Top 26 Games of April 2026
After a month with some huge releases from the open-world Crimson Desert, to arcade racer, Screamer, and the narrative adventure, Life Is Strange Reunion, April is an even busier month, with a nice mix of AAA games, impressive indie titles, and everything in-between. So, here's an expanded preview of what April has to offer.
DARWIN'S PARADOX - 02/04
Konami kicks the month off by publishing the cinematic puzzle platformer, Darwin's Paradox. In the same vein as the recent Planet of Lana 2, developer ZDT Studio has you play as the intelligent octopus Darwin, who must try to survive when he's abducted from the ocean by a beam of light. He wakes up to find himself on land surrounded by dangerous aliens who want to kill him and must use stealth, camouflage and other skills to attempt to return to the safety of the ocean.
Darwin's Paradox looks like an incredibly polished, playable animated movie. Personally, I can't wait to see how Konami's latest published title fairs when it arrives on April 2nd.
FISHBOWL - 02/04
Two person team I Miss My Friends Studio welcomes players into the pixelated world of Alo, as she embarks on a personal journey of growth through the challenges of remote work, grief, depression, anxiety and dealing with long distance relationships with family and friends, all during the upheaval of the global pandemic.
Fishbowl is a visual novel that everyone will be able to relate to in some way, and I look forward to seeing how Alo's emotional story unfolds.
PEOPLE OF NOTE - 07/04
People of Note is an RPG I've been keeping an eye on for some time now. The latest return to the classic turn-based gameplay I loved as a child in the 3D Final Fantasy titles, Skies of Arcadia, Lost Odyssey and so many more. But People of Note sets itself apart by being a video game musical. Much like the charming Stray Gods, People of Note injects well-written musical numbers from pop, rock, EDM and more, into the RPG genre.
From the footage I've seen, music is integral to every part of People of Note: from the world building to the rhythm based attack gameplay - a slightly less complicated version of Expedition 33's timed attack button prompts. If everything comes together, I expect People of Note to be a memorable RPG from Iridium Studio that could become someone's new favourite RPG.
SAMSON: A TYNDALSON STORY - 08/04
Samson: A Tyndalson Story is a graphically impressive open-world video game that focuses on car combat and visceral hand-to-hand fights. You play as Samson who leaves prison and returns to the mean streets of Tyndalson. However, he is indebted to the criminal underworld and must pay back a daily quota by choosing jobs to complete. But if you don't meet your daily quota, you have to live with the consequences as you uncover the story as to why Samson and his family are in this mess.
With a skill tree of over 25 upgrades to unlock, Samson looks to be an intriguing, focused open-world game. I look forward to seeing how fun the car and combat systems turn out and whether Samson can wrap it all together inside an enticing narrative.
THE HOUSE OF HIKMAH - 08/04
The House of Hikmah is a visually charming narrative driven puzzle game. A heartfelt adventure from indie developer Lunacy Studios with an experienced team that helped make games like Life Is Strange and Mass Effect, and music from renowned composer Austin Wintory.
You play as 14 year-old Maya who enters the House of Wisdom to find answers after her father's death. You meet historical scholars from the Islamic Golden Age to gain insight from their philosophical lessons. But the Widow, a manifestation of grief tries to stop Maya from using her father's heirlooms to solve physics based puzzles as she traverses the environment and slowly attempts to take the first steps towards healing.
As a fan of puzzle games, I can't wait to see if The House of Hikmah can successfully thread an emotional story as well as deliver engaging puzzles.
REPLACED - 14/04
Similarly to Darwin's Paradox at the beginning of April, Sad Cat Studios brings us the highly anticipated 2.5D cinematic action platformer, Replaced. You play as an AI trapped inside a human body, who must battle through an alternate 1980s America to find the answers to its creation - a dystopian narrative in a Blade Runner type world.
It sets itself apart with beautiful pixel art and lighting, and propulsive camera work like Dutch angles that intensify every combat encounter. If everything fits together, this one could be a very special single-player experience.
DOSA DIVAS - 14/04
After the Scott Pilgrim inspired Thirsty Suitors, Outerloop Games follows it up with the narrative RPG, Dosa Divas. The story revolves around two sisters and their mech chef, as they attempt to topple a corrupt fast food empire whilst bringing communities back together. With refined rhythm and turn-based gameplay, Dosa Divas looks set to learn from Thirsty Suitors, to deliver a more assured and well-balanced rpg.
MOUSE: P.I. FOR HIRE - 16/04
After it's delay in March, Mouse: P.I. For Hire releases on April 16th. The first person shooter from Fumi Games in the 1930's black and white cartoon style has gotten mostly positive previews since the delay, and makes me more excited to enter the noir world.
