With the releases of Horizon Forbidden West and Elden Ring in February and March, respectively, we are up for a month of slow releases. However, ardent JRPG and RPG fans can look forward to a few famous names released this month. Overall, after a series of AAA games, it is a good thing to relax and give the indie developers a chance. Here we take a look at the top 10 video games released in April 2022.
10. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt: April 27th
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows
In 2004, a relatively unknown Troika Games released a game which was called Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines. Even though the game was riddled with bugs and other game-breaking mechanics, it soon developed a cult following owing to the rich background lore and in-depth game mechanics. The modders were able to get the game to a working state and are still considered today as one of the best vampire-themed games ever made. Bloodhunt aims to cash in on that fame and is being launched as a free-to-play battle royale in the World of Darkness setting. It is being developed by Sharkmob, and going by early demo reviews, the game certainly has its appeal. The game will be having its initial full release on the 27th of April and will be released on the Playstation 5 and Microsoft Windows.
9. Godfall Ultimate Edition: April 7th
Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
After an initial lukewarm release on the Playstation 5, the series is finally launching on the Xbox and PC. The game was first released in August 2021 and was touted as one of the first games for the newly launched PlayStation 5. Initial reactions to the game were good however, the story and the barren gameplay mechanics soon left the player-base uninterested. An action RPG at its core, the game was developed by Counterplay Games, with Gearbox acting as the publisher. However, with the addition of the Fire & Darkness expansion and the three new content updates, namely Primal, Lightbringer, and Exalted, it looks like a steal deal when considering the discounted price. The game launches on 7th April.
8. King Arthur: Knight’s Tale: April 26th
Platform: PC
After being delayed last month, one of the highly anticipated games in the tactical RPG genre is scheduled to launch on April 26th. Among the top 10 video games on our list, King Arthur: Knight’s Tale remains the sole turn-based tactical-RPG game this month. The initial reaction to the trailers and the gameplay has been favorable. The idea of playing an evil character also provides us with intrigue.
The game is set in the classic King Arthur dark fantasy universe, complete with the monster-slaying and gallant tales of the kingship. Developed by NeocoreGames, we play as Sir Mordred, who is the nemesis of King Arthur. The story picks up after we have killed King Arthur and also, in return, have been killed by him. However, we both are resurrected, with King Artur now turning into an evil monster, and thus our story begins to eradicate him once more for the good cause this time. Pretty dark and harrowing story-wise, King Arthur: Knight’s Tale will be available for PC as of now. However, the developers are also planning for console releases.
7. Forgive Me Father: April 7
Platform: PC
A stylistic 2.5D first-person shooter, Forgive Me Father pays homage to the Doom and Wolfenstein era FPS games, along with some RPG elements added to it. Developed by Byte Barrel and published by 1C Entertainment, Forgive Me Father thrusts us into the boots of two selectable characters, the Priest and the Journalist. What follows is an adventure of Lovecraftian proportions. As is the norm with these fast-paced FPS, the music selection is an integral component. With a heavy metal soundtrack to boot, it totally gives off that Doom-esque feels to the game, all the while maintaining its originality.
Without spoiling too much about the game, a letter to the protagonist starts off an investigation within their hometown, leading to the revelation that an all too familiar sinister force is behind the strange occurrences. The sinister force in question, you ask? Cthulhu. Forgive Me Father drops on April 7th for PC only.
6. The Cycle Frontier: April TBA
Platform: PC
Developed and published by YAEGER Development of Spec Ops: The Line fame (which was one of the most gut-wrenching and impactful games I have played), are now back with their new IP, The Cycle. The IP was launched way back in 2019. However, the update Frontier is scheduled for an April release this year. The Cycle is a free-to-play PvPvE set on a worldly planet named Fortuna III. Players can team up in groups of 3 or go in solo, guns blazing. A true survival game of sorts where the players will compete against each other and also against the harsh environments and the monsters that lurk around.
Containing a feeling of risk vs rewards and the true survival of the fittest, YAEGER has seldom disappointed us in the past. The Cycle Frontier will release for the PC platform only with no news about console releases yet. It is scheduled to launch sometime in April.
5. tERRORbane: April 1st
Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch
A JRPG at its core, tERRORbane by BitNine Studio, is most likely to be the sleeper hit of this month, according to us. The title has so far flown under the radar of most people, however, the trailer and gameplay showcase has certainly made fans along the way. The meta-humor present in the game and constant 4th wall break will never cease to be funny. Beneath the usual plot of a fantasy JRPG lies the main plot of a developer’s struggle while coding a game. The bugs and glitches in the game are all intentional. Mostly intentional, I suppose.
However, this is where the game shines at its best. The glitches and bugs are a requirement to enjoy the game to its fullest and even complete the game in some cases. If you are a fan of JRPG and meta humor, look no further than tERRORbane. It was released on April 1st (obviously!!!) for PC and Nintendo Switch.
4. Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition: April 7th
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, PC
Another JRPG on our list. However, this is a proper JRPG with its lineage beginning way back in 1999. Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition is a remaster of the original Chrono Cross, which was released for the PS1 in 1999. Belonging to the famous Chrono series, players can expect a classic JRPG from an era bygone. Fans of the series or JRPG fans will certainly look forward to buying the game as it is an ancient piece of art that has been restored for the modern generation.
There lies something about retro video games which are simplistic in nature but tend to impart a profound feeling of nostalgia. The Chrono Cross is a perfect candidate for that overflowing sense of nostalgia. The game is set for an April 7th release.
3. Yomawari 3: April 21st
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PS4
Finally, a survival horror game on our list of top 10 video games releasing in April 2022. Falling under the radar of almost everybody is Yomawari 3. Developed by Nippon Ichi Software, it has been described as an isometric survival horror game where you take control of an unnamed girl wandering in a dark forest. Suffering from amnesia, it is up to the players to uncover the truth behind her presence in the forest alone.
As of now, the Japanese version of the game will be released on April 21st. However, as with earlier installments of the game, an English version is in the works and will soon be released alongside it. For fans of Japanese horror media, this game certainly ticks all the boxes in the area of spookiness and story. The game arrives for the PS4 and Nintendo Switch.
2. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga: April 5th
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Another month another LEGO game based on a famous franchise. It seems like LEGO games are a certainty along with death and taxes. However, the amount of fun one can experience through a LEGO game is certainly unmatched. The game follows the main storyline as seen in the movies, from The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker. As ambitious as the nature of the game is, the attention to detail, as pointed out in many reviews on the steam review page, is certainly astounding. Developed by TT Games and its subsidiary Traveller’s Tales, the game contains all the legendary locations appearing in the movies and is an open-world game. The game launched to favorable reviews and is certainly one of the biggest games of this month and makes our list of top 10 video game releases this month.
1. Chinatown Detective Agency: April 7th
Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Finally, our top game to look out for this month would be Chinatown Detective Agency. Chinatown Detective Agency is heavily inspired in parts by the Carmen Sandiego series. In addition to that, they have coupled it with a cyberpunk setting. The year is 2037 in Singapore, our protagonist Amira Darma is a former INTERPOL agent who is now playing her trades as a private detective. Along the way, there will be cases to solve, which will further lead to a massive conspiracy.
A point-and-click adventure at its core, the game developed by General Interactive Co. contains a charm and aesthetic which can certainly entice players searching for a compelling story and attractive art style. A compelling tangible of the game was the profound characters the story provides us with. Fans of a good story will certainly need to keep their eye out for the game.
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