Upcoming Games - February

There are so many highly anticipated games coming out in February. Delays out of 2023 have meant that this month will be a bumper crop as AAA titles like Suicide Squad, Final Fantasy and Skull and Bones cross paths with highly anticipated indies like Sons of the Forest, Last Epoch, Stormgate and more. There’s something for everyone - so let’s dive in.

Granblue Fantasy Relink

Developer: Cygames Inc
Publisher: Xseed Games
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4
Release Date: 01/02/2024

Coming from the long running Granblue Fantasy series, Granblue Fantasy Relink on February first is the first full Console and PC RPG release - and it’s going down a treat with reviewers.
Cygames (having taken over fully from PlatinumGames early in development) have managed to release something that’s selling audiences on the world of Granblue, with praise being heaped on the combat system in particular - plus some excellent character writing.
There seem to be a few early teething issues with the PC release, but if you can past that, this seems to be an excellent entry point for the series that won’t ask you to learn a fighting game or get past gacha mechanics.

Editor's Note: Hitting a solid 8/10 with a game this hyper-targeted to fans proves that Cygames will be a force to be reckoned with as a fully-fledged developer... if they can get their next game out a little faster.

Persona 3 Reload

Developer: Atlus
Publisher: Sega
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation
Release Date: 02/02/24

The latest remaster for Persona fans is launching to near universal acclaim on the second, with Persona 3 Reload being framed as an excellent way for modern fans to come in.
For those who played it the first time round, the decision to not bring along everything from every version of Persona 3 may rankle, despite improvements to the actual playability. But If you were one of the many taken in by Persona 5 who couldn’t quite gel with the older stylings of the straight ports - then this seems to be for you.

Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League

Developer: Rocksteady
Publisher: Warner Bros Interactive
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation
Release Date: 02/02/24

Everything in the run up to Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League’s release on the second has been bad press, between it’s years out of date design intent and the dozens of issues between delays, staff departures and more. Now that it’s arriving though - it’s not as bad as it could have been, maybe?

Early reviews and previews aren’t going to be putting it on any Game of the Year lists - or even Looter Shooter of the year lists as the campaign ends and it gets into endgame content - but for folks who want a very specific blend of DC comics and a middling looter shooter, this is seemingly fine rather than an abomination.

But let’s maybe set some expectations even beyond that - if you don’t want to play a looter shooter, this probably isn’t for you - and if you don’t want an aggressive murdering of various justice league folks and instead want a nice elegiac end to a superhero narrative - maybe go look at Rocksteady’s Arkham Knight instead.

Stormgate Open Beta

Developer: Frost Giant Studios
Publisher: Frost Giant Studios
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 05/02/24

As part of Steam Next Fest, the general public will get their first hands on with one of the most anticipated games of twenty twenty four with the Open Beta for Stormgate.
Coming from a studio built by the folks who made Starcraft, Warcraft and Command and Conquer, there’s a whole pedigree of quality this game will have to live up to.

Based on the response to the closed betas so far though - it might just do that. This new beta will also bring a new Chris Metzen voiced hero and multiple new units, as well as a ten thousand dollar prize pool invitational tournament - so even if you don’t think you can compete, this could be the chance to watch a whole new esport being born.

Foamstars

Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: Playstation
Release Date: 06/02/24

Square Enix don’t want us to compare the sixth of February’s Foamstars with Splatoon - but let’s call a colourful, terrain painting, third person team shooter a spade.
This is Square Enix attempting to cash in on the success of that title with their own followup. Here’s the thing though… early previews have been really good. Somehow the addition of foam that creates a 3D platform for blocking shots and traversal has really worked and changed the formula enough to stand out.

Though the smartest play by Square Enix here might be partnering with Sony to have this as a PSPlus freebie for the month, echoing Rocket League and Fall Guys before it.
Giving more players a free chance to try the game out and find out whether it’s any good is no bad thing! (Their use of AI art generation for some in game album covers is less impressive though…)

Editor's Note: Foamstars will only be available through PS+, with regular sales unavailable until March 6th. Interesting strategy from Square Enix.

Helldivers II

Developer: Arrowhead Studios
Publisher: Playstation Studios
Platforms: PC, Playstation
Release Date: 08/02/24

The wins continue for Sony as on the 8th February, Sony’s first actual Live Service under the new business plan releases. Helldivers II will be releasing on PS5 and PC from Arrowhead Studios. They’re famed for their spectacular, effects laden, top down shooters like the original Magicka, Gauntlet and Helldivers 1.

With Helldivers 2 they’re switching to a third person perspective - but with the same level of bombast and style as players take on hundreds of zerg-like aliens and robots in map clearing missions on sci fi planets.
The early marketing for the game has been playing up the co-op and the Starship Trooper style satire, but a recent reveal of the game’s realtime global campaign map might be the secret sauce - giving players something to stick around for and keep playing long after launch.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden

Developer: DON'T NOD
Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation
Release Date: 13/02/24

Launching just a day before Valentines Day, Dontnod Entertainment are giving us a tragic love story - though in the form of a third person RPG about trying to restore your love from her death. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a spiritual successor to Vampyr, which blended combo-driven combat with thematic choices, and this game looks much the same.

