Upcoming Games: A Mighty March

The year is in full swing and March of 2024 is going to see some of the biggest launches we can imagine. Rise of the Ronin and Dragon’s Dogma 2 are going to be big Games for huge audiences, but we’re expecting a fair few AA surprises to sneak in and take audiences by storm - just look at the surprise hits of Palworld and Helldivers 2! We’ve got retro revivals like Outcast and Alone in the Dark, solo dev efforts like Summerhouse and Bulwark. There’s really something for everyone - so let’s dive in.

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game

Developer: Saber Interactive
Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation, Switch
Release Date: 05/03

Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game is Saber Interactive attempting to structure the sandbox they created with Mudrunner and Snowrunner. Those games showcased free form exploration that saw players completing missions using massive utility vehicles and maybe the most compelling terrain deformation tech in gaming.
Expeditions will see those same tools made more approachable as they ask players to explore new environments in service of research mission objectives - adding an overarching layer of preparation, base management, research and growth that helps narrativise the experience.
We know the core gameplay for these games is incredible, so hopefully building on that (and giving players just a bit of direction for their play) will mean even more folks can appreciate this great series.

Classified: France 44

Developer: Absolutely Games
Publisher: Team17
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation
Release Date: 05/03

The first of a few tactics games this month - as Absolutely Games and Team 17 bring us Classified: France 44’. The first game from the developer is aiming to capture the spirit of X-Com but transplanted to the heart of World War 2.
Allied Commandoes and French Resistance Fighters join forces in the months before D-Day in order to sabotage the German war effort in a campaign that will see your individual troopers grow and develop as they engage in perilous stealth driven missions.
Boasting authenticity as a key feature, it remains to be seen whether this historical game can live up to it’s Sci-fi inspirations.

The Outlast Trials

Developer: Red Barrels
Publisher: Red Barrels
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation
Release Date: 05/03

Folks were skeptical when The Outlast Trials was initially pitched. Could the oppressive, personal horror of the Outlast Games really translate to a stealth based multiplayer horror game built around co-operative escape from an asylum? After a healthy early access period that’s leaving Steam Reviews as Very Positive in the 90s, it turns out yes.
Seemingly Red Barrel have managed to fully capture the spirit of the original games, while creating a tense, thrilling experience for players as they collectively try to complete the challenges and trials of the (incredibly unethical) psychiatric facility they find themselves trapped in.

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley

Developer: Hyper Games
Publisher: Raw Fury
Platforms: PC, Switch
Release Date: 07/03

There are part of the world where the prospect of a Moomin adventure game is likely to cause a riot - so the announcement of Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley was a big deal. The Finnish characters mean a lot to people and being able to explore Moominvalley and interact with the family of colourful creatures is likely to be a draw in and of itself.
That the entire game has been scored in collaboration with Sigur Ros just means that it’ll sound as good as the comic strip aesthetic looks while you play.

Summerhouse

Developer: Friedeman
Publisher: Future Friends Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 08/03

Following the release of Townscaper, there are a lot of toy like simulators of late where the aim isn’t to challenge yourself - instead it’s to use the available suite of construction tools and assets to create something cool.
Summerhouse is very cool based on it’s artstyle and vibes. It’s trying to evoke lost summer days in the golden sunshine and the pixel aesthetic is no small part of that. Made by a solo dev, this should be a small scale diversion that might be worth a look in.

Unicorn Overlord

Developer: Vanillaware
Publisher: Atlus
Platforms: Xbox, Playstation, Switch
Release Date: 08/03/24

If I say Unicorn Overlord is from the makers of 13 Sentinels and Odin Sphere, some of you are putting money down without knowing anything else about the game - that legacy of quality is just that good.
For everyone else, Vanillaware and Atlus are bringing back their work on Tactical RPGs to create a very specific fantasy experience that’s blending army building, battlefield strategy and individual tactical combat into one cohesive experience. And of course, because it’s made by Vanillaware - it looks stunning with gorgeously realised and detailed fantasy designs.
Early impressions are referencing Tactics Ogre, Breath of Fire and Early Final Fantasy, so if you’re looking for a modernised revival of the earliest strategy RPGS - this might be for you.

Outcast - A New Beginning

Developer: Appeal Studios
Publisher: THQ Nordic
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation
Release Date: 15/03

A sequel twenty five years in the making, Outcast - A New Beginning is an ironically titled throwback. In keeping with games from Embracer owned IP, Outcast is picking up the reins from 1999 and one of the first non-linear open world third person series makes a return to form, brought to us by members of the original team reuniting.
Original fans already pretty much know the deal, but this sci-fi open world game sees a human on an alien world trying to run an insurgency against an invading force, using tools like jetpacks and wingsuits to get around, developing your own playstyles with third person shooting and powers granted by the native planet.
This is an odd one, because in many ways it looks like a AA Ubisoft style open world - but this team were there first - and now are just bringing their series up to the expectations of modern audiences.

