The Force will be with you this month
The April 2023 games lineup might have far fewer blockbusters to offer, but there are still some intriguing standouts worthy of a mention. We can take on an epic quest across the galaxy inStar Wars Jedi: Survivor,or enjoy the adorable story inMelon Journey: Bittersweet MemoriesYou’ll also get the opportunity to engage in strategic battles inAdvance Wars 1 + 2: Reboot Campor carve up some zombies in the long-long-long-time-comingDead Island 2.
Advance Wars 1 + 2: Reboot Camp (Switch)
Publisher:NintendoDeveloper:WayForwardPrice:$59.99Release Date:April 21Trailer
After along delay,Advance Wars 1 + 2: Reboot Campwill finally be on store shelves fromApril 21.This strategy game is a complete remake of the classic releases and will test mettle as players maneuver their army through various battlefields.Reboot Campincludes both original games and lets you pick any commander from those titles in its Versus Mode. This remaster is developed by theShantaeseries studio WayForward, so there should be an essence of quality within its animation and gameplay. This will be a really enjoyable nostalgia trip fans of the series, to be sure.
Publisher:Deep SilverDeveloper:Dambuster StudiosPrice:$69.99Release Date:April 21Trailer
Speaking of delayed games,Dead Island 2willfinallybe unleashed on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC systems onApril 21.Similar to the previous game, it offers a large sandbox packed out with many melee weapons to uncover and lots of zombies to smash. Instead of an island, however, this sequel will be taking place in Beverly Hills, as well as its neighboring areas like Venice Beach. The sequel features online co-op for up to three players, so you can team with friends to combat dozens of distinct zombie types, each with their own mutations, attacks, and hundreds of visual LA-themed variants.”
EA Sports PGA Tour (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Publisher:EADeveloper:Electronic Arts – TiburonPrice: $69.99Release Date:April 6Trailer
Get ready to earn those beloved Eagles and dreaded Bogies becauseEA Sportsis bringing back golf to PC and consoles onApril 6.The game features the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open Championship, and The Open Championship. The publisher EA claims on the game’sSteam pagethat it will have “unique golf wings with a fluid feel and realistic outcomes on every golf shot.” In addition, there are “golfer-specific tendencies with unique Course Dynamics and revolutionized Ball Behavior” mechanics. A new Career Mode will allow players to can create their own golfer and compete against the likes of Cameron Champ, Nelly Korda, and other pros.
The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC)
Publisher: Riot ForgeDeveloper: Digital SunPrice: $29.99Release Date: April 18Trailer
TheLeague of Legendsuniverse expands whenThe Mageseekerreleases onApril 18.Something that makes this game notable is that it’s from the critically acclaimed developer ofMoonlighterDigital Sun. In this game, you play as Sylas, a mage that has freed himself from the Mageseekers. With the chains on his hands, you fight enemies that try to contain you and free your homeland from The Mageseekers. The action-RPG combat seems intense and the game has a gorgeous pixel art style, similar toMoonlighter.
Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC)
Publisher: Poppy Works and XSEED GamesDeveloper:Froach Club and Poppy WorksPrice:$14.99Release Date:April 6Trailer
Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memorieswas a standout on the PAX East 2022 show floor and will be dropping into store shelves onApril 6.As those of you who played the demo will know, it has an adorable Game Boy-inspired art style and a charming story. You’re a rabbit strolling around a town that has outlawed melons looking for your lost best friend. The concept is adorable, but the intrigue arrives once you realize things aren’t as peaceful as they seem.
Minecraft Legends (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC)
Publisher: Xbox Game StudiosDeveloper:Mojang Studios and Blackbird InteractivePrice:$39.99Release Date:April 6Trailer
There’s been aTellTale seriesand anaction RPG, and nowMinecraftis stepping into the Strategy genre withMinecraft Legends.Launching on Xbox Game Pass and on store shelves whenApril 6hits,Minecraft Legendschallenges you to third-person RTS battles. You’ll be gathering allies and resources as you explore the different biomes this game has to offer. There’s also a multiplayer mode, so you’re able to charge enemy fortresses with your buddies online. Hopefully,Minecraft Legendswill be just as fun as the otherMinecraftspinoffs.
Publisher: EADeveloper:RespawnPrice:$69.99Release Date:April 27Trailer
Star Wars Jedi: Survivorcontinues Cal Kestis’ journey as he attempts to discover his true purpose as a Jedi. The game takes place five years after the events ofFallen Orderas Kestis finds himself escaping into the outer sectors of the galaxy. EA asks the question on the game’sSteam page, “How far Kestis willing to go to protect himself, his crew, and the legacy of the Jedi Order?” There will be an engaging storyline, to be sure, new force abilities to learn throughout the adventure, and new fighting styles for Cal to master. The game releases onApril 27.
Honorable Mentions
There are some other April 2023 games that should get honorable mentions. They include:
