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is a single-player metroidvania where players combine cosmic strikes to defeat enemies. Abilities include time manipulation and ways to crystallize enemies using the equipped Moon mask. However, the Sun Mask also grants access to a fury of spears. Further, moves like double jump and glind can also be unlocked to reach new areas of the map.
We look forward to executing some of these awesome action moves and discovering what this story offers.
SaGa Emerald Beyond | PS4, PS5, Switch, PC, Mobile | April 25, 2024
It’s been eight years since the release of the criminally underrated SaGa: Scarlet Grace. However, Square Enix is giving you all another chance to redeem yourself with the release of SaGa Emerald Beyond. This new entry takes series staples such as a non-linear narrative across multiple character stories and unique events depending on players’ choices. Still, one interesting new system is how players can travel between 17 different worlds.
During gameplay, players can choose from one of six protagonists as they enter the Beyond. When traveling through the worlds, new events will trigger that alter the narrative based on elements like who is in your party or randomly completed questlines. The brilliance of a SaGa game is that your first time through is sure to be packed with unique experiences, which also occurs in battles as party members will randomly learn new skills. The developers have announced that this entry will feature a few modern systems, so hopefully, this SaGa game allows us to level grind. Regardless, I’m prepared for all the nuanced JRPG systems this adventure will likely offer.
Megaton Musashi W: Wired | PS4, PS5, Switch, PC | April 25, 2024
Level 5 is back, baby! Megaton Musashi W: Wired is an upcoming mecha action game where players must rise to the threat of an alien invasion. During the story, players join a group known as the Rogues, who get to pilot powerful mechs to ward off the incoming aliens. Players can customize their Rogue with upgrades earned through completed missions. The game encourages replaying missions for Rare items, including custom parts, weapons, and power-up materials.
Megaton Musashi W: Wired is based on the anime Megaton Musashi. The game’s story follows a similar plot to the anime, with scenes featuring the other Rogues and enemies. Further, classic super robots, Mazinger Z, Getter Robo, Combattler V, and Voltes V, can also be found within the game as collaboration characters. We might be more excited about playing a Level-5 game in 2024 over simply an action RPG based on an anime, but here’s to hoping the team pulls this off.
Sand Land | PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | April 26, 2024
The recent passing of manga artist Akira Toriyama was a significant blow to many in this community. However, his creations will live on, and the revival of one of the more obscure releases from his portfolio is shortlived Sand Land, released in 1 Volume in 2000. Bandai Namco announced this series’s revival and revealed an anime and video game adaptation. I know what you’re thinking: Bandai has burned us before on Anime-licensed games, but Sand Land is a genuinely enjoyable experience.
While a recent demo showcased the early moments of the adventure, Sand Land is shaped by the players as they set forward into the open desert. Interestingly, the game’s story also takes players into Forest Land, but the Toriyama-sans character and world design are the ultimate highlight of the adventure. The characters are each expressive, and the customization systems for tanks and party members allow players to approach the tough battles ahead how they want.
We’re looking forward to this desert gem.
In case you missed it, check out our preview.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Sweep the Board! | Switch | April 26, 2024
I don’t know if a Demon Slayer video game board game was on your bingo card for 2024, but you’re in luck because Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Sweep the Board! It is on the way. During gameplay, players assume the role of their favorite Demon Slayer character and roll the dice to become the strongest swordsman. The gameboards are each inspired by locations in the anime and even feature day and night cycles, where players will need to prepare for the battles during the day and then fight at night.
While traversing the board, players will enter mini-games that require them to swing the Joy-Con to whatever instructions are provided. There are modes for up to four-player multiplayer, local and online, allowing players to test their skills while trying not to hit each other with their Joy-Con. This is a pretty strange release, but one that reminds us that friends are essential to have, and for the lucky ones that have them, this game will either make you closer or hate each other, which is just the nature of the party genre.
Another Crab’s Treasure | PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC | April 25, 2024
As the Soul-like genre is typically presented in a gothic and grim setting, Another Crab’s Treasure is here to show us that we can get our asses kicked even in a colorful world as a crab. In this upcoming adventure, players control Kril, a hermit crab, in search of his shell. However, to supplement his lack of a home, he can use trash and other items around the ocean floor to protect him from danger. While this may raise environmental concerns, at least this garbage will be used well.
During gameplay, players can equip various swords, but most of the experience depends on the equipped shell. Other mechanics allow players to grapple and swim across the ocean, emphasizing challenging combat encounters and boss battles. As you discover new Umami Techniques, players can progress this underdog narrative and reach new areas. And if you’re worried about the difficulty, this is one Soulslike with options that make the action more accessible, but the challenge is there if you want it.
In case you missed it, check out our preview.
Stellar Blade | PS5 | April 26, 2024
Come for Eve, stay for the action. Oh, who am I kidding? We’re all waiting for Eve, too. Stellar Blade is the upcoming action game from developer Shift Up. The game features character designs by Kim Hyung-tae, who you may know from the Magna Carta series or Blade and Soul. The game features exceptionally defined character models that mirror the developer’s other titles, where the characters’ designs are supposed to move or make the player feel a specific way. Further, Eve fights against the Naytiba to take back Earth.
We recently played through the free demo and found the action systems responsive and fun. Stellar Blade has managed to excite us beyond the visual eye candy of its environments and character models. Many may be divided on this game, but don’t listen to them; follow your heart. Stellar Blade is for you if you like sci-fi, fast action, and cute girls in exo suits that would make even Gantz lovers blush.
In case you missed it, check out our preview.
And here’s our list of 10 games releasing in April 2024 that you should have on your wishlists. Please tell us what you’re looking forward to and which games you plan on getting from this list. Also, let us know if we missed any; we’re always down to getting more games on our radar.
