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April is an exciting time to own a Nintendo 3DS or a PS Vita. Why? Well, because there are some gorgeous-looking games heading their way over the course of the next few weeks.
We're expecting sequels, enhanced ports, completely new releases from our favourite studios, and long-awaited gems. April madness!
So, what precisely should you be looking forward to, then? We've done some homework and rounded up all the big handheld releases scheduled for April... so that you, basically, don't have to.
Note that this isn't a comprehensive list of games coming out in April on 3DS and Vita. There are plenty of download-only games set to surprise us all each and every week on the eShop and PSN Stores.
Dillon's Rolling Western: The Last Ranger
By Vanpool - coming to 3DS on April 11th
In the original Dillon's Rolling Western, released just over a year ago, Vanpool merged tower defence action with real-time battling, as you aimed to keep villages safe from incoming monsters.
Well, Dillon the armadillo is back again, and this time around he's got some friends on his side.
In The Last Ranger, you'll be able to recruit allies, though much of your time will be spent looking after a train. Busy boy.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers
By Atlus - coming to 3DS on April 16th in the US
In this 1997 Sega Saturn title, players band together with demons to fight other demons.
Not for the first time, Atlus will be delivering an enhanced remake of aShin Megami Tensei game in the form of Soul Hackers on the Nintendo 3DS this month.
This port will boast improved visuals, voice acting, and 3D dungeon exploration. Unfortunately, there's no word on a European release yet.
Fire Emblem Awakening
By Intelligent Systems - coming to 3DS on April 19th
Yeah, yeah, you Americans have had the new Fire Emblem since February. Well done. Have a lollipop. We Brits have had to wait long enough to get our hands on it, but it'll no doubt be worth the wait.
Put it this way: we don't often hand out Platinum Awards, yet this tactical RPG undeniably deserved one. Yes, it's that good.
If you're a fan of Japanese RPGs, you're going to need to pick this one up. It's the sort of game that should carry the subtitle 'essential' on the box.
Lego City Undercover: The Chase Begins
By TT Fusion - coming to 3DS on April 21st in US, April 26th in Europe
The Wii U version of Lego City Undercover has been received well, with reviewers praising the combination of the typically brilliant Lego game experience and the GTA-style gameplay.
This Nintendo 3DS spin-off is a completely different game - you know, like the handheld versions of the Lego games usually are.
It's a prequel to the console version, and follows the story of Chase McCain as he works his way up the police force food chain.
Guacamelee!
By Drinkbox Studios - coming to Vita on April 9th in US, April 10th in Europe
There are a multitude of reasons why we're excited about Guacamelee!
First off, it's from Drinkbox Studios, the team responsible for the excellent Tales from Space: Mutant Blobs Attack.
Second off, it's a Metroidvania side-scrolling exploration game, so our thumbs are already prepped and willing.
And that's without even considering the gorgeous game art and the comic Mexican setting. Counting down the days...
Thomas Was Alone
By Bossa, Curve, and Mike Bithell - coming to Vita on April 24th in Europe, April 30th in US
This minimalist PC release, in which players shift solid rectangular blocks around to find an exit on each level, was a huge hit in 2012.
Now, this BAFTA award-winning title is getting the PS Vita treatment, and will ship with an extra prologue mission about a square who has a jet pack.
It's the narration that really elevates this game to superstar status, mind, with British comedian Danny Wallace lending his voice to Thomas's story into the unknown.
Soul Sacrifice
By Marvelous - coming to Vita on April 30th in US, May 1st in Europe
How long have we been waiting for this one, eh? Overseen by Mega Mancreator Keiji Inafune, Soul Sacrifice is gruesome with a capital 'G'.
As far as the story goes, you're about to be sacrificed by a powerful sorcerer when a demon pops up out of nowhere and throws you back in time, allowing you to take part in all the battles the sorcerer has previously faced.
