STACK #231 January 2024

GAMING FEATURE

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A new year is set to bring us new adventures in gaming, as well as the return of many a familiar face with all-new challenges for us. We’ve picked out 15 games that are expected to release this year that we reckon are shaping up to be well worth looking forward to. Words Amy Flower

AVOWED Release date: 2024

DRAGON’S DOGMA II Release date: 22/3/24

LITTLE NIGHTMARES III Release date: 2024

Return to Eora, the fantasy universe of Pillars of Eternity , in this brand-new action RPG from Obsidian Entertainment. A representative of the land of Aedyr, you’re despatched to investigate word of a plague that’s taking over the land. Use swords, guns, spells, and more against the many hazards that you’ll face, all in your quest to save the Living Lands from evil forces, and an ancient secret that threatens to tear the world asunder.

It’s taken a dozen years, but finally a sequel to Capcom’s Dragon Dogma is imminent. This single player, third-person action RPG will offer players new levels of choice, from their look to their vocation, the make-up of their party, and more. A deep fantasy world awaits, as your Arisen is joined by helper pawns. You’ll employ swords, bows, and magic as you explore an open world that’s four times larger than that of the original game.

More fright-tinged platforming and puzzle infused adventure awaits, as the series returns with Supermassive Games – who gave us The Dark Pictures Anthology – taking control of the Bandai Namco franchise. Two new young protagonists join the fray, Low and Alone, who must work cooperatively in order to escape from the many horrors of the Nowhere. You can still play solo (with an AI companion), or face the many challenges with a friend.

LUIGI’S MANSION 2 HD Release date: 2024

MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 2024 Release date: 2024

PAPER MARIO: THE THOUSAND-YEAR DOOR Release date: 2024 It’s time for the first Paper Mario remake for Switch, as the GameCube classic gets the update treatment. While searching for mystic treasure, poor Peach gets kidnapped once again, this time by aliens known as X-Nauts. So, it’s time for Mario to do his rescuing thing – while also finding the treasure, naturally! Expect beautifully updated graphics, and quality of life improvements, while the spirit of the original game will remain intact.

All the wonders of the 2013 Nintendo 3DS action adventure starring Mario’s little bro Luigi return, better than ever in this high-definition Switch update. Armed with his trusty Poltergust 5000, a spectre hunting he will go, retrieving the missing shards of the Dark Moon - which usually protects the valley from all those scary, ghoulish shenanigans - that are strewn across several puzzle (and ghost) filled haunted mansions. Be brave, Luigi!

In 2020, the latest iteration of Microsoft Flight Simulator stunned home-based aviators with its realism and range. The experience is set to be enhanced even further this year, with this new incarnation delivering career mode missions including aerial firefighting, air search and rescue, aur ambulance, crop dusting, mountain rescue, skydiving, and more. New aircraft will also feature, including the massive Airbus Beluga, gliders, hot air balloons, and beyond.

38 JANUARY 2024

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