April 2025 has proven to be a remarkable month for the gaming industry, with an astonishing array of titles launching in just 30 days. Over 100 games made their debut, captivating audiences and igniting discussions across the gaming community. Among these, standout titles such as Blue Prince and the much-anticipated Clair Obscur have garnered significant attention, overshadowing other noteworthy releases like Promise Mascot Agency, which, despite its quality, struggled to shine on the same day as the former.
Released: April 22nd | Steam reviews: 94%, 39 reviews | Steam Link
Interestingly, Clair Obscur was not the only French JRPG to grace the month of April. Just two days earlier, Maliki: Poison Of The Past launched, drawing inspiration from a French comic series that intertwines time travel, farming, and malevolent plant monsters. While it has been described as a delightful homage to classics like Chrono Trigger, its release timing placed it in the shadow of its more prominent counterpart.
Mythical Concept Starnaut
Released: April 28th | Steam reviews: 97% positive, 45 reviews | Steam Link
Among the intriguing titles, Mythical Concept Starnaut stands out as a narrative-driven experience reminiscent of Vampire Survivors. Developed by the creators of the eccentric El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron, this game has recently expanded in scope following its exit from early access. Although its price point has increased, the promise of a higher-budget take on the genre has piqued the interest of many players.
Bionic Bay
Released: April 17th | Steam reviews: 90% positive, 264 reviews | Steam Link
Bionic Bay, a stylish platformer, initially made waves with its debut trailer but found itself lost amid the deluge of April releases. This game combines precision action reminiscent of Super Meat Boy with visually striking elements akin to Limbo, alongside clever physics puzzles that evoke memories of The Swapper.
Asura The Striker
Released: April 23rd | Steam reviews: 93% positive, 49 reviews | Steam Link
In a surprising twist, Asura The Striker, a vibrant homage to the classic Space Harrier, also slipped under the radar during this bustling month. With its kaleidoscopic visuals and engaging gameplay, it offers players multiple routes and endings, breathing new life into a beloved genre.
Traveler’s Refrain
Released: April 11th | Steam reviews: 92% positive, 26 reviews | Steam Link
Traveler’s Refrain invites players into a bardic-themed action RPG, reminiscent of titles like Bastion and Hyper Light Drifter. Its unique spellcasting system, where actions and choices influence the music, adds an innovative layer to the gameplay experience.
Voidborn
Released: April 7th | Steam reviews: 90% positive, 262 reviews | Steam Link
Another noteworthy entry, Voidborn, has emerged as a low-fi, high-agility shooter, drawing inspiration from the success of Ultrakill. Despite its early access debut in 2023, its final launch has captured attention, with players intrigued by its aesthetic and gameplay mechanics.
I, Robot
Released: April 17th | Steam reviews: 95% positive, 20 reviews | Steam Link
I, Robot, a reimagining of the first arcade game featuring flat-shaded 3D polygon graphics, showcases the creative prowess of Welsh game developer Jeff Minter. This title has sparked interest for its unique approach and engaging gameplay.
Lab Rat
Released: April 15th | Steam reviews: 97% positive, 188 reviews | Steam Link
Lab Rat has emerged as a dystopian comedy inspired by Portal, featuring impressive graphics and a humorous narrative. Despite launching amidst a competitive landscape, it has garnered praise for its engaging gameplay and clever design.
Peppered: An Existential Platformer
Released: April 7th | Steam reviews: 95% positive, 266 reviews | Steam Link
Peppered offers a unique platforming experience infused with humor and unexpected twists. With its unconventional movement physics and a narrative that diverges based on player choices, it has captivated audiences looking for something fresh and entertaining.
Repose
Released: April 14th | Steam reviews: 90% positive, 74 reviews | Steam Link
Repose combines a haunting aesthetic with a workplace horror narrative, inviting players to explore an abandoned industrial complex. Its intriguing premise and engaging gameplay have made it a title to watch in the coming months.
As April comes to a close, the sheer volume of quality releases has left many gamers with a backlog that seems daunting. With titles like Clair Obscur and The Hundred Line still waiting to be explored, the excitement for what lies ahead remains palpable.
