Although April is not usually a major month in the gaming industry, this year might be a little different. The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown release schedules into chaos, with many titles pushed back. These delays mean that there are several big hitters coming this month.
It’s not just AAA releases that should have gamers excited, though. There’s a great amount of choice on offer throughout April. Whether it’s charming indie platformers or classic games brought to new platforms, there is something for everybody.
Here is every video game release date for April 2021.
Outriders
Release Date: April 1
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
Outriders is the latest game from People Can Fly and Square Enix. The development studio previously launched Bulletstorm, and this new title is another shooter. This time around, though, the gameplay takes the form of a cooperative-based third-person shooter. Including elements of RPGs, it offers players the opportunity to choose from a variety of classes. While it may appear similar to the likes of Destiny, it is not a live service title and the story can be completed. Coming to almost all platforms, it will launch on Xbox Game Pass on day one.
Resident Evil 7
Release Date: April 1
Platforms: Google Stadia
Google Stadia might have had a hard time recently but the service continues to get many new games. The most recent is Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, in the form of the Gold Edition. The 2017 survival horror game is the ninth major game in the series. It takes a more traditional approach to gameplay than its immediate predecessors. That means it does not focus so much on action but rather exploration.
Lost Words: Beyond the Page
Release Date: April 6
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One
Lost Words: Beyond the Page is described as an atmospheric narrative adventure. Written by noted game writer, the daughter of novelist Terry Pratchett, it sees players use words to interact with the world. This can take the form of using the letters to walk on or to solve puzzles. With a watercolor aesthetic, it is sure to be a pleasing and charming game to play.
Oddworld: Soulstorm
Release Date: April 6
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5
Although not technically a remake, Oddworld: Soulstorm is a reimagined version of the original 1998 game. A continuation of the story from Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty!, it is the first new entry in more than half a decade. It will utilize the same 2.5D side-scrolling perspective as its predecessors. Players will take control of Abe as he again attempts to save his species from slavery.
Star Wars Republic Commando
Release Date: April 6
Platforms: Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4
A port of the classic LucasArts game Star Wars Republic Commando is coming to PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Players are thrust into the shoes of an elite clone trooper commanding a squad of trained soldiers. Set during the Clone Wars era of Star Wars, it received plenty of praise for its story and combat. Unfortunately, this is a straight port rather than an enhanced remaster.
Before Your Eyes
Release Date: April 8
Platforms: PC
Before Your Eyes is a unique narrative experience that uses a sophisticated and experimental gameplay mechanic. Using a webcam, the game tracks the player’s eyes, giving them the ability to move the story forward via blinking. The story focuses on the emotional life story of the main character as they progress to the afterlife.
Borderlands 3: Director’s Cut DLC
Release Date: April 8
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
The latest DLC for Borderlands 3 is the Director’s Cut. This expansion is part of the Season Pass 2 and adds a new raid boss and a murder mystery quest. Players will be able to tackle Hemovorous the Invincible to get some high-level loot or complete a fresh selection of challenges. According to Gearbox, the DLC’s murder mystery will involve players having to play detective and solve clues.
Scarlet Hood and the Wicked Wood
Release Date: April 8
Platforms: PC
In Scarlet Hood and the Wicked Wood, the titular hero is tasked with leading a Munchkin troupe through a cursed forest. The story-driven adventure game sees a Witch force the player to relive the same day over and over again. Scarlet Hood must make tough decisions to get her followers to safety by solving puzzles.
Say No! More
Release Date: April 9
Platforms: Nintendo Switch and PC
Billed as a NPG (No!-Playing Game), Say No! More is a quirky game where players have to learn to say no more often. With the ability to switch up your delivery and charge your “NO!” for a bigger effect, it promises to be a humorous experience.
Trials of Fire
Release Date: April 9
Platforms: PC
Trials of Fire is the latest in a long line of tactical deck-building roguelites that have grown in popularity recently. Players must assemble a strong deck, position their forces effectively, and choose the right tactics to come out on top. On top of the combat, players are also given the opportunity to pass judgement during narrative encounters.
