January and February are typically pretty slow when it comes to new video game releases, with things picking up in March every year. 2021 is no exception, with a number of high profile video game releases currently scheduled for the month. And while unforeseen delays may push a couple of these games to sometime later in the year, it should be a solid month regardless.
In March, gamers can look forward to some brand new IP making its debut in the form of games likeMaquetteandIt Takes Two. New entries in established franchises will also be featured, such asMonster Hunter Rise. All kinds of genres and gaming platforms are represented, so there should be something for everyone in March.
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Here are all the big new video game releases for March 2021.
Maquette (March 2)
Since the launch of the PlayStation 5, Sony has made it a habit to add PS5 games to PlayStation Plus on the same day that they launch. It did this withBugsnax,Worms Rumble, andDestruction AllStars, with the trend continuing in March. The free PS Plus games for March 2021 will include the puzzle gameMaquette, which will be published by Annapurna Interactive after a lengthy development cycle.Maquettehas potential to be the next big puzzle game when it launches next week, and it hasHollywood talent like Bryce Dallas Howardto help lend it even more credibility. Puzzle game fans will definitely want to keep an eye on it when it launches for PC, PS4, and PS5 on March 2.
Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition (March 4)
Since FromSoftware’sDark Soulsgames rose in popularity, there have been countless games that have taken direct inspiration, dubbedSouls-like games by fans. One of the more recentSouls-like games isMortal Shell. The original release ofMortal Shellearned somewhat mixed reviews from critics, but the game will have a second chance in the spotlight soon enough.Mortal Shell: Enhanced Editionis coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series Xon March 4, bringing with it a number of enhancements that will make a next-gen revisit worthwhile.
Apex Legends (March 9)
Respawn Entertainment first launchedApex Legendsin 2019, with the battle royale game dropping out of nowhere. Plans for anApex LegendsSwitch porthave been known for quite some time now, and it’s finally happening on March 9.Apex Legendson the Nintendo Switch should be the same experience that fans of the battle royale game have come to expect, but with the option to play in handheld mode. Whether or not the Switch version ofApex Legendsis able to draw as much of an audience as the original is up in the air, but fans will find out if it pays off sooner rather than later.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time (March 12)
One of the highest-rated games of 2020 wasCrash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, the long-awaited sequel to the classicCrash Bandicootgames.Crash Bandicoot 4was praised by fans and critics alike, and now it’s set to be even better than it was before. Activision has announced a next-gen upgrade forCrash Bandicoot 4that’s dropping on March 12, with the next-gen version of the game having a much more stable frame rate and improved resolution when compared to its last-gen counterpart.Crash Bandicoot 4on next-gen consoleswill also have much faster load times, which should help make some of the more challenging sections of the game a little less frustrating for returning players. March 12 is also when the game is coming to the Nintendo Switch, so fans of Nintendo’s home console/handheld hybrid can look forward to that as well, though they should keep in mind that the Switch version will not have all the bells and whistles as the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of the game.
Marvel’s Avengers (March 18)
Another next-gen upgrade coming in March isMarvel’s Avengers. Like most other next-gen upgrades,Marvel’s Avengerswill have improved frame rate, resolution, and load times when played on the new consoles. Those that already ownMarvel’s Avengerson older consoles will be able to upgrade to the next-gen version for free, which is a major plus as well.Marvel’s Avengerson next-gen consoles will be launching alongside thenew Hawkeye DLCon March 18, so it may mark the perfect opportunity for lapsed players to jump back in and give it a second chance.
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Balan Wonderworld (March 26)
The creators ofSonic the HedgehogandNights into Dreamsare reuniting for the bizarre 3D platformerBalan Wonderworld. TheBalan Wonderworlddemohas been met with some seriously mixed reactions so far, but it remains to be seen if the final product is able to defy expectations.Balan Wonderworldis going to be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X on March 26, so 3D platformer fans will be able to check it out regardless of their platform of choice.
It Takes Two (March 26)
March 26 is a particularly busy day for gaming fans. BesidesBalan Wonderworld, March 26 is also the release date forIt Takes Two, which is in development for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. Developed by Josef Fares and Hazelight Studios, the team behindA Way Out,It Takes Twois an impressive-looking game built entirely around split-screen co-op gameplay. InIt Takes Two, players take on the role of Cody and May, a married couple on the brink of divorce who get transformed into dolls. They then have to work together to not only survive their unique ordeal, but also repair their marriage. Fares is so confident in the game that he has said he wouldpay $1,000 to anyone that claims they’re bored by it. Fares has a proven track record of delivering high quality games, so hopefullyIt Takes Twolives up to the hype.
Monster Hunter Rise (March 26)
The third big game coming March 26 is the latest entry in Capcom’s long-runningMonster Hunterfranchise. While it will eventually be released for PC,Monster Hunter Riseis a timed-exclusive on the Nintendo Switch, and it is bringing with it some notable innovations on the franchise’s established formula. This includes some new maneuverability options, plus the addition of Palamutes, new dog-like companions that players can ride throughout the game world.Monster Hunter Riseis one of the most highly-anticipated Nintendo Switch games for the first half of 2021, and with moreMonster Hunterfans today than ever before, one has to imagine that it will have a particularly big launch.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 (March 26)
Crash Bandicoot 4andMarvel’s Avengersaren’t the only games getting next-gen upgrades in March.Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2is also getting the next-gen upgrade treatment, though fans will have to pay a $10 fee if they want to upgrade to the new version. Like other next-gen upgrades,Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2on PS5 and Xbox Series X will be aiming to provide a generally superior experience to the original version when it launches on March 26. ANintendo Switch port ofTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2is also in the works, but Nintendo Switch owners will have to wait a bit longer to get their hands on the game.
Evil Genius 2: World Domination (March 30)
2004’sEvil Geniusbecame a cult classic game, and now roughly 17 years later,Evil Genius 2: World Dominationis finally launching. Developed by Rebellion Developments,Evil Genius 2is once again about players taking on the role of a villain. A mix of the real-time strategy and simulation genres,Evil Genius 2: World Dominationhas a lot to live up to, but hopefully it’s able to capture the magic of the 2004 original.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (TBA)
One of the biggest indie games of 2019 wasDisco Elysium, with the game earning near-universal critical acclaim and taking home countless awards that year. Unfortunately,Disco Elysiumhas been trapped on PCs since launch, with no version of it available on other platforms - until March, that is.Disco Elysium: The Final Cutis coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Stadia in March, with plans to bring to the game to Switch and Xbox consoles later this year as well. A specific release date has not been confirmed forDisco Elysium: The Final Cutat the time of this writing, but fans should keep an eye out for more information on that front coming sooner rather than later.
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