CTHULU: THE COSMIC ABYSS - 16/04
Set in 2053, Cthulu: The Cosmic Abyss is a Lovecraftian thriller where you must resist the slow creeping madness of Cthulu. Big Bad Wolf have developed a first person investigation game in a horror setting. As Noah, you're sent alongside your AI companion, to investigate the disappearance of miners in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. By using his investigative techniques, Noah explores an ancient sunken city, where the secrets he finds might alter his very perception of reality, or make him succumb to Cthulu's madness.
From the footage released, it reminds me of the atmosphere of Soma mixed with the environmental puzzles in survival horror games like Resident Evil. If they nail the atmosphere and puzzles, it could end up being a game well worth playing.
OPUS: PRISM PEAK - 16/04
Another title that got delayed out of March, that I highlighted in last month's preview for its excellent anime art style and unique photography mechanic within an emotional narrative adventure. It really has the potential to tell an emotional and melancholic story that continues Sigono's Opus series - a nice break from the more action focused titles.
THE AMUSEMENT - 16/04
The Amusement is a narrative puzzle VR game from Arte France and Curvature Games. You play as Samantha as she explores an abandoned amusement park in post-WW1 that she's inherited from her missing father. During her visit, she rediscovers memories and uncovers a deep familial story. There's various interactive elements like climbing ropes and a redirected walking mode that makes you feel like you're taking Samantha's steps, even in a small play space. But for those who play sitting down, there's also a teleportation and other locomotion settings to choose from.
PRAGMATA - 17/04
After the success of Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom ready the launch of a brand new IP, Pragmata. A pure sci-fi action adventure game where you play as spacefarer Hugh and his AI companion, Diana, as they traverse through an abandoned lunar research station.
With Diana at your disposal, Pragmata relies on an action hacking gameplay system, where Diana hacks enemies to reveal enemy weak spots so that Hugh can easily dispatch them. It's an inventive mechanic that I'm interested to see how it develops as you progress through the game. Modern Capcom feels like anything they create is either good or better, so I hope Pragmata brings more of the same high quality we've come to expect from them.
JAY AND SILENT BOB CHRONIC BLUNT PUNCH - 20/04
Jay and Silent Bob Chronic Blunt Punch is packed with the crude humour Kevin Smith's characters are known for, as well as top notch animations and solid looking beat em up combat. Built for solo or couch co-op play, it's one beat em up that should be a nostalgic punch for any fan of Kevin Smith's View Askewniverse.
VAMPIRE CRAWLERS - 21/04
After Poncle's breakout mega hit Vampire Survivors, the spin-off Vampire Crawlers adapts the world into a turn-based deckbuilder with roguelite aspects. And if it plays well and includes as much depth as Vampire Survivors, it will no doubt be just as successful.
It's a game I've steered clear of trying until I get my hands on the full release, to experience the surprises myself.
TIDES OF TOMORROW - 22/04
For someone like myself who enjoys a strong narrative in a video game, Tides of Tomorrow is incredibly enticing. Developed by Digixart, the creators of Route 96 - a roadtrip game where the narrative branched - the studio has used its expertise on how to create a fulfilling branching narrative that feels individual to the player and potentially takes it to the next level.
Digixart has created story-link: a narrative system where each player's playthrough, whether story choices, character opinions, the world outcomes, impact each of your playthroughs in a different way. A ripple effect that promises a different experience each time. They claim that if you win a race and impact the world, the next player that inhabits the world you left behind will feel the consequences of your actions. It sounds very ambitious to say the least. But I'm all for developers taking some creative swings, even if they don't always pay off.
MASTERS OF ALBION - 22/04
Creator of Fable and Lionhead Studios, Peter Molyneux is back with 22 Cans' latest game; a return to the genre of God simulator games he originally made his name on, with titles such as Black and White and Populous. This time he's gotten a group of fellow veteran game developers to take a stab at reimagining the genre for the modern era.
Masters of Albion is set in an identically named world to Molyneux's most famous creation, Fable. It sets lofty promises to be able to build your own solution to any problem and build wherever you want - a freedom that I will need to see to believe. As a fan of many of Molyneux's bigger releases, I know that he tends to overpromise his ideal vision, but even if they don't match his grand goals, they can still turn out great. If this truly is Molyneux's final game, I hope it is successful in redefining the god simulation genre.
OUTBOUND - 23/04
Outbound is a co-op, open-world exploration game where you and your friends take a barebones camper van and work together to make it the self-sustainable vehicle and mobile home of your dreams. A mixture of exploration, crafting and decorating, gardening, adopting pets - all while creating the roadtrip of your dreams.
If the gameplay systems evolve satisfyingly over time, Outbound could be the next cosy game hit to spend comfy gaming evenings with friends and family.
