April 2024 might be a bit slower compared to the start of the year, but there are still 10 games we’re hoping to check out. As usual, this isn’t a comprehensive list of all games releasing in April 2024, but rather the ones we’re most excited to play.
Having spent over 217 hours in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to earn a Platinum Trophy, I’m eagerly anticipating revisiting Final Fantasy XVI with the release of The Rising Tide DLC. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes has been on my radar since its announcement, especially as a fan of Suikoden. Perhaps the biggest title this month is Stellar Blade for the PlayStation 5, which offers a demo for those interested in previewing it before its release. It’s worth mentioning that even though Sea of Thieves and Dave the Diver are not on the list, they will be coming to PlayStation 5 in April. Additionally, Grounded will be available on Switch this month.
Gigantic: Rampage Edition
Announced in February 2024, Gigantic: Rampage Edition is the definitive version of the MOBA hero shooter Gigantic, originally created by Motiga. Developed by Abstraction Games, Gigantic: Rampage Edition will launch with a price tag of $19.99. Building on the original, the Rampage Edition introduces enhanced gameplay, more customization options, cross-platform play, and post-launch support. Also, the game will feature no microtransactions, allowing players to unlock all content through gameplay or with in-game currency.
Gigantic: Rampage Edition releases on April 9 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
No Rest for the Wicked
No Rest for the Wicked by Moon Studios, the creators of Ori, enters Early Access this month. Aiming to redefine the genre, this action RPG boasts “brutal, precision-based combat” and diverse builds to suit various playstyles. Set in the year 841, the game revolves around the return of the Pestilence, an unholy plague unseen for a thousand years. Offering online multiplayer with up to three friends, No Rest for the Wicked is definitely one to watch.
No Rest for the Wicked enters Early Access on April 18 for PC with official release at a later date for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide DLC
While The Rising Tide DLC isn’t a full game, it promises to be a substantial campaign for last year’s Final Fantasy XVI. It’s the second DLC for Final Fantasy XVI, following Echoes of the Fallen, which I mentioned in my review as a real treat for Final Fantasy XIV players. The Rising Tide DLC will explore Leviathan, the noticeably missing Eikon from the base game. The team recently provided a preview of the DLC’s offerings at a PAX East panel. The release of the DLC also coincides with a patch introducing quality of life improvements for all players.
Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide DLC releases on April 18 for PlayStation 5.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
One of the most backed Kickstarter games of all time, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is widely considered a spiritual successor to Suikoden, featuring over 100 unique characters with their own backstories and voice acting. The turn-based JRPG is set in a 2.5D world where players can transform actual towns by upgrading them. The game comes from Yoshitaka Murayama (Suikoden I & II) and Junko Kawano (Suikoden I & IV), in their first collaboration in 25 years. Unfortunately, Murayama passed away in February, leaving his team to push his dream forward.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes releases on April 23 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU aims to deliver an emotional journey, inspired by the rich myths of Bantu cultures. The game is developed by a new studio founded by actor Abubakar Salim, known for his roles in Assassin’s Creed: Origins and Raised by Wolves. Its single-player story is deeply influenced by Salim’s personal experiences with grief. In Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, players journey through mystical 2.5D realms in an action-adventure platformer, enriched by a soundtrack from composer Nainita Desai.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU releases on April 23 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants
It’s heartwarming to see that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle arcade games still captivate audiences after all these years. Gamers can now enjoy this 2017 arcade classic at home, enhanced with three extra stages and six additional boss battles. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants adopts the aesthetic of the 2012 cartoon, with players taking control of their favorite Ninja Turtle. Offering up to four-player local co-op, the game lets you recreate the arcade experience right from your living room.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants releases on April 23 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC.
Another Crab’s Treasure
I love seeing games like Another Crab’s Treasure. Although it’s described as a soulslike adventure, the creativity and originality in everything I’ve seen so far truly brings a smile to my face. In Another Crab’s Treasure, players embody Kril the hermit crab, who embarks on a quest to buy back his repossessed shell. They’ll adventure through a polluted ocean, using trash as makeshift shells to withstand attacks from enemies. I really hope this game plays as well as it looks.
Another Crab’s Treasure releases on April 25 for PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC.
SaGa Emerald Beyond
As the latest standalone entry in the SaGa franchise, SaGa Emerald Beyond will feature a diverse cast of heroes, including Tsunanori Mido, Ameya, Siugnas, Diva No. 5, Bonnie, and Formina. The game merges core combat with free-form scenario elements from the franchise, aiming to deliver the ultimate SaGa experience to both veterans and newcomers. Players can choose from six protagonists to begin their journey, exploring 17 diverse worlds inhabited by various races, monsters, mechs, and vampires.
SaGa Emerald Beyond releases on April 25 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, PC, Android, and iOS.
Sand Land
The release of Sand Land carries a bittersweet sentiment following the unexpected passing of its creator, Akira Toriyama, in early March. Sand Land is another popular manga by Toriyama, who is best known for creating Dragon Ball. This video game adaptation drops players in a desert world plagued by an extreme water shortage affecting both humans and demons. The action RPG centers around Beelzebub and the large variety of vehicles at his disposal. A demo of the game is currently available, offering a glimpse into its world and gameplay.
Sand Land releases on April 25 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Stellar Blade
For many, Stellar Blade is set to be the month’s biggest release. Shift Up, the developers behind the popular mobile game Goddess of Victory: Nikke, are the creative force behind it with Sony Interactive Entertainment publishing. Drawing inspiration from titles like NieR: Automata—one of the best games I’ve ever played—and Sekiro, Stellar Blade has the potential to become a fan favorite for the year. The game’s recent demo launch allows players to explore the start of the game and its combat system.
Stellar Blade releases on April 26 for PlayStation 5.
