April 2006 hasn't exactly been the best month for gaming. It wasn't the horrendous gaming drought that characterizes the summer months, nor was it the "bargain-bin bonanza" that usually hit in January. Instead it was just a month with a bunch of mediocre-to-good releases that tend to be forgotten in the build up to May's E3 insanity. The good news is, that makes our Game of the Month winner and runner-up stand out much more than they would have in months like October or November, which are usually loaded with A-list titles. Here's hoping that gamers realize that there are at least two must-own games on shelves this month.



April 2006 Runner-Up
Far Cry Instincts Predator (X360)

While it's more-or-less a next-gen port of the current-gen version of the game, there's no denying that Far Cry Instincts Predator is a damn good looking game. The absolutely stunning water effects alone are enough to make players forget that they're playing the same game that they enjoyed last year, while the addition of more realistic foliage makes you feel like you're getting lost in brand-new jungles.


Of course, the biggest reason to play the game is the fact that you'll actually be getting two titles in one. Not only is a spiffier version of the original game included, there's also a completely new Jack Carver adventure, which finds our hero swept back into danger, tropical-style. The best part of the (unfortunately) short adventure is the fact that you'll begin with all of the awesome feral powers that you gain in the first game. Eviscerating enemies with our bare hands while hanging out on a tropical beach? We're so there.

Essential Links And the winner is...