After a relative lull, February 2021 is set to offer a number of big titles, from ports and remasters to exclusives. Whether you’re a fan of platformers, RPGs or vehicular mayhem, there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a look at the 10 big upcoming games for the month.
The Nioh Collection (PS5)
Team Ninja’s critically acclaimed Nioh series is coming to PlayStation 5 on February 5th, the same day that Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition launches for PS4 and PC. The Nioh Collection offers much more though, bundling Nioh Remastered – The Complete Edition and Nioh 2 Remastered – The Complete Edition together. Both games with all DLC and updates are included along with 4K/60 FPS and 1080p/120 FPS modes. They’ll also take advantage of the PS5’s SSD for super-fast loading times and the DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The $70 price tag is always pretty hefty, even for PS5 games, but it’s hard to argue against the value of The Nioh Collection.
Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood
Based off of White Wolf Publishing’s tabletop RPG, Cyanide’s Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood takes a more action-oriented approach with its gameplay. As Cahal, you’re fighting against the evil Pentex corporation, taking on missions in the American Northwest and even venturing to the spirit world for additional challenges. The main appeal is the shape-shifting – Cahal can choose between human, Lupus and Crinos modes, either sneaking and stalking his prey as a regular wolf or going berserk as a werewolf. The World of Darkness series hasn’t had the most stellar of releases in recent years but Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood could break the curse when it launches on February 4th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5 and PC.
Ys 9: Monstrum Nox
More than three years after his last adventure, Adol Christin returns in Ys 9: Monstrum Nox. Instead of washing ashore on a strange island for the millionth time, Adol finds himself trapped in the prison city of Balduq and involved with the mysterious Monstrum. Much like Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana, players can control multiple party members with differing styles. Movement has also been expanded to be more free-form and vertical. Ys 9 is out on February 2nd for PS4 – hopefully, the English localization won’t be a complete disaster like the previous game.
Little Nightmares 2
Little Nightmares 2 goes beyond The Maw and ventures to The Pale City with the bag-wearing Mono as the new protagonist. Six is still around but this time controlled via AI (and with no co-op available). The two will venture through various locales, solving puzzles and avoiding creepy figures like The Teacher and The Hunter en route to the Signal Tower. Who is the Tall Man and what is his plan? We’ll likely find out when Little Nightmares 2 launches on February 11th on PC, Xbox One, PS4 and Nintendo Switch.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Continuing its trend of re-releasing Wii U titles for the Switch is Nintendo’s Super Mario 3D World. While it’s still the same excellent 3D platformer with improved visuals, the big difference is the addition of Bowser’s Fury. This new experience sees Mario and Bowser Jr. traveling to Lake Lapcat, a new free-roam area, to stop the rampaging Bowser. Along with collecting new Cat Shines, Bowser Jr. – who can be controlled by another player – can join in and attack foes. This is all for the sake of the Super Bell which Mario can use to turn into Giga Cat Mario and take on Fury Bowser in a true clash of the titans. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is out on February 12th for Switch.
Persona 5 Strikers
Omega Force’s Musou-style of gameplay is back again but hits a bit different in Persona 5 Strikers. Developed along with P-Studio, it features real-time combat along with pausing for utilizing Personas. Much of the gameplay from Persona 5, like switching between and fusing different Personas, the Third Eye and All-Out Attacks make a return. The story also takes place six months afterwards with the Phantom Thieves traveling to a strange new version of Tokyo to battle Shadows. Persona 5 Strikers arrives on February 23rd for Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PC.
Control: Ultimate Edition (PS5, Xbox Series X/S)
Control has been available since 2019 while the Ultimate Edition launched for PC, Xbox One and PS4 last year. However, it launches for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on February 2nd, allowing new console owners to experience the supernatural adventure at last. Along with the base game and two expansions, The Foundation and AWE, there will be two graphics modes to choose from. Performance Mode offers 60 FPS gameplay while Graphics Mode runs at 30 FPS with ray-tracing and material quality improvements. If you haven’t played Control yet, then the Ultimate Edition is well worth picking up (even with the controversy surrounding the lack of upgrades for base game owners).
Ghosts ‘n Goblins: Resurrection
The return of Ghosts ‘n Goblins isn’t the most expected surprise of the year but it is definitely welcome. Ghosts ‘n Goblins: Resurrection is based on the first two entries in the series – Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Ghouls ‘n Ghosts – and features revamped visuals. Despite “taking cues” from those titles to create “something entirely new” as per Capcom, the brutal difficulty of the gameplay is still intact. Along with Knight Mode, there are two other paths – Squire and Page – for relatively newer players to jump in while Legend Mode promises the toughest challenge. Ghosts ‘n Goblins: Resurrection is out on February 25th exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
Bravely Default 2
Another big Switch exclusive is Bravely Default 2, developed by Claytechworks and presenting a brand new story and cast. Much of the same gameplay carries over, like the turn-based combat, Brave Point system and the ability to change characters’ Jobs. The overall presentation looks incredible, whether it’s Savalon, the Land of Drought with its sweeping desert, or Wizwald, the Land of Magic, with its forestation overrunning civilization. Bravely Default 2 releases on February 26th for Switch but you can download and try out the Final Demo now to see how it plays.
Destruction AllStars
Originally slated for the PS5’s launch, Lucid Games’ vehicular combat title is finally out this February. It’s also going to be available free to PlayStation Plus subscribers for two months but what exactly can you expect? For starters, there’s a roster of 16 AllStars to choose from, each with their own unique abilities. Matches are all about wrecking other racers but if you’re wrecked, there’s still a chance to come back. Each AllStar can dodge incoming attacks and eventually commandeer a new vehicle to continue with Hero Vehicles eventually turning the tide. Four game modes are available at launch – Mayhem, Carnado, Stockpile and Gridfall – which can be played offline with AI or online in multiplayer. Unique challenges against AI foes will also be available for unlocking new cosmetics and additional game modes, events and seasons are coming post-launch.
