A witch, an alchemist, and a wrestler walk into a bar…
March 2023 is heating up with plenty of exciting game releases. Resident Evil 4 Remake will modernize the horror classic with spectacular visuals, while Atelier Ryza 3 is taking the series open world for the first time.
In addition, we’ll be getting a brand-new WarGames mode in WWE 2K23 and exploring a certain witch’s past in Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. Here’s what to expect from the March 2023 games lineup.
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & The Secret Key (NSW, PS4, PS5, PC)
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Developer: Gust
Price: $59.99
Release Date: March 24
Trailer
Firstly, the fan-favorite Atelier series takes its introductory steps into an open world, and this will sadly be the conclusion to Ryza’s story. Koei Tecmo seems to be stepping up the action with 11 playable characters, a seamless open-world design with multiple biomes, and a grand story involving the Code of the Universe. It will also have some fun alchemy mechanics, which makes the series stand out among the rest of the JRPG juggernauts, like Final Fantasy and Persona. Atelier Ryza 3 was recently delayed by a month. Hopefully, the game is technically sound and will run great when the game is in the players’ hands.
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon (NSW)
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: PlatinumGames
Price: $59.99
Release Date: March 17
Trailer
Coming out of nowhere in an early 2023 Nintendo Direct, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza of the Demon tells the origin story of the legendary witch. Cereza (her name before being called Bayonetta), alongside her first demon Cheshire, is on a quest to save her mother with a power found within the forest. She’ll be solving puzzles and fighting faeries, even as a child. This game will likely give some fascinating backstory to the beloved witch in the Bayonetta series. There’s an expectation of quality from this cult hit series, so hopefully, this game will deliver.
Resident Evil 4 Remake (PS5, PS4, XSX|S, PC)
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Price: $59.99
Release Date: March 24
Trailer
One of the most prolific horror games ever made, Resident Evil 4, is finally receiving a remake in March. Similarly to the two prior remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, RE4 is getting a complete reworking of its gameplay and graphics. The animation and texture quality is incredible, while the gameplay has been remade to fit more modern tastes. That means no more tank controls! In addition, the pesky quick-time events of the original have been completely removed. While Capcom’s attempts to bring back Resident Evil 3 arguably disappointed fans, Resident Evil 4 Remake can hopefully pick up the slack.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty (PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX|S, PC)
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Developer: Team NINJA
Price: $59.99
Release Date: March 3
Trailer
After the tepid audience response to Wild Hearts (according to the UK charts via PlayStation Trophies), Koei Tecmo is likely hoping Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty will be a hit. This action RPG pits you against mighty bosses across the Three Kingdoms. Set in a dark fantasy interpretation of the late Han Dynasty, you’ll face off foes with swordplay that’s based on Chinese martial arts. You’ll have access to multiple weapons like dual swords, glaives, a spear, a staff, and 14 other types. You’ll also be able to use magic like fire and ice-elemental abilities against your enemies. Hopefully, this Souls-like hits with Team NINJA’s many fans of Nioh. There’s a demo out as well if you’re curious about this JRPG.
WWE 2K23 (PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX|S, PC)
Publisher: 2K
Developer: Visual Concepts
Price: $59.99
Release Date: March 17
Trailer
Unlike the 2021-2022 season, WWE has been red-hot over the past year with the return of Cody Rhodes, the championship reign of the E.S.T. Bianca Belair, and the incredible storytelling from the Bloodline faction. Hopefully, WWE 2K23 takes advantage of the hype that’s been building toward Wrestlemania in 2023. The game is introducing a new WarGames mode, which has two wrestling rings combined within a cage. In addition, the MyGM mode is getting a big upgrade with new managers, match types, and more show options with four people instead of just two. Wrestlers like Logan Paul and the original GOAT Bruno Sammartino are a part of the roster as well. It’s one of the March 2023 games that diehard fans will want.
Honorable Mentions
Thankfully, there’s a promising indie that has to be included on this list: Tchia. It’s an open world that has the titular character exploring the beautiful archipelago islands and sailing the seas. A neat mechanic in this game is that you can take control of any animal in the game. You can even learn the ukelele in Tchia. It’s docking onto PS4, PS5, and the Epic Games Store on March 21.
Additionally, Crime Boss: Rockay City is making its way to consoles and PC (Epic Games Store) on March 28. Starring Hollywood talents like Chuck Norris and Michael Rooker, this crime-based first-person shooter has you planning heists, similar to Payday. The twist is it has roguelike mechanics as you take down enemy forces from rival gangs and avoid the custody of Officer Norris. The action seems fun and having more co-op experiences can only be a good thing.
