April saw the launch of a slew of major games across platforms, from PlayStation remasters to Xbox exclusives. The Last of Us Part II Remastered is coming to PC this month, bringing upgraded visuals, PC-specific features, and bonus content including a roguelite “No Return” mode. The Last of Us Part II launched on PS4 in 2020 and was remastered on PS5 in 2024. The PC version of the remake was released just weeks before the second season of The Last of Us TV series premiered on Max.
Several major Xbox and PC exclusive games are also coming to PS5 this month. First up is MachineGames’ Indiana Jones and the Big Circle, launching in December 2024 on Xbox Series S/X and PC. This globally popular action-adventure game will be released on PS5 on April 17th. Played from a first-person perspective, Indiana Jones brings treasure hunting, exploration, and intense combat. At the end of the month, a true Xbox masterpiece will be released on PS5. “Forza Horizon 5” is a critically acclaimed open-world arcade racing game that is now available on Sony consoles more than three years after its launch on PC and Xbox platforms.
Midnight South, exclusive to Xbox and PC, is also set to release this month. Compulsion Games’ gothic adventure game features a unique art style, melee combat, and evocative settings. There are also remasters, a new turn-based RPG, and several other famous games coming in April. Here’s a closer look at some of the hottest games launching this month on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
“The Last of Us Part 2” Remastered Edition
When – April 3
Location – Computer
One year after the release of PS5, “The Last of Us Part II Remastered” is finally in the hands of PC players. This overhauled version of the game offers some nice perks, including a new roguelike mode, developer commentary and missing levels, plus you get to experience the closing arc of Joel Miller’s deeply emotional journey. If you’re someone who’s never played the game before, you’ll experience the shocking and harrowing plot twists and narrative-driven adventure that are developer Naughty Dog’s hallmarks.
Visually enhanced in this release, the remastered version is optimized for Nvidia DLSS 3 Super Resolution and AMD FSR 3.1 and FSR 4 support. PC gamers will also get new control customization options, such as full control remapping, full gamepad support, and support for full haptics via PS5’s DualSense controller. Technical details aside, the game also includes new content for the Point of No Return mode, including two familiar faces from the first game – Bill and Marlene. Four new maps, Overlook, School, Street and Nest, have also been added to the roguelike survival mode, giving players the chance to test their skills as they explore the terrain with their favorite characters.
midnight in the south
Time: April 8
Where: Xbox Series S/X, PC
Developer Compulsion Games presents Midnight South, an action-adventure game set in the world of Southern Gothic, or the fictional American Deep South, with overtones of mythology, magical realism, and folklore. As Hazel, the protagonist who becomes a weaver, you’ll explore Prospero’s rural, lush yet decaying landscape. Using the power of ancient magic, you’ll battle the ferocious Hyint and defeat supernatural creatures such as Two-Toed Tom, Hug Molly, Rugaroo, Altamahaha, Honey Island Swamp Monster, and more. In addition to learning about history and heritage, you will discover many family secrets and embark on a journey to find your missing mother.
The game lasts between 10 and 12 hours, and you can play on four different difficulties, including Diviner, Healer, Weaver, and Great Weaver, as well as a fifth customizable difficulty option, Great Tapestry. You’ll be able to toggle the game’s stop-motion animation effects on and off. The game offers a storybook-like presentation, with music including instrumentals and vocals inspired by the essence of dark folk tales.
The single-player game will be available on Xbox Series S/X and PC via Steam on April 8th.
The Talos Principle: Reawakening
Time: April 10
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
Talos Law: Reawakening is a first-person puzzle game developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital. This is the final version of The Law of Talos, incorporating new content and improved gameplay in an expanded journey.
Fans of the game will be delighted to meet Talos project leader Alexandra Drennan, who tackles deep existential questions in the new chapter “The Beginning” while setting up the simulation’s first critical test. This forces you to think hard about the human condition while progressing. You can also revisit the classic “Road to Hell” expansion pack. With this redesigned version, the familiar simulation becomes even more detailed and immersive with improved lighting, textures, and environment design.
The Law of Talos: Reborn is scheduled to be released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X on April 10.
Lost Records: Bloom and Fury – Tape 2
Time: April 15
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
“Lost Records: Bloom and Fury” is a coming-of-age narrative adventure game from Don’t Nod, launched in two parts. The first part — Tape 1 — was released in February; the second part — Tape 2 — will be available later this month. Lost Records marks Don’t Nod’s return to story-driven adventures. The game is set in the 1990s and follows the lives of four teenage girls: Swann, Nora, Autumn and Kat, who form a friendship during an idyllic summer in Velvet Bay. The girls also stumble upon a secret that changes the course of their lives.
