Shooting BMX riders, plasticine astronauts and pirates jumping into the blue Playstation sea are on the gaming programme in April.
"Goat Simulator" was the undisputed game highlight ten years ago in April. It was released on 1 April and made for wonderfully crazy gaming fun. I don't have any goats on sale this month, but other animal chaos instead.
"Rocket League", but with golf instead of football. That's the easiest way to describe the game. Your car serves as a golf club for a giant golf ball. In addition to 1v1 games, there is a race mode for up to eight people.
When: 4 April
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series
Multiplayer: up to 8 people
Take care of a beautiful garden in 19th century England. The correct care of the many little plants and their location is wrapped up in a puzzle. There are also secrets to discover in and around the majestic estate. Looks beautiful and cosy.
When: 9 April
Where: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch
Multiplayer: no
Do you know the music video for Korn's "Freak on a leash"? The video follows a bullet that flies through children's birthday parties, offices and supermarkets. In "Children of the Sun", you also control a bullet to take revenge on a sinister cult. A tactical approach is required to eliminate all enemies.
When: 9 April
Where: PC
Multiplayer: no
If you haven't seen the film of the same name yet, make sure you do! The Australian comedy splatter film is a kind of "Mad Max", but with BMX bikes. On one of these, you fight your way through bandit-infested dungeons full of deadly traps in this 2D Metroidvania.
When: 10 April
Where: PC
Multiplayer: no
On the moon of the same name, you explore a lush paradise on foot, flying and gliding. There are also puzzles to solve and ruins of a fallen civilisation to explore. Looks relaxing.
When: 16 April
Where: PC
Multiplayer: no
"Harold Halibut" relies on stop-motion, as you know it from the British cult series "Wallace and Gromit". This creates a unique look that is practically unheard of in games. You are 250 years in the future on a huge spaceship trying to find a new home for yourself and other inhabitants.
When: 16 April
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series
Multiplayer: no
The game is described as a mixture of "Diablo" with Souls-like elements. The latest work from the "Ori and the Blind Forest" studio looks fantastic, just like the previous games. In terms of gameplay, the action role-playing game relies on a precise combat system that punishes mistakes immediately.
When: 18 April Early Access
Where: PC
Multiplayer: no
A retro shooter reminiscent of "Duke Nukem" and "Unreal Tournament". You can expect fast action, constant shooting and pixelated fountains of blood.
When: 23 April
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch
Multiplayer: no
No interest... What does our Kevin want to do a review on? Then I almost have to mention it. A JRPG with over 100 playable characters and a fantasy story that will probably also take 100 hours to complete. Sounds like a Kevin game indeed.
When: 23 April
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch
Multiplayer: no
You play a hermit crab on a treasure hunt through a colourful underwater kingdom. You'll meet lots of strange creatures along the way. Most of them you'll beat up.
When: 25 April
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch
Multiplayer: no
You control various adventurous pilots on dangerous missions through space. The 2D action game exudes a strong retro vibe. Most striking, however, are the hand-drawn cutscenes, which are reminiscent of 80s cartoons.
When: 26 April
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch
Multiplayer: no
You walk through deserted swimming pools. There are no monsters or jumpscares and yet you feel like you're being watched. "Pools" is an experimental exploration game. The environments are rendered in wonderful detail. I'm always up for weird stuff like this.
When: 26 April
Where: PC
Multiplayer: no
The game is based on the manga of the same name by the late artist Akira Toriyama. In this action RPG, you play Belzebub, who, accompanied by the chaperone demon Sheef and the fearless Sheriff Rao, is searching for a legendary spring. There is a water shortage in the world of "Sand Land". You can make use of various steampunky vehicles for this purpose.
When: 26 April
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Multiplayer: no
"Manor Lords" is a medieval strategy game with a city-building function and large-scale tactical battles. The aim is to manage resources, build towns and roads and defend the growing empire against invaders. The ambitious project is being developed by a single person.
When: 26 April
Where: PC
Multiplayer: no
Sci-fi setting, spectacular third-person action and physics for fans of "Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball". In addition to lustful looks, "Stellar Blade" also deserves serious looks. The game looks like a proper action board.
When: 26 April
Where: PS5
Multiplayer: no
PC and Xbox players have been making the seas unsafe for four years now. Now Playstation users can join them. Now that "Skull and Bones" has flopped, "Sea of Thieves" is even more worth a try. Adventure, fun and chaos are guaranteed.
When: 30 April
Where: PS5
Multiplayer: Co-op for up to four people
Which game are you looking forward to the most?
The competition has ended.
Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
