Video Game Roundup - Upcoming and Recent Releases
Written by Alexis Keizer / @alexis_keizer on Instagram
Now that 2023 is in full swing, we have already seen some incredible releases coming out, and the rest of the year looks just as exciting. Here are some video games to look out for in both the short term and long term future. As with all games, be sure to review any trigger warnings and review the maturity level to ensure the game is right for you.
Coming soon in April 2023, is Meet Your Maker by Behaviour Interactive Inc. On the surface Meet Your Maker looks like an apocalyptic version of Minecraft. It is a first-person building-and-raiding game. Your goal is to build a base and a load out. You build your base with different types of blocks to create the ultimate defense (or trap system) and defeat enemies. How do you get the supplies? By going out and defeating other bases. What is cool about these levels is that they are all made by other players. You can play solo or with a friend to help you take down bases.
For a game with an opposite style, being released during 2023, is Songs of Glimmerwick by Eastshade Studios. If you love the idea of being a witch or wizard attending a magical school but maybe have some concerns about certain authors behind recent releases, this game is for you. In Songs of Glimmerwick you play as a witch exploring the world and her university while learning potions, spells, and making friends along the way. The artwork is calming and simple while still being beautiful. Songs of Glimmerwick seems like the perfect cozy game for the year.
If you are looking for a more combat focused game while still having a story to follow, consider S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl by GSC Game World being released in December this year. This game takes place in an alternative version of the Chernobyl disaster; you go through a story to explore Chornobyl. Just keep your eyes out for enemies, abnormalities and artifacts. While you make your way through the story, think carefully about your choices as they change the ending of the game.
If you like the idea of making choices throughout your game but want less active combat, try Oxenfree II: Lost Signals by Night School Studios that is set to release in 2023. In this game, you play as Riley in her hometown investigating a mysterious force that is interfering with electrical and radio signals. However, there is more to this mystery than meets the eyes. While Riley begins to uncover the mystery, she notices things that are not quite right with the world. It has an eerie vibe with a story to match! (Pst if you like this, there is also the first Oxenfree with a similar vibe, however it does not have to be played to play Oxenfree II).
Lastly for upcoming releases, The Invincible by Starword Industries. It is a sci-fi game that looks visually stunning. As for content, it combines philosophy with science while still ensuring a full story. You play as a scientist named Yasna exploring Regis III using cybertechnology to look for a crew that went missing. However, it does not go as planned and new threats begin to rise.
While you’re waiting for these awesome games to release, there are a couple games that has just been released. First, this is less of a game and more of an expansion, but Destiny 2: Lightfall just opened for all players. A personal favourite: Destiny 2 is a first-person shooter with a complex and beautifully told story behind it. You play as a Guardian - essentially a space zombie with magical powers and you are defending Humanity against all threats. In the new expansion we face our greatest threat yet. This game is my all-time favourite and I could not do it justice in this article but I highly recommend Destiny 2: Lightfall.
If you like the idea of a cozier game to play during the colder season look for Blanc by Gearbox Publishing. The game aesthetically is beautiful and is entirely drawn by hand, it has been described as emotional and reflective. In Blanc you play as either a fawn or a wolf club exploring a snowy landscape. In this beautiful game you use each character's unique skills to solve puzzles to continue on with your adventure. This game is entirely in black and white and has no text at all. It is a co-operative game, however, it has a local and online setting.
While these are just some of the games coming out this year, there are tons more to explore. Be sure to check out your respective counsels store for updates on all these games and new ones to come.