As the titular Banishers, she’s dead, you’re not, you’ll be travelling the new world finding a way to bring her back.
This will involve using ghost powers, ghost banishing powers and regular weapons - all in service of a story that asks just how far you’ll go for the one you love.

Ultros

Developer: Hadoque
Publisher: Hadoque
Platforms: PC, Playstation
Release Date: 13/02/24

Another month, another stunning-looking Metroidvania. This time developer Hadoque collaborating with musical artist El Huervo (of Hotline Miami fame) bring us the gorgeous looking Ultros.
Finding themselves in a luminously graphical spaceship, players are tasked with uncovering the secrets of the ancient being called Ultros locked within - all while engaging in precision combat and exploration platforming.

What the team would also like players to do is take a moment to reflect on that, with the central mechanic of gardening and planting seeds as they go in order to alter the environment around them.
It’s a slightly out there pitch for a game with a slight out there art style - but for Metroidvania fans this is one to watch.

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered

Developer: Aspyr
Publisher: Embracer
Platforms: PC, Xbox, PC, Switch
Release Date: 14/02/24

Embracer might be killing studios left, right and centre this year but they know how to mine nostalgia.
On the 14th, Aspyr Media (and Crystal Dynamics) are bringing us a remaster of all three original Tomb Raider games and all their expansions. Aspyr have a history with these games, having ported all of the Tomb Raider games till the modern reboot - and they’re not interested in changing them now.
That means polish to the original titles, then additions like smoother textures, a graphics toggle and modern control schemes - rather than reinventing the wheel.

Solium Infernum

Developer: League of Geeks
Publisher: League of Geeks
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 14/02/24

Solium Infernum from League of Geeks much like Tomb Raider is technically a remaster/remake of an older game, this time from 2009.
This is a cult hit, a stylish hex based grand strategy game about Archfiends conquering Hell that is for up to six players. The wrinkle here is that each player can only issue two orders per turn, meaning long term planning and strategy comes directly from the limits placed.
This is the kind of classic strategy game that would be perfect for the play by email era - so the question is will it find a wider niche in 2024.

Mario vs Donkey Kong

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: 16/02/24

All eyes are on Nintendo as we await the expected announcement of a Switch successor later this year - but until then, they’re raiding the cupboards for releases.
Mario vs Donkey Kong is one that was deep in there - a 2004 Game Boy Advance game now being remastered 20 years later for the Nintendo Switch on the 16th.
It’s a Mario puzzle platformer, that’s already a remake of a well received title - so you know it’s going to be at least solid. For those who missed out 20 years ago - now’s your chance.

Skull and Bones

Developer: Ubisoft Singapore
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation
Release Date: 16/02/24

Lord willing, on the sixteenth of February in the year of twenty twenty four, Ubisoft’s Skull and Bones will release and the long saga will be over.
We’re basically looking forward to a pirate ship themed ARPG - one where players will sail out, complete quests and fight both other Pirate ships and other players. Unfortunately that seems to be it, with the game’s heritage as an Assassin’s Creed followup being lost to time alongside it's off ship mechanics.

No one is expecting this to be great - it’s sheer quantity of delays suggests there’s been a long cycle of issues for the game’s development. But after a recent endgame reveal, Ubisoft are at least committed to releasing the game and supporting it for a while. If you really need a pirate fix, try the open beta on the eighth first before you drop your money on this.
Who knows? Maybe we’ll get one more delay if there’s enough bugs in the beta.

The Thaumaturge

Developer: Fool's Theory
Publisher: 11Bit Studios
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation
Release Date: 20/02/24

The Thaumaturge from Fool’s Theory and 11Bit Studios is February’s entry in the ongoing CRPG renaissance we find ourselves.
Set in turn of the 19th Century Warsaw, players will explore a city under the rule of the Russian Tsars, while also battling the supernatural goings on that plague the city.

The goal here is to have the relationship building dialogue of a CRPG but in a world where you can literally have characters face their demons - and maybe change their mind that way.
Early previews have been very positive on the quality of the writing and the innovative (and bizarre) mix of historical fact and speculative horror, so we’ll be keeping an eye out on the 20th to see if they can stick the landing.

Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story

Developer: Lazy Bear Games
Publisher: Riot Forge
Platforms: PC, Switch
Release Date: 21/02/24

The last of the Riot Forge games, Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story brings and end to that label’s short lived legacy on the 21st.
From the devs behind the hit Graveyard Keeper, this is a an isometric crafting RPG that will see players taking the role of League’s Yordles - in a way that League or Legends of Runeterra simply can’t. For the last look at what League’s world could look like, this is certainly a cosy one.

