5 Most Anticipated Releases of February 2023

It’s the start of February and another month of games. With all the games coming out, it can be difficult to keep track of all of them. Therefore, we have listed the five most anticipated games scheduled to release this February. This is not an opinionated list. The ranking was constructed based on Google Trends (specifically looking at worldwide search trends from the past month) and what games the majority of people are looking forward to the most. Without further ado, let’s jump into it.

5. Wild Hearts

Wild Hearts is an EA original that puts its own spin on the monster hunter genre. You will explore Azuma, a beautiful fantasy land inspired by feudal Japan. Here, you will embark on deadly treks to take down massive beasts, each infused with the power of nature. One beast, for example, looks like a giant boar with fire emitting from its body. To aid the hunt, you can craft traps, modes of travel, and contraptions that cause immense damage to your prey. Wild Hearts’ Karakuri function sets it apart from other games in the genre. Furthermore, two other players can join you on the hunt and help you take down the more fearsome beasts that lay in wait. Wild Hearts launches on February 16 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

4. Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is special for Yakuza fans in the west. It’s an upgraded version of a game previously only released in Japan. This version is the first game in the series to use Unreal Engine 4, significantly upgrading it from its original PS3/PS4 performance. It follows Sakamoto Ryoma who journeys to the fictional city of Kyo during Japan’s Edo period to find an assassin. Along the way, you will engage in traditional Yakuza antics, like wonky, seemingly random side activities and brawls with gangs. From a combat perspective, you can be a swordsman or a gunman. You can combine swordplay and gunplay as the wild dancer, or simply use your fists and the environment as a brawler. Like a Dragon: Ishin! launches on February 21 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

3. Atomic Heart

Atomic Heart is a wild first-person shooter that was first announced in 2018. Now the game is finally upon us. It takes place in an alternative Soviet Union where science and equality prevail, but, as a secret agent, you will discover the atrocities that lie beneath the utopian exterior. In a gameplay sense, this means shooting tons of enemies and using elemental powers such as telekinesis and electricity. It looks like a weird, over-the-top action-packed adventure. From the trailer, we see metallic mannequin-like figures, a big transparent whale with organs inside, and several robotic worms. It is also scored by Doom’s Mick Gordon, so the music will surely intensify the thrilling experience. Atomic Heart launches on February 21 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.

2. Kirby’s Return to DreamLand Deluxe

The 2011 Wii game, Kirby’s Return to DreamLand is getting a remaster. With this being one of the most beloved Kirby games and with several new additions, fans are looking forward to playing the iconic game again. In Kirby’s Return to DreamLand, a spaceship crashes on Planet Popstar and Kirby must help the pilot return home. New additions include the mech copy ability, which gives Kirby a mech suit that has ranged and close combat options. It can also shoot a huge horizontal beam and has different elemental attacks. Another new copy ability is Sand, which lets Kirby manipulate it into various forms, such as a castle or a fist. Additionally, some of the original mini-games, like Samurai Duel Kirby, are getting revamped. Up to four players can play the game locally and each can choose between King Dedede, Meta Knight, or a different colored Kirby. Kirby Return to Dream Land launches on February 24 for Nintendo Switch.

1. Hogwarts Legacy 

Of course, this game probably won, according to Google Trends, in part due to the controversy surrounding Harry Potter author, JK Rowling. On the other hand, a free-roaming game set in one of the most famous fictional stories probably does account for a significant proportion of search trends. Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world RPG set in the 1800s in the magical lands of Harry Potter. The game promises full freedom to explore Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, The Forbidden Forest, and more. Along with that you can learn spells, adapt to your specific Hogwarts house, and make decisions that determine the type of wizard you want to be. A recent demo also revealed other details such as an in-depth character creator, and the ability to fly around on a broomstick, despite not getting to play Quidditch. Lastly, the game features intense spell-casting combat against Trolls, Goblins, Dark Wizards, and more. Hogwarts Legacy launches on February 10 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

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