From role-playing musicals to open-world brawls to farting friend slop, here are the games vying for your attention this April.
Ten years ago this April, Remedy combined an action-adventure game with a TV series to create Quantum Break. A hit whose ambition was more impressive than the game itself. Fast-forward to 2026, there are some intriguing game concepts in store for us this month too. I’m curious to find out which ones will turn out well.
Darwin’s Paradox – make like an octopus
This one looks like the creators of My Octopus Teacher teamed up with film studio A24 to develop a game. It involves playing as an octopus that’s trying to escape from a mysterious industrial compound. Darwin’s Paradox is a mix of platformer, adventure, and puzzle game.
When: 2 April Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 Multiplayer: no
All Will Fall – structural engineer wanted
In this post-apocalyptic city-building simulator, you build your metropolises on water. As if that weren’t challenging enough, the whole game’s physics-based. I certainly hope you weren’t the kind of pupil to sit by the window at school. Otherwise, your buildings might topple over sooner than you’d like.
When: 3 April Where: PC Multiplayer: no
Starfield – fewer loading screens, more PlayStation
Bethesda’s space epic is coming to the PS5. To mark the occasion, it’s also received a major update. The overhaul’s reportedly made planets more varied. What’s more, you travel through space with almost no loading screens. Plus, there are new companions and pets. If you’re keen to read more about the update, my colleague Domagoj’s written a detailed preview.
When: 7 April Where: PC and Xbox Series X/S (already available), PS5, coming soon to Switch 2 Multiplayer: no
People of Note – a role-playing musical
In this game, you help a pop singer on her path to fame, stopping at Rock City, EDM City and other destinations along the way. The turn-based battles are a cross between a concert and a Dance Dance Revolution-style rhythm game.
When: 7 April Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 Multiplayer: no
The Occultist – the pendulum swings
As a paranormal investigator, you travel to a mysterious island to get to the bottom of your father’s sudden disappearance. Let’s face it, in situations like these, it never turns out that Dad just needed a change of scene and went off to pursue a career as a laid-back sheep farmer. So you find yourself faced with a macabre cult and disturbing experiments. A magical pendulum with the power to influence your environment helps you along the way.
When: 2 April Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Multiplayer: no
Samson: A Tyndalston Story – two fists for a hallelujah
This game looks almost too good to be true for a debut title. Scepticism aside, Samson seems like a gritty open-world game featuring intense fistfights and high-speed chases.
When: 2 April Where: PC Multiplayer: no
Pokémon Champions – battle it out!
A free-to-play game where you battle exclusively against other trainers. There’s no story and no extras. Reportedly, the competitive game will be played at future international Pokémon championships.
When: 8 April Where: Switch 1, Switch 2. iOS and Android coming soon Multiplayer: Online PvP
Gunboat God – bombs away
At first glance, this one looks like Papaton. However, the action in Gunboat God is more frenetic than in the iconic real-time strategy PSP game. In this 2D shoot-’em-up, you blast your way to becoming the almighty Gunboat God, equipped with an ever-growing arsenal of weapons and abilities.
When: 13 April Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Multiplayer: no
Replaced – pixel dream
After years of waiting, this visually stunning pixel-art sci-fi adventure is finally set to be released. You play an artificial intelligence trapped inside a human body. The game combines cinematic platforming sequences with dynamic combat.
When: 14 April Where: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One Multiplayer: no
Dosa Divas: One Last Meal – cooking against world domination
Two sisters team up with spirit-mechs to take on a corrupt fast-food empire. It’s a colourful RPG with an unusual setting that promises a thrilling adventure.
When: 14 April Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 1, Switch 2 Multiplayer: no
We Gotta Go – the porcelain throne’s calling
Here comes the next promising addition to the friend slop genre. You and your crew of bean-like creatures are trapped in a haunted house, and you all desperately need to use the toilet before bowel-mageddon strikes. Expect plenty of toilet humour, including toilet paper mummies, poo mobs and fart sounds.