Last Epoch

Developer: Eleventh Hour Games
Publisher: Eleventh Hour Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 21/02/24

Currently in Early Access, launching to full release on the 21st February - Last Epoch is hoping that the five-ish years of development since the First Alpha will be the start of a new era for the acclaimed indie ARPG.
This is a game founded by fans of the genre, who have spent a long time working to make the game they want to play.

With the 1.0 release, the game will be getting visual updates, new systems and classes as well as beginning the post launch release cadence of “Cycles”, effectively starting a seasonal release schedule for updates for the game.
As Path of Exile and Diablo 4 are both off representing different kinds of ARPGs for players to enjoy, Last Epoch’s own well established and loved offering is sure to stand out.

Pacific Drive

Developer: Ironwood Studios
Publisher: Ironwood Studios
Platforms: PC, Playstation
Release Date: 22/02/24

Standing out from the other survival games this month by dint of being the only single player title, Pacific Drive is the first title from Ironwood Studios.
You’re in the Pacific Northwest of America, trapped inside the exclusion zone around a sci fi disaster - there’s no way out. All you have is a beaten up station wagon, access to a garage and a radio that will let you talk to the other inhabitants.

The aim is simple. Escape the zone by eventually gathering enough resources to improve your car - while trying not to wrecked by the anomalies.
The team at Ironwood are hoping the intriguing narrative and compelling vibes of their world will be enough to entice players to try the game out - especially as they compete with some big names in the genre without a co-op or multiplayer option.

Sons of the Forest

Developer: Endnight
Publisher: Endnight
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 22/02/24

Sons of the Forest was already one of the biggest games on Steam in 2023, and it leaves Early Access on the twenty second.
Endnight Games followup to the Forest doubled down on the survival and the horror of the original with new tools and new cannibals, while adding NPC companions to change up the core gameplay too.

After a year in Early Access responding to player requests while working on their own roadmap for the story and world, Sons of the Forest is already highly polished and improved - the release build will represent the culmination of that work and is likely to be a big draw for audiences.

Nightingale

Developer: Inflexion Games
Publisher: Inflexion Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 22/02/24

If you’d like your survival game to be slightly more fantastical - how does using a steampunk umbrella as a parachute sound?
The Victoriana themed Nightingale from the ex-Bioware talent at Inflexion games is finally releasing in Early Access after several delays on the same day.

It’s got your classic survival elements, you need to gather materials to craft gear and bases to find your way to your final objective - here though that’s all built around a dimension generating mechanic filled with esoteric flora and fauna. Players use resources to craft the specific type of map they want to travel to, in order to get specific high end gear - which means there’s a sense of progression and development that’s intrinsic to the game and not just ticking off results on a tech tree.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

Developer: Avantgarden
Publisher: 505 Games
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation
Release Date: 28/02/24

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a hyper popular indie title from 2013, first made by It Takes Two creator Josef Fares and Starbreeze Studios.
Original publisher 505 games has tasked internal studio Avantgarden with remaking the game for 2024 with new graphical fidelity, newly recorded soundtrack and polished mechanics.

The original wowed audiences with a unique control system that had each player using half of the controller for each of the titular brothers - with this playing out as the two solved puzzles and navigated a quest to save their dying father.
It remains to be seen if the improvements are worth it, the original’s stylised design is still fairly striking - but we shall see if this is the good kind of remake, or the other kind.

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster

Developer: Nightdive Studios
Publisher: Nightdive Studios
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation, Switch
Release Date: 28/02/24

Don’t tell me the odds of this next one being being good though, this is a Nightdive Studios game, so their hit rate on reviving classic properties speaks for itself.
Star Wars: Dark Forces might be one of the first games that defined the first person shooter - and now it’s getting a remaster in 2024.

As a 1995 FPS, there’s a lot of Doom in it’s DNA - but this is the game that first allowed players to actually look around the screen or even jump, and is very much beloved for being the first appearance of fan favourite character Kyle Katarn.
With a legacy like that, Nightdive will have their work cut out for them - but it’s not stopped them yet and so far the trailers suggest there’ll be no difference here.

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth

Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: Playstation
Release Date: 29/02/24

The 29th though brings us Square Enix’s attempt to rewrite history once more - as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth grapples with the ending of FFVII Remake and tries to work out what comes next.
As the developers and narrative wrestle with FF7’s canon to explore what that story truly means, from a gameplay perspective things are opening up a lot.

Now free of Midgard, Cloud and company will be in a Witcher inspired Open World map that will let them freely explore and traverse through an expanded interpretation of the second third of the original game.
For those who didn’t like the changes of the original Remake, the trailers suggest things will only be getting more off the rails from here - but for the folks who are into the reinterpretation of FF7’s themes and story? You already knew you were on board as we approach that moment in the game.