Hi Fi Rush

Developer: Tango Gameworks
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Platforms: Playstation
Release Date: 18/03

It won’t be the first Xbox game on other platforms, but Hi Fi Rush is likely to be good whatever platform you play it on.
Tango Gameworks have made a great rhythm action game bursting with excellent music and a charming cast - plus a combat system with just enough bite to be challenging. Xbox and PC players already know all this - but Playstation players, now it’s your turn.

Lightyear Frontier

Developer: FRAME BREAK
Publisher: Amplifier Studios
Platforms: PC, Xbox
Release Date: 19/03

It would not be a month of game releases without some kind of farming sim. Lightyear Frontier’s killer app - Mechsuits. Not for combat mind, this is a peaceful game so you’ll be trading in stompy death machines for watering tools, combine harvester legs and more.
You’ve got farming, crop management, homebuilding and tech progression as well as co-op, as the genre demands. What the mechs offer this game though is a focus on exploration in a world suffering from environmental collapse and an ecological message that will see players attempting to restore that natural environment.
Farming games are a dime a dozen, but the minor sci fi twists here might be enough for fans bored of the traditional style.

Alone in the Dark

Developer: Pieces Interactive
Publisher: THQ Nordic
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation
Release Date: 20/03

Much delayed from it’s original (because massive games kept being pitched to release at the same time), this is yet another Embracer led revival of a classic IP - this time Alone in the Dark.
The classic survival horror game is back as a straight remake of the original 90s game and developer Pieces Interactive have raided Hollywood for some voice talent with Jody Comer and David Harbour stepping into the leading roles.
It’s a classic pitch, a missing person leads a detective and client to an ancient manor - and you can probably put the rest together yourself.
This is vintage survival horror in all it’s puzzling, ammo counting glory and most importantly features one more bit of talent - the contribution of Mikael Hedberg, writer on the critically acclaimed SOMA and Amnesia games.

Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition

Developer: Guerilla Games/Nixxes Software
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 21/03

Horizon Forbidden West is by most reviews a perfectly fine open world game that builds well upon it’s predecessor - but with it’s PC release we need to be more true than ever.
The first PC port set a very poor tone for Sony’s PC efforts with a long period of fixes needed to get the game up to scratch. They did actually manage it, with reviews after launch being near universally positive - but with Sony’s first party efforts this year already featuring Helldivers 2 and it’s many technical problems - they can ill afford another flubbed launch.

Dragons Dogma 2

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation
Release Date: 22/03

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is the big release of the month (if not year) for many people. The followup to one of capcom’s most beloved releases has taken 12 years to be greenlit and released - but this is seemingly the open world RPG that the creative team have always wanted to make.
Dragons Dogma stands on two pillars, it’s vocation based combat which allows players an unparalleled level of freedom and control as they fight monsters and bosses in the way they want and the pawn system, bringing along your customisable AI companion on the journey (or sending him off to other players to train).
Dragon’s Dogma was in some ways ahead of it’s time, a game that respected player skill and expression in a way that wasn’t fully appreciated in 2012. In 2024, with an Audience trained to appreciate fantasy RPGs like Elden Ring, this could be an all timer - mixing the spectacle and scale of a FromSoft game with a more conventional fantasy framing and stunning looking action based combat.

Princess Peach: Showtime!

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: 22/03

Nintendo’s last original title of 2024 (before we reach remakes and remasters) sees Princess Peach step into the spotlight - literally. Players will be moving between platforming levels set in theatres where Peach will switch costumes based on the show being performed, with power sets to match.
Early previews suggest a light, airy game that would be perfect for introducing younger audiences to gaming - and it doesn’t seem like it will be as awkwardly toned as 2005’s Super Princess Peach where she saved the day with the power of being emotional.

Rise of The Ronin

Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: Playstation 5
Release Date: 22/03

Not content with Ghosts of Tsushima and the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Red - Playstation have commissioned Team Ninja (of Nioh and Ninja Gaiden) to make yet another third person open world action game set in Japan, bringing us Rise of the Ronin.
The novelty here will be the 19th century setting as Japan opens up to the West meaning the beginning of the Bakumatsu period. With the player effectively let loose in the powder keg era of Japanese history, they’ll be able to interact with historical figures and maybe shape the events of the era with their actions.
If this all sounds like Assassin’s Creed, then it kinda should do - but Team Ninja bring their own special brand of thoughtful, meaningful combat decisions and character development to the game that Nioh fans should know well.
What will potentially set it even further apart from the competition has been the last minute reveal that the game will include 4 player co-op for missions, and the idea of co-op samurai action in 19th century Japan is a very tempting one.

