Interestingly enough, the biggest February video game story will probably not be about actual video games. It's going to be about r/WallStreetBets and how a subreddit drained billions of dollars from Wall Street hedge funders, who tried to short sell Gamestop and got their hands caught in the cookie jar.
In a peculiar sort of way, it's become a case of art imitating life—the new, user-friendly trading apps that promise no commission fees have lowered and democratized the threshold for participating in the stock market. They provide visual stimuli for your actions, tangible rewards for your participation, and an online hive mind dedicated to finding "cheats" and "tricks." There's even an ongoing "console war," with everyone debating the best platform to access the same market. It's the highest stakes video game you can play right now, and the results are all too real.
The other, traditional video games launching this February are a low-key, if anticipated bunch. Here is your video game news roundup for February 2021.
Xbox Live Gold Free Games for February 2021
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Xbox One
Gears 5 (Feb. 1-Feb. 28)
An acclaimed third-person action shooter, Gears 5 is about both the past and the present. It follows newly playable heroine Kait Diaz, who traces the murky origins of the Locust Horde while fighting the ongoing Swarm threat.
Resident Evil (Feb. 1-Feb. 28)
The remake of Resident Evil is the definitive version of the classic horror title. It takes the narrative and gameplay beats of the original game, and adds better controls and graphics into the mix. We have some time until the Resident Evil 4 remake is complete, so this will have to hold you over.
Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition (Feb. 16-March. 15)
A 2D adventure with backtracking and exploration-heavy elements, Dandara is the name of a savior heroine who attempts to free her people from oppressive rule.
Xbox 360 (backwards compatible)
Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb (Feb. 1-Feb. 15)
Canonically, the events of this game take place before the Temple of Doom film. Indy finds himself on a quest to uncover the tomb of Chinese emperor Qin Huangdi.
Lost Planet 2 (Feb. 16-Feb. 28)
This sequel continues the story of Earth's former inhabitants, who abandoned their planet due to its destruction by humans, and attempted to colonize a second Earth while fighting the insectoid aliens known as the Akrid. Fight on the ground, or pilot a mecha during massive boss battles.
Playstation Plus Free Games for February 2021
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Destruction AllStars (Feb. 2)
If you've been missing Twisted Metal and the mayhem that comes with a car destruction derby, this new vehicular combat experience might do the trick. Choose one of 16 AllStars with unique powers, and after your car is destroyed, bail out and continue the battle on foot.
Control: Ultimate Edition (Feb. 2)
One of 2019's best games is now available in "ultimate edition" form, which includes all DLC expansions and game modes. The PS5 edition of the game will take advantage of the console's signature DualSense controller, and incorporate haptic feedback for an even more immersive experience.
Concrete Genie (Feb. 2)
An adventure game about bullying and fighting back, this game features a young boy who loves to draw, and the mysterious paintbrush he finds that can bring his artwork to life.
Google Stadia Free Games for February 2021
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Journey to the Savage Planet: Employee of the Month Edition (Feb. 1)
A funny, brightly colored sci-fi game about exploration, you play as a researcher who's inspecting a planet for potential human colonization.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (Feb. 1)
Played from a fixed, isometric perspective, this game has Lara Croft exploring Mayan ruins, with a huge emphasis on co-op gameplay.
Enter the Gungeon (Feb. 1)
Take on the Gungeon, a procedurally generated labyrinth of gun-centric mayhem. Kill everything that moves. Get a new gun. Kill more stuff. Get more guns. Get different types of guns. It's a funny and addictive feedback loop.
'Destruction AllStars' (Feb. 2)
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We already discussed this game above, but it bears repeating. This game is positioning itself to be the next multiplayer viral game craze, in the vein of Rocket League or Fall Guys. The developers are anticipating a strong audience response, and have already planned a year's worth of post-launch content. Make sure you're a part of the initial wave when the game debuts on Feb. 2.
'Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood' (Feb. 4)
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Play as a human. Play as a wolf. Play as a werewolf. This game, a third-person action RPG, is ambitious and beautiful, with a ton of lore to give its gameplay context. You play as an outcast member of a werewolf tribe, who does battle against an evil corporation that's polluting the Earth. All the while, you have to manage your rage, which turns you into a monstrous, out-of-control version of yourself that can only be satiated with violence. Truly, climate change and environmental protection are the biggest challenges of our time.
'Super Mario 3D World' & 'Bowser's Fury' (Feb. 12)
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Super Mario 3D World is the best that 3D platforming has to offer. It was a standout hit on the Wii U, and the millions of people who never played it will have a great time. But this Switch port also comes with a new adventure called Bowser's Fury—a less linear, more open world challenge that has Mario team up with Bowser, Jr. to help his furious dad. According to the trailer, you'll get the opportunity to transform into a massive Giga Cat Mario. That alone might be worth the price of admission.
'Persona 5 Strikers' (Feb. 23)
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What if the geniuses behind the turn-based RPG Persona 5 made a hack 'n' slash sequel to their masterpiece? You'd get Persona 5 Strikers, which is a franchise crossover between Dynasty Warriors and Persona that manages to incorporate the mechanics and feel of both. The game has already racked up critical acclaim and sales in Japan, where it debuted in February 2020. Localizations of Japan-only franchises, like the Yakuza series, have been well received in the States Hopefully, if this English localization sells well, publisher Atlus will know there's a global audience for this type of game.
'Ghosts 'n Goblins: Resurrection' (Feb. 25)
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Ghost 'n' Goblins (and its Ghouls 'n' Ghosts sequels) has a longstanding reputation for being medieval, irreverent, and extremely, extremely difficult. This new game is a "resurrection" in the truest sense; aside from a Marvel vs. Capcom 3 appearance, we haven't seen Sir Arthur star in his core series since 2010. The old-school difficulty is still there, but only if you want it. Resurrection has four selectable difficulty levels. On the highest one: One hit, and you're done for.
