Following the unprecedented amount of momentum drummed up by the PlayStation 4 launch back in November, many perhaps rightly forecasted that the unrivalled hardware bedlam would naturally translate into a sort of software propulsion as we entered the New Year. Truth be told, proceedings have subsided a touch – with only a handful of titles seeing a release of any note; the best of which most likely being Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, which itself is just an up-to-date repackaging of a PS3 game released a mere 12 months ago.
Still, there’s little use in lamenting delays and the lack of any concrete system-sellers thus far; luckily for us gamers the future’s bright and imminent, as this upcoming March is resoundingly shaping up to be one of the biggest months in PlayStation history. In more ways than one, the preceding months have been a sort of calm before the storm, with the next few weeks laying claim to releases from some of the most championed franchises in the gaming catalogue; Metal Gear Solid, InFamous, and Dark Souls are all weighing in with anticipated instalments – hell, even the long-awaited releases of South Park: The Stick of Truth and Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster are getting in on the action. So, whether or not you’ve adopted Sony’s new black behemoth or stand stoically by its aged predecessor, there’s certainly a game this coming month to cater for all inclinations, temperaments and moods.
Have no fear, as PSU’s here – hand outstretched – to guide you through what may prove to be the biggest gaming month of the past decade.
Dark Souls II (PS3) – March 11
There’s nothing quite like a bit of vexatious masochism as a sun-kissed March beckons and with the self-depreciating release of From Software’s Dark Souls II you won’t even need to leave the couch to do so. Taking cues from both its predecessors, Bandai Namco’s latest offering looks to provide an emotive and involving story amidst the bone-shatteringly difficult gameplay that the series is so vehemently renowned for. Newcomers needn’t beware, mind, as the game’s opening sections will be that little more accessible than previous entries – allowing for a more gradual build-up rather than the ghoul-suffused uphill struggle that players have become accustomed to up until now. There isn’t any direct correlation between this and any Souls game of yonder, but that isn’t of any pressing concern when the game itself is twice the size of 2011’s celebrated namesake, Dark Souls. Players assume the role of an anonymous character cursed with a dark ring who must strive for a cure to his affliction – which of course translates into traversing the unforgiving caverns, wretched archways and forlorn passages that the game so relentlessly presents. A word of warning: make sure there’s a controller or two spare lying about somewhere because once March 11 comes along, the uncontrollable urge to fling one at the screen may just creep up on you once again.
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Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (PS4) – March 18
Hideo Kojima’s bombshell that the latest iteration of his enduring brainchild Metal Gear Solid would in fact be split into two separate games caused a near unparalleled stir within the videogames industry. Nevertheless the one silver lining that’s emerged from the whole debacle is that we get the prologue, entitled: ‘Ground Zeroes’, a whole lot quicker than was first intended – and little can argue just how palpable the anticipation is on the eve of its March 18 release. And while initial reports detailed the game’s length as suspect, it’s been found that a straight mission run-through only accounts for a small fraction of entire completion, with the inclusion of open-world gameplay mechanics and Side-Ops missions boosting the overall longevity of the experience – and that’s something which will be no doubt music to the ears of Metal Gear perfectionists and enthusiasts alike. Although many may have denounced the decision to replace gruff series voicing staple, David Hayter, as the voice of the eponymous Naked Snake, Ground Zeroes is looking to be the perfect precursor to the fully-fledged The Phantom Pain, and as long as we’re able to still traverse guard-trodden areas in the confines of a cardboard box then we’re sold.
BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 2 (PS3) – March 25
With the unexpected news of Irrational Games’ imminent closure still ringing in the perked-up ears of gamers high and low, many would be forgiven for overlooking the fact that the second and final single-player DLC drop for the studio’s magnum opus, BioShock Infinite, is scheduled for release on March 25. Burial at Sea – Episode 2, the Rapture-set, noir-tinged episodic adventure has players taking control of fan favourite Elizabeth for the very first time as she strives to unravel the mysteries of Rapture, following the events of Episode 1. Players will have to take a different route to playing as Booker’s companion, as the emphasis shifts from the usual run-and-gun method to a more premeditated, thoughtful approach. Elizabeth’s stature and load-out take precedence in this consideration, and you’ll sooner be hiding away and avoiding combat altogether rather than donning a bandolier and charging in all guns blazing. The common complaints levelled at Episode 1’s length are sure to be rectified, as Irrational Games’ head honcho, Ken Levine, has taken to Twitter to tackle that very query, assuring fans that this slice of DLC will take five-to-six hours to see through fully. All things considered, Burial at Sea – Episode 2 is shaping up to be a fitting farewell to one of gaming’s best-loved underwater cities, and indeed one of its most acclaimed studios.
