It’s a bumper month - here’s what we recommended.
And we’re past the grimmest month of the year.
That’s right, it’s time for lovely, sunny, er, February!
Thankfully, there’s an absolute bucketload of interesting games to see you through it.
Anyway, here’sWhat To Play This February!
Do give them a look.
It’s a metroidvania so beautifully put together it almost feels like a Platonic example of the form.
All that and the odd secret door.
What ShotTriggers does to trump DoDonPachi DaiOuJou Blissful Death re:Incarnation, I can only imagine.
Tekken 8
Availability:Out now on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S.
That impenetrable quality I referred to suddenly shifted from a negative to a positive.
A lot of stories, contained and meandering.
A lot of names to learn.
A lot of people to punch.
But ultimately, it’s a lot to smile about.
And why does Cameron’s vision make so much sense nestled inside Ubisoft’s standard way of doing things?
I think the answer to both questions is that there is a surprising harmony at work.
He makes films that are heartfelt but also deeply calculated.
Doesn’t that sound like a lot of Ubisoft’s stuff?
Bahnsen Knights
Here’s what we said in ourBahnsen Knights review:
Listen.
It’s something to do with the fact that its worlds are so encompassing but also so self-contained.
And now I think about it, this love doesn’t begin where I assumed it did.
A Highland Song
Availability:Out now on PC, Switch.
Not even lost, in fact.
In Moira’s case it’s over a week, in Shepherd’s most of a lifetime.
Against the Storm
Availability:Out now on PC.
Surely the result of both a well-laid plan, and some excellent rolls against chaos.
Phantom Abyss
Availability:Out now on PC, Xbox Series X/S.
Phantom Abyss arrived in Early Access some time ago, and we loved it.
That whip crack that lofts you across gaps and past spikes.
Phantom Abyss is something else.
Out of nowhere, a new Silent Hill game arrives.
Said to be something of a modern-day parable, we’re very intrigued.
It’s short and it’s free, and it looks rather scary.
Or are PT vibes really Silent Hill vibes?
Let’s not pull at that thread.
We’re curious to see where it lands amongst the heavy-hitters.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Availability:Out 1st February on PC, PS4, PS5.
But what’s underneath is very much worth your time.
Foamstars
Availability:Out 6th February on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S.
Look, it’s hardly coming with a huge amount of buzz, but Foamstars could actually be alright?
And there’s room for two in the Splatoon-alike genre.
The new soulslikes, maybe?
Helldivers 2
Availability:Out 8th February on PS5, PC.
The first Helldivers was a twin-stick shooter, and it was a blast.
The sequel arrives around a decade later as a fully-fledged over-the-shoulder shooter.
It’s an ambitious move - although maybe not a surprising one.
The last Sony exclusive to come from a Scandinavian studio known for its twin-stick shooters was the inimitable Returnal.
A high bar to set for Helldivers 2 - but you never know.
Islands of Insight
Availability:Out 13th February on PC.
Ultros
Availability:Out 13th February on PC, PS5.
This one could be a banger.
A fluorescent, gunge-dipped metroidvania with some seemingly genuine verve.
Keep an eye out.
It’s published by Quantic Dream, but don’t let that put you off.
A new game from Dontnod, albeit with that studio somewhat evolved these days.
A Eurogamer joint through-and-through.
Solium Infernum
Availability:Out 14th February on PC.
If nothing else it’s wonderfully stylish, with some seemingly real potential.
Mario vs Donkey Kong
Availability:Out 16th February on Switch.
Are we reaching our limit with Mario remakes plucked from the shelf below his absolute best?
But here comes another one!
One of the most perennially-delayed games in history is due outthis month.
We’re deeply curious - it could still be good!
c’mon, Touch The Artwork 2
Availability:Out 19th February on PC.
kindly, Touch The Artwork was a delight when it came out in early 2022.
Last Epoch (Early Access)
Availability:Out 21st February on PC.
Nightingale (Early Access)
Availability:Out 22nd February on PC.
And there’s no shortage of hope surrounding the game, with former BioWare talent behind it.
Pacific Drive
Availability:Out 22nd February on PC, PS5.
This one could be a cracker.
A dodgy car, a spooky forest, and something very much based on The Zone.
GiveDonlan’s lengthy Pacific Drive previewa look for more.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Availability:Out 29th February on PS5.
Just sneaking into February on a leap year day, it’s a big one.
The hugely-anticipated second part of Square Enix’s massive remake of a massive game, with massive swords.
Read more in our bigFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth preview.
What else do we recommend in February?
Look forward to much more from us soon!
It also tends to be the time they announce the next big main series Pokemon RPG, too.
Will they spring a surprise this year?
Treat yourself to Doomguy for a day!
