April 17 – April 23 Release Recap: Wonder Boy Flies; Chado Equips Bandanna
While the early momentum of 2017’s gaming gravy train of mega hits is finally slowing down after Persona 5, there’s still plenty of reasons to be excited this week as we finally see the release of Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap. While it’s not controversial to say that game will be this week’s highlight, Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom also looks pretty sweet too. Overall, old school gamers are in for a treat this week.
Late Shift
Consoles: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: April 18th
While we’ve come a long way since the terribly-awesome Night Trap, it’s safe to say that in the near 25 years since its infamous release that the FMV game genre has never really seen a winner save for the excellent mystery game, Her Story. Following their previous sci-fi FMV game, The Bunker, Wales Interactive is seeming poised to do for the FMV game genre what From Software does for the well… Dark Souls genre. This latest game has a more grounded setting as it takes place in modern day London, and gives off Guy Ritchie vibes.
Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom
Consoles: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: April 18th
Taken inspirations from PS2 JRPGs, this latest throwback game focuses on the thrill of combat along with a fun mix of characters to use. You know you’re in for a great time when a mouse-looking thing is wearing a bandanna. Also, his name is Chado. The battles are a one-on-one affair, but your party members are help in from the side with magical attacks. Besides that, your party members will have their own specific abilities to help you explore the world too.
Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap
Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Release Date: April 18th
In the late 80’s, 2D platformers were coming out faster than Mario could jump off a Yoshi’s back to reach a green pipe. One such platformer franchise was Wonder Boy that had a following, but never saw the heights of Mario, Sonic, or Rayman. Well, Wonder Boy fans rejoice as it looks to make a rather triumphant return this week with gorgeous art and some old school 2D platformer gameplay that is so 90’s that it will make you wonder if Power Rangers and Archie are hip again… Oh wait.
The Disney Afternoon Collection
Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Release Date: April 18th
Yup, everyone seems intent on making April 18th this year to be throwback Tuesday with Capcom getting in on the nostalgia gaming goodness. Based on animated series from the television block The Disney Afternoon, the six games are DuckTales, DuckTales 2, Darkwing Duck, TaleSpin, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers and Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers 2. This one’s developed by Digital Eclipse, the studio behind both the well received Mega Man Legacy Collection. Duck Tales was alright and all, but I hope seeing Darkwing Duck here means we’ll get a reboot of the cartoon.
For an overview of what’s coming in April, check our earlier games to watch out for April.