From weird little shooters to survival horror strategy and adventure RPG’s, March of 2015 is shaping up to be an interesting month for current (8th) generation gamers. This isn’t just a notable period for PlayStation 4 gamers though, it is also just as equally appealing for Microsoft and the Xbox One crowd. Anyway, without further ado, let’s explore some of the titles releasing in March for both consoles…
White Night
Out on PS4 and XBOX One March 3rd.
Artsy black and white noir-esque visuals, puzzle-solving, an old mansion… what’s not to like? Needless to say the game’s art style and emphasis on the dichotomy between b&w graphics plays a pivotal role here with regards to gameplay riddles. It seems to offer familiar themes inside of a slightly new approach and seems poised to delight fans in search of “old school” survival horror action and drama.
Resident Evil Revelations 2 – Episode 1,2,3,4
Out on PS4 and XBOX One March. Episode 1 released in February.
Taking the series in a somewhat familiar but new direction, Resident Evil Revelations 2 sees the franchise cashing in on the recent boon of “installment mania”. Basically, this means breaking up what could be a single lengthy title into a number of pieces, thus allowing for a different mode of development as well as audience experience. Episode 1 was met with mixed but largely positive reviews and seems to have set the pace for what’s to come next. By and large, the cooperative action seems to be where the real fun is, so keep that in mind if you love survival horror and have lots of friends to play with.
OlliOlli 2: Welcome to OlliWood
Out on XBOX One March 2015. Already released on PS4.
Some might be surprised that a bona-fide sequel is already coming out for OlliOlli, but that’s the way it goes, so deal with it. It is basically an exciting, sort of retro-looking (in only a few ways) side-scrolling skating game that features all sorts of exciting action as well as an engrossing soundtrack. Naturally, in addition to making its way onto the PlayStation 4 it’s also going to find a home on the Vita as well.
Helldivers
Out on PS4 March 3rd.
This top-down, procedurally-generated game features alluring sci-fi shooting action which is meant to engage an entire community… Visually it is sort of similar to what you find in Diablo III, just in terms of style, of course; graphically and art-wise, it is certainly original and able to stand on its own merits. Helldivers is a neat choice for those who like a more arcade-ish experience. ..
Zombie Army Trilogy
Out on PS4 and XBOX One March 6th.
Simply put: an extremely violent and bloody third-person tactical shooter which affords a sizable amount of content including online play. Essentially it is an excuse to fuel the market for games featuring loose Nazi memorabilia and the subsequent killing of decrepit zombies therein. Is if fun? Well, it certainly seems that way…
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
Out on PS4 March 10th.
This 2-D series has remained viable because of its relentless adherence to its rather retro format and controversy surrounding its propensity for in-game violence. Needless to say, this new addition which drops near mid-March is set to give fans even more of what they have been waiting for.
Battlefield Hardline
Out on PS4 and XBOX One March 17th.
Turning away from traditional war environments and becoming domestic, Battlefield Hardline is set to be a pretty rapid departure for the well-known FPS combat-centric series. Don’t worry though; the same basic formula is still at play here, which includes a gripping single player campaign as well as loads of options for multiplayer. Obviously, the focus is on police duties and the various dramatic narratives that go along with fighting crime, be it outwardly or through internal corruption.
Bladestorm: Nightmare
Out on PS4 and XBOX One March 17th.
Bladestorm: Nightmare is a real-time tactics experience that blends fantasy with history to entice gamers. Fans will be understandably excited about this release as it contains a lot of content and a few notable twists and turns.
DmC: Devil May Cry – Definitive Edition
Out on PS4 and XBOX One March 10th.
Anyone who considers themselves to be a fan of hack and slash action, not to mention the DmC series in general, should be pretty excited about the release of the “Definitive Edition”. To get straight to the point: it features a rebuild of the original game with all sorts of new additions and so much content that it is ridiculous.
Final Fantasy Type-0 HD
Out on PS4 and XBOX One March 17th.
This HD version of FF Type-0 is poised to delight PS4 owners with its merging of modern military apocalyptic and fantasy themes. Definitely a bold direction for the series, yet it retains the classic style we all know and love at the same time.
Bloodborne
Out on PS4 March 24th.
From Software is bringing us a whole new IP here that sort of acts as a spiritual successor to their ever-popular Dark Souls series. You’re going to get more challenging third-person gameplay here too, with amazing visuals and steeped in a dark, macabre feel.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
Out on PS4 and XBOX One March 24th.
First-person action combined with RPG mechanics and an amazing loot-collecting system…that’s what the borderlands series has always been about. With Borderlands: The Handsome Collection you get twice the fun with Borderlands 2 bundled with Borderlands: the Pre-sequel.
Screamride
Out on XBOX One March 6th.
If you’re a fan of construction and management simulators then Screamride is going to be right down your alley. First off, it is the successor to RollerCoaster Tycoon, a legendary game in its own right. It promises great graphics, 50 levels and no less than three different gameplay modes.
Ori and The Blind Forest
Out on XBOX One March 11th.
Ori and The Blind Forest is an atmospheric and engrossing platformer which features a naturalistic, somewhat spiritual narrative. You collect experience and add new abilities along the way as you progress.
Forza Horizon 2 Presents Fast & Furious
Out on XBOX One March.
As its name implies, this is an addition to Forza Horizon 2 which is meant to tie-in with the popular auto-centric movie series “Fast and Furious”. Whether or not it is going to be a hit is uncertain, but it is a great idea and is also going to be made freely available (between March 27th and April 10th), so don’t miss out.
