January is traditionally a slow month for game releases, similar to December. People are busy with holiday shopping and pursuing their New Year’s resolutions, and they have already spent their money on games. Additionally, games released in December and January are often forgotten when it comes to awards consideration. Therefore, there aren’t many reasons to release games during this time. However, there are still some great games coming out, especially for PC gamers who enjoy PlayStation-exclusive titles.
Editor’s note: All the games on this month’s list are traditional “Web2” video games without any known crypto or blockchain elements. However, you might still enjoy them.
Hyper Light Breaker
Release Date: January 14
Platforms: PC (Steam)
Hyper Light Drifter was a beloved indie game during the Kickstarter era of indie game development. It featured stunning pixel art and a wordless story, providing an overhead action game with solid mechanics. Now, Heart Machine is returning to the franchise with a whole new dimension. Instead of a 2D experience like the original, they are introducing a 3D open-world game.
The game will debut on PC via Steam as an early access release. The developers promise fun and frenetic combat with a visually striking style that has evolved from the original pixel aesthetic. You can play the game on your own or join online co-op.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Release Date: January 16
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD brings the original Wii game, released in 2010, into the modern age with high-definition graphics. It also includes additional content from the Nintendo 3DS release.
Donkey Kong Country was visually impressive during the SNES era and has remained a fan-favorite platformer among Nintendo franchises. This entry preserves the spirit and compelling game design of Rare’s ’90s classics while adding more visual flair.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Release Date: January 23
Platforms: PC (Epic Games Store, Steam)
Less than a year after its release on PlayStation 5, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second entry in the new Final Fantasy VII remake series, is coming to PC. The first game, FF7 Remake, covered the original game’s first section, Midgar. Rebirth expands the game, taking players to various locations such as Cosmo Canyon and the Golden Saucer casino, and introducing new companions like Cait Sith and Cid.
While Rebirth may not generate the same level of excitement as Remake, it is still worth exploring. It offers stunning visuals and presents a fresh perspective on a classic game.
Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles
Release Date: January 23
Platforms: PS5/PS4, Xbox Series X/S + One, Switch, PC (GOG.com, Steam)
Originally released in 2000 and remastered 25 years later, this side-scrolling beat ’em up game immerses players in the events of Star Wars: Episode I. Players can control various Jedi characters from the movie, including Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Mace Windu. Wielding lightsabers and using Force powers, players fight against different enemy types to reclaim Theed Royal Palace.
Jedi Power Battles offers single-player gaming as well as local co-op and cheat codes for a nostalgic touch. It also includes additional characters like Darth Maul.
Spider-Man 2
Release Date: January 30
Platforms: PC (Epic Games Store, Steam)
Once again, players can step into the shoes of the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man to protect Manhattan from new threats: Kraven the Hunter and the alien symbiote Venom. They can play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, switching between them to experience different parts of the story.
Spider-Man 2 features faster and more thrilling traversal, including web-slinging and gliding. It offers a collection of new suits, new mini-games, and plenty of activities to engage in while exploring the world. The game was highly regarded when it debuted on PS5 in late 2023, and now it is launching on PC.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Release Date: January 31
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC (Epic Games Store, GOG.com, Steam), Mac
The highly acclaimed game of 2022 is getting a sequel. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector retains many of the elements that made the first game great, including gameplay driven by dice rolls and difficult choices. Players assume the role of a rogue android trying to escape their past while helping others along the way.
This time, players are no longer confined to a single space station. They have a ship to upgrade, a crew to recruit, and contracts to complete. If the game can expand its scope while maintaining the same level of writing and challenging choices as the original, it will be a treat.
Edited by Andrew Hayward