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InFamous: Second Son (PS4) – March 21
Initially a heavy-hitting launch title in the PlayStation 4 armoury, Sucker Punch’s InFamous: Second Son is now firmly fixated at the forefront of Sony’s 2014 gaming hype train ahead of its March 21 release date. The slow teasing of screenshots and videos over the past number of months has only served to strengthen the game’s grip at the top of every PlayStation aficionado’s wish list – little wonder given just how mesmerizingly good everything looks. The open-world adventure revolves around the trials and tribulations of loveable rogue Delsin Rowe, who, upon receiving a plethora of powers from his intervention in a bus accident, decides to ditch his lax attitude to life and take on the Department of Unified Protection (DUP), who exerts dystopian rule over all of Seattle. InFamous: Second Son’s gameplay takes cues from God of War chieftain, Kratos, as an arm-mounted chain provides the basis for attacks; the more powers that are absorbed through encounters with other Conduits the more abilities that can be used in conjunction with the chain. Holding L1 to aim is now a thing of the past, too, as the on-screen reticle will allow for instant, free-aiming attacks. Sucker Punch’s latest is shaping up to be its greatest and most ambitious title to date – and thankfully there’s not long to wait to find out what the fuss is all about.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster (PS3/PS Vita) – March 18
The general consensus that Square Enix has gone off the boil ever since the release of Final Fantasy XII is as ripe as ever, especially if the lukewarm reception to its Lightning trilogy is anything to go by. It may also be a rather disconcerting fact that the company’s most-hyped title in aeons is actually a re-mastering of two previous Final Fantasy entries from 13 and 11 years ago respectively. Still, if you were to pick a PS2-era Final Fantasy to champion it would undoubtedly be X, as it’s bloody brilliant; with memorable characters, a fantastic turn-based system and a masterful score from series mainstay Nobuo Uematsu, the game was a revelation upon its initial release, so much so that it spawned the first direct sequel in Final Fantasy’s history. And while Final Fantasy X-2 didn’t exactly light the gaming world ablaze as its bigger brother had years previously, it did find a rather resolute fan base who took solace in Yuna’s extended adventure. Just like English-speaking fans had an arduous, protracted wait for the original two games, lightning’s struck twice as it’s been nearly three years since the announcement of the re-mastering – luckily, however, the thumb-twiddling wait is just about over and it’s nearly time to delve back into Spira once more.
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South Park: The Stick of Truth (PS3) – March 4
Despite its unending success on the small screen, the controversy-laden show, South Park, has never replicated its success in the gaming sphere. ‘Chef’s Luv Shack’ and ‘South Park Rally’ were both completely forgettable cash-ins, which tried – and failed – to duplicate established gameplay mechanics with added dashes of the show’s characteristic humour. Now, it’s only taken 17 years since its inception for an inspired videogame to rear its face, and what a prospect it’s turning out to be. Having creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone on the board for the very first time, South Park: The Stick of Truth very much stays true to the show’s celebrated narrative, providing a wholly authentic South Park experience by adding role-playing elements to allow players to feel as though they’re part of one big episode. After being besotted with delays time and time again the Obsidian Entertainment-developed title is now firmly in the ailing PS3’s headlights, looking to capitalize on the show’s continued success by providing one of the last hilarious swansongs on Sony’s veteran system.
Honourable mentions:
– TowerFall: Ascension. (PS4) – March 11.
– Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Complete Edition. (PS4) – March 25.
– BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma (PS3) – March 25.
– Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z. (PS3) – March 18.
From the looks of it this coming March will require both an abundance of cash and indeed time, as the rundown of games scheduled for release hits astronomical heights. Incredibly, the month strikes a balance of sorts as it provides a strong platform for Sony’s PS3 to rightly bow out on, whilst at the same time highlighting how bright the future is with the PS4. Add in the mix improvements to the Final Fantasy XIV online beta, Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut and Thief at the tail end of February, and baby, you’ve got a stew going.
Stay tuned to PSU for all the news, views and reviews of all the above games right across March. As ever, give your thoughts about this unprecedented March line-up below and tell us what games will be lining up to get into your systems.