Releases for the Week of April 26-May 2

As we all have experienced, it is nearly impossible to keep up with all of the games that are released each week. This series focuses on spotlighting some of the major releases of the week as well as providing some information about them. The release dates listed are for North America.

Monday, April 27th Releases

Cloud Knights for PC. Cloud Knights is a 2D hack-and-slash game that features physics-based controls. It looks to be a mobile game that is being ported to PC, which typically tends to work out poorly. The game has a focus on two-player co-op as you defeat the undead invaders and participate in challenging and epic boss battles. You can purchase Cloud Knights on Steam.

Earthtongue for PC. Earthtongue is a game that allows you to create and manage a strange ecosystem that is located on a mysterious world. You have the ability to affect the world in small ways as you watch the life on your planet flourish. The game is fairly passive,  with few interactive elements, but if it sounds like something you’d enjoy you can find it on Steam.

Battle Brothers for PC. A common mix of turn-based strategy and RPG elements, Battle Brothers puts you in control of a company of mercenaries. You have decisions to make about where to venture, who to engage in combat with, and how you would like to equip and upgrade your soldiers. This is an early access release, but sounds like it’s planning on providing a solid amount of depth, and definitely looks like it may be worth having a look at. You can find it on Steam if you’re interested.

Tuesday, April 28th Releases

Shadowrun Chronicles for PC. Coming out of early access, Shadowrun Chronicles is the newest game to use the well-known IP, and is an action-strategy title. Fans of XCom will feel right at home with the game, as it’s controls are a blend of a similar tactical system with the addition of RPG elements. If you haven’t already picked up Shadowrun Chronicles while it was in early access, you can find it on Steam.

Verdun for PC. Verdun is releasing fully out of early access, and is a first-person trench warfare game set during World War I. If you enjoy tactical gunplay and squad-based matches, then you will have a blast with Verdun. I have greatly enjoyed my time with the game since I purchased it on sale a while back, and it is a good choice for anyone looking to grab a new shooter to play with or without friends. You can get it on Steam.

Broken Age: Act 2 for PC. Long awaited, the second act of Double Fine’s newest graphic adventure game will be releasing. There’s not much to be said about it without revealing spoilers, but it has received decent review scores, although there has been much frustration with the length of the wait between acts. You can get Broken Age on Steam for $24.99. Also, be on the lookout for the game’s PS4 and Vita release on the same day, which you can find on the Playstation Store.

Tropico 5 for PS4. If you haven’t had a chance to play it on PC, or do not own a PC, then you can finally get Tropico 5 on your PS4. I’ve never found the console ports to be terrible, but they definitely are not as smooth as the PC versions. However, if you’re craving some dictator simulation, then look no further. You can get Tropico 5 on the Playstation Store, or at your local retailer for $59.99.

State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition for Xbox One and PC. This 1080p remaster of State of Decay will release containing all major DLC, as well as new missions, weapons, and other content. This edition of the game promises to be more immersive than ever, as well as guaranteeing better performance and higher-quality visuals. If you’re interested, you can get it on Steam or the Xbox Live Marketplace for $29.99. This is one of my more anticipated releases this week.

The Perils of Man for PC. This is a collaboration featuring previous members of the LucasArts team, who were known for making high-quality puzzle-adventure games at the time. It will feature 3d animation as well as challenging and unique puzzles to solve as you unravel the mystery of the power that your family has been concealing from you. This definitely looks like a game that would be interesting to all of the story-driven adventure fans out there, so be sure to check it out on Steam.

WWE 2K15 for PC. If you haven’t gotten your dose of mediocre wrestling gameplay on one of the consoles yet, then boy have I got news for you. The PC version features the majority of the previously released DLC, and can be purchased on Steam for $49.99.

Wednesday, April 29th Releases

The Weaponographist for PC. This is described as a top-down dungeon crawling arena combat game, and features roguelike elements. You play as a demon hunter who has become cursed, which causes his power to continuously drain. You must defeat your enemies as you fight to gain your power and glory back. If you’re interested, you can find it on Steam, but be sure to try to demo before buying.

Thursday, April 30th Releases

Guns, Gore, & Cannoli for PC. Described as a fast-paced action game set in the roaring twenties, you control Vinnie, a mobster trapped in a city controlled by gangsters, and for some reason containing zombies. This high-action sidescroller features 4-player local co-op, and is set in Thugtown…yeah. If you’re interested, you can grab a copy on Steam.

Solarix for PC. Solarix is a sci-fi horror game with a focus on open levels and stealth gameplay. Not focusing on jumpscares, the game attempts to make the player feel uneasy through sound design, visuals, and empty, dark environments. If this sounds like it’s up your alley, check it out on Steam.

Block N Load for PC. This is a ridiculously fun mash-up of a block-building game and an FPS. Creative strategies ensue, such as digging your way underneath your opponent’s base, and hollowing out an area of the map and using a bomb to collapse a large piece of land. Whatever crazy ideas you may have, Block N Load is the perfect place to test them out, and have a good time in the process. You can get a copy on Steam for $19.99.

Wander for PC. Wander is an experimental adventure game that is based around the idea of tranquility. It is described as a non-combat MMO. The gameplay starts each player as a giant tree, eventually having the ability to change forms and explore the world from various perspectives. Definitely sounds like an interesting concept, and I look forward to trying it out. If you are interested, check it out on Steam.

Shovel Knight for Xbox One. Making its rounds on the consoles lately, Shovel Knight is an excellent retro platformer with a fantastic soundtrack. You can grab it on the Xbox Live Marketplace, along with the Plague of Shadows DLC.

Call of Duty Advanced Warfare: Ascendance for PC, Ps3, and PS4. This DLC pack will feature four new maps and one additional zombie map. You can get it on Steam or the Playstation Store for $14.99.

Order of Battle: Pacific for PC. An in-depth strategy simulation that features separate campaigns for the Allied forces and the Japanese Empire. The game features a dynamic campaign that allows players to change the course of history with their actions. If this sounds like your cup of tea, you can find it on Steam.

Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones for PC. The second entry into the Stealth Inc series features more of the same puzzle solving platforming gameplay with a heavy reliance on the use of stealth to complete levels. If you’re interested in fairly entertaining stealth gameplay, have a look at the game on Steam.

Saturday, May 2nd Releases

Space Hulk for WiiU. This digital rendition of the classic Game’s Workshop board game puts you in charge of an elite team of Space Marine Terminators with the goal of ridding ships of the alien creatures contained within them. It will feature a hot-seat multiplayer mode which will attempt to give the same competitive feel that the board game provided. If you’re interested, you can find it on the Nintendo e-Shop.

There were quite a few games releasing this week. I have my eye on Wander, Block N Load, and State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition. What are some games that you guys are looking forward to this week?