STACK #244 February 2025

GAMING PREVIEWS

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WHAT’S OUT THIS MONTH?

Words Amy Flower

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.

EDITOR’S PICK

KINGDOM COME: DELIVERANCE II RELEASE DATE: Feb 4 GENRE: ACTION RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No The tale of blacksmith’s son Henry reaches its conclusion in this sequel to the action RPG hit from 2018. With more than twice the world of the first outing’s Bohemia to explore, new weapons such as crossbows and firearms, plus hundreds of new characters to encounter, the scale this time out is huge. Can you survive and thrive in a time of civil war, and avenge the death of your parents? PHANTOM BRAVE: THE LOST HERO - DELUXE EDITION RELEASE DATE: Feb 7 GENRE: RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No It’s been a long time coming, but the sequel to the cult PS2 strategy RPG is finally inbound. Marona is a young girl with the power to the speak to the spirits of the dead, and with her pal the Phantom Ash she sails the oceans of Ivoire, helping those in need. When a fleet of ghost ships attacks, it’s time to assemble a crew from over 50 characters, with some 300 skills, and defeat the attacking vessels. SID MEIER’S CIVILIZATION VII RELEASE DATE: Feb 11 GENRE: STRATEGY FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes The classic strategy game franchise that kicked off 34 years ago returns with a whole new chapter. Yes, it’s time once again to build the greatest empire that the world has ever known! Your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story in each age of human history. AVOWED: PREMIUM EDITION RELEASE DATE: Feb 14 GENRE: ACTION RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Return to Eora, the fantasy world of Pillars of Eternity , in this new action RPG from Obsidian. As 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 many hazards, all in your quest to save the Living Lands from both evil forces, and an ancient secret that threatens to tear the world asunder.

GRAVEYARD KEEPER: UNDEAD EDITION RELEASE DATE: Feb 21 GENRE: SIMULATION FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Proudly laying claim to being the most inaccurate medieval cemetery management sim of all time, Graveyard Keeper gets physical, with three huge chunks of DLC also included. Go nuts constructing and managing your very own graveyard and even expand into other ventures. Just make sure to cut corners at all costs – this is capitalism, baby, so do what it takes to make your business thrive! If collecting ace indie games is your jam, then you won’t want to miss out on this – yes, The Plucky Squire goes physical! This stunning release brings us all the magical 2D and 3D adventures of storybook characters Jot and his friends, who discover a three-dimensional world outside the pages of their book after the malevolent Humgrump, upset at being the villain, goes and kicks them out. PGA TOUR 2K25 RELEASE DATE: Feb 28 GENRE: SPORTS FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes It’s time to hit the course once again as the latest iteration of PGA Tour comes in swinging! It’s introducing a golfing bagful of improvements, including new shot types, ball flights, and roll physics, as well as upgraded visuals. Plus, play with friends, design your own course, or take part in three prestigious Majors: The PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship. THE PLUCKY SQUIRE RELEASE DATE: Feb 21 GENRE: PLATFORMER FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No

LIKE A DRAGON: PIRATE YAKUZA IN HAWAII RELEASE DATE: Feb 21 GENRE: ACTION RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Already staking a claim for best game name of 2025, the wild Like a Dragon series returns, with a new episode set six months after last year’s brilliant Infinite Wealth . Step into the steel toed boots of ex-yakuza Goro Majima who, having lost all his memories, now leads a pirate crew on a quest across four locales in search of – you guessed it – treasure! Get ready for classic series beat ’em up action, with added classic pirate weaponry such as cutlasses and pistols – and all wrapped up in another riveting story from the masterminds at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.

MONSTER HUNTER WILDS RELEASE DATE: Feb 28 GENRE: ACTION RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes

In the latest evolution of Capcom’s much-loved series, get transported to the Forbidden Lands, a mysterious wilderness that can transform in curious ways. You’ll again be hunting monstrous foes through stunning natural environments and battling them in thrilling high-action encounters. Packed with new monsters and other creatures, franchise fans are in for a treat, solo or with friends!

Coming in MARCH SPLIT FICTION (Mar 6) PS5 XSX

ASSASSIN'S CREED SHADOWS (Mar 20) PS5 XSX XENOBLADE CHRONICLES X: DEFINITIVE EDITION (Mar 20) SWITCH

Answers: 1. Blacksmith 2. MicroProse 3. Kazuma Kiryu 4. Fallout: New Vegas 5. Space Invaders 6. PlayStation 2 7. Cynder 8. Leader Board

18 FEBRUARY 2025

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