From Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us to Irrational Games’ story-driven shooter BioShock Infinite, 2013 proved to be another great year for video game releases. Now that both the Xbox One and PS4 can be found at most retailers, analysts and gamers alike will be looking forward to all the titles slated to come out on both consoles as the year goes on. January will be a slow but modest start to what everyone is hoping will be another exciting 12 months of releases. Below is a short list of 7 games that should keep you busy all January long.
Full Title: The Banner Saga
Developers: Stoic
Creators: Alex Thomas, John Watson, and Arnie Jorgesen
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac, Linux, and iOS
Release Date: January 14th (North America and Europe)
This Viking-themed tactical RPG was created by a talented group of ex-Bioware developers and received a great deal of attention after it was successfully funded through Kickstarter way back in 2012. The turn based gameplay elements are inspired by games like Final Fantasy Tactics and Shining Force, while the mature tone of the narrative is in the same vein of HBO’s popular Game of Thrones TV series.
Stoic emphasized that this game will be the beginning of a trilogy that they are ready to expand upon if the first chapter does well enough. Lastly, a separate free-to-play multiplayer game titled The Banner Saga: Factions is expected to drop on February 25th.
Full Title: Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD
Developers: Ubisoft Sofia
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC
Release Date: January 14th (North America and Europe)
Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD is a remastered version of the popular Vita game starring female assassin Aveline de Grandpre. This version of the game has improved gameplay functionality, HD graphics, and the same deep storyline the was featured in the original. Senior Editor David Jagneaux wrote an extensive review of Assassin’s Creed Liberation that is worth checking out if you want more info on the game.
Full Title: Might & Magic X: Legacy
Developers: Limbic Entertainment
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PC
Release Date: January 23rd (North America and Europe)
The infamous Might & Magic series receives a new installment with the release of Might & Magic X: Legacy. Legacy will allow players to create characters based upon 4 different races and 12 distinct classes. The game also follows the events of Might & Magic Heroes VI, is set within the world of Ashan, and will include a modding kit for fans who want to take their creations to the next level. The video embedded above provides some commentary and gameplay footage to give you a better understanding of what to expect from this RPG.
Full Title: Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z
Developers: Artdink
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PlayStation Vita
Release Date: January 24th (Europe) January 28th (North America)
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z has been described as the most ambitious Dragon Ball Z game to date. This fighting game will feature a four-player mode, an eight-player Battle Royale mode, online multiplayer, and dynamic boss battles. If all of this still isn’t enough to convince you to try it out, the developers have also stated that the game will depict Goku in his Super Saiyan God form. With all that said, Battle of Z is an absolute must buy for any and every diehard Dragon Ball Z fan out there.
Full Title: Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition
Developers: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: Xbox One, and PlayStation 4
Release Date: January 28th (North America) January 31st (Europe)
If for any reason you still haven’t played the Tomb Raider reboot yet, then Square Enix has got you covered with the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition. This enhanced version of the game has been rebuilt to take advantage of the power of next-gen consoles. In addition to having improved graphics and functionality, players will also receive all of the previously released DLC add-ons in one complete package. For an overview of what to expect from the game, I would like to encourage you all to check out my Tomb Raider review to see if this title is worth your time and your money.
Full Title: Broken Age
Developers: Double Fine Productions
Publisher: Double Fine Productions
Platforms: Android, iOS, Linux, Mac OSX, PC, and Ouya
Release Date: January 2014
Double Fine’s latest point-and-click adventure game originally started out as a Kickstarter success story before blossoming into one of the studio’s most highly sought after projects. Players will have the opportunity to switch between two diverse characters aiming to change the outcomes of their situations. While there is still plenty to learn about this game, many fans love the titles that Double Fine usually creates and will thus be just as receptive to this one.
Full Title: The Wolf Among Us – Episode 2: Smoke and Mirrors
Developers: Telltale Games
Publisher: Telltale Games
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, iOS, Mac OSX, and PlayStation Vita
Release Date: January 2014
Bigby Wolf returns to track down a serial killer in episode two of Bill Willingham’s popular Fables inspired Wolf Among Us video game. While Telltale haven’t yet confirmed the release date for this episode, the general consensus online is that this series will alternate back and forth with The Walking Dead. Since The Walking Dead: Season Two debuted on December 17th, I believe it’s safe to assume that Smoke and Mirrors is bound to drop any day now.
This concludes my list of the best games worth picking up in January. Please note that some of these release dates are subject to change at any given time. Do any of you plan on purchasing any of the titles listed above? Please feel free to let us know in the comments section below.
