April will see a lot of big games release, but the biggest launch of them all of course has to be Mortal Kombat X. In the ten months since the big reveal last June, I’ve seen fan anticipation grow to near fever pitch level (myself included), and for good reason: this game is looking awesome!
I had a chance to check out Mortal Kombat X at last year’s Fan Expo Canada, and got my first lengthy hands-on with the game at Microsoft Canada’s X14 media showcase in Toronto—both times I walked away extremely impressed and wanting more.
If you’ve been been anywhere near a TV this month you’ve likely seen the awesome new Mortal Kombat X commercial featuring System of a Down’s song Chop Suey. They really couldn’t have picked a better song to reflect the visceral and raw nature of this notoriously gory fighting series.The wait is finally over, so let loose your best “Mortallllll Kombatttt!” shout and get ready for the fight of your life!
But wait! Mortal Kombat X isn’t the only hotly anticipated game releasing this month, let’s take a look at my top picks!
[Note: The below release dates are subject to change at the sole discretion of the game publisher at any time]
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin
Release Date: April 7
Platform(s): PlayStation 4 / Xbox One / PlayStation 3 / Xbox 360
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Last year’s hit action role-playing game Dark Souls II returns on PS3 and Xbox 360, this time with all three downloadable content packs—Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the ivory King—along with new features. In addition, there’s a remastered version of Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One that features upgraded graphics, sound, performance, and expands the online multiplayer mode to six players. All versions will include more non-playable characters for an enhanced story experience, adjustable parameters for improved game balance, augmented item descriptions, and better online matchmaking.
Etrian Mystery Dungeon
Release Date: April 7
Platform(s): Nintendo 3DS
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
Two fan-favourite role-playing game series collide in the unique, Nintendo 3DS-exclusive crossover game Etrian Mystery Dungeon. Featuring the robust character customization found in Atlus’ Etrian Odyssey series, and the random dungeon generation system of Spike Chunsoft’s Mystery Dungeon series, this game lets fans experience the best of both series together in one game! There are lots of different character classes you can choose from to build your dungeon-exploring dream party, including magic-users like the Medic and Hexer, combat specialists like the Protector and Gunner, and classes with special skills like the Wanderer and Dancer. Every time you enter a mystery dungeon it will change its layout—including where monsters are lurking—so you’d better go in prepared. Perish in battle and you’ll lose your in-game money and items, but survive and you’ll be find valuable loot and money to claim as your own!
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
Release Date: April 10
Platform(s): Nintendo 3DS
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
The classic Wii action role-playing game Xenoblade Chronicles is now available as a handheld game on New Nintendo 3DS XL—the first ever exclusive game for this console. That means this game is not compatible with Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, or Nintendo 2DS. Using the enhanced features of the New Nintendo 3DS XL, such as the extra processing power, additional ZL & ZR buttons, and analog C-Stick, this epic adventure has been faithfully recreated as a portable experience. In Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, you’ll explore a vast open world as you take on the robotic Mechon army and discover the truth behind the powerful Monado sword. The game is also compatible with the Shulk amiibo figure, and when you tap the character to your New Nintendo 3DS XL, you’ll earn in-game tokens that can be used to unlock music and animated 3D models of various characters.
Mortal Kombat X
Release Date: April 14
Platform(s): PlayStation 4 / Xbox One
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
The tenth main installment of the Mortal Kombat series has arrived! Coming to next-generation game consoles PS4 and Xbox One, Mortal Kombat X introduces a whole new generation of fighters into the mix. You’ll be able to play as Cassie Cage, daughter of movie star Johnny Cage and soldier Sonya Blade, Takeda Takahashi, son of Kenshi, Jacqui Briggs, daughter of Jax Briggs, and Kung Jin, the younger cousin of Kung Lao. That’s not all though, as series mainstays like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, and more, are back to challenge all combatants who dare step in their path. Mortal Kombat X introduces a new single player online mode called Living Towers, which are timed challenges with the conditions changing every hour. “Klassic” modes like Test Your Might and Test Your Luck are also returning, in addition to a brand new Faction Wars mode where players across all versions—PS4, Xbox One, PC, and even Mobile—can choose to join a faction and earn points for your side. Get ready to fight!
Grand Theft Auto V
Release Date: April 14
Platform(s): PC
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
At long last, PC gamers will have a chance to jump into the definitive version of Grand Theft Auto V this month! This version will run at a super smooth 60 frames-per-second and have the ability to display graphics in full 4K resolution. More upgrades include additional weapons, vehicles, and activities, more wildwild, denser traffic, an improved foliage system, enhanced damage and weather effects, and more! The PC version also features a brand new First Person Mode, enabling you to experience this incredible game from an immersive, up-close perspective. Add in the all-new Rockstar Editor, which lets you use a full suite of editing tools to create your own customized gameplay clips, and you have an unmatched GTA V experience!
Additional games releasing in April:
April 28, 2015
- State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition (Xbox One)
- Tropico 5 (PlayStation 4)
- Omega Quintet (PlayStation 4)
- The Golf Club: Collector’s Edition (PlayStation 4 / Xbox One)
Those are my top picks for the month, what do you think? Are there any games coming out this month you’re thinking of picking up? Be sure to let us know your choice in the comments section below!
