The biggest games coming in January 2025

January is the only time traditionally slower than December for game releases. Holiday shopping is over, people are busy making resolutions, and spending whatever little money they want to spend. Additionally, The Game Awards has already taken place, and games from December and January are often forgotten when it comes to consideration for the next round.

There isn’t much reason to release the game right now. So this month is pretty slow. Especially when you consider what a big year 2024 was for top-tier gaming. Nonetheless, there are still great games being released, especially if you’re a PC gamer who loves older PlayStation exclusive titles.

Editor’s note: All of the games on this month’s list are traditional “Web2” video games with no known cryptocurrency or blockchain elements. But you’ll like it anyway.

hyper light breaker

Release Date: January 14th
Platform: PC (Steam)

Hyper Light Drifter was beloved in the Kickstarter era of indie game development for its wordless story that supported an overhead action game with stunning pixel art and powerful mechanics. Now Heart Machine returns to the franchise and takes it to a whole new level with a 3D open world game rather than a 2D experience like the original.

This release date marks the first time the game will be in early access on PC via Steam. Developers promise fun and frenzied combat with a bold visual style that evolves from a unique pixel aesthetic that can be played alone or in online co-op.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

Release Date: January 16th
Platform: Nintendo Switch

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD brings the original Wii game from 2010 into the modern era with a high-definition upgrade. It also includes additional content from past Nintendo 3DS releases.

Donkey Kong Country was a visual powerhouse during its SNES days and has long been a fan-favorite platformer among Nintendo’s franchises. Fortunately, this entry retains the spirit and charming game design of Rare’s classic ’90s games, but now with even more flash.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Release date: January 23
Platform: PC (Epic Games Store, Steam)

Less than a year after its release on PlayStation 5, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second installment in the new Final Fantasy VII remake series, is coming to PC. The first game (FF7 Remake) featured the first section of the original, Midgar, which takes you into a world where you visit places like Cosmo Canyon and the Golden Saucer Casino, and introduces later companions from the game like Cait Sith and the Cid. We guide you through.

Although people aren’t as hot about Rebirth as they are about Remake, it’s still worth checking out as it offers stunning visuals and a new and different take on a classic game.

Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battle

Release date: January 23
Platforms: PS5/PS4, Xbox Series X/S + One, Switch, PC (GOG.com, Steam)

Picking up the 2000 film and remastering it 25 years later, this remastered side-scrolling beat ’em up takes you through the events of Star Wars: Episode I and lets you play as many of the Jedi from that film, including Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn. do. , Mace Windu, and more – Use your lightsaber and Force powers to fight various types of enemies as you retake the Palace of Theed.

In addition to the single-player game, Jedi Power Battles features local co-op, cheat codes (now true throwbacks), additional characters like Darth Maul, and more.

spiderman 2

Release Date: January 30th
Platform: PC (Epic Games Store, Steam)

Become your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man once again and protect Manhattan from new threats like Kraven the Hunter and the alien symbiote Venom. You can play as Peter Parker and Miles Morales, switching between the two throughout the game to experience individual parts of the story.

The game features faster and more thrilling movement, including web-slinging as well as gliding, and also features new suits, a new collection of mini-games, and a variety of other things to do as you explore the world. It was a huge hit when it launched on PS5 in late 2023, and now it’s coming to PC as well.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

Release Date: January 31st
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC (Epic Games Store, GOG.com, Steam), Mac

One of the best-written games of 2022 is getting a sequel. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector features many of the same elements as its predecessor, including gameplay based around dice rolls and difficult choices. You are still a rogue android trying to escape from the past and help everyone you can.

But this time you’re no longer limited to a single space station. There are ships to upgrade, crew to recruit, and contracts to complete. It would be really cool if this game could expand its vision while maintaining the same level of writing and difficult choices as the original.

Editor: Andrew Hayward