Millenia

Developer: C Prompt Games.
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 26/03

We’ve seen Paradox’s pipeline for publishing games evolve in recent years to contain the paradox version of several hit games - with The Sims and Factorio in the pipeline. First to market though is Millenia - Paradox’s version of Civilisation. And it’s not attempting to reinvent the wheel, sticking with turn based combat, hex based maps and an era/technology defined progression model.
Steam Next Fest users seemed to be pretty on board in early February as they downloaded the game in droves, but the question will be whether the deeper in game economy and more random events of Millennia will be enough to persuade Firaxis fans to switch from the more mature game.

South Park: Snow Day!

Developer: Question
Publisher: THQ Nordic
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation, Switch
Release Date: 26/03

The veterans among you will remember the long ago times of the N64 Era - and South Park being a snowball based FPS that saw players fighting their way through the titular town in a narrative campaign.
Question, the developer of Stick of Truth and Fractured But Whole definitely remember, which means this third person action game (with co-operative elements) is blending that conceit with their pseudo fantasy setting that will see players battling through the pseudo fantasy larp of those modern games while engaging in action packed combat (on a snow day).
Based on the IP, you already know whether or not you’d enjoy this, but Question’s work on the series has been solid enough as a turn based RPG - whether it makes the jump to real time action is what we’ll have to wait and see.

Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles

Developer: Tomas Sala
Publisher: Wired Production
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation, Switch
Release Date: 26/03

The Falconeer was a debut effort from a solo developer that had players engage in daring aerial combat over a stylised ocean world. Bulwark is that same solo developer trying to focus right down on that world and create a unique city builder from the same tools in the same world as easily as possible.
Players are tasked with rebuilding the seaborne fortresses and cities from flotsam as part of a wider open world - one that will involve trade and eventually strategic warfare all in service of growing their settlements.
What’s fun about Bulwark though is that we already know what it will be like, because the developer has kept the demo open and updated throughout the entirety of the game’s development on Steam - effectively creating a free early access that’s altered the game with constant feedback.
It’s a unique approach, so lets hope it pays off when folks can finally play.

Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection

Developer: Aspyr
Publisher: Lucasfilm/Aspyr
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation, Switch
Release Date: 27/03/24

A blast from the past as Aspyr continue their work of reviving every Star Wars game in the back catalogue and making them run nicely on modern setups. This time?
Star Wars Battlefront 1 and 2 (the original and not the modern versions) are back in a collected edition. 64 players on each platform, the full suite of previously platform exclusive DLC included across both games and all the things you want to see like Space Battles, Galactic Conquest mode and more.
They’ve taken it one step further though, with the fan favourite Hero Assault mode being turned into a full fledged feature - available across all ground maps in the game, not just the classic Mos Eisley.
This really will be the definitive edition, and for folks who were disappointed with EA’s efforts with DICE - this should be a perfect trip back to the past.

Open Roads

Developer: Open Roads Team
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation, Switch
Release Date: 28/03

The development process behind Open Roads hasn’t been an easy one, as the game formerly being made by Fulbright ended up losing their creative lead after allegations of sexism and mismanagement.
The team actually building the game though decided to stay and make sure their work to date wasn’t wasted by the actions of one individual, fully backed by Annapurna Interactive - and now we’re going to get to see the results.
The pitch is fairly simple, it’s an adventure game detailing the road trip between 16 Year Old Tess Devine and her mom as they try to uncover their family history and it’s dark secrets.
That the game exists at all is a testament to the commitment of the developers, so now we just need to see if it’s good on release.

Pepper Grinder

Developer: Ahr Ech
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Platforms: PC, Switch
Release Date 28/03

Pepper Grinder is the latest Devolver published platformer, and it’s embodying that publisher’s vibe of polished, mechancially special games.
There’s an adage that the best platformers should feel like rhythm games - where every movement and jump feel like a guided path from start to end.
Pepper Grinder is one of those platformers as the player uses their handheld drill to launch themselves around pixel art 2D levels to a great soundtrack.
The Steam Next Fest demo had folks very impressed with how smooth everything felt, so the full release is highly anticipated.

And that’s your Twenty Games! March 2024 sees a huge range of genres releasing, from the horror of Alone in the Dark and Outlast Trials to the small scale city building of Summerhouse or Bulwark to the grand cinematic open world action RPGs of Rise of the Ronin and Dragons Dogma 2. There genuinely is something for everyone. Let us know what you’re most looking forward to in the members discord!