2018 proved to be quite a memorable year for video game releases thanks largely in part to blockbuster titles like God of War, Red Dead Redemption 2, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and more. While the verdict may still be out on if this year’s releases will stack up to last year, January is already looking fantastic due to a few notable titles including Kingdom Hearts III and Resident Evil 2 Remake. Below is a quick list of several video games that are worth checking out this month.
Full Title: Aftercharge
Developer: Chainsawesome Games
Publisher: Chainsawesome Games
Platforms: Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch
Release Date: January 10th
Aftercharge is an independently developed 3v3 asymmetrical shooter where players engage in fast-paced matchups between invisible robots and powerful security enforcers. The game is set to launch on Xbox Game Pass with online cross-platform play between Xbox One and PC. Cross-platform functionality with Nintendo Switch will also be added shortly after release. If you’re still on the fence about Aftercharge, please feel free to check out our hands-on previews from both PAX East 2017 and E3 2017.
Full Title: New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: January 11th
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a side-scrolling platformer and an enhanced port of both New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U. Both games were an instant success on the Wii U and this is without a doubt the definitive edition worth picking up if you have a Nintendo Switch.
Buy New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe For The Nintendo Switch
Full Title: Onimusha: Warlords
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch
Release Date: January 15th
Onimusha: Warlords is an action-adventure, hack and slash remaster of the original game released on PlayStation 2 back in 2001. If you never played the original title, this version might be worth looking into when it hits stores later this month.
Buy Onimusha: Warlords For PlayStation 4
Full Title: Vane
Developer: Friend & Foe
Publisher: Friend & Foe
Platforms: PlayStation 4
Release Date: January 15th
Vane is an independently developed exploratory adventure game where players transform between birds and children while uncovering mysteries of an expansive landscape. This title was created by the team behind games like The Last Guardian, Killzone, and Battlefield 3. If you’re in the mood for a different type of experience, Vane may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Full Title: Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Release Date: January 18th
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is a combat flight simulator with VR support. This particular entry in the series takes place during a conflict between the Osean Federation and the Kingdom of Erusea with players fighting for the Osean Air Defense Force. If you’re a fan of the series or combat flight games in general then this might be worth keeping on your radar.
Buy Ace Combat 7 For PlayStation 4
Full Title: Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes
Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture
Publisher: Grasshopper Manufacture
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: January 18th
Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes is an action-adventure game that is part of the No More Heroes franchise and features lead protagonist Travis Touchdown. This Nintendo Switch exclusive takes place seven years after the events of No More Heroes 2 and could potentially lead to other sequels depending on how its received by fans of the series.
Buy Travis Strikes Again For The Nintendo Switch
Full Title: Life is Strange 2 – Episode 2: Rules
Developer: Dontnod Entertainment
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
Release Date: January 24th
Life is Strange 2 – Episode 2 is a graphic adventure game and the continuation of the story introduced last September. Fans have been very eager to see what’s next for Sean and Daniel as well as how Captain Spirit and other characters will play into the overall storyline. Luckily we won’t have to wait too much longer now to find out.
Buy Life is Strange 2 Complete Season For PlayStation 4
Full Title: Resident Evil 2
Developer: Capcom R&D Division 1
Publisher: Capcom
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
Release Date: January 25th
Resident Evil 2 Remake is a survival horror game that recounts the events of the 1998 title with Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield during an intense zombie apocalypse. This version of the game features the same over-the-shoulder third-person shooter gameplay mechanics made popular in Resident Evil 4. If you’re looking for a terrifyingly good time, then you definitely can’t go wrong with Resident Evil 2 Remake.
Buy Resident Evil 2 For PlayStation 4
Full Title: Tropico 6
Developer: Limbic Entertainment
Publisher: Kalypso Media
Platforms: PC, OS X, and Linux
Release Date: January 25th
Tropico 6 is the latest entry in the popular construction and management simulation series. Players can expect to take on the role of El Presidente and be given the ability to customize their appearance and presidential palace while reacting to fully simulated citizens. If you enjoyed Tropico 5, then this may also be worth your time and money.
Full Title: Kingdom Hearts III
Developer: Square Enix Business Division 3
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Release Date: January 29th
Kingdom Hearts III is an action role-playing game and the long-awaited twelfth installment in the wildly popular Kingdom Hearts series. It goes without saying that this is easily the biggest release of this month and one game that you should own if you have been following the franchise closely since day one.
Buy Kingdom Hearts III For PlayStation 4
Honorable Mentions:
January 4th:
Fitness Boxing (Nintendo Switch)
January 11th:
Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey (Nintendo 3DS)
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC)
January 15th:
The Walking Dead: The Final Season – Episode 3: Broken Toys (PS4, Xbox One, and PC)
January 17th:
YIIK: A Postmodern RPG (PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, and Wii U)
This concludes our list of the most anticipated games for the month of January. Do any of you plan on buying any of the titles listed above? If so, please feel free to let us know what your choices are in the comments section below.