Twenty-seven years later, the now-adult friends reunite in Velvet Bay to confront their pasts and find closure. Like the Don’t Nod games, Lost Records features a beautiful soundtrack, layered characters, and an evocative story filled with ’90s nostalgia. Much of the game can also be viewed through Swann’s camera, which is controlled by the player. As Swann, you whip out your camera to capture interesting subjects in your environment, edit the clips, and package them into mini “memoirs.”
Lost Records: Bloom and Rage – Tape 2 was originally supposed to be released a month after Tape 1, but was pushed back to April. The game is now available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X on April 15th.
Indiana Jones and the Circle
Time: April 17
Location: PS5
Bethesda’s Indiana Jones and the Big Circle is finally released on PS5, so get ready for an adventure you won’t soon forget. Take on the role of a legendary archaeologist and uncover the mystery of the Great Circle – an ancient power hidden around the world. You’ll travel from Marshall Hall to locations as diverse as Vatican City, China, Egypt, and Thailand, traversing dangerous terrain and solving complex puzzles.
Indiana Jones and the Circle is set between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, and the game is filled with content that reflects the time period – the late 1930s. The game offers detailed environments with puzzles to solve, artifacts to recover, and plenty of enemies along the way.
Just like other Indiana Jones games, you’ll need to use your whip and gun, and there’s a fair amount of sneaking around. In this upcoming game, you can also engage in hours of open-world exploration, uncovering secrets and solving large-circle puzzles while dodging cunning traps.
Claire Obsker: Expedition 33
Time: April 24
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
This month, a brand new IP has become a highlight, along with the release of remasters of several older games. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics that promises immersive combat and an engaging story set in the world of Belle Epoque France. In this role-playing game, players lead members of Expedition 33 against a painter who can depict death. The female painter wakes up once a year and draws a number on her boulder, and everyone of that number’s age will die.
As the cursed numbers count down, Expedition 33 (named after the next number the female artist will paint) will descend upon her to end her evil. Clair Obscur is built with Unreal Engine 5 and features cutting-edge visuals, a compelling dark fantasy world, and unique turn-based combat based on real-time mechanics.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is inspired by iconic franchises such as Final Fantasy and Persona, and features a star-studded cast including Charlie Cox, Andy Serkis and Ben Starr. The game will be released on April 24th for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
Days Gone Remastered
Time: April 25
Location: PS5
Once you step into the rugged post-apocalyptic world of Days Gone Remastered, you must navigate the ever-changing Pacific Northwest and battle monstrosity and hostile human factions. You take on the role of Deacon St. John, a former outlaw turned mercenary trying to uncover the mystery of his lost love.
In addition to the remastered version of the game, you can also try out the new Horde Assault mode, which pits you against hordes of weirdos who are victims of a deadly epidemic ravaging the Pacific Northwest.
If you’ve been waiting to play Days Gone Remastered on PlayStation 5, you can look forward to improved graphics performance in Quality Mode, or a high-frame-rate gaming experience in Performance Mode. There are other thoughtful additions, like tactile feedback when you rev the bike’s engine or engage in combat.
Forza Horizon 5
Time: April 29
Location: PS5
One of the best games on the current generation of Xbox consoles is finally coming to PS5. Playground Games’ open-world racing game Forza Horizon 5 launched on PC and Xbox in 2021 and set the gold standard for the genre. Forza Horizon 5 is a must-play for fans of racing games thanks to its cutting-edge visuals, great driving mechanics, massive vehicles, and a vast open-world map packed with activity.
Playground Games also announced a Horizon Realms update for the game, which will be coming to all supported platforms later this month. The developers say this is one of the biggest updates to the game yet and will include four new bonus cars and a new stadium track.
Forza Horizon 5 is coming to PS5 as part of Microsoft’s push to bring its exclusive Xbox games to rival platforms. Bethesda’s Raiders of the Lost Ark will also launch on PS5 this month. In May, Doom: Dark Ages will be released simultaneously on PC, Xbox Series S/X, and PS5.
Motorcycle Grand Prix 25
When – April 30
Location – PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch
Ride 5’s latest rival, MotoGP 25, is set to launch this month, and fans of the superbike and racing game are in for a treat with the latest title from developer and publisher Milestone. A new bike development system has been developed that will provide a more immersive racing experience. The game’s career mode, Riders, will be expanded this year and will include activities like dirt bike and mini motorcycle racing, giving players something to do outside of weekend races. Game veterans should look forward to the new Hungarian Bolton Park circuit added this year.
The game also brings an open and playable training mode, including superbike, mini bike and flat track training, each set of training is carried out in the original environment. But perhaps the boldest inclusion this year is the choice between arcade and pro experiences, which takes the game from a casual fun experience to a simulation experience with different rider assists turned off. Newbies need not worry, though, as the mode can be customized to suit your experience level. However, mastering the controls, especially braking and tilting, takes some effort.
Among notable improvements, the AI rider has been tweaked to race like a real-life rider, and the dashcam view has been improved so you don’t have to struggle to see what’s ahead if you’re riding a Ducati.
