Xbox Series X: New game releases for March 2021

It’s been an interesting start to the year for Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S. While the console hasn’t seen many blockbuster exclusives come its way, there have been a number of solid third-party titles keeping things fresh in 2021.

February was a bit empty in terms of new releases, but January saw Bloober Team’s The Medium and IO Interactive’s Hitman 3. Looking ahead to March, we’ve got a mix of next-gen re-releases and intriguing indie titles.

The month is pretty empty early on with only Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition arriving in the first week. Things pick up towards the middle of the month, with next-gen versions of Crash Bandicoot 4 and Marvel’s Avengers.

The latter, of course, was met with mixed reviews upon its initial release. While the gameplay and combat was fun, a lack of substantial content early on made things repetitive. So far, Crystal Dynamics has only released one meaningful story expansion with Operation: Kate Bishop – Taking A.I.M. back in December. The free DLC, which was the first of a two-part expansion focused on Hawkeye, introduced Kate Bishop along with a six-mission campaign story. Arriving alongside the Xbox Series X version of Marvel’s Avengers on March 18 will be the next major expansion, Operation: Hawkeye – Future Imperfect, which will add Clint Barton and his story campaign.

One of the more interesting titles to look forward to in March is It Takes Two, an action-adventure from Hazelight Studios. Like Hazelight’s EA Originals debut title, A Way Out, this game also puts an emphasis on co-op gameplay. In fact, there is no single-player option; you must play either online or local split-screen.

Hazelight founder Josef Fares has a way of talking up his studios’ games but they usually live up to the hype. It Takes Two is an action-adventure with platforming elements that marries gameplay and narrative.