Top 5 Most Anticipated Games of February 2018

Lucas DeRuyter
Games Nintendo
Games Nintendo Xbox PlayStation PC Gaming

The winter months are usually pretty light when it comes to top-tier game releases. Most gamers spend this time of year catching up on any titles they missed the previous year. What this February lacks in hyped-up, triple-A premiers, it makes up for with a respectable collection of solid ports and remakes. Here are the most anticipated games of February 2018.

Shadow of the Colossus (2018)

  • Release Date: February 6 (NA), February 7 (PAL), February 8 (JP)
  • Developer: Bluepoint Games
  • Platform(s): PS4
  • Genre(s): Action-adventure

The word ‘masterpiece’ gets thrown around a lot when talking about video games. However, if Shadow of the Colossus isn’t a masterpiece, then no game is. Originally released for the PlayStation 2, this title fundamentally changed our perception of what video games are capable of and what kinds of stories they can tell.

While the original version of Shadow of the Colossus is still beautiful, this graphically updated version is sure to impress. Anyone who played Shadow of the Colossus back in the day should consider picking up this remake. For those who haven’t played the original, you’ll have a second chance at greatness.

Owlboy

  • Release Date: February 13
  • Developer: D-Pad Studio
  • Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
  • Genre(s): Platform-adventure

Owlboy is a game that fell into the deepest depths of development hell before soaring to utter greatness like a beautiful and majestic… owl. After a development cycle spanning nearly a decade, this action-platformer is finally coming to consoles after its released on PC in 2016.

Owlboy is a heart-wrenching, beautiful game that’s a treat to play due to its exceptionally tight and responsive controls. It may even be one of the best action-platformers ever made. If you enjoy this genre of games and think you’d like to help an awesome little owl-boy gain some self-esteem and confidence, this game is absolutely worth checking out.

Secret of Mana Remake

  • Release Date: February 15
  • Developer: Square Enix
  • Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS Vita
  • Genre(s): Action role-playing

The original Secret of Mana is a flawed classic. Despite awkwardly implemented systems, frustrating hitboxes, and missing content, Secret of Mana is still a gem of a JRPG. The vibrant colors and almost cartoonish design of many of the characters and enemies offsets a darker story of embattled nations and the consequences of war.

While there is plenty of reason to be concerned about the Secret of Mana remake – such as a change in art style and characters whose mouths don’t move when they speak – this game still deserves all the hype its received so far. With JRPGs on the rise again, this remake offers the perfect opportunity for fans to check out one of the most praised and innovative games of this nature.

Bayonetta 1 and 2

  • Release Date: February 16
  • Developer: Nintendo
  • Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
  • Genre(s): Action, hack ‘n’ slash

The Bayonetta games are one of the most off-brand and best franchises published by the usually family-friendly Nintendo. Developed by Platinum Games – the makers of 2017 game of the year contender Nier: Automata – the Bayonetta games are as fun as they are over the top. Wanna kill biblical monsters as a dominatrix witch who uses her hair as a weapon? This game has you covered.

While Bayonetta 1 and 2 came out as a package deal for the Wii U a few years back, not a lot of people played them as few people actually owned a Wii U. However, as the Switch is doing phenomenally well, this port allows potentially millions of players an opportunity to experience two incredible games for the price of one.

Metal Gear Survive

  • Release Date: February 20 (NA), February 21 (JP), February 22 (PAL)
  • Developer: Konami
  • Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
  • Genre(s): Survival, action-adventure

No one is really holding out hope that Metal Gear Survive will be as good as any of the main games, or even any of the spinoffs. Lackluster reactions to the recent open beta established that pretty thoroughly. However, this title is sure to stir up plenty of conversation about the gaming industry.

With series creator and prolific game creator, Hideo Kojima no longer involved with the franchise or KonamiMetal Gear Survive seems like it’s designed first and foremost to make money. The video game industry hasn’t really seen a triple-A game that’s as much of a cash grab and reskin as Metal Gear Survive seems to be. Hopefully, this release inspires a new emphasis on creativity and originality among video game consumers and allows game creators to make riskier and more creative titles.

Lucas DeRuyter
Anime Community Manager