2017 was a fantastic year for video game releases and a memorable moment for gaming as a whole so far this current console generation. January officially marks the beginning of a new year which aims to be just as promising and lucrative as the last. Heavy hitters like Monster Hunter: World and Dragon Ball FighterZ are just two examples of titles that will garner the most attention over the next 31 days. The following is a quick list of the top 5 most anticipated video games worth checking out this month.
Full Title: Lost Sphear
Developer: Tokyo RPG Factory
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC
Release Date: January 23rd
Lost Sphear is a 1990s stylized JRPG and the spiritual successor to I Am Setsuna. The story revolves around a group of friends as they go on a dangerous journey to eliminate a mysterious white fog that is slowly destroying their hometown. If you love JRPGs and you’re looking for a new title to sink your teeth into, then Lost Sphear may be worth both your time and money.
Full Title: The Inpatient
Developer: Supermassive Games
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 4 (PSVR)
Release Date: January 23rd
The Inpatient is a psychological survival horror first-person game designed exclusively for PlayStation VR. This title was created by Supermassive Games and is also the official prequel to Until Dawn. Having played a demo of The Inpatient during PSX 2017, I can personally say that this is one VR experience that you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
Full Title: Dragon Ball FighterZ
Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
Release Date: January 26th
Dragon Ball FighterZ is a 2.5D fighting game developed by Arc System Works and is based on the popular Dragon Ball franchise. The story highlights different perspectives from Goku, Frieza and Android 18 as heroes and villains embark on intense showdowns with each other through three action-packed chapters. FighterZ was the hottest fighting game during E3 2017 and is already on track to be the best fighting game of 2018.
Full Title: Monster Hunter: World
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
Release Date: January 26th on PS4 and Xbox One, PC (TBA)
Monster Hunter: World is an open world action RPG and the fifth major entry in the Monster Hunter series. Players take on the role of Hunters and are tasked with either killing or capturing large creatures that roam freely outside their base of operations. If you’re a Monster Hunter fan, then you already have a good idea of what to expect from this sequel.
Full Title: Dissidia Final Fantasy NT
Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Square Enix and Koei Tecmo
Platforms: PlayStation 4
Release Date: January 30th
Dissidia Final Fantasy NT is a unique fighting game with action RPG elements and a followup to both Dissidia Final Fantasy and Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy. NT allows players to choose from a list of their favorite Final Fantasy characters to participate in strategic, yet fun-filled matchups with each other. Even if you aren’t a hardcore Final Fantasy fan, the appeal of both the characters and action setpieces may be more than enough to win you over.