New Game News - APRIL 2021
(This article will focus on new game releases, not necessarily games that launched previously but have their next-gen versions arriving, but may include major game seasonal updates or expansions, or "major" ports.)
April 1 has Half-Life 3, Portal 3, and the finished version of Cyberpunk 2077. ...Sorry, it's April 1st and I couldn't resist. However, while that may not be the case, we actually do have several hotly anticipated games dropping this month as we lead up to the Summer of gaming.
"New Game News" showcases some major game releases of the month! Scroll down to see if any of the major releases appeal to you!
1. Outriders
Release Date: 4/1
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X | S, PS4, PS5, PC
Developer: People Can Fly
Publisher: Square Enix
My Impressions review for Outriders' first few hours was a 5/10 and honestly I feel like I was being generous. I said that it struggled to offer value even when it was completely free, so when it was announced that the Xbox version was coming to Game Pass I felt less impressed. The game just plays as a boring, less good version of Destiny. I called it a "Season 1 Syfy channel show that gets cancelled after season 1" Honestly, I felt like the game was a cookie cutter copy and paste of Anthem, only without the one thing that made Anthem great, Ironman flight. While Outriders is free to start and available in entirety on GamePass, and is easily the biggest name on this list for the month, I recommend reading my Demo full review before checking it out.
2. Star Wars Republic Commando comes to Switch and PS4
Release Date: 4/6
Platforms: New to PS4 and Switch
One of my absolute favorite Star Wars games of all time is getting a port to some modern platforms. Good god I hope this sells well and tells the powers that be that a remaster or remake is needed. All I want for Christmas is a Republic Commando Remake! It is a gritty, mature, and fun Star Wars story that tells us the rare "soldier perspective" in Star Wars. With rare a Jedi in sight, we see the Clone Wars solely through Clones. While the game is old and as much as I wish this was a remaster, I still think it has value coming to Nintendo Switch. The Switch is the perfect platform for it to reemerge. I can't wait to revisit this game on the go.
3. Nier Replicant
Release Date: 4/23
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X | S, PS4, PC
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
The Nier universe is one I am really loving to dive into. Nier Automata put the universe on the map. It is an amazing game with fantastic combat. It's predecessor, is getting a remaster and takes place before the events of Automata. If you are a fan of all things Nier, make sure to follow our Nier Channel! We can't wait for this one.
4. New Pokemon Snap
Release Date: 4/30
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Bandai Namco
Publisher: Nintendo, The Pokemon Co.
Another year, another Pokemon game! To this day, the most exposure to Pokemon I have had was the Detective Pikachu movie and Super Smash Bros...as one of the three people on the planet who didn't even play Pokemon Go, I can't add much to this picture taking adventure, other than to say that many fans are excited.
5. Returnal
Release Date: 4/30
Platforms: PS5
Developer: Housemarque
Publisher: Sony
I don't know what it is about Groundhogs Day effect that doesn't get me excited in games. Another upcoming game, Deathloop also uses a similar mechanic and I just don't find it appealing. I've watched trailers for Returnal, and it just seems like a forgettable launch window console exclusive. If the Rise Son of Rome, Godfall, Knack, Order 1886, and others have told us, sometimes those launch window exclusives just are kind of "meh". This looks to me as a wait for reviews kind of situation.
6. Century Age of Ashes
Release Date: April 2021
Platforms: PC
Developer: Advanced Mobile Applications
Publisher: Advanced Mobile Applications
Dragon Combat? Gosh, I don't know what more I need to hear before wanting to try out this upcoming title all about riding Dragons in Ace Combat style dogfights. Instead of planes, ride Dragons and fight your opponents. Best part yet is this game is free to play so it has no barrier to entry. The premise alone is worth a download to me.
7. MLB The Show 21
Release Date: April 2021
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X | S
Developer: San Diego Studio
Publisher: Sony
To be honest, Sport Games are to me like Kale is to BBQ enthusiasts. That being said, one interesting thing to note for fans of sport games, is that for the first time, The Show is coming to Xbox.
As always, stay tuned here on Game Infinite News for the latest gaming news! Check back next month for New Game Tuesday!