When: 14 April Where: PC Multiplayer: online co-op for up to four players
Mouse: P.I. for Hire – the only thing gentle about this game is its colour palette
The hand-drawn, 1930s cartoon style is the most striking feature of Mouse. Although it looks like a classic shooter, the developers say it’s more similar to Metroid.
When: 16 April Where: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 1, Switch 2 Multiplayer: no
Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss – dive in
It’s rare you hear a trailer soundtrack this inappropriate. Even so, I’m still looking forward to this supernatural thriller. A mining station deep in the Pacific Ocean has stopped responding. During your rescue mission, you’re confronted with cosmic terror.
When: 16 April Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Multiplayer: no
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream – the Miis are back
In this life simulator by Nintendo, you populate an island with Mii characters. If you’re overwhelmed by the rich detail of modern-day games and are longing for the Wii era, you’ll be in your element playing this.
When: 16 April Where: Switch 1, Switch 2 Multiplayer: local co-op for two players
Gecko Gods – a reptile on the move
Explore an ancient civilisation at your own pace as a gecko. Use its agility to slither along walls and ceilings, cheerfully solving puzzles along the way. You can also make the occasional sailing trip from island to island in a small boat.
When: 16 April Where: PC, PS5, Switch 1, Switch 2¹ Multiplayer: no
Pragmata – a young head on old shoulders
When my colleague Domagoj Belancic and I played this demo, we were spellbound. At a lunar research station, you control an astronaut who’s carrying an android resembling a little girl on his shoulders. She hacks terminals and enemy robots while you’re busy shooting away.
When: 17 April Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 Multiplayer: no
Jay and Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch – snoochie boochies
Ever since the film Clerks, I’ve watched anything and everything directed by Kevin Smith. He plays Silent Bob, the taciturn counterpart to loud-mouthed Jay. In this 2D beat-’em-up, the iconic duo battle their way through familiar locations from the films, which are packed with cameos from Smith’s View Askewniverse.
When: 20 April Where: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 1, Switch 2¹ Multiplayer: local co-op for two players
Vampire Crawlers – no house of cards
The massive surprise hit Vampire Survivor hasn’t just created its own genre. In fact, the very first spin-off is on the horizon. Although the style and setting are the same, there’s now a turn-based deck-builder in store for you.
When: 21 April Where: PC Multiplayer: no
Tides of Tomorrow – a nod to Waterworld
This game will have you fighting for survival in a world reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic Kevin Costner film. It combines survival, exploration, and high-stakes decisions.
When: 22 April Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Multiplayer: no
Masters of Albion – god simulation
Legendary developer Peter Molyneux is back with a new god game. During the day, you focus on building your city and keeping its residents happy. At night, beasts arrive – and it’s up to you to drive them away. You can also create your own custom hero. It brings back fond memories of Black & White.
When: 22 April Where: PC Multiplayer: no
Outbound – all aboard, please!
Hop in your Volkswagen van with up to four friends, cruise through a cosy world and customise your snug little home on wheels. Outbound also falls into the friend slop category, but it probably involves slightly less chaos and yelling.
When: 23 April Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 1, Switch 2 Multiplayer: online co-op for up to five people
Kiln – ceramic combat
In Double Fine’s unusual beat-’em-up, various forms of pottery charge into battle against each other. You design your ceramic figures using a pottery wheel. The shape of your cup, bowl, jug or pot affects its properties, impacting your playing style. If it’s true that smashing porcelain brings good luck, you should definitely buy a EuroMillions ticket after playing this game.
When: 23 April Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Multiplayer: Online PvP
Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth – a heartfelt journey
My kids and I loved the wonderful adventure game, Snufkin: The Melody of Moominvalley. So naturally, this new Hyper Games title has been on our wish list for a long time. In this game, you take on the role of Moomin himself, embarking on a magical winter journey.
