Hogwarts Legacy 6h1pi Like a Dragon Ishin, and More: February Games on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X

Returnal’s PC port, Sons of the Forest, and Atomic Heart will also be released this month. 8833

Written by Manas Mitul, Rahul Chettiyar, Siddhant Chandra, Edited by Jamshed Avari | Updated: 1 February 2023 18:55 IST

Hogwarts Legacy, Like a Dragon Ishin, and More: February Games on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X

Photo Credit: Avalanche Software 515b4j

In Hogwarts Legacy, you can hone your skills in Herbology, Potions, Charms, and more

Highlights

Hogwarts Legacy won’t feature playable Quidditch
Returnal on PC will include an FOV (field-of-view) slider
Sons of the Forest releases February 23, exclusively on PC

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What are the biggest games in February 2023? After last month's drought, February is shaping up to be a solid month for video game launches, with plenty of big titles scattered throughout. Up first is the much-anticipated Hogwarts Legacy on February 10, where you're whisked away on a whimsical journey into the 1800s wizarding world, to live out a fantastical life within the magic-laden castle, the dense Forbidden Forest, and a whole lot more. In what feels like EA's response to the Monster Hunter franchise, Wild Hearts kits you with ancient tech to bring down fearsome beasts, infused with the ferocious powers of nature. It releases on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.

Those looking for co-op action can head on a trip to the cannibal-infested hellscape of Sons of the Forest, to scavenge for resources and learn to survive in the ever-hostile wilderness. Studio PC. A little before that, the legendary samurai Sakamoto Ryoma's revolution in Like a Dragon: Ishin!, as you deflect bullets with your trusty katana, gamble away savings, manage a restaurant, and force-feed red hot pickles to enemies. Unlike series protagonist Kazama Kiryu, Ryoma kills people, so be prepared for some bloody attack combos in this remake, coming to all major platforms.

The 41 Most Anticipated Games of 2023

With that, here are the eight biggest titles coming to PC, Xbox Series S/X in February 2023:

Hogwarts Legacy 6r6f3m

When: February 10
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X

This highly anticipated action RPG has seen two delays, and versions of the game for older consoles and the Hogwarts Legacy, attending classes at the iconic school of witchcraft and wizardry.

It's worth noting that the game is set in the 1800s, which means it's a century before village of Hogsmeade can be visited.

Like other popular games, you will be able to customise your character's appearance and pick a school house of your choice. Once you start to “attend” classes, you will be able to perform spells, brew potions, tame magical creatures, and engage in combat (or duels) with your classmates. You can also level your character up using in-game challenges to gain experience points. Hogwarts Legacy was also nominated as the most anticipated game of 2023 at The Game Awards 2022.

Returnal PC 5q6c48

When: February 15
Where: PC

PlayStation exclusives being ported to PC, plunging you onto the mysterious planet of Atropos. In it, you play Selene Vassos, a space pilot stuck in a bizarre, mind-numbing time loop, whose mysteries can only be revealed by participating in roguelike missions where you gun down hostile aliens in bullet-hell-fueled clashes. Forced to restart the journey each time she dies, you'll discover that the planet and loot change, urging you to come up with ingenious builds that'll help you last longer in the field.

The PC version comes with a host of improvements, including upscaling methods for both DualSense controller's haptic .

Watch the Features Trailer for Returnal, Coming to PC

In Returnal, you're stuck in a bizarre time loop that resets each time you die
Photo Credit: PlayStation

Wild Hearts vk4s

When: February 17
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X

In the heartlands of Azuma, a fantasy landscape inspired by feudal Japan, thrives a group of oversized animals that have undergone a unique evolution by fusing with nature, and creating havoc with their elemental attacks. In Wild Hearts, players assume the role of a skilled hunter adept at the lost art of Karakuri — a life-sustaining technology that helps create life-size sophisticated tools that are ideal for combat and traversal across the sprawling map. Your job is to hunt those enormous monsters using ancient tech such as firecrackers to stun and a giant bamboo copter to deal aggressive damage. The idea is to craft tools on the fly, akin to Rust, and unload them onto the Kemono (beasts), which in turn yields loot and other raw material.

The included weapons are far from the regular affair, with items like a staff, which can bloat in size to become a greatsword, resulting in slower, but massive chunks of damage. If the encounters in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, there also seems to be a deathblow mechanic added to bosses, wherein simply knocking them down doesn't guarantee death. So, make sure you in for that finishing hit.

Watch the Gameplay Trailer for Wild Hearts

Wild Hearts feels like EA's take on the Monster Hunter franchise
Photo Credit: Koei Tecmo Games

Like a Dragon: Ishin! 1d6e3

When: February 21
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is widely known for developing PS4 in 2014. The remake will finally bring the beloved spin-off to audiences outside Japan.

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a historical adventure set in Japan in the 1860s, where players will step into the shoes of Sakamoto Ryoma, a real-life samurai from the Edo period in Japanese history. Players will take up the venerable samurai's sword and fight for their honour to clear their name off murder. In the process, they will also solve the killing of their father and change the future of Japan. Armed with a katana and a revolver, players can experience a variety of combat styles typical to Yakuza games and gain experience via side quests and exploration to unlock new abilities. In true Yakuza fashion, Like a Dragon: Ishin! Will feature a host of distractions and mini-games like gambling, Karaoke, and a combat arena.

