Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

Among the many franchises that Konami has ignored through the years is Suikoden, and though it’s remastering the first two games, the potential next chapter is coming from a completely different studio. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a spiritual successor, produced and directed by Yoshitaka Murayama, the driving force behind the first three games (who recently passed away).

It features three core protagonists – Marisa, Seign and Nowa – in the fantasy world of Allraan, where rune-lenses have become a popular commodity. With the Galdean Empire using them to command and conquer, it’s up to the trio to assemble allies from across the land to fight back. Cue over 100 different allies with unique stories and abilities, from the magical girl Mellore and her crew to CJ, Isha and Garoo from Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising.

Combat is turn-based, but battles play out differently based on the environment. If there are cliffs or other elevated positions, they can prove advantageous for long-range party members. This also affects the presentation of battles, giving them a cinematic flair. Players can also unleash Hero Combos to team up and deal devastating damage. On top of this is War Mode, which offers real-time combat over a larger scale, and the Alliance Headquarters, with mini-games and different activities available.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes launches on April 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Phantom Fury

You’re forgiven for not remembering Bombshell, an isometric character action game with a whopping 43 Metascore. Phantom Fury is the follow-up, releasing on April 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch, but offers first-person shooter gameplay instead. It sees Shelly Harrison on a bombastic journey through the US, battling mutants, cyborgs and enemy soldiers to secure an artifact. While the standard handguns and shotguns are available, Phantom Fury has some unique options – like Bowling Balls and electric foam.

Weapons can be upgraded and modified, while Shelly can eventually unlock new abilities like a shield or punching enemy groups into a fine red mist. It may have some boomer shooter vibes, but with extensive interactivity (including playable arcade machines) and fast-paced combat, it may be a worthy FPS diversion.

Underspace

For many, Freelancer is the pinnacle of sandbox space combat titles, which very few have managed to compete with, much less surpass. While it’s too early to call Underspace a competitor, the prospect of a hand-crafted universe with cosmic horrors and Eldritch creatures to navigate (appropriately named Croft) is too enticing to ignore. Like Freelancer, you can pursue the main quest or be whatever you want, exploring the universe and solving puzzles, battling massive space serpents, interacting with more than 40 factions and venturing into the deepest reaches of space. And yes, you can engage in trade, shipping and piracy with co-op support.

There is a catch, though – Underspace launches on April 10th for PC in early access. The developer has clarified that extensive ship customization, several interiors and questlines, and even cockpit textures won’t be available. Multiplayer is also launching in a “very early state” without many key features. Early access will still offer plenty of campaign content, bosses, enemies, points of interest and more to explore, but further polish is still required. Even with all that in mind, we’re keen to try Underspace and embrace the void.

Sea of Thieves

Rare’s highly successful live service pirate title comes to PS5 as part of Microsoft’s new multi-platform approach. Since launching in March 2018 to a mixed reception, Sea of Thieves has undergone an exceptional transformation over the years, with new content, mechanics, cosmetics and even narrative-focused questlines with Tall Tales (which crossover with the likes of Monkey Island and Pirates of the Caribbean).

Don’t let its cartoony visuals fool you, as Sea of Thieves offers some realistic sailing to go with its combat and exploration. While it still doesn’t have a proper character creator, the new Safer Seas option allows players who don’t want to engage in PvP and explore the seas with their crew at their leisure, with some limitations. It’s out on April 30th for PS5, with Digital Deluxe owners receiving five days early access.

Final Fantasy 16: The Rising Tide

Final Fantasy 16 had a strong start when it launched last year and though its first DLC, Echoes of the Fallen, was pretty short, The Rising Tide looks to redeem it. Players explore a new region, Mysidia, with new locations, side quests and fresh enemies, including Tonberries. The focus of this DLC is on Leviathan, the forgotten Eikon, and along with a boss battle against it, Clive also gains new abilities, including one that has an Active Reload mechanic. An increased level cap is inbound, which should be helpful in the new end-game activity, Kairos’ Gate.

It’s a wave-based survival mode with increasingly tougher enemies and bosses, with new items and weapons as rewards. Beat all of the stages and a new secret boss becomes available. As a send-off to Final Fantasy 16, The Rising Tide is worth looking forward to when it launches on April 18th for PS5. Even for those who aren’t picking it up, a free update will go live, allowing you to create sets of Eikonic Skills, among other quality-of-life improvements.

Stellar Blade

Shift Up calls modern action games an inspiration for Stellar Blade which is pretty clear based on gameplay and the recent demo. Though sci-fi, the Earth is in ruins, and players explore linear levels and semi-open world segments alike, taking on requests while accompanied by a helpful drone.