When: 27 April Where: PC, Switch 1, Switch 2¹ Multiplayer: no
Aphelion – stranded in space
French studio Don’t Nod sends you, an astronaut, to a frozen planet. Armed only with exploration tools, you face dangerous terrain and a hostile life form. Created in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), the project apparently placed heavy emphasis on depicting space realistically.
When: 2 April Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Multiplayer: no
Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred – this land needs new heroes
This latest expansion doesn’t just introduce two new classes – the Paladin and the Warlock. There’s also a new region called Skovos. The skill trees have also been revamped, while the endgame has been developed further.
When: 28 April Where: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One Multiplayer: online co-op
Will: Follow The Light – through cold and ice
Playing a lighthouse keeper on a remote island in the North Sea, you’re tasked with braving the journey back to your hometown. You’ll alternate between sailing across stormy seas and being pulled through rugged landscapes by a dog sled team.
When: 28 April Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Multiplayer: no
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction – wield the sword of nostalgia
The wave of retro beat-’em-ups is showing no signs of letting up. Next up, ’80s action hero He-Man, along with man-at-arms Teela, and She-Ra, will be kicking up a storm in colourful fantasy worlds.
When: 28 April Where: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 1, Switch 2¹ Multiplayer: two-player co-op
NTE: Neverness to Everness – anime GTA
Comparing this free-to-play open-world title to Rockstar’s cult classic might be a bit of a stretch. But that’s how it comes across at first glance. In a neon-lit city, you battle anomalies, steal cars and decorate your apartment. You’ll always have new characters with different abilities at your disposal.
Finnish studio Housemarque’s latest game is the sequel to Returnal. Get ready for a sweat-inducing, third-person action spectacle that’ll have you battling your way through a mysterious sci-fi world.
When: 30 April Where: PS5 Multiplayer: no
Inkonbini: One Store. Many Stories – supermarket sagas
Inkonbini has a much more meditative feel to it. It involves running a small supermarket in 1990s Japan – stacking shelves, deciding which products to mark down and chatting with customers.
When: 30 April Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 1, Switch 2 Multiplayer: no
Invincible VS – fight to the death
This one’s a brutal brawler set in the universe of animated series Invincible. Just like in the original, the characters in the game don’t hold back. However, it doesn’t quite match Mortal Kombat levels of violence. The three-on-three mode has the potential to be unique.
When: 30 April Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Multiplayer: online PvP and co-op
Bandit Trap – burglars vs. trappers
In this chaotic multiplayer game, you can choose to play as a burglar or defend your house with all kinds of traps. Three burglars go head to head against a trapper. The physics-based, destructible levels promise plenty of fun.
When: 30 April Where: PC Multiplayer: online PvP and co-op
¹ Switch 1 version that’s also compatible with the Switch 2.
Game preview April
Which game are you looking forward to most?
«Darwin's Paradox»
9%
«All Will Fall»
4%
«Starfield»
8%
«People of Note»
0%
«The Occultist»
3%
«Samson: A Tyndalston Story»
6%
«Gunboat God»
0%
«Replaced»
8%
«Dosa Divas: One Last Meal»
0%
«We Gotta Go»
1%
«Mouse: P.I. for Hire»
10%
«Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss»
4%
«Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream»
2%
«Gecko Gods»
1%
«Pragmata»
16%
«Jay and Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch»
1%
«Vampire Crawlers»
2%
«Tides of Tomorrow»
1%
«Masters of Albion»
5%
«Outbound»
6%
«Kiln»
1%
«Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth»
2%
«Aphelion»
5%
«Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred»
13%
«Will: Follow The Light»
1%
«He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction»
14%
«NTE: Neverness to Everness»
2%
«Saros»
11%
«Inkonbini: One Store. Many Stories»
3%
«Invincible VS»
1%
«Bandit Trap»
0%
«Pokémon Champions»
4%
Other
8%
The competition has ended.
Teaser images: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Saros, Replaced, Mouse
As a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.
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