February's underdogs: The games that could surprise you this month

Swords, guns, and mechanized Wild West fun.

Looking for something different? If the major games of the month aren’t doing it for you, we can help. Push past the headline-snatchers and there are loads of unusual and exciting games on the way. Here are our picks for the February video games that could be your surprise hit.

Wanted: Dead (PC, PlayStation, Xbox)

  • Release date: February 14

From the makers of Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, Wanted: Dead is a third-person action game which marries slashing and shooting into a bloody, beautiful union. And just in time for Valentine’s Day, too! Join the Zombie Unit as they dive into a corporate conspiracy, fighting through mercenaries and gang members in a stylized Hong Kong.

Wanted: Dead promises lightning-fast fights that’ll feature a wealth of weapons and fancy finishing moves. Expect a challenge though, as this is a game selling itself on the “hardcore” experience. It even has a wicked anime music video to enjoy, but be warned that you’ll struggle to get it out of your head for weeks after listening.

Wild Hearts (PC, PlayStation, Xbox)

  • Release date: February 16

Monster Hunter rivals are few and far between, but this month will see another player enter the stage. Created by Dynasty Warriors developer Omega Force and backed by Electronic Arts, Wild Hearts sees players in teams up up to three trying to tackle mighty monsters known as Kemono in a fantastical version of feudal Japan. These gigantic, nature-infused creatures are far beyond ordinary swordsmanship, which is why their hunters have learned to use Karakuri devices to create traps, weapons, vehicles and more. 

Dust & Neon (PC, Nintendo Switch)

  • Release date: February 16

Hankering for some old-school twin-stick shootin’? Step this way, cowboy. Dust & Neon 

Is a roguelite action shooter set in a futuristic Wild West. It’s you against hordes of robots, so load up your choice of more than 2,000 weapons as you boost your abilities for that perfect run. Just try not to get distracted by the oh-so-satisfying reload animations popping up in the corner of the screen.

Like a Dragon: Ishin! (PC, PlayStation, Xbox)

  • Release date: February 22

You’ve likely heard of the Yakuza series, but this spinoff entry from developer Ryu Ga Gotoku takes many of the series’ recognizable mafia misfits back to Japan of the late 19th century. The story follows wronged samurai – and real historical figure in Japan’s history – Sakamoto Ryoma on the hunt for justice as he tracks down his father’s killer and attempts to clear his name of murder. Heavy stuff. But this being a Yakuza style game, we’re sure there’ll be plenty of time for ridiculous combat set pieces, minigames, and indulging in karaoke too.

Found any other hidden gems from February’s video game release calendar? We’d love to hear about them! You can also read about some of the month’s bigger releases here as well.

Associate Editor

Henry Stenhouse serves an eternal punishment as the Associate Editor of AllGamers. He spent his younger life studying the laws of physics, even going so far as to complete a PhD in the subject before video games stole his soul. Confess your love of Super Smash Bros. via email at henry@moonrock.biz, or catch him on Twitter.

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