Mid-April is that fun time of year when we put on our sad faces, visit the tax guy, and explain to the government why we don't have their money: we spent it all on VR last week. My bad, Uncle Sam, I'll square things up next year. Those lucky few who actually get a refund have a few things to look forward to. This week death gets a third installment, Insomniac throws us a game based on a movie based on a game, carbonated death water goes pro, a couple of 2D RPG brawlers make an entrance, a bloody platformer rattles the cage, and a portable Second to a recent favorite Bravely steps forward.
Dark Souls III
Release Date: April 12
Platforms: XB1, PS4, PC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjCxZtRrc2Q
I broke a controller playing the first Dark Souls, and I have no intention of playing this one. I know many people who play these games, I don't know anyone who actually likes them. For the record, the third installment has faster combat, casting, and healing, but the same metric fuckton of frustrating death waiting for you. If they ever make a Nerf controller I may pick this one up.
Ratchet & Clank
Release Date: April 12
Platform: PS4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5Mjz1RTfkU
Once upon a time there was a game, based on a movie, that was based on a game. That game was Street Fighter The Movie: The Game...and it sucked ass. The movie that this game is based on, which is also based on a game, is due in theaters on April 29. Sony gamers can get an early Insomniac fix this Tuesday, when Ratchet & Clank hits the PS4, exclusively. I'm betting that this game will not suck.
Risk of Rain
Release Date: April 12
Platforms: PS4, Vita
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjIJevomQy0
This indie platformer port from the PC features cooperative multiplayer and permadeath. Have fun with that.
Stories: The Path of Destinies
Release Date: April 12
Platforms: PS4, PC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ukxGwWsYJs
This is an action RPG set in a colorful universe with a rogueish fox playing protagonist. Stories offers a lot of ways to die, like Dark Souls, but it also looks like this one might actually be fun to play.
Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan
Release Date: April 14
Platform: PC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyiY8f7T9e8
This single player action/brawler/RPG is based on African culture and inspired by Tales of Destiny. Aurion was a Kickstarter project come true for African developer Kiro Games. PC gamers can give this unique game a shot starting Thursday.
Code of Princess
Release Date: April 14
Platform: PC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIorfZ2s-aE
Oh boy, if you're a PC gamer into 2D brawler/RPG hybrids then this is your week!
Soda Drinker Pro
Release Date: April 14
Platforms: XB1, PC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YldI2SX50NQ
I don't know what this is supposed to be, but I would expect a surreal and thirst-quenching experience.
Bravely Second: End Layer
Release Date: April 15
Platform: 3DS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGYP73s9rcM
A portable RPG released on a Friday...because Nintendo is run by weirdos.
I Want to be a Human
Release Date: April 15
Platform: PC
Old school platforming with a visceral twist.
