A new year is upon us, which means the cycle of game releases begins anew. While many major blockbusters are launching in February and March 2024, January is still packed with new games. Whether it’s a survival action RPG experience, a new side-scroller, the long-awaited return of the King of Iron Fist Tournament or a brand new title from RGG Studio, there are plenty of games to go around. Let’s check out some of the major releases here.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
While the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake continues to chug along, Ubisoft Montpellier has something different coming up with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. It stars a new playable character, Sargon, who must rescue Prince Ghassan.
As a 2D action side-scroller with Metroid-style exploration, it features several time-focused powers, with Sargon also capable of slashing, dashing and parrying attacks. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown could be an interesting spin-off to the main series with an interconnected world with secrets to discover and a fresh story. We’ll find out when it launches on January 18th for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch.
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
The Last of Us Part 2 is getting the “remastered” treatment on PS5, with PS4 owners able to upgrade for $10. Available on January 19th, it adds two modes – Fidelity for native 4K and Performance for 1440p upscaled to 4K while improving other visual aspects like shadow quality, level of detail distances and more.
Developer commentary from director Neil Druckmann and narrative lead Halley Gross is included, with actors Troy Baker, Ashley Johnson, and Laura Bailey along for the ride and three Lost Levels cut from the game. Those expecting more gameplay can also jump into No Return, a roguelike survival mode with various playable characters, each having unique abilities and randomized challenges. There’s also a new Speedrun Mode, Photo Mode options, new skins for Ellie and Abby, and more.
Tekken 8
Bandai Namco’s flagship fighter is finally getting a sequel, built from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5. Tekken 8 is more than just a graphical leap – it continues the story of Jin Kazama and Kazuya Mishima while adding the new Arcade Quest. Select an avatar and venture through the world of arcades, battling challengers and building your crew’s reputation. There are 32 playable characters, from classics like Jin, Paul, Nina, Alisa and more to newcomers like Azucena, Victor and Reina.
The mechanics have also been revamped, with the new Heat system leaning into more aggressive play. Sharpen your skills in Super Ghost Battles, take a break with Tekken Ball or improve your combos thanks to the overhauled My Replay and Tips. Tekken 8 launches on January 26th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC and looks to set a new standard for the series.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Touted as the longest game in the series – so long that the development team is worried you’ll get sick if you keep playing continuously – Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth launches on January 26th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC. Ichiban Kasuga returns, venturing to Honolulu City to meet his mother, who was assumed dead for years.
After some shenanigans, he meets up with Kazuma Kiryu, who is on a mission for the Daidoji faction. Old friends return, new characters are introduced, and the turn-based combat offers new mechanics like area-of-effect attacks, easier combos with allies and more. You also have several new activities, from arcade games to Dondoko Island, an entire island community that you build and populate, Animal Crossing-style. Is it too much? Probably, but it also looks amazing.
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Ryunosuke and Phoenix Wright have had their contemporary compilations, and it’s finally the turn of Apollo Justice. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is out on January 25th for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch, and collects Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice into one collection.
It also includes two Special Episodes previously DLC-only, an Animation Studio for creating custom scenes, an Art Library to view illustrations and other artwork, the Orchestra Hall and much more. If you want to complete the Phoenix Wright journey, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is worth picking up.
Bulletstorm VR
It’s been a while since People Can Fly’s Bulletstorm launched, showcasing all the kicking, sliding, environmental destruction and Skillshots that a first-person shooter could offer. With Bulletstorm VR, players can pull enemies close or redirect them for some makeshift shields. There’s also dual-wielding to add more spice to combat and two exclusive levels starring Trishka Novak, who can utilize energy blades to dismember foes. Bulletstorm VR launches on January 18th and will be available for PlayStation VR2, Meta Quest and PC via Steam VR.
Graven
It’s hard to believe that Slipgate Ironworks’ Graven launched in early access almost three years ago. On January 23rd, it will finally be available for PC (later for other platforms), offering several regions to explore and old-school combat. The full release promises nine new enemies, 13 new weapons and mods, new unique bosses and other challenges. As a Hexen 2 spiritual successor, Graven should offer a compelling dark fantasy.
Enshrouded
Survival crafting games in the vein of Valheim have begun to pop up more recently, and Enshrouded looks like a potential hit (at least based on its demo). Described as “Valheim meets Zelda,” you awaken in the world of Embervale, with a pestilent fog consuming the kingdom.
Explore various locations, from dungeons and caves to forests, while collecting materials and building a base, with NPCs able to take shelter and lend assistance. Craft powerful gear and weapons, then venture into the Shroud to tackle bosses and other threats. With support for up to 16 players and sleek-looking combat, Enshrouded is worth checking out when it launches on January 24th for PC via Steam Early Access.
Sovereign Syndicate
If you’ve craved a steampunk RPG in the vein of Arcanum, Crimson Herring Studios’ Sovereign Syndicate is an exciting prospect. Launching on January 15th for PC, it features three playable characters, each with branching plotlines and skills leveling up as you use them (or degrading if you don’t). Tarot cards allow for various choices, from violence to conversation, as you investigate a cult in Victorian London. With a touch of inspiration from Disco Elysium, Sovereign Syndicate promises a more cerebral CRPG experience that taps into doing what you want (and potentially dealing with the consequences).
New Cycle
Have you ever looked at Frostpunk and thought, “But what if with solar flares?”, there’s New Cycle from Core Engage. With the Old World in ruins, it’s up to you to build up a colony of survivors by gathering resources and expanding to thrive. The current state of the world brings unstable seasons and “destructive events,” as the developer describes them, for more challenges to your colony. You also must manage your people’s efficiency and morale, lest they become unruly. New Cycle launches on January 18th for PC.
