The April 2024 games list is admittedly not as strong as recent months, but it still packs a punch, especially for JRPG fans. At least there’s an indie classic getting revitalized for new platforms!
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Switch)
Publisher: 505 Games
Developer: Rabbit & Bear Studios
Price: $49.99
Release Date: April 23
Trailer
After the tepidly received first game prologue (which Destructoid actually liked) in the series, Hundred Heroes seems to be the actual strategy RPG fans have been hoping for. Acting as a spiritual successor to the Suikoden series, some of the former developers of the games modernize the gameplay for modern audiences. For example, it takes the gorgeous 2D sprites and places them within grand 3D environments like the acclaimed Octopath Traveler series.
As the title suggests, there will be over 100 characters to play as within this big RPG. Intrepid adventurers take their first step into this world on April 23.
Stellar Blade (PS5)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Developer: Shift Up Corporation
Price: $69.99
Release Date: April 26
Trailer
The game may be controversial, but the demo of this action game has impressed many. The stunning Chinese-developed title shows gorgeous combat, detailed environments, and intriguing bosses to encounter. Those who want to push their PS5 graphically might be happy to know the game runs at 1440p with 60 frames per second.
Additionally, those who enjoyed Nier Automata might be happy to know it inspired the game. “Nier: Automata left a huge impression on me,” Stellar Blade director Kim Hyung-tae told IGN. “It made me realize that a game like this could be made, and allowed me to rediscover the kind of game that I want to make.” You can try out the demo to figure out if it’s for you and then carry your save data to the full game.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Switch)
Publisher: EA
Developer: Surgent Studios
Price: $19.99 ($17.99 if you pre-order)
Release Date: April 23
Trailer
Tales of Kenzera: Zau is likely to continue the trend of great Metroidvanias after the superb Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. With stirring, vibrant visuals and an emotional story starring a boy shaman wanting to revive his fallen father, there’s a lot of potential to be had. EA says on the game’s Steam page, “We’ll own [our] journey alongside mythical characters from whom you will gain valuable life lessons.” This game revolves around time-based abilities and fiery spears that will hopefully grip us in its combat.
Sand Land (PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Developer: ILCA
Price: $59.99
Release Date: April 26
Trailer
Despite Akira Toriyama’s unfortunate passing, his legacy continues with the Sand Land anime series and now the video game. Adapted from the 2000 manga, this Sand Land game lets you explore the desert in cool tanks and other machinery. You’ll be trying to find the Legendary Spring on this quest as you take on all sorts of creatures and customize your powerful vehicles. Hopefully, this game lives up to the famous manga artist’s legendary history.
Braid: Anniversary Edition (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Netflix)
Publisher: Thekla Inc.
Developer: Thekla Inc.
Price: Not announced yet
Release Date: April 30
Trailer
After multiple years of delays, Braid Anniversary Edition finally arrives on modern platforms and mobile devices (via Netflix) on April 30. It comes with many new features, including the game being re-painted by the original artist, over 15 hours of developer commentary, additional music, and a new world to explore in this 2D time-based platformer. Developer Jonathan Blow says on Braid‘s website that one of Thekla Inc.’s goals is to make “the craziest, most-in-depth commentary ever put in a video game.”
“Many areas have been envisioned to make them more unique, and it’s even more like a living painting with brushstrokes animating the world,” explains the game’s release date trailer. “There are more than nine pixels for each pixel in the original game.” The 2008 indie classic has certainly been remastered in more ways than one. If you haven’t played the original, this might be one of the best April 2024 games to try. Check out our original review!
Honorable Mentions
- Spirit City: Lofi Sessions (PC) – April 8
- Children of the Sun (PC) – April 9
- Gigantic: Rampage Edition (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – April 9
- Moonglow Bay (PS4, PS5, Switch) – April 11
- Europa (PC) – April 16
- Harold Halibut (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – April 16
- Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide (PS5 DLC) – April 18
- No Rest for the Wicked (PC) – April 18
- Another Crab’s Treasure (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – April 25
- SaGa Emerald Beyond (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC, iOS, Android) – April 25
- TopSpin 2K25 (PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – April 26
- Front Mission 2: Remake (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – April 30
