Ready to spring into action?
FEBRUARY has passed seamlessly to March, promising lighter nights, and with any luck, the beginning of an end to our Covid nightmare.
Luckily, it also brings a smattering of new games to keep us entertained at home.
The month starts with Japanese mob action from Yakuza: Like a Dragon, there’s a huge serving of mid-March madness from Overcooked: All You Can Eat, and as the month bows out, we saddle up to hunt monsters in Monster Hunter Rise.
YAKUZA: LIKE A DRAGON (PEGI 18) PS4, PS5, XBOX ONE, XBOX X, PC
Release: Out now
This tense, slightly melodramatic crime drama series never really gained much traction in the West, which is a shame, as it’s superb.
Like a Dragon is the eighth main game in the series, and it boasts a new protagonist and new style of gameplay.
The man of the hour is Ichiban Kasuga who, having spent the past 18 years in prison, finds himself betrayed by his former boss.
With a quirkily written script, surprisingly deep storyline and packed full of meaty side quests to earn you extra rewards, this is possibly the most fun outing yet.
If you’ve never dabbled with the series before, this could be the perfect entry into the Yakuza world.
RE:ZERO − STARTING LIFE IN ANOTHER WORLD: THE PROPHECY OF THE THRONE (PEGI 16) PS4, PC, SWITCH
Release: March 5
Sticking with Japanese action, the second official Re:Zero game lands on the Switch this month.
This tactical adventure series is based on the light novels of Tappei Nagatsuki, about a young hikikomori (a modern day hermit, who has chosen to withdraw from society), who, on his way back from the shops, finds himself transported to another world.
The Prophecy of the Throne is a spin on Re:Zero’s popular Royal selection arc, which plays out in a vivid world – even if the animation is a little off at times. It’s also the first Re:Zero game to have English voices and a release outside of Japan.
This is a fairly niche offering and if you’re unfamiliar with the Re:Zero world, this may not be the best starting point.
MARVEL’S AVENGERS (PEGI 16) PS5
Release: March 18
There’s nothing like a few months of lockdown to re-focus the mind.
Marvel’s Avengers was launched with great pomp and circumstance last autumn, and arrives on the PS5 this month. An action role-playing brawler it allows you to become your favourite superhero. The problem was there’s so much going on in the game, it detracted from what should be an incredible experience.
I’ve been dipping in and out for months now, and I have to say, it’s grown on me. Yes, it’s in desperate need of some fine tuning, and yes, the loot-based system does tarnish things somewhat, but it’s not stopped me having some stupid, blind fun with it.
OVERCOOKED: ALL YOU CAN EAT (PEGI 12) PS5, SWITCH
Release: March 23
It’s time to dig out your elasticated pants for an extra large serving of Overcooked – the series that debunked the old adage that too many cooks spoil the broth – as the more chefs you have running around here, the more fun you have.
You control chefs in various kitchens which are stuffed to the brim with obstacles and hazards.
You have to navigate the barriers to fulfil orders for hungry customers before the timer runs out.
It’s a simple premise that proves to be oodles of fun. All You Can Eat bundles together both games plus all additional DLC, making this the Holy Grail of Overcooked games.
MONSTER HUNTER RISE (PEGI 12) SWITCH
Release: March 26
Don’t let last month’s questionable Monster Hunter movie put you off, Rise promises to be something quite special.
The sixth game in the main Monster Hunter series, Rise will carry through many of the new conventions introduced by previous instalment, World.
As the name suggests, this action RPG sees you play as a Hunter, tasked with tracking, trapping and killing monsters.
This time you’re accompanied by an animal companion – a palamute – that you can ride across the map or into battle.
You can also use wire bugs to traverse the game world vertically and to mount and ride certain monsters in the game.
The real strength of this series is the co-op play option, and teaming up with friends to hunt as a pack means bigger rewards.