With the recent release of the smash hit “Resident Evil Requiem” as well as the brand new “Nioh 3,” I’d like to highlight five games that were released, or are soon to release this spring.
5. “Marathon” (March 5)
“Marathon” is a first person multiplayer sci-fi shooter developed by Bungie, the developers of iconic games such as “Halo” and “Destiny.” It is a reboot of the original “Marathon” which was released in 1994 for Apple Macintosh computers. In this game the player assumes the role of a Runner, a mercenary for corporations wanting to retrieve valuable loot from the old, lost colonists of Tau Ceti IV. The player competes with a variety of forces to achieve this loot, having to fight USEC robots protecting the planet, as well as other players and the hazardous environment. Though the game has unique gameplay and story, the visual style is where it really shines. “Marathon” takes inspiration from shows and games like “Ghost in the Shell” and “Mirror’s Edge” to create its signature “acid punk” style, and even had famous “Love, Death & Robots” director Albert Mielgo work on the reveal trailer for the game. This game is designed to be very competitive, so those that enjoy high competition and huge stakes are for sure to enjoy this game.
4. “Pokemon Pokopia” (March 5)
Nintendo released their brand new “Animal Crossing” style Pokemon spin off March 5. In “Pokemon Pokopia” the player assumes the role of a shape shifting Ditto disguised as a human trying to restore an old, ruined, world, featuring all of the Pokemon we know and love, featuring generations I through IX. This game is said to play similar to games such as the previously listed Animal Crossing, as well as games like Stardew Valley and Minecraft combined with its 24-hour clock and terrain alteration pulling those comparisons together. Throughout the game, the player will pave and renovate terrain, unveiling Pokemon to teach them skills that will help them renovate more of the island and find even more Pokemon to bring this previously deserted island back to its glory days. This game is for all audiences alike, for the island explorers, the vacation goers and the Pokemon trainers.
3. “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” (March 19)
This is the long awaited sequel of the first “Death Stranding” game released in 2018. In this game, the player assumes the role of Sam Porter Bridges, quitting his quiet life he earned from the first game to move to Australia and once again assumes the role of a deliveryman, reconnecting cities and saving humanity from total extinction. This game features a wide variety of challenges the player must deal with, including the supernatural, enemies and tough terrain and landscapes to make deliveries even harder. The game has already been released for the PlayStation 5, but is now also releasing for PC on March 19. This is for the people who are looking for a continuation and closer to the “Death Stranding” universe and for those who enjoy the works of Hideo Kojima.
2. “007: First Light” (May 27)
James Bond is finally back in the form of a video-game adaption for the first time since the 2012 mediocre release of “007: Legends.” The 007 franchise is iconic for its spy elements, iconic acting and high-octane action scenes – all of which are adapted to this new game developed by IO Interactive, famous for creating the “Hitman” series. In this game the player plays as young, 26 year old James Bond as he finds his way through the spy world, albeit rather recklessly, as he tries and earns his 00 Agent status for the British MI6. People that enjoy sneaky stealth gameplay, lots of charisma and loads of action will enjoy this game.
1. “Lego Batman: Legend of the Dark Knight” (May 29)
To bookend the month of May, TT Games is releasing the first “Lego Batman” game since 2014. The original “Lego Batman” series initially only featured three games plus an additional villain spin off released in 2018 named “Lego DC: Super Villains.” “Legend of the Dark Knight” will be the first actual “Lego Batman” game in over a decade. Also, the game features loads of modern features not similar to the original “Lego Batman” games, instead running with gameplay and combat similar to that of the famous “Batman Arkham” games developed by Rocksteady. People that are a fan of the originals, or new, potentially younger fans just crossing into the franchise are sure to check this game out when it releases.