The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
(Mar. 3 – Switch)
The Nintendo Switch will be dominating the first week of March as the home console/handheld hybrid rolls out to the public. While there are a few games launching alongside it, the biggest is definitely The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Nintendo is pulling out all the stops for the latest entry in one of the company’s most celebrated series, evolving the formula into something that stands toe-to-toe with other modern action-RPGs.
For the first time ever Link will have to manage his energy, clothing, weaponry (as they can break and must be replaced), in a true, living open world. Also, this is easily one of the prettiest games we’ve seen in a long time, showing that Nintendo still knows how to work that visual magic with its first party games. If you plan on picking up a Switch at launch, or even in the near future, definitely keep this one on your radar.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
(Mar. 3 – Switch)
Shovel Knight was a breakout hit when it released back in 2014. The folks at Yacht Club Games created a game that celebrated the days of yore when platforming games were fun, colorful, and downright challenging. It was inspired by the classics that came before it and does a bang-up job of staying true to those inspirations. Launching alongside the Switch is a compilation of all the games that make up the Shovel Knight series – Shovel of Hope, Plague of Shadows, and Specter of Torment.
The Switch doesn’t have the largest launch lineup, but this is a definite gem being offered up on day one. It would make a perfect game to play between long stretches of exploring Hyrule, as well as a great first game for the console in its own right. Just remember, it might look simple, but this game will break you if you aren’t vigilant.
Ghost Recon Wildlands
(Mar. 7 – PS4, Xbox One, PC)
Ghost Recon Wildlands had many a bit hesitant at first. After a rocky time with the Division players were apprehensive about another open world, multiplayer shooter. However, it seems like Ubisoft has learned a lot since their last attempt and Ghost Recon Wildlands feels like it’s going to be one of the more fun multiplayer this year.
You’ll be dropped into an open world full of drug lords and other types of criminals as you navigate with your squad and take down targets. If you prefer to play with other humans, your friends can come in on the adventure, allowing you to build a team of up to four soldiers out to clean up the world. It has a focus on strategy on top of its shooting, and quite a few RPG elements to add some depth to the experience. If you’re looking for a different type of shooter, this may just fit the bill.
NieR: Automata
(Mar. 7 – PS4, PC)
NieR: Automata is the long awaited sequel to the 2010 PS3 and Xbox 360 release. This time around it’s on the PS4 and PC and is set in the far distant future where humans have left to the moon after being forced out by aliens and are now using androids to reclaim their home world.
The game is being developed by Platinum Games which means you can expect some intense, fast-paced action. Combat isn’t all that’s flashy in NieR: Automata though as the game mixes several genres to keep things fresh as you progress through the story. You’ll encounter bullet hell segments, side scrolling, text adventures and more as you explore an Earth ruled by machines and take down impossibly large bosses all with unique mechanics. This is a very different type of JRPG in all the right ways.
Birthdays the Beginning
(Mar. 7 – PS4, PC)
Birthdays the Beginning is the upcoming game from Harvest Moon creator Yasuhiro Wada. Seeing as how Harvest Moon is a classic sim that let you manage a farm and the life of your characters, and how it influenced the popular Stardew Valley, many are keen to see what is going to come from this great mind next.
This time around you won’t just be planting and harvesting crops, you’ll actually be building worlds and helping them to generate life. These cube-shaped worlds can host different biomes and life forms all based on how you alter their shape and weather. You’ll be able to fine tune your own ecosystems spreading life across your very own galaxy. If you’ve been wanting to try your hand at these types of games, you may want to mark your calendar for this PS4 and PC release.
Star Trek: Bridge Crew
(Mar. 14 – PSVR, Rift, Vive)
Ever wanted to pilot your own Starfleet ship through space, the final frontier? Star Trek: Bridge Crew is an upcoming VR game from Red Storm Entertainment (co-developers on The Division, Far Cry 4, Werewolves Within, and several other Ubisoft titles) that allows you to play alone or with others as you search for a new home for the Vulcans.
Players will have to take on different roles as they steer and manage the ship through missions that put you in the hot-seat. Whether it’s deciding on where the ship goes, dealing with hostiles, or managing the power as you choose to prioritize shields, weapons, or engines. You’ll be given full control of a ship allowing you to enjoy missions and feel what it’s like to be in charge.
Mass Effect Andromeda
(Mar. 21 – PS4, Xbox One, PC)
After years of waiting, BioWare is finally allowing fans to revisit the Mass Effect universe. This time there is no Shepherd in tow, but you’ll be able to take a brand-new cast of heroes into a galaxy far beyond what humans have ever seen.
As a Pathfinder, you will be in charge of finding a home for yourself, the rest of humanity, and your alien friends. Of course, this being Mass Effect, you’ll have to fight to claim these things and the threats are more sinister than ever. With a more fluid combat system, deep customization, and an entire galaxy to explore, you’re in for a lot of RPG action.
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 & 2.5 Remix
(Mar. 28 – PS4)
Mar. 28 marks the 15 year anniversary of the first Kingdom Hearts release. Naturally this meant that Square Enix couldn’t let it go unnoticed, so they are releasing both HD collections that were previously only available on the PS3 onto the PS4. Now you can own all three compilations on current gen as you prepare yourself for the sequel that is looming on the horizon.
This is a great opportunity for those who have yet to play the older games and feel that they need to in order to play 2.8. It’s also an opportunity to show even more love towards this huge series. Hopefully these re-releases are just the tip of the celebration iceberg and we get some more Kingdom Hearts goodies on this day.
MLB The Show 17
(Mar. 28 – PS4)
MLB The Show 17 is keeping up the momentum that this awarded series has built up over the years. It may be the only major MLB game on the market, but that never stops SIE San Diego Studio from pulling out all the stops to make sure they outdo themselves every single year.
MLB The Show has always offered tight, dynamic gameplay that makes you feel like you’re right there on the field with all of your favorite players. Adding to the fun is the management side of things which continues to offer new options to fine tune your experience and really help you build a legendary dynasty. It releases just in time for the baseball season, so join in and see if you can take your team to the World Series.
Has-Been Heroes
(Mar. 28 – PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)
Has-Been Heroes may not be the first game that jumps out at you when looking through everything that March has to offer, but there’s a lot going on beneath the cute, colorful graphics. Frozenbyte (Trine series) has created yet another game that’s full of challenge, action, and humor, this time with a new flavor of gameplay.
Has-Been Heroes is an action/rogue-like/strategy game that has you controlling heroes in a mad dash against increasingly powerful enemies. There are turn-based segments as well as real-time strategy mechanics to keep you on your toes. You’ll manage skills, hundreds of items, and learn the threats the game has to throw at you as you choose your path and lay waste to everything in front of you. If you have any of the current gen consoles you should check this one out. It looks like it will be a blast to take with you on the go with the Switch.