Ashwalkers: A Survival Journey
Release Date: April 15
Platforms: PC
Ashwalkers: A Survival Journey is a game created by one of the lead developers of Life is Strange. It involves a non-linear story where players have to make difficult choices to complex moral dilemmas. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, there are 34 distinct endings for players who successfully manage their food, equipment, and medication.
SaGa Frontier Remastered
Release Date: April 15
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, and PlayStation 4
The 1998 RPG game is being remastered for a variety of platforms. SaGa Frontier Remastered will feature improved visuals and restored cut scenes. The developers have also included brand new features, such as double-speed mode, and an additional main character. This means that there are now eight storylines to experience with each of the available heroes.
MLB The Show 21
Release Date: April 20
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
MLB The Show 21 is Sony’s premier baseball simulator. However, for the first time in the history of the series, the game is also coming to Xbox consoles. Supporting cross-platform clay between the PS4 and PS5, it will also include a new ballpark creator. Here, users can change the dimensions and look of stadiums and even share them online.
Maskmaker
Release Date: April 20
Platforms: PC and PS VR
Maskmaker is a new virtual reality game where players take on the role of a Maskmaker’s apprentice. During their education, they must learn the secrets to crafting the magical masks. With the ability to solve puzzles and enter the mysterious mask realms, players must uncover the secret identity of Prospero.
Humankind
Release Date: April 22
Platforms: PC
Humankind is a historical strategy game where players can rewrite the story of humanity. Players must lead society from the ancient Neolithic tribes to the modern day, making important decisions along the way. The outcome of the entire species will depend on the decisions made by the player as the leader of their society.
Judgment
Release Date: April 23
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Google Stadia
Judgment is an action-adventure game that is a spin-off of the mainline Yakuza series. Players take on the role of a private detective investigating a serial murder case. This remastered version for next-gen consoles includes enhanced visuals and faster load times.
NieR Replicant ver1.22474487139…
Release Date: April 23
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One
NieR Replicant ver1.22474487139… is not just a game with a clumsy name. It is a remake of the original PlayStation 3 game, which was only available in Japan. The new version includes fully voiced dialog, a new soundtrack, new missions, and larger areas for players to explore.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Wrath of the Druids
Release Date: April 29
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
Wrath of the Druids is the first major DLC for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The expansion will take place in Ireland and see players exploring the land from a Dublin-based hub location. As a less urbanized country, mysticism and cults player a bigger role in the story. Players will be investigating the druid cult known as the Children of Danu.
New Pokemon Snap
Release Date: April 30
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
New Pokémon Snap is a sequel to the classic 1999 game for Nintendo 64. As in the original title, players travel around various locations in a vehicle to photograph the surrounding Pokémon. The gameplay involves an on-rails hovercraft, meaning players cannot freely explore. The main aim is for players to complete the Photodex with more than 200 creatures and find out about the Illumina phenomenon.
Returnal
Release Date: April 30
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Returnal is a psychological horror game with third-person shooter gameplay. Featuring roguelike elements, it is set in a futuristic sci-fi setting where users play as a space pilot stuck on the planet. It soon becomes clear that Selene, the pilot, is trapped in a time loop where she is resurrected upon every death.
Buildings Have Feelings Too!
Release Date: TBA
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One
Buildings Have Feelings Too! Is a building management game and puzzler. Players take on the role of sentient buildings attempting to avoid being demolished. To do this, they must become successful and popular attractions in an ever-changing world. Each building has its own personality and must adapt as time advanced from the Victorian era to the modern day.
Century: Age of Ashes
Release Date: TBA
Platforms: PC
In Century: Age of Ashes, players become fearless dragon riders, using the mythical beasts to battle each other. As a multiplayer arena battle game, players must take down the competition to emerge victorious. Up to 18 players can battle against each other in fast-paced action, with several classes and customization options available.
Mundaun
Release Date: TBA
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
In this hand-drawn psychological horror game, players must uncover a mystery as they travel up the Mundaun mountain. Investigating the sudden death of his grandfather, the protagonist discovers a sinister force. Players must solve puzzles and collect items to survive in this wild area.
Which April video game are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!
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