Atomic Heart 27216k

When: February 21
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X

A utopian world where super-powered robots and hybrid mutants pose a threat to the harmony between metal and flesh. It is up to you to take arms and uncover the mystery behind the mysterious rebellion of robots. Atomic Heart is an FPS RPG that is set in an alternate time in the 1955 Soviet Union.

Armed with a power glove, blades, and cutting-edge weaponry, you will have to adapt your playstyle depending on the varying enemies. There is also an in-depth crafting system to further bolster your arsenal.

Sons of the Forest 5153y

When: February 23
Where: PC

Survival horror video games are having a bit of revival. The Damon Lindelof's seminal TV series, with an added element of cannibalism. The sequel follows the protagonist — you — who has been sent to find a missing billionaire on a remote island. Of course, the rub is that the island is infested with cannibals.

Players will have to scavenge, craft, and kill their way to survival and escape in this open-world survival horror simulator. The game will allow players ample freedom to approach it the way they want, keeping quests and progression flexible. Human-like mutated creatures and other monstrosities will stand in your way. The focus will be on crafting and building survival gear and shelter, but players will also have an arsenal of weapons at their disposal — pistols, axes, stun batons, and more. The game will feature both summer and winter weather systems and food resources will become scarce as the temperature drops. So, make sure you stock up! The game will also feature a co-op mode, where friends can share resources, work together to build shelter, and bring back up while exploring the island's hellscape.

Company of Heroes 3 5n4n48

When: February 23
Where: PC

Relic Entertainment's strategy game will let you control the Allied Forces as they invade Italy during World War 2. You can also control the Axis armies in North Africa as part of this real-time battle game. You will be able to control air, ground, and naval forces, according to the developer. The game will feature highly improved destructible elements, allowing you to see bricks falling off buildings that have been destroyed.

With Company of Heroes 3, you can utilise a new Tactical Pause system which does exactly what it suggests — it lets you pause the battle for a short while, queue up lethal instructions for your troops, and then watch as they are executed with precision once you resume the game. There's a new Dynamic Campaign Map that promises “sandbox-style” gameplay for better control of the battle while calling for help from specialist units like the American-Canadian Special Service Forces, or the Gurkhas from the Commonwealth

After you try out the campaign and skirmish modes in the game, you can also jump into the fast-paced multiplayer mode. Relic also claims that no two playthroughs are ever alike on Company of Heroes 3, and you will have to utilise different strategies to deal with different geographies and local terrain in Italy and North Africa as you lead your forces to victory in this RTS title.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe 1p5n2z

When: February 24
Where: Switch

Play solo or invite up to three of your friends to you on an adventure across Planet Popstar. Pick from Kirby, King Dedede, Meta Knight, or Bandana Waddle to help Magolor rebuild his ship. Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a remake of the original platformer that was released back in 2011.

The game features over 20 returning Copy Abilities, along with a couple of new ones — Mecha and Sand. You can also forces with other players for powerful team attacks. It also includes a collection of subgames that can be played in co-op to earn in-game rewards.

From Elden Ring to BGMI's ban, 2022 gave us a lot in the gaming space. We discuss it all on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Hogwarts Legacy 6r6f3m

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Good
Excellent combat
Engaging story
Likeable cast of characters
Detailed world design

Bad
Tries to stuff in a lot
Lack of a companion system
Tedious inventory management

Read detailed Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Hogwarts Legacy review

Genre RPG

Platform Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 (PS4), PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PC: Windows

Modes Single-player

Series Wizarding World

PEGI Rating 12+

More Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Games

Returnal 1z2y6d

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Good
Beautiful, and runs well
Fragmented storytelling
Fresh encounters on each run
Lovecraftian vibes
Satisfying gunplay
Rewards risky decisions
FOV slider, performance trackers included

Bad
Playthroughs can seem lengthy
Fast movement can lead to mistakes
A tad bit pricey

Read detailed Sony Returnal review

Genre Roguelike

Platform PlayStation 5 (PS5), PC: Windows

Modes Single-player, Multiplayer

PEGI Rating 16+

More Sony Games

Wild Hearts vk4s

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Genre RPG

Platform PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series S/X, PC: Windows

Modes Single-player, Multiplayer

PEGI Rating 12+

Hogwarts Legacy, Like a Dragon Ishin, and More: February Games on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X

More Electronic Arts Games

Like a Dragon: Ishin! 1d6e3

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Genre Hack and Slash

Platform PlayStation 4 (PS4), PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PC: Windows

Modes Single-player

Series Yakuza

PEGI Rating 18+

More Sega Games

Atomic Heart 27216k

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Genre RPG

Platform PlayStation 4 (PS4), PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PC: Windows

Modes Single-player

PEGI Rating 18+

More Focus Home Interactive Games

Sons of the Forest 5153y

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Genre Survival horror

Platform PC: Windows

Modes Single-player, Multiplayer, Co-op

More Endnight Games Games

Company of Heroes 3 5n4n48

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Genre Strategy

Platform PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series S/X, PC: Windows

Modes Single-player, Multiplayer

Series Company of Heroes

PEGI Rating 18+

More Sega Games

Kirby's Return To Dreamland Deluxe m3029

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Genre Platformer

Platform Nintendo Switch

Modes Single-player, Multiplayer

Series Kirby

PEGI Rating 3+

More Nintendo Games

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As a writer on technology with Gadgets 360, David Delima is interested in open-source technology, cybersecurity, consumer privacy, and loves to read and write about how the Internet works. David can be ed via email at [email protected], on Twitter at @DxDavey, and Mastodon at mstdn.social/@delima. More