March was a great month for new games with one of the most anticipated titles this year in the Resident Evil 4 remake. Now, April is looking to be a relatively quieter month in comparison.
However, that shouldn’t be confused with there being no worthwhile titles coming out this month. In fact, there are some long awaited games that were originally expected to be already out now finally making their way into public hands.
Here’s our Niche Games Release Recap for April 2023:
GrimGrimoire Once More
GrimGrimoire Once More is a remaster of the classic PS2 game which launched back in 2007. While this launched in Japan back in 2022 already, the global and PS5 launch are set to officially occur this month.
The title was the debut game for developer Vanillaware, who took major inspiration from Harry Potter and Atelier Marie for the setting. Giving it a fitting release date between the latest game of the former and upcoming remake of the latter.
GrimGrimoire Once More will launch on April 4th for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
Curse of the Sea Rats
Curse of the Sea Rats continues on the tradition of indie metroidvanias, but this time with a furry twist and style reminiscent of Don Bluth’s American Tail. After a pirate witch turns everyone on the ship into rats as a means to escape, four prisoners are given an opportunity for freedom should they be able to capture her.
While solo play allows a single player to be able to select any character they desire to explore the world and fight numerous enemies. The main draw for the game is the cooperative play that allows up to four players to team up as each unique rat.
Curse of the Sea Rats launches on April 6th for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam).
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened is a remake of the game with the same title from 2007. In it, players take the role of famous detective Sherlock Holmes on a mystery based on Lovecraftian mythos, a concept with much more hype these days than when it first launched.
As a remake, the game will be completely rewritten from the ground up, meaning those who enjoyed the original will still find plenty of new content to figure out. And of course it’ll come along with all the gaming innovations and improvements in the past 16 years.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened is slated to launch on April 11th for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store).
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection will be bringing all six of the mainline Mega Man Battle Network games which have came out which total ten games as starting with the third installment, they released two versions in a fashion akin to the mainline Pokemon series.
However the game’s still maintain their classic gameplay that have made this a beloved series over the past couple decades. New features added in this collection include easy access to special cards that required the e-card reader for the original releases.
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection comes out on April 14th for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC (via Steam (Vol. 1, Vol. 2)).
Minecraft Legends
Minecraft Legends continues the line of Minecraft spinoffs to come in recent years. This time in the form of an action strategy hybrid title where players must fight back against an invasion from the nether.
In order to succeed, the player will rally classic mobs from the Minecraft universe, such as Creepers, Skeletons, and many others to lead them into battle. The game will also include both cooperative and competitive multiplayer.
Minecraft Legends launches for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam) on April 18th.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp was originally set to launch last year in April, however it was delayed indefinitely due to concerns relating to the Russian-Ukrainian war. While that is still going on, the game is finally ready to launch after a one year wait.
As the name suggests, these are remakes of the first two Advance Wars which released way back on the Gameboy Advanced. New features added in include the ability to play multiplayer both online and locally as well as a map maker for some custom content.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is set to launch on April 21st exclusively on Nintendo Switch.
Dead Island 2
After numerous delays, Dead Island 2 is finally ready to launch this month. The latest installment for this franchise will bring players to Los Angeles and San Francisco to fight hordes of zombies once more.
The game takes much of the formula from the previous titles with visceral first person combat with various weapons from melee and guns. There are also a wide variety of unique survivors they can play as that have their own playstyles where anyone can find what suits them best.
Dead Island 2 finally launches on April 21st for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Epic Games Store).
Honkai: Star Rail
Honkai: Star Rail is the latest entry for HoYoVerse’s Honkai series. This new title will see the return of old characters with alternative designs while also introducing new ones alongside them.
Gameplay can be simplified as a classic style of JRPG with turned based combat. The anime style look is also something to be expected from HoYoVerse, along with the gacha elements found in many of their other titles.
Honkai: Star Rail comes out for Android, iOS, and PC (via Epic Games Store) on April 26th.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor continues Cal Kestis’s story as he continues to survive as a jedi in the aftermath of the events from Order 66 and the previous title, Fallen Order.
While he retains his combat stances from the previous game. Cal also has gained new ones, totaling five for this new adventure. Which includes a brand new style inspired by Kylo Ren’s crossguard stance that requires longer timing windows in blocking and parrying.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is slated to release on April 28th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store).
