4 hot video games on the way
A sneak peek at “Mortal Kombat 11” and more.
While many video games debut during the all-important gift-giving holiday season – about 40% of titles launch in November and December alone, says The NPD Group – you might want to save up for a few big spring games over the next month or two.
In the coming weeks, action fans, in particular, soon can choose among a fighting game sequel, a beloved and remastered fantasy role-playing game (RPG) and a pair of bleak but compelling dystopian adventures – all due out in late April to mid-May.
Here’s a sneak peek at four eagerly-awaited offerings.
‘Mortal Kombat 11’
The latest installment in the acclaimed fighting game franchise (WB Games; out April 23, $59.99, rated Mature for ages 17-up, for Sony PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Windows PCs) offers a more personalized approach with its “Custom Character Variation System.”
That is, along with the new characters (including the timetwisting Kronika) and returning fan favorites (such as Raiden, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero), you’ll have the ability to customize the entire fighter roster to create a unique combination of skins, gear, special abilities, taunts, “brutalities” (finishing moves) and more.
Developed by NetherRealm Studios, “Mortal Kombat 11” will also introduce a new cinematic story, multiple game modes (including one called “Towers of Time,” which tests you through various challenges), and enhanced graphics and animation.
‘Days Gone’
Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment and developed by Sony’s Bend Studio, Days Gone (April 26, $59, rated Mature for ages 17-up) will be one of the biggest PlayStation 4 (PS4) exclusives this year.
Described as an “action-adventure survival horror game,” “Days Gone” is set in a postapocalyptic open world where you’ll slip into the boots of Deacon St. John. The bounty hunter has survived a global pandemic that has killed off most of humanity and transformed many other people (and animals) into zombie-like “Freakers.”
Played from a cinematic third-person perspective, you can complete objectives however you like – you can be stealthy or go in with guns blazing – and ride your motorcycle to explore deserts, forests and caves.
‘Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age’
Already available for PlayStation 4 and Windows PC, but with an Xbox One and Nintendo Switch version coming at the end of this month, “Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age” (Square Enix, April 30; $49.99, rated for teens 13-up) is a remastered version of the 13year-old PS2 game “Final Fantasy XII.” (Did you catch all that?)
Now in high definition with support for 7.1 surround sound, the revamped single-player RPG also features many gameplay enhancements, including a tweaked turn-based battle mechanic.
‘Rage 2’
Taking place 30 years after the original 2010 video game, “Rage 2” (Bethesda Softworks, May 14, $59.99, rated Mature for ages 17-up; for PS4, Xbox One, and PCs.) tells of a future where an asteroid has annihilated 80% of the world’s population, and you’ve been left for dead by a ruthless gang of outlaws.
Developed by Avalanche Studios in conjunction with id Software, the first-person shooter challenges you to stay alive in this open wasteland; use weapons (including the return of the boomerang-like Wingstick) to exact justice on the tyrannical militant group called the Authority (while also warding off mutants.