The Biggest Video Games Releasing in April 2021

Development studio People Can Fly knows a thing or two about high-octane shooters from the first- and third-person perspectives. Their next release adopts looter shooter mechanics and three-player co-op capabilities for an expansive adventure across an alien planet. Your custom colonist has access to a huge arsenal of firearms, but that’s not all - players can tap into the special abilities tied to four character classes. The Trickster can manipulate time, the Pyromancer can tap into the power of fire, the Devastator can bring destruction via seismic attacks, and the Techomancer utilizes turrets and other devices to support their allies. Outriders is going to be available on day one via Xbox Game Pass, so feel free to give it a try if you’d like.

Abe’s grand return via a full-fledged remake has been a thing since 2014’s release of Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty. Oddworld: Soulstorm is a follow-up to that game and also doubles as a remake for Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus. This 2.5D platformer places you back in the role of Abe, who must brave a host of dangers that are out to enslave and kill his fellow mudokons. The biggest change coming to this welcome reimagining is a crafting system that lets Abe customize and craft different pieces of weaponry. Abe’s latest journey looks amazing thanks to updated visuals and, from the looks of it, maintains all the fun that was present in its original incarnation.

The 1998 JRPG gem known as SaGa Frontier is getting a well-deserved touchup in 2021. That welcome upgrade is coming in the form of SaGa Frontier Remastered, which throws in some additional content in the form of a new party member, music, and cutscenes. The original release’s unique approach to storytelling and combat all remain intact, thankfully. And as expected, the game’s gorgeous visual sheen is receiving a high-resolution upgrade alongside an update to the user interface and a double speed feature that helps move every players’ journey along at a faster pace.

Minds were blown when news came out about this former PlayStation exclusive making its way over to Xbox consoles. This series entry arrives as the 16th installment in the beloved MLB: The Show franchise and features San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. as its cover athlete. As for its collector’s edition, MLB The Show 21 honors the one and only Jackie Robinson. Fans can expect the series’ usual high-quality on-field action and incredible graphical presentation. A ballpark creator will be making its debut this time around, which should prove fruitful for avid baseball aficionados who want to create their own baseball kingdom.

Ever since NieR:Automata emerged as a bonafide financial and critical success, fans have been awaiting word of another trip into NieR’s mind-bending world. That news finally arrived with the announcement of an updated rendition of the original NieR that got introduced to Japanese gamers. The main premise behind this update sees a young man venturing out into the world to save his sister from a terminal sickness known as the “Black Scrawl.” This harrowing adventure will feature intense battles that stick close to Automata's style, a deeply affecting plot, and the usual quirkiness associated with Yoko Taro’s games.

Yeah, that’s correct - the original Pokémon Snap that captured kids’ imaginations back in 1999 is finally getting a sequel. And just like its predecessor, New Pokémon Snap tests your expertise as a Pokémon photographer. You’ll travel on an on-rails hovercraft and explore a wealth of habitats full of different types of Pokémon. And you’ll have to use some tools besides your camera to create the best scenes for your ever-increasing photo album. New Pokémon Snap should hit all the right notes for everyone that loved it back on the N64.

One of the biggest first-party PS5 releases of the year is coming from the uber-talented Housemarque development studio. And for their first next-gen release, the studio is expanding its horizons and going for a AAA third-person perspective. This new game is Returnal, which transports players to a mysterious alien planet that’s stuck in a time loop. You’ll take control of Selene, who must shoot down all manner of extraterrestrials and navigate a roguelike approach to progression. Prepare to die over and over again as you get closer to the truth of your time spent on Atropos.

You just gotta love an old-school shoot ‘em up. Especially one that continues to endure and make its presence felt during new console generations. This series in particular has been in gamers’ rotation since the late 80s and is making its way to last- and current-gen consoles this April. R-Type Final 2 sticks to the basics, which mainly entails shooting down alien hordes with your ship’s vast array of weapons. And depending on how good (or bad) your performance is, enemy behaviors change along the way. Retro gamers should definitely get a kick out of this one.