Unpacking March 2023: A Deep Dive into the Month’s Biggest Gaming Releases
Remember that feeling when you thought you’d finally caught up with your gaming backlog, only for a new wave of highly anticipated titles to crash onto the scene? If you’re anything like me, February probably left you scrambling for extra hours in the day. Well, brace yourself, because the video above only scratches the surface of what’s truly a monumental month for gamers. March 2023 is here, and it’s not just bringing spring; it’s unleashing a torrent of new games releasing in March 2023 across every major platform, from action RPGs to horror remakes, sports simulations, and thrilling co-op shooters. Let’s delve deeper into some of the most exciting titles you’ll be wanting to clear your schedule for.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – An Epic Eastern Fantasy
Kicking off the month with a high-octane spectacle on March 3rd is Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Developed by the acclaimed Team Ninja, the minds behind the Nioh series and with Bloodborne’s Masaaki Yamagiwa on board, this action RPG is set to be a standout. While their recent success with Wild Hearts (despite its technical hiccups) shows their ambitious streak, Wo Long takes players back to ancient China during the tumultuous fall of the Han Dynasty, drawing inspiration from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. You step into the boots of a nameless soldier, thrust into the chaos of the Yellow Turban Rebellion and entangled in a grand conspiracy surrounding a mysterious elixir.
Unlike Nioh’s more traditional stamina management, Wo Long introduces a dynamic “Spirit” system. Instead of depleting a green bar, combat revolves around an ebb and flow of offensive and defensive maneuvers designed to break an enemy’s spirit, leaving them vulnerable to devastating critical strikes. This system promotes aggressive, calculated play. Furthermore, the levels are more open and vertically designed than previous Team Ninja titles, encouraging exploration and tactical environmental use. The “Morale” system adds another layer of strategic depth, creating a constant back-and-forth momentum in battles. You can find Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and it’s a day-one addition to Xbox Game Pass.
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse – Return to Psychological Horror
Following the successful remaster of Maiden of Blackwater, the chilling Fatal Frame series continues its revival with Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, haunting consoles on March 9th. This psychological horror classic, previously exclusive to the Nintendo Wii in Japan, finally makes its way West with a much-needed visual overhaul and refined controls.
The story unfurls a decade after a traumatic kidnapping incident on Rougetsu Island. Three young women, who were victims of the abduction, return to the desolate island alongside a detective, each seeking to unearth their lost memories and understand what truly transpired. As expected in a Fatal Frame title, malevolent spirits lurk in every shadow. Your only defense is the iconic Camera Obscura, an antique camera capable of damaging ghosts by capturing their images. The remaster not only improves graphical fidelity but also adds new costumes for the protagonists and a new “Snap Mode” for creating eerie in-game photographs. For fans of atmospheric horror and unique combat mechanics, this is a must-play.
WWE 2K23 – The Reigning Champion Refined
Step into the squared circle with WWE 2K23, launching on March 17th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, and PC. Visual Concepts and 2K Games haven’t aimed for a complete overhaul this year, instead focusing on polishing the already solid foundation established by its predecessor. This means more fluid animations, meticulously updated character models for the superstars, and a host of new modes to keep fans engaged.
This year’s 2K Showcase mode offers a unique twist: it chronicles the legendary career of John Cena, but from the perspective of his most formidable opponents during his biggest losses. Cena himself provides the insightful and often humorous commentary, giving fans an unprecedented look into these iconic matches. The most significant new match type is WarGames, allowing for chaotic 3v3 and 4v4 showdowns within a double-ring setup enclosed by a giant steel cage. Additionally, MyRISE returns with fresh storylines, MyGM receives expanded options, and new match types are available for four players, promising an enhanced and deeply immersive wrestling experience.
The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR – A Rollercoaster of Fear
With the PlayStation VR2 now officially available worldwide, ushering in a new era of console virtual reality, titles like The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR are poised to impress. Releasing on March 16th exclusively for Sony’s new VR headset, this on-rails shooter plunges players into a horrifying rollercoaster ride through various nightmarish set pieces and locations inspired by the acclaimed Dark Pictures Anthology series.
As your cart hurtles along twisted tracks, you’ll need quick reflexes and a steady aim to dispatch waves of grotesque enemies. The game leverages the PS VR2’s advanced features, including eye-tracking for specific interactions and haptic feedback to heighten the sense of immersion. Be prepared to keep your eyes peeled for jump scares, especially from those unnerving teleporting mannequins. It’s a fast-paced, visceral horror experience tailor-made for virtual reality, promising intense thrills and frights.
