This spring brings some highly anticipated video games from across genres and platforms. People who enjoy playing games with a partner have already started singing the praises of "Split Fiction." And the "Assassin's Creed" series has released its latest installment, defying drama and setbacks in a positive debut, not to mention the long-awaited life simulator that some say will kill the "Sims."
'Split Fiction'
From the makers of the popular co-op game "It Takes Two" comes the highly anticipated two-player "Split Fiction." This time, players and a friend will take on the roles of Mio and Zoe, two aspiring authors who get stuck in two video games a company hopes to create from their stories. The pair butt heads but are forced to work together to make it through each level and out of the digital world.
"Split Fiction" is a "forgiving game that doesn't set you back much if you die," but it's "still challenging for seasoned gamers," said NPR. Less-experienced game players may struggle, but the game "rewards communication skills." It's "expertly designed to make you appreciate your fellow player, just as Mio and Zoe warm to each other as the game progresses." Feeling extra daring? A super secret level called "Laser Hell" rewards you with a cool easter egg if you beat it. (out now for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S)
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'Assassin's Creed Shadows'
Ubisoft's latest installment in the hit "Assassin's Creed" franchise was finally released this month and hit several milestones despite getting some "anti-woke" backlash from critics "complaining about a storyline centering a Black samurai and LGBTQ character options," said Forbes. The Japanese government also "voiced concerns about violence depicted in the feudal Japan-set game."
Still, within 24 hours of its release, "Assassin's Creed Shadows" flew past 1 million players, breaking a record held by "Assassin's Creed Valhalla." By three days after its release, it passed 2 million players, surpassing the launches of "Origins" and "Odyssey," Ubisoft said on X. (out now for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S)
'InZOI'
This life simulator has been making waves over the past couple of years, with some content creators who had early access hailing it as a potential "Sims killer." Whether this game could replace "The Sims" remains to be seen, but the graphics and gameplay previews have elevated it to one of the year's most anticipated games. The game has already surpassed heavy hitters like "Hollow Knight: Silksong," "Deadlock" and "Elden Ring: Nightreign," and it is now Steam's most wish-listed game.
The life-sim is set to release in early access on Friday for PC, but the company plans on having a later release for console gamers. It's a cozier game than some of the season's other releases, but with an open-world system with tons of planned updates on its development roadmap, "InZOI" is worth trying. (March 28 preorder for PC)
'South of Midnight'
This dreamy Southern gothic fantasy stop-motion game takes players into the folklore of the Deep South, with "magic-based combat" and a "litany of entertainingly titled bosses," said GamesRadar+. The game has "quickly earned its place as one of the most anticipated upcoming Xbox Series X games" for the year because of its "super slick magic-infused combat, stunning sense of place and evocative hand-drawn visual design," as we follow main character Hazel into the "depths of a surreal Deep South inspired landscape." Console-wise, this is an Xbox exclusive, but it will likely be one of the games that sets the console apart from its competitors this year. (April 8 preorder for PC, Xbox Series X/S)
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