Keeping up with all the latest video games coming out is an increasingly complicated task, which you can keep track of with multiple PC stores, Xbox One, PS4, Switch, mobile and more, but don’t worry, I’m here to help. Every month I will be delivering the games you need to keep an eye on, from the great triple-A headliners to the interesting indies you might otherwise overlook.
As usual, February has few AAA experiences, but this month there is still a lot to look forward to, especially if you are looking for something to play on your Switch. Highlights include Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, Bravely Default II, Little Nightmares 2 and the PS5-exclusive Destruction AllStars. On the indie front, you can look forward to the cute yet challenging action platform Blue Fire, crazy retro-mashup Speed Limit, and more.
Note: While I may have played demos or gained early access to some of the games recommended in this article, in most cases I simply choose games that look promising and cannot vouch for the end product. Wait for reviews first before buying it!
That being said, here are the games to look out for in February …
The Headliners
Destruction AllStars (PS5, February 2)
Are you looking for something to fill the twisted metallic hole in your heart? Well, Destruction AllStars might be the game for you (after you go to the doctor). The PS5-exclusive vehicle combat game features 16 different “AllStars”, which can jump around arenas or feet or jump in a unique ride, each with its own special abilities. Destruction AllStars will be offered to PS Plus subscribers for free in February, so there’s no good reason not to give it a try. If you want to own the game permanently, you can pre-order it here.
Ice IX: Monster Nox (PS4, February 2; Switch Summer 2021)
The cult favorite Ice Series returns this month, featuring Ice IX: Monstrum Nox. This time, the protagonist Adol finds himself trapped in Balduq, an imposing city under various monstrous threats. Along with some new allies, you need to find out what exactly is going on in Balduq. Ice IX looks a lot like Ice VIII in terms of gameplay, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it was one of the best entries in the series (check out Wccftech’s 9.5 out of 10 Ice VIII review here) . Order the game here in advance.
Little Nightmares 2 (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch, February 11; Xbox Series X / S & PS5 2021)
Little Nightmares has been one of the best horror games on the radar lately. Sure, the game has a visual style, but it tells a captivating wordless tale, and it’s weird, leathery “Muppets went wrong” enemies are more intimidating than many more “realistic” horror game monsters. Little Nightmares 2 wants to deliver more of the series’ whims, along with a more expansive world, some awful new bad stuff, and an important new feature – cooperative game. Prepare yourself for a little insomnia. Order the game here in advance.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (Switch, February 12)
Super Mario 3D World is one of the most underrated games in Nintendo’s big franchise. Full of fast-paced, creative levels and co-op that’s actually fun, it’s a game you should play if you missed it on Wii U (as most have done). Ultimately, though, the big selling point here could be Bowser’s Fury, a larger-than-expected add-on game in which Mario joins Bowser Jr. going to explore an open world while enduring periodic attacks by the Godzilla-sized “Fury Bowser”. Many people have earmarked Bowser’s Fury as Mario’s version of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which may set expectations too high, but it looks quite different from what the plumber had previously tackled. Order the game here in advance.
Persona 5 Strikers (PC, PS4 & Switch, February 23)
At first glance, Persona 5 Strikers looks just like another Dynasty Warriors theme, but take a closer look, and you will find that Cow Tecmo and Atlus make a surprising effort to make the game. Persona 5 Strikers is not a live hack n ‘slash – battles also have turn-based elements that allow you to use the series’ titular Personas. You can also form parties, explore a world and dungeons and enjoy a full canon story that takes place after the events of Atlus’ original game. In fact, Persona 5 Strikers is more or less a complete stealth sequel, so you might want to give the game a try, even if your Warriors stuff usually gives up. Order the game here in advance.
Bravely Default II (Switch, February 26)
Nintendo Switch owners are getting another dose of retro JRPG goodness this month as Octopath Traveler manufacturers deliver Bravely Default II. For those unfamiliar, Bravely Default got the start of the 3DS and features a simple, yet unique, turn-based system that allows you to make multiple turns in a row or bank for later use (this is more strategic than what it may sound like). And yes, there was already a sequel to 3DS (Bravely Second), but it had a lot of content from the original reuse and sometimes felt more like an expansion than a sequel. Fortunately, Bravely Default II promises a rather ambitious sequel with a more developed world and a whole new story and characters. Order the game here in advance.
Promising India
Killer: Infected One of Us (PC, February 1)
Looking for another party game where you can cheerfully seduce and kill your friends? Killer: Infected One of Us wants to deliver some of the fun among us with a viral twist. The game takes place in an art research station, which divides players between the infected and the healthy. The person with the bug tries to spread it without holding it while the Healthy tries to cure it. So yes, if you are looking for something less cute and a little more topical for your party night, this one might be worth it. Here is the Steam page for Killer: Infected One of Us.
Blue Fire (PC & Switch, February 4)
Blue Fire, from Argentine developer Robi Studios, is a cute new action platform that doesn’t play well. The main character of Blue Fire may look like a Funko Pop, but the game promises a lot of challenging platforming and intense action while players connect a dark world with each other. This one looks like it could be the potential to be one of Metroidvania’s 2021 big indie hits (every year a few are needed). Here is the Steam page for Blue Fire.
Speed Limit (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch, February 16-19)
Speed Limit is a crazy genre mashup action game that gives players the task of getting off work in any way necessary. The game jumps from one classic arcade genre to the next – side-scrolling shooter, top-down racer, ‘fake 3D’ dogfighting, and more, with no interruptions to create your breath in between. Speed Limit seems like the perfect way to alleviate your commute-related frustrations (buy the Switch version and divert your attention during the commute itself). Here is the Steam page for Speed Limit.
Lemon Cake (PC, February 18)
There has been an explosion of cooking-themed games following the success of Overcooked, but Lemon Cake looks more charming than most. Take over an abandoned bakery and fill customers’ faces with sweets, cinnamon rolls and other goodies! A touch of Harvest Moon / Stardew Valley has also been added, as you have to farm your ingredients from scratch and upgrade your character and business. Here is the Steam page for Lemon Cake.
Full list of games worth watching in February:
- Killer: Infected One of Us (PC, February 1)
- Destruction AllStars (PS5, February 2)
- Ice IX: Monster Nox (PS4, February 2; Switch Summer 2021)
- Habroxia 2 (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & PS Vita, February 3)
- Blue Fire (PC & Switch, February 4)
- Field of Glory II: Medieval (PC, February 4)
- New (PC, February 4)
- Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X / S, PS4 & PS5, February 4)
- Slay the Dragon (PC, February 5)
- Little Nightmares 2 (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch, February 11; Xbox Series X / S & PS5 2021)
- Gal Gun Returns (PC & Switch, February 12)
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (Switch, February 12)
- Fallen Legion: Revenants (PS4 & Switch, February 16)
- Speed Limit (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch, February 16-19)
- Nebuchadnezzar (PC, February 17)
- King of Seas (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch, February 18)
- Lemon Cake (PC, February 18)
- Mutropolis (PC, February 18)
- The Shore (PC, February 19)
- Curse of the Dead Gods (PC, Xbox One, PS4 & Switch, February 23)
- Persona 5 Strikers (PC, PS4 & Switch, February 23)
- Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos (PC & Switch, February 23)
- Ghosts’ n Goblins: Resurrection (Switch, February 25)
- Brave default 2 (link, February 26)
And these are the games you need to keep an eye on for the coming month. What games do you plan to record in February? Did I miss something you’re looking forward to?