March brings gamers a host of new games to explore. With new galaxies and old worlds to rediscover, March also brings with it the launch of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch.
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Horizon Zero Dawn
Rediscover a changed Earth in this PlayStation exclusive. In Horizon Zero Dawn, players take on the role of Aloy, a young woman surviving in a world which has been claimed by machines and reclaimed by nature. Using her wits and combat skills, Aloy must explore the changed world, uncovering secrets hidden by time and technology. As well as the natural environment, players must learn to also utilise mechanical tools to progress.
All players who pre-order the game will receive a special duo pack featuring a new outfit and bow. Players who purchase the Horizon Zero Dawn Limited Edition will receive a copy of the game in a specially designed steelbook case along with an artbook, exclusive PlayStation 4 theme and additional in-game DLC.
Horizon Zero Dawn will be available on PlayStation 4 from March 1*
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The world of Hyrule awaits in this highly anticipated chapter in beloved Zelda franchise. In Breath of the Wild, Link awakens from a deep sleep to find that the world is now in ruins following the release of the Calamity Gannon. As he travels to Hyrule Castle, Link must also regain his lost memories – all before Calamity finds a way to break free from the castle’s imprisonments. With a series of new and familiar characters to help Link along, Breath of the Wild also features one of the largest landscapes for players to explore.
In addition to the game, Nintendo are also releasing a new series of Amiibo figures for Breath of the Wild. This collection will include new Link and Zelda figures, with a number of options for both characters, along with the new Guardian figure. The game will also be compatible with Amiibo from The Legend of Zelda: 30th Anniversary as well as the Wolf Link figure from Twilight Princess.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be available on Wii U and Nintendo Switch from March 3*
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Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands
Collapsing a cartel is the aim of the Ghosts in this new Tom Clancy title. In Ghost Recon: Wildlands, players are part of an elite squad sent to Bolivia to fight the Santa Bianca cartel, who have taken control of the countryside. As part of Operation Kingslayer, players must dismantle the cartel piece by piece. While each game has the same start – capturing a cartel member known as Amuru – how they reach the end is entirely up to the player.
The Deluxe Edition of the game will include a copy of the game’s soundtrack and an in-game map of Bolivia. Also included will be the Digital Deluxe Pack – which includes a Huntsman Gear set, 3 weapon camouflages, Huntsman motorbike and rifle, 3 new emblems and an XP booster for use in game. For those looking for a more decorative addition, Ubicollectibles has created a special edition Fallen Angel figurine for separate purchase.
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands will be available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC from March 7*
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NieR: Automata
Androids are the players in this post-apocalyptic sequel. Set in a world where war has broken out between machine and man which has expanded into space, NieR: Automata follows the story of YoRHa No. 2 Model B – aka “2B” – a female android in this new world. Accompanied by fellow androids – know as “9S” and “A2” – 2B is the players guide to this landscape. Populated with a wide array of android life, the world of NieR: Automata will expand on the universe created by the first chapter of the series, with new additions to explore.
Along with the standard edition, three other editions of NieR: Automata will be available for players. The Day One Edition will feature reversible box art – designed by Akihiko Yoshida – along with a DLC pack featuring special pod skins and a mask accessory. The game’s T-Shirt Edition will include the box art and DLC along with an exclusive EMIL t-shirt. And the Steelbook Edition will feature the DLC pack along with the game in an exclusive steelbook case – also designed by Yoshida.
NieR: Automata will be available on PlayStation 4 from March 10*
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Mass Effect: Andromeda
Mass Effect goes to a whole new galaxy in this latest instalment. Starting in the year 2185, players are one of the Ryder twins, with players choosing to either play as Scott or Sara. These Alliance recruits are the children of the Pathfinder – the leader of a mission to the Andromeda galaxy who have been tasked to find a new home for humanity. Accompanied in their mission by representatives of the other Citadel Council races, the primary tasks are to explore, inhabit and to construct the central space station – the Nexus.
Players who pre-order will receive the Deep Space Explorer Armour bonus along with a unique Nomad skin and Multi-player Boost Pack. Players will also have the chance to purchase a copy of the game with a die cast miniature replica of the NOMAD ND1 vehicle or the Collectors Edition, which includes the game in a special steelbook case and includes a remote control NOMAD ND1, which can be connected to smart devices for easy controls.
Mass Effect: Andromeda will be available on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 from March 23*
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Nintendo Switch
Looking to bridge the gap between console and hand-held is the latest offering from Nintendo – the Switch; designed to be powerful but portable, the Switch will allow players to play anywhere at any time without having to pause game-play. Using the Joy-Con controllers, players will be able to enjoy Switch titles alone or with friends, with each console supporting multiple Joy-Con at a time. With a host of titles announced for launch and for the coming year, the Switch will have something for everyone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c6MWsEE884
The Nintendo Switch comes with the Switch console, dock, two Joy-Con controllers, a Joy-Con Grip accessory and connecting cables. Players will have the option of purchasing the Switch with either grey Joy-Con or red and blue Joy-Con. Pro Controllers for the Nintendo Switch will be available to buy separately, along with additional Joy-Con devices. Players will also have the chance to purchase special edition Super Mario and Legend of Zelda accessory and skin packs for their Nintendo Switch console.
Nintendo Switch will be available from March 3*
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Free to Play
For March, Xbox Gold members will have four new games to download for free. On Xbox One, Layers of Fear will be available from March 1-31* with Evolve Ultimate Edition will be available from March 16 – April 15*. Over on Xbox 360, Borderlands 2 will be available to download from March 1-15* while Heavy Weapon will be available from March 16-31*. As usual, the Xbox 360 titles will be playable on Xbox One through Backwards Compatibility.
Information on the titles available on PlayStation Plus can be found on the PlayStation Blog.
Also Released This Month
March 3* – Just Dance 2017 (Nintendo Switch), Super Bomberman R (Nintendo Switch), 1-2 Switch (Nintendo Switch), Constructor HD (Nintendo Switch), Skylanders Imaginators (Nintendo Switch). Valhalla Hills – Definitive Edition (Xbox One, PS4), Tom Clancy’s The Division: Gold Edition (Xbox One, PS4)
March 7* – Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 (Xbox One, PC)
March 10* – Akiba’s Beat (PS4, PS Vita), Mario Sports Superstars (3DS), Atelier Finis: The Alchemist (PS4)
March 14* – Star Trek: Bridge Crew (PSVR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive), Styx: Shards of Darkness (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
March 17* – Danganronpa 1&2 Reload (PS4)
March 21* – Troll and I (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
March 22* – This Is The Police (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
March 24* – Dreamfall Chapters (Xbox One, PS4), Sudden Strike 4 (PS4, PC), Touhou Genso Wanderer (PS4, PS Vita), Vikings – Wolves of Midgard (Xbox One, PS4, PC), Toukiden 2 (PS4, PS Vita)
March 28* – Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix (PS4), MLB: The Show (PS4)
March 31* – 2Dark (Xbox One, PS4)
*Dates refer to UK release. International dates may vary and are subject to change.
Words by Megan Roxburgh