April 2024 is shaping up to be an intriguing month for video game releases, balancing a quieter release schedule with a selection of highly anticipated games that promise to be rewarding for those awaiting their arrival. Among the highlights, “Harold Halibut” finally emerges after over a decade of development, and “Sand Land” sees a video game adaptation following the recent passing of its creator, Akira Toriyama. RPG enthusiasts can look forward to a new SaGa title and a successor to the beloved Suikoden. It’s also a notable month for remasters and ports, with “Gigantic” and “Braid” getting refreshed releases alongside multiplatform debuts for a couple of Xbox Game Studios gems.
April’s Gaming Lineup: A Closer Look
April’s array of releases mirrors the wider trend of 2024, showcasing niche but compelling titles that promise rich experiences. Here’s a rundown of eight new releases set to spice up the latter half of April:
- Sniper Puzzle Mastery in “Children of the Sun” (April 9): Devolver Digital is redefining the sniper genre. In “Children of the Sun,” players control the bullet post-shot, blending shooter mechanics with puzzle-solving. The game debuts on PC, with a free demo available for those eager to test their marksmanship and intellect.
- Claymation Adventure Awaits in “Harold Halibut” (April 16): A decade in the making, “Harold Halibut” offers an adventure steeped in a unique claymation aesthetic and engaging puzzles. It’s set to charm PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S players, also joining the Xbox Game Pass lineup on release.
- Epic RPG Journeys in “Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes” (April 23): As a spiritual successor to Suikoden, this game is a treasure trove for RPG fans, featuring stunning pixel art, a sprawling narrative, and a vast cast of characters. It will launch across major platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, with Xbox Game Pass access.
- Exploring Grief in “Tales of Kenzera: Zau” (April 23): This Metroidvania title, born from Abubakar Salim’s personal loss, infuses its adventure with African culture and themes of grief. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, it also offers a free demo on Steam.
- A Quirky Soulslike in “Another Crab’s Treasure” (April 25): This game puts a humorous twist on the Soulslike genre, casting players as a crab navigating a perilous world with customizable shells. It’s heading to Xbox Games Pass, PC, PS5, Xbox, and Switch.
- Post-Apocalyptic Ventures in “Sand Land” (April 26): Inspired by Akira Toriyama’s manga, this game offers an exploration of a dystopian world filled with adventure and action, launching across PC and consoles with a demo available now.
- Sci-Fi Action in “Stellar Blade” (April 26): A PS5 exclusive, “Stellar Blade” promises a combo-heavy, story-rich action experience that fans of titles like Nier Automata will not want to miss. A free demo is available on the PlayStation Store.
