2023’s video game calender has really kicked into gear, and April has loads of major releases lined up for the weeks ahead. But don’t let the 4K glamor of those AAA titles distract you from all the other exciting games on the way this month. Here are April’s video game underdogs – smaller new games that could turn out to be sleeper hits. Fair warning: they might just become a 2023 favorite.
Ravenswatch (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch)
- Release date: April 6
Heroes of legend and folktale come to life in this stylish roguelike action game from the team behind Curse of the Dead Gods. Take control of Red Riding Hood, Beowulf, the Pied Piper, and more in solo or co-op as you take on living nightmares in top-down, real-time action.
Tron: Identity (PC, Switch)
- Release date: April 11
A new choice-driven visual novel from Thomas Was Alone and Subsurface Circular developer Mike Bithell. Set within the famous neon world, Tron: Identity follows the detective program Query as they attempt to discover who broke into their grid’s repository, and what, exactly, was stolen.
Wildfrost (PC, Switch)
- Release date: April 12
A cartoon roguelike deck builder set within an eternal winter. Build your deck to survive a journey through the snow as you attempt to end the Wildfrost once and for all. The harsh setting contrasts the adorable art as you build up a team of card-based companions to forge ahead. You’ll also have the chance to upgrade your home town, unlocking entertaining and useful new features for your future outings.
God of Rock (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch)
- Release date: April 18
Fighting games meet musical rhythm action. God of Rock brings together the universe’s mightiest musicians to compete in the ultimate tournament of tune-producing titans. Build up meter as you time inputs to the beat, then unleash special moves to take out your rival. God of Rock promises 12 different characters with unique moves, more than 40 songs, and both local and online multiplayer.
Tin Hearts
- Release date: April 20
A narrative puzzle game in which you guide a band of tiny tin soldiers through toy-filled rooms. Think Lemmings but in 3D, and with far more entertaining devices to arrange in each level. The development team includes former Fable devs, and the game also promises to include VR support to really let you lose yourself within the workshop.
Shadows of Doubt
- Release date: April 24
Become a detective in this immersive sim set within a fully simulated sandbox sci-fi city. Piece together clues naturally on your personal corkboard as you sneak into apartments and discovere linked items and clues. Your main goal is to attempt to track down a serial killer prowling the streets, but you may also find yourself awkwardly hiding in cupboards from residents when stealthy goes very wrong. The Steam demo for Shadows of Doubt demonstrates the dizzying breadth of approaches available in this excitingly free-form puzzle.
Know of any other April releases which could be surprise hits? Share them with us so we don’t miss out! Check out the month’s major titles here.