5 Best Games to Look Forward to in April 2018

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (Xbox One – April 11)

Hellblade isn’t a new game releasing in April 2018, having released on PC and PS4 back in August last year, but it is finally coming to Xbox One. Players will assume control of Senua, a woman with psychosis on a quest to retrieve her lover’s soul from hell. Though its gameplay focuses almost entirely on environmental puzzles and light, basic combat, Hellblade is a beautifully-designed game. From its fantastic audio design that has voices whispering in your ears, putting Senua down as you push forward, to its simply stunning visuals, Hellblade is a delightful treat for your senses.

Plus, with the Xbox One X now out on store shelves, anyone who has picked up Microsoft’s powerhouse system will be able to experience the game in one of three different modes – Enhanced Visuals, High Framerate, or High Resolution – to suit their personal preferences.

Yakuza 6 (PS4 – April 17)

It’s no secret that we were pretty big fans of Yakuza 6, but April 2018 will finally see players finally get their hands on the next chapter of Kazuma’s adventure. This is your typical Yakuza affair but bigger and better than ever, thanks to the shift to the new Dragon Engine. This provides a more seamless experience while you’re out exploring Kamurocho, and much-improved visuals, which only heighten the more in-depth storytelling.

There are still plenty of substantial minigames and substories to dive into, and while some prominent characters from previous entries aren’t at the forefront here, Yakuza 6 introduces players to a new cast that are just as likable and interesting as those they push out of the spotlight. If you’re a fan of the series, picking up Yakuza 6 should be a no-brainer.

Nintendo Labo (Switch – April 20)

When it comes to innovation in the video games industry, Nintendo is certainly the most ambitious. Be it the motion controls of the Wii, the hybrid nature of its Switch, or its latest foray into peripherals with Nintendo Labo – a cardboard DIY kit that, once built, acts as a fun, novel way to interact with your Switch and the accompanying software.

For example, you can build a cardboard fishing rod, throw some Joy-Con in there, and whittle away the hours catching fish with an actual reel. Or, build yourself a mini piano, slot the Switch in, press the keys and jam to your heart’s content as the notes play from your system.

Nintendo Labo releases in two variants in April 2018. There’s a Variety Kit that’ll let you do build and play around with all the stuff you see in the image above, or you can get the Robo Kit for $10 more, wear a cardboard robot outfit and stomp around your living room crushing enemies.

God of War (PS4 – April 20)

We haven’t seen a God of War game since Ascension all the way back in 2013. A lot has changed in those five years. We, as players, have moved onto the PS4, and Kratos, as our grizzly protagonist, has put his gods of Olympus slaying behind him and moved into the lands of the Norse Gods. Can you guess what he’s going to do there?

If your answer was rek some Norse Gods and monsters, you’d be correct. However, there’s an additional crinkle in Kratos’ story in his PS4 adventure. This doesn’t seem to be the same permanently angry and bloodthirsty Kratos we once knew and… cautiously loved. He now has a son, and must teach him how to protect himself in this unforgiving land.

It’s certainly looking like a new and exciting direction for the series gameplay-wise, and thanks to the power of the PS4 and the added oomph of the Pro, the game looks stunning.

South Park: The Fractured But Whole (Nintendo Switch – April 24)

Nobody could quite believe how good South Park: The Stick of Truth was when it released back in 2013 on 360, PS3, and PC. Sure, it had its drawbacks with a rather simplified combat system, but it retained all the crude humor, bizarre storylines, and exact look of the show. Then The Fractured But Whole rolled up last year, and expanded on its predecessor in just about every way. Character customization saw an improvement, combat was overhauled, there were more quests, and generally more things to see and do in the town of South Park.

So, the news that The Fractured But Whole is making its way to the Nintendo Switch in April 2018 is sure to delight South Park fans and Switch owners. Being able to take the entire town of South Park with you wherever you go is a dream come true… though there are some moments you may not want to play in public.

Still, with the entire experience hitting the Switch, plus its expansions coming via the eShop, there’s plenty of content for South Park fans to sink their teeth into while they wait for the next series.