KILN - 23/04
When Xbox bought Double Fine, I worried their unique creative spark would be dimmed after the launch of the brilliant Psychonauts 2, but they've since released the beautiful Keeper, and surprised everyone with the announcement of their latest title, an online multiplayer pottery party brawler where you first craft your pot to determine your skillset, before taking it into battle.
As usual from Double Fine, Kiln has bundles of charm and style, and looks like a fun time. I really hope they get the combat balance right and can gain a solid player base that sees Xbox viewing Kiln as a success.
LITTLE NIGHTMARES VR: ALTERED ECHOES - 24/04
Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes sees the series taken to virtual reality for the first time; a new way of experiencing the horrific world. Altered Echoes has you play as Dark Six, in a brand new story with recognisably creepy enemies and unsettling environments. If the new developers can match Tarsier's original quality standards for the franchise and successfully translate the experience to virtual reality, the game could end up being a fantastic horror experience.
MOOMINTROLL: WINTER'S WARMTH - 27/04
While not a direct sequel to developer Hyper Games' Snufkin: Melody of Moomin Valley, Moonmintroll: Winter's Warmth is a spiritual successor in every way. However, this time Hyper Games lets you play as the titular Moomin as you explore Tove Jansson's iconic world in a cosy puzzle game.
Hyper Games promises another heartwarming story as you accept quests from familiar characters and solve puzzles throughout the beautifully drawn artwork that looks as if it has been ripped right from the original Moomin illustrations. Whether you're a big fan of the white trolls or not, Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth seems set to be a charming adventure for all ages.
APHELION - 28/04
After being unable to continue developing their creation Life Is Strange, Dontnod decided to quickly grow the studio and build multiple brand new IPs to mixed results. But having enjoyed my time with Jusant and liking most of Lost Records, I am interested in seeing how Aphelion turns out.
Aphelion mixes the narrative work Dontnod is known for, with exploration, traversal and stealth mechanics. At the start of this sci-fi adventure, you crash land on the planet you intend to survey to see if it's inhabitable by humankind. I'm interested to see how Dontnod deals with the dual protagonists and handles the addition of tense stealth gameplay, as hiding mechanics can easily overstay their welcome and turn the opinion of a game. But I'll always give Dontnod a chance, as even their flawed titles like Vampyr and Remember Me all have impressive qualities that make you want to keep playing beyond their flaws.
WILL: FOLLOW THE LIGHT - 28/04
Now, this one had me wanting to play it when I watched the announcement trailer and saw the realistic waves and sailboat gameplay sequences.
Will: Follow the Light is a story-driven, first person puzzle game set in the Northern landscapes. It reminds me of something like Firewatch, but with additional gameplay elements like sailing and sledding. All fully realised in detailed graphics. It's the kind of game I look forward to fully immersing myself in over a weekend.
HE MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE: DRAGON PEARL OF DESTRUCTION - 28/04
Another ode to the arcade classic beat 'em ups and the cartoon world of He Man and the Masters of the Universe. For the past few years now, the beat 'em up renaissance keeps getting stronger and stronger with no signs of slowing down.
From retro specialists Bitmap Bureau who recently made Terminator 2D No Fate, He Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction has you taking control of the pixel sprites of either He-man, Man-at-Arms, Teela and more. With twelve stages to play through in solo or local co-op, beat 'em up fans are going to have plenty to play this month.
SAROS - 30/04
After the exceptional Returnal, Housemarque's Saros is easily one of my most anticipated games of April. As a spiritual successor to Returnal, Saros has a deeper narrative focus between runs and more welcoming gameplay systems where permanent upgrades happen after runs to appeal to a larger player base, whilst still keeping the intense bullet hell action.
Beyond this, I've avoided any further details to keep the experience fresh when I play it at launch. If it's as good or better than Returnal, it'll easily rank amongst my favourite Playstation 5 games.
INKONBINI: One Store. Many Stories. - 30/04
InKonbini is another cosy job simulator where you work in a convenience store in early 1990s Japan, stocking shelves and meeting the shoppers that enter the store. The game introduces a routine schedule of jobs as you slowly get to know the community of people around the store. The developers include branching conversations that develop relationships and reveal the personal stories of the shoppers.
The narrative focus and polished cartoon art style will help InKonbini appeal to those looking for a less janky job simulator game.
INVINCIBLE VS - 30/04
Based on the popular Amazon TV show and comic of the same name, Invincible VS takes the varied cast of superheroes to make a solid looking fighting game. Invincible VS is a 3v3 tag fighting game that includes the series' trademark brutal violence. And with an original story mode, there's plenty to appeal to hardcore Invincible fans and regular fighting fans alike.
And that's it - a massive month for indie games, AAA titles and everything in-between. I hope you've seen a few that you like. Please let me know which games you'll be getting next month, and whether there's any I've missed that you're looking forward to.