For all its similarities, however, Stellar Blade offers high-fidelity visuals and detail with a crisp frame rate, and unique combat mechanics that mix Sekiro-like parrying with special attacks, perfect dodges and combos. The main campaign promises to last about 25 hours, with plenty of collectibles and unlockables to discover. Time will tell if Stellar Blade can rise further beyond its inspiration when it launches on April 26th for PS5, but so far, it’s looking good.

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU

From smaller titles from relatively lesser-known developers to triple-A level games like Immortals of Aveum and Wild Hearts, the EA Originals label has seemingly come full circle with Tales of Kenzera: ZAU. The story involves a boy reading a tale by his late father about Zau, who explores the land of Kenzera.

As a 2.5D Metroid-style game, there are some stunning visuals with beautifully realized environments to go with fast-paced combat. Tales of Kenzera: ZAU promises to be a perfect encapsulation of what grief is when it launches on April 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Dead Island 2: SoLA Expansion

2023’s excellent Dead Island 2 received an expansion back in November of last year. Now it’s all set to released another one in the form of SoLA. Releasing on April 17, this expansion will takes players to a music festival in the heart of LA. Apparently, this festival is turning everyone into zombies. The SoLA expansion promises an interesting setup, so we are intrigued to see how it pans when we go hands on with it later this month.

TopSpin 2K25

It’s been over 13 years since the last entry in the acclaimed Top Spin franchise, but the wait is nearly over as TopSpin 2K25 nears release. Legends like Roger Federer and Serena Williams headline the 24-player roster with true-to-life venues like La Caja Mágica, Pala Alpitour and Foro Italico, and online multiplayer with cross-platform support. Solo players can venture into MyCareer and fight to become Grand Slam Champion, with MyPlayer offering an extensive range of options to customize your appearance, gear and more. TopSpin 2K25 launches on April 26th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5 and PC.

Gigantic: Rampage Edition

Launched in 2017, Motiga’s Gigantic is making an unexpected comeback with Gigantic: Rampage Edition. Developed by abstraction and published by Gearbox for $19.99, it features the same MOBA-style gameplay loop, with teams of five players working together to take out the opposing Guardian. However, all microtransactions are now removed, with cosmetics acquired through gameplay.

It also adds two new heroes and maps, a new game mode called Rush and cross-platform play. Ranked Mode and additional hero skins are coming in post-launch updates. Gigantic: Rampage Edition launches on April 9th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC, and regardless of its long-term success, it’s good to see it return.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants

Playing like the Konami classics of old, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants features Turtle Power that builds upon defeating enemies and can unleash powerful screen-clearing attacks. Local co-op is supported for four players, on top of the original stages and boss fights, though Wrath of the Mutants adds three more stages and six new bosses. Launching on April 23rd, it could offer some fun for those who want more TMNT brawling action.

Freedom Planet 2

Following extensive acclaim with its PC version, Freedom Planet 2 is out now on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on April 4th. The action platformer offers a new threat with Merga, the water dragon, and four characters – Lilac, Carol and Milla from the first game, and the now-playable Neera. Adventure Mode offers a mix of story cutscenes and a world map to explore, while Classic Mode focuses on the stages alone.

Boss fights are even more over-the-top than the first game – with the new Battlesphere Arena offering an extensive range of optional challenges. Thankfully, new Potions, Amulets and Charms can provide some buffs for one’s character, while a revival system offers a risky second chance. If you enjoy 2D Sonic the Hedgehog titles or want a fun action platformer, Freedom Planet 2 is well worth the time.

Inkbound

Roguelike turn-based combat in a universe where books act as worlds to be explored by the creators of Monster Train? That’s Inkbound in a nutshell, but there’s more. The combat allows free movement from players, but during online play, you can coordinate and act simultaneously with up to three other players. There are also several character classes, abilities and upgrades, hundreds of items and more to make each run feel fresh. Inkbound is currently in early access, but version 1.0 is out on April 10th for PC, adding new cutscenes, cosmetics and other content.

Sand Land

As set in a desert world, players control Beelzebub in SAND LAND, who ventures with Thief and Sheriff Rao to discover the Legendary Spring.

Though it’s an action RPG, the focus is on vehicle design, as players cobble together tanks, bikes and jump-bots from various parts depending on the need. The sense of adventure and aesthetic, alongside the combat, set it apart from the crowd, and we’re curious to witness the Sand Land’s world when the game launches on April 26th for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Braid Anniversary Edition

The classic side-scrolling indie platformer from Thekla Inc. returns with updated visuals and gorgeous new backgrounds (with the old art style available to switch to at any time). However, there’s more to Braid Anniversary Edition than revamped sound effects, revised tracks, or the +15-hour developer commentary and interviews which discuss the design. It also features 35 new levels with new puzzles, though other additions remain to be revealed.

Hilariously, only four or five new levels were to be added before things got out of hand. Either way, Braid Anniversary Edition should satisfy long-time fans and draw in new ones when it launches on April 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and PC.