The Last of Us Part 1 on PC – A Masterpiece Reimagined, Now for PC Gamers
With the immense success of The Last of Us HBO series, there’s never been a better time to revisit Naughty Dog’s original masterpiece. On March 28th, PC fans finally get their chance with The Last of Us Part 1, the highly anticipated remake of the first game. While the specific PC-exclusive features are still being detailed, players can confidently look forward to stunning 4K resolution support, smooth 60 frames per second gameplay, significantly faster loading times, and the thoroughly revamped visuals that elevate the post-apocalyptic world to new heights. This port allows a whole new audience to experience Joel and Ellie’s harrowing journey across a fungal-infected America with the fidelity and performance modern PC hardware can deliver.
EA Sports PGA Tour – The Green Awaits
While other sports titles often grab the headlines, the marketing for EA Sports PGA Tour has been surprisingly low-key. Golf enthusiasts, however, should take note when it launches on March 24th for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5. This title promises an expansive experience, featuring 30 courses to play on, meticulously recreated to deliver an authentic golfing feel.
The popular Career Mode makes its return, allowing players to create their own golfer and embark on a journey from amateur to professional, honing their skills along the way. Players can master a diverse arsenal of 20 different shot types, each requiring precision and understanding of course conditions. The “Pure Strike” system aims to provide fluid and realistic swing movements, while revamped ball behavior ensures more accurate and dynamic bounces based on the course’s varied terrain, adding a crucial layer of realism to every drive, chip, and putt.
Crime Boss: Rockay City – Star-Studded Heists
In Game Studios brings a unique proposition to the co-op shooter genre with Crime Boss: Rockay City, dropping on March 29th for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC. Set in a vibrant, 90s-inspired Rockay City, players team up to pull off audacious jobs, battling rival gangs and pilfering valuables in a four-player co-op experience. What truly sets this game apart is its jaw-dropping, star-studded cast. Imagine leading heists alongside the voices and likenesses of Michael Madsen, Danny Glover, Damian Poitier, Kim Basinger, and Danny Trejo. And as if that wasn’t enough, Chuck Norris himself steps into the role of Sheriff Norris, because, of course, he does.
This title looks incredibly promising, blending a compelling narrative with cooperative action. The big question remains: can it carve out a niche for itself and potentially challenge the dominance of the Payday series, especially with Payday 3 on the horizon? Gamers will soon find out if this ensemble cast can deliver an unforgettable criminal enterprise.
MLB The Show 23 – Baseball’s Big Leaguer Steps Up
The premier baseball simulation gets even better with MLB The Show 23, launching on March 28th for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. San Diego Studio consistently refines its formula, and this year is no exception. A groundbreaking new “Storylines” mode is introduced, focusing on the rise to prominence of African-American leagues in the 1920s. This mode will feature legendary players like Jackie Robinson, Rube Foster, and Satchel Paige, providing not only an engaging gameplay experience but also crucial backstory on their immense historical significance and contributions to the sport.
Beyond the compelling new mode, several gameplay changes enhance the experience. High fielding attributes now have a more significant impact on defensive plays, while both defense and offense receive new quirks that add depth to player abilities. Over 5,000 new gameplay animations have been integrated, further enhancing the immersion and making every pitch, hit, and catch feel more authentic and visually stunning.
System Shock – The Classic Reimagined and Reborn
To call the journey of the System Shock remake a long one would be an understatement. Originally announced as a remaster way back in 2015, this ambitious project has faced numerous delays and significant changes, including a crucial shift from the Unity engine to Unreal Engine 4. Despite the hurdles, a substantial amount of dedicated work has been poured into it, and the results are poised to impress sci-fi horror fans.
Slated for release next month for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, and PS5, the game boasts fully revamped HD visuals that breathe new life into Citadel Station. A new, streamlined interface and brand-new audio effects modernize the experience without sacrificing the original’s oppressive atmosphere. Combining these updates with the excellent storytelling, chilling sci-fi horror, and robust FPS RPG mechanics of the 1994 classic, System Shock could very well emerge as a dark horse, captivating both long-time fans and new players alike with its unique blend of dread and exploration.
Resident Evil 4 Remake – Leon’s Terrifying Return
One of the most anticipated titles of the year, the Resident Evil 4 Remake, arrives on March 24th for Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and PC. Leon S. Kennedy’s iconic mission to rescue the US President’s daughter, Ashley Graham, takes a dramatically darker and bleaker turn as he infiltrates a remote village in Spain. The villagers, under the insidious influence of the Las Plagas parasite, are more brutal and terrifying than ever.
Capcom has reimagined this masterpiece with a modern horror aesthetic, leaning into a darker atmosphere that enhances the tension. Gameplay receives significant enhancements, including a robust parrying system using Leon’s combat knife, which adds a new layer of skill and defense to encounters. Additionally, new side quests offer further exploration of the infected European countryside and its chilling lore. Post-launch content is also confirmed, with a free VR mode set to arrive for PlayStation VR2 and the return of the fan-favorite Mercenaries mode, ensuring that Leon’s terrifying adventure will keep players on the edge of their seats for a long time to come. These new games releasing in March 2023 truly promise an unforgettable month for the gaming community.
