STACK #258 April 2026

GAMING PREVIEWS

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WHAT’S OUT THIS MONTH? No matter what style of game is your vibe, there’s sure to be something to get excited about amongst these fresh releases heading to JB this month. Words Amy Flower

EDITOR’S PICK SAROS RELEASE DATE: Apr 30 GENRE: Action FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Since the early 1990s, Finnish game developer Housemarque has thrilled us with all manner of classic shooters. Evolution in gaming has seen them go from simple – but fiendishly addictive - arcade fare to more advanced experiences, such as their PS5 smash hit Returnal . Saros is their latest original IP, and while it shares some similarities with and takes some inspiration from Returnal – most notably it’s another third-person shooter – it is very much its own beast. As we step into the space boots of Soltari Enforcer Arjun Devraj, we can expect all sorts of joyous bullet hell gameplay mixed with some roguelike elements. We'll also have a constant stream of weapon and suit upgrade availability with which to soldier on through repeated deaths, in our quest to find the truth behind a sinister corrupting force. Housemarque has never disappointed, so we’re mad keen to get our hands-on this latest epic this month.

THE ROGUE PRINCE OF PERSIA RELEASE DATE: Apr 10 GENRE: Platformer FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No The fast-paced roguelike adventure comes to physical, where you play as

PRAGMATA RELEASE DATE: Apr 17 GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Capcom’s newest IP kicks off as astronaut Hugh Williams investigates

a prince spared by death, fighting to undo your mistake that doomed Persia. With acrobatic combat, parkour, and over 100 weapons and medallions to find while exploring ever-changing, procedurally generated paths, there’s plenty to keep even the most intrepid player occupied. Each defeat reveals new secrets, aiding your quest to save the kingdom.

a silent lunar research station following loss of contact with Earth. Injured and separated from his team, he’s rescued by a mysterious android in the guise of a young girl. Together they set about exploring the abandoned facility, combining hacking and combat skills to survive hostile AI attacks and find a way to return to Earth.

TOMODACHI LIFE: LIVING THE DREAM RELEASE DATE: Apr 16 GENRE: Social simulation FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Create your own bustling island

HIGH ON LIFE 2 RELEASE DATE: Apr 20 GENRE: Shooter FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No

Dive headlong back into the strange universe of High on Life as a wise

cracking bounty hunter whose peaceful life hits chaos when a mysterious enemy targets their sister. Team up with your chatty alien guns, grind through danger by skateboard, and battle a sinister galactic pharma empire in this loud, weird, and wildly funny sci-fi adventure sequel that’s packed with all the strangeness that you’d hope for from Squanch Games.

community, where customisable Mii characters based on friends, family, or your vivid imagination live their everyday lives. Mould their personalities, voices, homes, and quirks while helping them solve issues, form friendships, explore island shops, and more. With real-time progression and endless interactions, every visit reveals surprising new moments and memories!

XENOBLADE CHRONICLES X: DEFINITIVE EDITION – NINTENDO SWITCH 2 EDITION RELEASE DATE: Apr 16 GENRE: Action RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes

TIDES OF TOMORROW RELEASE DATE: Apr 22 GENRE: Adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Set in a flooded world that’s on the brink of collapse, this unique adventure

connects you to others through a novel online story link system. Follow the “seed” of another player, friend, or creator to experience the lasting impact of their choices – and leave your own mark for future Tidewalkers, too! Explore shifting environments, encounter rival factions, and face the deadly Plastemia disease.

The series entry that was a Wii U exclusive until hitting the Switch last year gets a cool Switch 2 upgrade. The open world RPG brings a host of upgrades on those upgrades, including further improved graphics, a higher framerate, and 4K when playing on a supporting TV. With humanity on the brink of annihilation, you’re one of a small number of survivors who can hopefully save us all, with help from giant mech Skells.

MARVEL COSMIC INVASION RELEASE DATE: Apr 17 GENRE: Fighting FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes The red-hot retro-inspired Marvel beat ’em up gets physical! After Annihilus unleashes

YS MEMOIRE: REVELATIONS IN CELCETA RELEASE DATE: Apr 28 GENRE: Action RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Revisit a vital chapter in the legendary

Coming in MAY FORZA HORIZON 6 (May 19) LEGO BATMAN: LEGACY OF THE DARK KNIGHT (May 22) 007 FIRST LIGHT (May 27) the Annihilation Wave across the galaxy, heroes like Spider-Man, Wolverine, Nova, Captain America, and Phyla-Vell unite to save the universe. Packed with vivid pixel art, 15 core playable heroes, and the Cosmic Swap tag-team system, unleash creative combos while battling across iconic locations throughout the Marvel universe.

RPG series that first hit the PS Vita as Memories of Celceta back in 2013. Step into the boots of amnesiac adventurer Adol Christin as he explores the perilous Great Forest of Celceta, recovers lost memories, and battles foes using fast, party-based combat. With enhanced visuals, dynamic exploration, and an updated soundtrack, dive into a key look at the legacy of Ys .

Answers: 1. Resogun 2. Jake Gyllenhaal 3. Nintendo DS 4. Nintendo Wii 5. Remember Me 6. They talk 7. Ys: The Vanished Omens 8. Boomslang

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18 APRIL 2026

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