March video games 2016 calendar

The sheer glut of video game releases may quiet down in the dying days of winter, but March is still packed with a few major titles to keep players busy as spring kicks into gear.

March sees the return of several major franchises, either in new or remade fashion, along with the launch of a notable new franchise, Nintendo’s foray into the mobile market, and the arrival of a major player in the virtual reality space — the Oculus Rift.

Yes, the VR headset begins shipping at the end of the month with its first wave of titles, including games packed in for those who pre-ordered the headsets and a host of other experiences that take advantage of the new form of play.

Those who arrived late to pre-ordering the headset, or are holding off until the buy-in price drops, still have plenty of options for picking up new releases in March. Check out a few of EW’s most anticipated for a month below. And for more, catch up on some of February’s big releases like Street Fighter V, Far Cry Primal, and Firewatch.

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The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD

Release Date: March 4

Platforms: Wii U

While not the most revered of the Zelda franchise, Twilight Princess is one of its meatiest, and the game is receiving a third life (or in this case, second, after having been on the GameCube and Wii) with Twilight Princess HD on the Wii U. With updated difficulty modes, items to help smooth out some of the game’s more laborious missions, and a general polish, Twilight Princess is still a nice way to kick off the celebration of Zelda‘s 30th anniversary. It also won’t hurt to tide us over until the next proper The Legend of Zelda releases. But don’t worry — if you’re just picking up the game for the great-looking Wolf Link amiibo, no one will judge you.

Tom Clancy’s The Division

Release Date: March 8

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

While comparisons to Destiny may make single player-minded fans a tad worried about how fun the newest game to bear Tom Clancy’s name will be, Ubisoft is promising The Division will offer plenty for players who scout out alone or with friends. Placing players in control of an undercover agent of a government agency activated in the week of a viral pandemic, players will venture out into the ravaged world of Midtown Manhattan, stepping over discarded Starbucks cups and abandoned off-brand Elmo costumes to save the city. Previews of The Division promise would could be an exciting long term investment, but whether The Division will remain enticing after the first few years is a question for the weeks to follow its release.

Hitman

Release Date: March 11

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Agent 47 returns in the franchise’s first proper console release since 2013. (Though the series did take an intriguing left turn with the mobile experiment Hitman GO while the franchise’s second film adaptation is better left forgotten.) The newest entry will be released in episodic form, giving players occasional tastes of the series’ signature stealth mission design over the months to come. The format will hopefully give the developers the time needed to perfect each level and challenge and not result in a series of skimpy, rushed assassinations for players to accomplish.

Pokken Tournament

Release Date: March 18

Platforms: Wii U

Forcing Pokémon to fight in turn-based battles not exciting enough 20 years after the franchise debuted? Well, Pokken Tournament will let players fight as actual pocket monsters in real-time arena combat. From the company behind the fighting franchise Tekken, Pokken will offer a unique take on the Poké-battles that have served players for two decades. With a roster that includes fan favorites like Pikachu and others chosen for their fighting style like Weavile, Pokken could offer a fun alternative to the main mode of Pokémon fights and hopefully not become a small blip in the franchise’s 20th anniversary.

EVE Valkyrie

Release Date: March 28

Platforms: PC (Oculus Rift)

Oculus Rift will have a few intriguing experiences at launch, but none have garnered as much excitement as EVE Valkyrie. It may not put players in an X-Wing, but Valkyrie will offer players the chance to pilot a starfighter and feel like they’re actually sitting in the cockpit. Live out your dogfighting dreams all from the comfort of your own couch, in a way no other space game has let players before. If you’ve made the virtual reality dive, that is.

Miitomo

Release Date: March 2016

Platforms: Mobile

Nintendo is finally entering the mobile space, but not with Mario, Link, or Donkey Kong. The company’s avatars introduced on the Wii, Miis, will appear in the company’s first mobile app, Miitomo. Meant to function as a social network, connecting friends and strangers in an app that cultivates communication, Nintendo is offering a broad-reaching app for its first footprint on iOS and Android devices. Players looking for a full Nintendo game on phones will have to wait for now, but making a bid for the social space could prove a smart first move as the company expands its platform reach.

Check out a list of other major releases below.

Heavy Rain (PS4) — March 1

Mortal Kombat XL (PS4, Xbox One, PC) — March 1

Screencheat (PS4, Xbox One) — March 1

Action Henk (PS4, Xbox One) — March 4

Disney Infinity 3.0: Marvel Battlegrounds (PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U) — March 15

EA Sports UFC 2 (PS4, Xbox One) — March 15

Republique (PS4, Mobile, PC) — March 22

Hyruke Warriors Legends (3DS) — March 25

Adrift (Oculus Rift) — March 28

MLB: The Show 16 (PS4, PS3) — March 29

Killer Instinct: Season 3 (Xbox One) — March 2016