Top Games of January 2025 to Look Forward to

2025 has arrived at last, and it’s bursting with fresh titles to explore! January is brimming with remakes, follow-ups, blockbusters, and high-profile PC adaptations. Regardless of whether you’re a devotee of role-playing games, platformers, shooters, or even Star Wars, there might be something exciting to delve into. Take a peek at the most anticipated new releases in January 2025.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

It appears that Nintendo had concluded its major releases prior to the unveiling of its next console, but then on January 16th, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is coming to Switch. This game brings back Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, with the original storyline enhanced by updated graphics, JoyCon compatibility, and additional levels adapted from the 3DS version. New Mode has also been added, offering a less challenging experience for new players.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins

As a die-hard fan, the fact that “No more open world” is a key feature in Dynasty Warriors: Origins has me absolutely thrilled! But Omega Force isn’t stopping there – they’re serving up an enticing prequel, set to launch on January 17th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. This new installment promises a fresh protagonist, enhanced tactics and combat, plus a variety of weapons and renowned warriors as teammates (with the ability to control them temporarily). If the demo is any indication, Dynasty Warriors: Origins looks set to restore the series’ former glory!

Tales of Graces f Remastered

The remastering season continues for Tales enthusiasts, as Tales of Graces f is the latest title to receive this treatment. Unlike Symphonia, the upcoming remaster will be handled by Tose instead of Bandai Namco. This means a smooth 60 FPS experience on all platforms (except Nintendo Switch), which is unfortunate. The remastered version of Tales of Graces f comes with several quality-of-life improvements such as auto-save, the option for both English and Japanese audio, a marker to help navigate quests on the world map, and more. It will be released on January 17th for PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Switch.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (PC)

The much-praised follow-up to the original finally lands on PC, having been a PS5 exclusive for most of 2024. Titled Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, this sequel boasts significant enhancements in combat compared to its predecessor, Remake. It also delves deeper into the mini-games, characters, exploration, and narrative. PC gamers can anticipate more customizable graphic options, compatibility with upscalers like DLSS, and superior lighting effects. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is set to release for PC users on January 23rd.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (PC)

Peter Parker and Miles Morales. It offers fresh locations, combat skills, and activities to complement its darker storyline and the inclusion of the famous villain, Venom (the Symbiote). It’s set to release on January 30th for PC.

Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles

Aspyr has been putting in extra effort to make several beloved Star Wars titles available on contemporary systems, and the most recent addition to this lineup is Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles. This game will be released on January 23rd for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Players can anticipate enjoying higher resolutions and improved performance, but they’ll also have the exciting opportunity to start with unlocked characters and utilize a fresh, modern control layout.

Hyper Light Breaker Early Access

Hyper Light Breaker, set to release in early access on January 14 for PC, is an open-world rogue-lite game offering intense boss fights, the use of weapons and hoverboards. Developed by Heart Machine, the game will initially offer three-player cooperative play, as well as a selection of skins and weapons to customize your character.

Eternal Strands

The action-adventure game titled Eternal Strands is set to release on January 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This game captivates us with its stunning visuals, engaging combat system, and an enthralling storyline about Brynn, a Weaver on a quest for redemption. To top it off, additional content is being developed in collaboration with the team behind Final Fantasy 16, which will be available post-launch.

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap

Despite franchises rising and falling, Orcs Must Die! continues to captivate players with its allure of building intricate defenses and annihilating swarms of Orcs. The newest addition to the series, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap, is set for release on January 28th for Xbox Series X/S and PC. It supports up to four-player co-op, but solo play is also an option, featuring six new War Mages and new rogue-lite runs. Boasting enhanced customization, unpredictable run modifiers, and much more, Deathtrap preserves the series’ unique blend of chaos and charm.

Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter

At long last, the eagerly anticipated sequel to Odd Bug’s acclaimed 2D side-scrolling action RPG will be released on January 28th. This game is set for PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms. In this continuation, players can expect a fresh violent narrative, continued settlement building, combat against enemies with new elemental effects, and the opportunity to hunt colossal beasts for enhanced rewards. Notably, Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt from The Witcher 3, will once again lend his exceptional narration skills to this game.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Experience the thrill of long-range shots resulting in dramatic explosions, beautifully demonstrated with an X-Ray Killcam, in Rebellion’s Sniper Elite: Resistance, a spin-off that complements Sniper Elite 5. The protagonist is Harry Hawker of the SOE. This game offers a blend of sniping, stealth, and assassination of Nazis across expansive maps. You’ll also eliminate targets from the Kill List and become part of the Resistance in new Propaganda Missions. All these exciting features and more are set to launch on January 30th for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

In the Helios System, a fresh Sleeper and Belt have emerged, bringing along familiar issues (and some additional ones for good measure). The intriguing blend of sci-fi storytelling, tabletop dice mechanics, and role-playing in Jump Over the Age allows you to command a spacecraft and tackle various assignments amidst a corporate conflict. Building relationships, both fleeting and lasting, and utilizing them to finish jobs is crucial, as is dealing with stress and your gradually deteriorating physical condition. If you found the original’s characters and tales engaging, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is set to release on January 31st for PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana

Investigating the roots of “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana” might give you a bit of a brain strain (considering it’s actually a remastered version of a previous remake). However, what matters is that it stands out as one of the top games in the series. It now boasts improved graphics, a fresh voice for protagonist Adol, new character artwork, and all versions of its amazing soundtrack. You can get your hands on it starting January 7th for PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.

Freedom Wars Remastered

The less-known dystopian action role-playing game initially launched in 2014 by Sony for the PlayStation Vita will reappear on January 10th for PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. In this game, you’re a prisoner confined within the Panopticons, where your mission is to serve your sentence by fighting Abductors and competing against other cities for essential resources. With enhanced visuals, improved controls, smoother 4K/60 FPS performance on PlayStation and PC platforms, and eight-player cooperative gameplay, the remastered version of Freedom Wars, titled Freedom Wars Remastered, is a highly anticipated update.

Blade Chimera

The creators of “Touhou Luna Nights” are also developing another stylish platformer game titled “Blade Chimera“. In this adventure, you’ll play as the amnesiac character Shin, who teams up with Lux and battles numerous monsters to uncover the enigmas of his past. Additionally, players can expect to discover new abilities and weapons while shapeshifting and manipulating time throughout their journey. Expected to release on January 16th for both PC and Nintendo Switch, “Blade Chimera” promises to be a fantastic side-scrolling game.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen countless sequels come and go, some that lived up to their predecessors while others fell flat. However, I must say that the follow-up to “Ender Lilies, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist” has truly caught my attention. Having played the original game extensively, I was eagerly anticipating the release of this new installment.

The storyline intrigues me with its departure from the familiar world of “Ender Lilies” and its introduction of a new protagonist, Lilac, an Attuner who can control Homunculi, each with unique abilities. The mysterious Fumes that have infected these creatures have led to a post-apocalyptic landscape, adding a layer of suspense and urgency to the gameplay experience.

One aspect that excites me most is the attention to detail in terms of art, animation, and sound design. The 2D graphics and animation are breathtakingly beautiful, while Mili’s new soundtrack promises an immersive gaming experience. In addition, the developers have added new skills, difficulty levels, and combat changes that will no doubt challenge even the most experienced players like myself.

Furthermore, I appreciate the focus on Lilac’s memory recovery as part of the storyline. As someone who enjoys a well-crafted narrative, I look forward to uncovering the mysteries surrounding her past and the world she inhabits. Finally, the fact that “Ender Magnolia” is set to exit early access on January 22nd for PC and launch on multiple platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, means I won’t have to wait long to delve into this new adventure.

In conclusion, as a gamer with a deep appreciation for story-driven games that offer challenging gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive audio, I believe “Ender Magnolia” is destined to be a must-play title in 2023.

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2025-01-02 17:44