The Force will be with you this month
The April 2023 games lineup might have far fewer blockbusters to offer, but there are still some intriguing standouts worthy of a mention. We can take on an epic quest across the galaxy in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, or enjoy the adorable story in Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories You’ll also get the opportunity to engage in strategic battles in Advance Wars 1 + 2: Reboot Camp or carve up some zombies in the long-long-long-time-coming Dead Island 2.
Here’s everything to expect from the April 2023 games lineup.
Advance Wars 1 + 2: Reboot Camp (Switch)
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: WayForward
Price: $59.99
Release Date: April 21
Trailer
After a long delay, Advance Wars 1 + 2: Reboot Camp will finally be on store shelves from April 21. This strategy game is a complete remake of the classic releases and will test mettle as players maneuver their army through various battlefields. Reboot Camp includes both original games and lets you pick any commander from those titles in its Versus Mode. This remaster is developed by the Shantae series studio WayForward, so there should be an essence of quality within its animation and gameplay. This will be a really enjoyable nostalgia trip fans of the series, to be sure.
Dead Island 2 (PS4 PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Publisher: Deep Silver
Developer: Dambuster Studios
Price: $69.99
Release Date: April 21
Trailer
Speaking of delayed games, Dead Island 2 will finally be unleashed on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC systems on April 21. Similar to the previous game, it offers a large sandbox packed out with many melee weapons to uncover and lots of zombies to smash. Instead of an island, however, this sequel will be taking place in Beverly Hills, as well as its neighboring areas like Venice Beach. The sequel features online co-op for up to three players, so you can team with friends to combat dozens of distinct zombie types, each with their own mutations, attacks, and hundreds of visual LA-themed variants.”
EA Sports PGA Tour (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Publisher: EA
Developer: Electronic Arts – Tiburon
Price: $69.99
Release Date: April 6
Trailer
Get ready to earn those beloved Eagles and dreaded Bogies because EA Sports is bringing back golf to PC and consoles on April 6. The game features the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open Championship, and The Open Championship. The publisher EA claims on the game’s Steam page that it will have “unique golf wings with a fluid feel and realistic outcomes on every golf shot.” In addition, there are “golfer-specific tendencies with unique Course Dynamics and revolutionized Ball Behavior” mechanics. A new Career Mode will allow players to can create their own golfer and compete against the likes of Cameron Champ, Nelly Korda, and other pros.
The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC)
Publisher: Riot Forge
Developer: Digital Sun
Price: $29.99
Release Date: April 18
Trailer
The League of Legends universe expands when The Mageseeker releases on April 18. Something that makes this game notable is that it’s from the critically acclaimed developer of Moonlighter Digital Sun. In this game, you play as Sylas, a mage that has freed himself from the Mageseekers. With the chains on his hands, you fight enemies that try to contain you and free your homeland from The Mageseekers. The action-RPG combat seems intense and the game has a gorgeous pixel art style, similar to Moonlighter.
Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC)
Publisher: Poppy Works and XSEED Games
Developer: Froach Club and Poppy Works
Price: $14.99
Release Date: April 6
Trailer
Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories was a standout on the PAX East 2022 show floor and will be dropping into store shelves on April 6. As those of you who played the demo will know, it has an adorable Game Boy-inspired art style and a charming story. You’re a rabbit strolling around a town that has outlawed melons looking for your lost best friend. The concept is adorable, but the intrigue arrives once you realize things aren’t as peaceful as they seem.
Minecraft Legends (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC)
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Developer: Mojang Studios and Blackbird Interactive
Price: $39.99
Release Date: April 6
Trailer
There’s been a TellTale series and an action RPG, and now Minecraft is stepping into the Strategy genre with Minecraft Legends. Launching on Xbox Game Pass and on store shelves when April 6 hits, Minecraft Legends challenges you to third-person RTS battles. You’ll be gathering allies and resources as you explore the different biomes this game has to offer. There’s also a multiplayer mode, so you can charge enemy fortresses with your buddies online. Hopefully, Minecraft Legends will be just as fun as the other Minecraft spinoffs.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Publisher: EA
Developer: Respawn
Price: $69.99
Release Date: April 27
Trailer
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor continues Cal Kestis’ journey as he attempts to discover his true purpose as a Jedi. The game takes place five years after the events of Fallen Order as Kestis finds himself escaping into the outer sectors of the galaxy. EA asks the question on the game’s Steam page, “How far Kestis willing to go to protect himself, his crew, and the legacy of the Jedi Order?” There will be an engaging storyline, to be sure, new force abilities to learn throughout the adventure, and new fighting styles for Cal to master. The game releases on April 27.
Honorable Mentions
There are some other April 2023 games that should get honorable mentions. They include:
- Curse of the Sea Rats (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC) – April 6
- The Last Case of Benedict Fox (Xbox Series X/S, PC) – April 27
- Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection (PS4, Switch, PC) – April 14
- Moviehouse – The Film Studio Tycoon (PC) – April 5
- Omega Strikers (PC, Switch, iOS, Android) – April 27
- Road 96: Milo 0 (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC) – April 4
- Strayed Lights (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC) – April 25