This is no doubt a huge release in the eyes of Sony, and one that the Japanese giant hopes will help it to shift many, many more Vitas in the West.
We're expecting sequels, enhanced ports, completely new releases from our favourite studios, and long-awaited gems. April madness!
So, what precisely should you be looking forward to, then? We've done some homework and rounded up all the big handheld releases scheduled for April... so that you, basically, don't have to.
Note that this isn't a comprehensive list of games coming out in April on 3DS and Vita. There are plenty of download-only games set to surprise us all each and every week on the eShop and PSN Stores.
Dillon's Rolling Western: The Last Ranger
By Vanpool - coming to 3DS on April 11th
In the original Dillon's Rolling Western, released just over a year ago, Vanpool merged tower defence action with real-time battling, as you aimed to keep villages safe from incoming monsters.
Well, Dillon the armadillo is back again, and this time around he's got some friends on his side.
In The Last Ranger, you'll be able to recruit allies, though much of your time will be spent looking after a train. Busy boy.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers
By Atlus - coming to 3DS on April 16th in the US
In this 1997 Sega Saturn title, players band together with demons to fight other demons.
Not for the first time, Atlus will be delivering an enhanced remake of aShin Megami Tensei game in the form of Soul Hackers on the Nintendo 3DS this month.
This port will boast improved visuals, voice acting, and 3D dungeon exploration. Unfortunately, there's no word on a European release yet.
Fire Emblem Awakening
By Intelligent Systems - coming to 3DS on April 19th
Yeah, yeah, you Americans have had the new Fire Emblem since February. Well done. Have a lollipop. We Brits have had to wait long enough to get our hands on it, but it'll no doubt be worth the wait.
Put it this way: we don't often hand out Platinum Awards, yet this tactical RPG undeniably deserved one. Yes, it's that good.
If you're a fan of Japanese RPGs, you're going to need to pick this one up. It's the sort of game that should carry the subtitle 'essential' on the box.
Lego City Undercover: The Chase Begins
By TT Fusion - coming to 3DS on April 21st in US, April 26th in Europe
The Wii U version of Lego City Undercover has been received well, with reviewers praising the combination of the typically brilliant Lego game experience and the GTA-style gameplay.
This Nintendo 3DS spin-off is a completely different game - you know, like the handheld versions of the Lego games usually are.
It's a prequel to the console version, and follows the story of Chase McCain as he works his way up the police force food chain.
Guacamelee!
By Drinkbox Studios - coming to Vita on April 9th in US, April 10th in Europe
There are a multitude of reasons why we're excited about Guacamelee!
First off, it's from Drinkbox Studios, the team responsible for the excellent Tales from Space: Mutant Blobs Attack.
Second off, it's a Metroidvania side-scrolling exploration game, so our thumbs are already prepped and willing.
And that's without even considering the gorgeous game art and the comic Mexican setting. Counting down the days...
Thomas Was Alone
By Bossa, Curve, and Mike Bithell - coming to Vita on April 24th in Europe, April 30th in US
This minimalist PC release, in which players shift solid rectangular blocks around to find an exit on each level, was a huge hit in 2012.
Now, this BAFTA award-winning title is getting the PS Vita treatment, and will ship with an extra prologue mission about a square who has a jet pack.
It's the narration that really elevates this game to superstar status, mind, with British comedian Danny Wallace lending his voice to Thomas's story into the unknown.
Soul Sacrifice
By Marvelous - coming to Vita on April 30th in US, May 1st in Europe
How long have we been waiting for this one, eh? Overseen by Mega Mancreator Keiji Inafune, Soul Sacrifice is gruesome with a capital 'G'.
As far as the story goes, you're about to be sacrificed by a powerful sorcerer when a demon pops up out of nowhere and throws you back in time, allowing you to take part in all the battles the sorcerer has previously faced.
This is no doubt a huge release in the eyes of Sony, and one that the Japanese giant hopes will help it to shift many, many more Vitas in the West.
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