February is finally here and with that plenty of new releases for Xbox One and Windows PC. And while we managed to survive the new year slump (in terms of releases, not much to look forward to), February will pick up the pace and kick things into high gear for gamers.
With plenty of expansions, reboots of classic games and plenty of esports tournaments to watch on Twitch this month, here are some titles to look forward to playing this month that will see you become the King/Queen of the Octagon, be a part of history in a war during the Holy Roman Empire or play as one of your favourite anime characters, there is a video game for everyone this month.
EA Sports UFC 3 (Xbox One)
UFC 3 cover star Conor McGregor appeared on the cover of the previous game, UFC 2. Source: Twitter/@majornelson
As someone who loves a great fighting title, we have seen some incredible releases in this genre since last year and the genre will be staying alive with the latest instalment in the MMA fighting title, EA Sports UFC 3.
I just so happen to own UFC 2 and while it was a bit difficult to get the hang of the controls (I must have been stuck in the tutorials for at least two months), once I stepped into the Octagon, boy, did things get really interesting.
And what has undoubtedly been reviewed as the best entry thus far, EA has done a stellar job of doing a complete overhaul of the game’s striking system and has improved the game’s story mode. However, there is a black cloud called microtransactions that has also taken hold of this MMA fighting title which does put a dent in the game’s impending success.
Microtransactions aside, UFC 3 will be a game on the radar of many UFC and MMA fans, get ready to take down your opponents in EA Sports UFC 3 available on February 2.
Dynasty Warriors 9 (Xbox One, PC)
Make your own history as a legend is reborn in the latest Dynasty Warriors instalment, Dynasty Warriors 9. Source: Twitter/@majornelson
History will indeed be reborn as Omega Force and Koei Tecmo will be the latest entry in the Dynasty Warriors series.
Fans of this series will be happy to know that all 83 characters from the previous entry, Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires to return along with a few new faces to boost. DW9 will also feature a revamped gameplay system as players transverse their way throughout China. Players can choose how they want to progress in the game by deciding whether to complete every main quest or explore the massive open world environment.
Players can also customise their hideouts with items purchased from merchants, invade and infiltrate enemy fortifications and enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, the decisions you make throughout the game will impact the game’s ending.
Make history in Dynasty Warriors 9 available February 13 on Xbox One and PC.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance (Xbox One, PC)
Embark on a path of the hero as you seek revenge and place the rightful king on the throne in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Source: Twitter/@gameinformer
We have briefly covered Kingdom Come: Deliverance last year but this month, it’s finally time for the big reveal.
Warhorse Studios have taken “a road less travelled” with Kingdom Come: Deliverance in its approach to a deeply intense action RPG. No magic, no dungeons, no dragons yet still retaining the ethos of what makes a good fantasy game without going overboard. Religion is the main ingredient and war is the end result as players step into the shoes of a blacksmith’s son, Henry, who happens to be the sole survivor of the Skalitz massacre. with the burning desire to avenge his parents’ death, Henry joins the company of Lord Radzig Kobyla to form a resistance against King Sigismund’s invasion and to place the rightful king upon the throne.
Seek justice and restore the throne in Kingdom Come: Deliverance launching February 13 on Xbox One and PC.
Metal Gear Survive (Xbox One, PC)
Protecting a driller from hordes of Wanderers whilst dishing out death with an arsenal of weapons at your disposal. Source: Konami/online
Thanks to XBPSA contributor, Brendon Jacobs, who provided us with a glimpse into the latest installment in the Metal Gear series.
Now three years since the departure of the series creator Hideo Kojima, the game takes place between Metal Gear Solid V’s Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain (a personal favourite) where following the evacuation of Snake and Kazuhira Miller from the Mother Base, a wormhole appears that swallows pretty much all the MSF soldiers and the base itself. They find themselves in an apocalyptic-like alternate world where its survival of the fittest as the MSF soldiers have to defend themselves from zombie-like creatures in order to find resources and find their way back home.
Although there have been some negative reviews of the game post-beta with many citing problems with the game’s genre, microtransactions and not continuing the legacy of prior MGS titles, Metal Gear Survive could be Konami’s testing ground on whether the series can really “survive”.
Collect and craft your way back home in Metal Gear Survive available on February 20.
Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet (Xbox One, PC)
Bandai Namco has once again found gold with the latest instalment in the SAO series, Swords Art Online: Fatal Bullet. Source: Twitter/@gematsucom
It seems this month many will be getting another taste of an anime-video game crossover as Bandai Namco once again delivers its latest offering (not Dragon Ball FighterZ), Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet.
If you’re a fan of the anime series, the game is set in Gun Gale Online (GGO) with some events in the game not appearing in the canon universe. There are some major changes being introduced in SAO: Fatal Bullet including the switch from hack ‘n slash RPG to a first/third person shooter with the emphasis on aimed shooting and more movability compared to the previous title, Hollow Realization.
Fatal Bullet has opted an improved interface, fully customisable characters and a cleaner and less condensed abilities list and much like the party combat system in Final Fantasy XV, players can direct their teammates with various functions or you can change their priorities to meet yours. This makes the game’s overall combat system more complex yet dynamic with an improved result in the end.
Step back into the familiar world of Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet dropping February 23 on Xbox One and PC.
Aside from these five featured titles, there are plenty of other gaming titles to look forward to in February. Perfect timing to kiss the Valentine’s Day blues away…
- We Were Here Too (PC) – February 2
- Marooners (Xbox One) February 6
- Civilization VI: Rise and Fall (PC) – February 8
- Octogeddon (PC) – February 8
- Monster Energy Supercross: The Official Videogame (Xbox One, PC) – February 13
- Owlboy (Xbox One) – February 13
- Fe (Xbox One, PC) – February 16
- Long Gone Days (PC) – February 18
- Age of Empires: Definitive Edition (PC) – February 20
- Past Cure (Xbox One, PC) – February 23
- De Blob 2 Remastered (Xbox One) – February 27
- Gravel (Xbox One, PC) – February 27
So, which February release are you looking to add to your existing library? And which title/s are you eagerly excited to play this month? Let us know in the comments section below or follow Xbox Players SA on Facebook and Twitter.
