It’s a brand-new year – resolutions to be made and, of course, games to play. It may be the first day of the new year, but the race is on to see what new games will wow us, make us cry, and what worlds we will get to enjoy.
Pneuma
Become Death’s apprentice as Zoe in this top-down rougelite. Zoe has lost her soul and must fight the Seven Deadly Sins in an attempt to get said soul back. This game features hordes of enemies, hack-and-slash elements, and a redemption arc within a single-player narrative. And if you’re looking for a female protagonist to adventure with in the new year, this game has you covered.
Platforms: PC
Release Date: January 6
I Am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival
If cozy survival games are your cup of tea ‘I Am Future’, a game previously released on PC in 2023, is now coming to consoles this month. Imagine being the last person alive on earth, groggy from a long nap thanks to a cryo-pod, and your only task is to survive. No more taxes or end-of-year reviews, just building a rooftop bungalow and enjoying some solitude. Players can explore a vast world full of looting potential and if being alone seems too lonely, you can build a team of robots to keep you company.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, PC
Release Date: January 8
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon
The beloved characters of The Legend of Heroes games return in ‘Trails Beyond the Horizon’. Follow Van Arkide and members of Arkride Solutions to fight for the future of the Zemurian continent. But this time humanity is waiting to launch into space and what lies beyond. ‘Trails beyond the Horizon’ features some new gameplay mechanics such as Shard Commands and Awakening. And for those who love physical media and collectibles there IS a limited edition bundle that includes a deluxe edition of the game, an original mini soundtrack, steelbook, and a “Grim Timekeeper” acrylic clock in a collector’s box.
Platforms: PS5, Switch, Switch 2, PC
Release Date: January 15
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Free Update and Switch 2 Upgrade Pack
For those gamers who spent thousands of hours creating their islands, drafting their dream inhabitants, and collecting varying art, flora, and fauna; it was as shock to us all when Nintendo announced this upcoming update. The update is two-fold with some free elements and Switch 2 upgrade for a small fee of $4.99. Free elements include a resort hotel, some quality-of-life changes – including increased storage, and new content in the form of furniture and Lego-themed items. The paid upgrade includes both graphic and performance updates, faster loading, differing controls including mouse controls and custom set-up for the right Joy-Con, a megaphone system to call out to residents, and multiplayer that supports up to 12 players if all have the Switch 2 edition.
Platforms: Switch 2
Release Date: January 15
MIO: Memories in Orbit
MIO features a gorgeous art and auditory experience in this metroidvania platformer. The main character is MIO, a robot, who must unravel the secrets of Vessel, a stunning world full of beautiful vegetation and machines that have all gone rogue. Within Vessel are beings called Pearls, the AI caretakers of Vessel, who have mysteriously stopped functioning. Players must traverse a dying world and lost memories to learn what happened to Vessel as well as their destiny.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, Switch 2, PC
Release Date: January 20
Cult of Lamb: Woolhaven
Woolhaven is another major DLC for the cult (no pun intended) classic ‘Cult of Lamb’. This DLC features a wintery region, fresh dungeons, and a brand-new mechanic – ranching. Where before players would find food within defeating enemies in dungeons and fishing, they can now raise, breed, ride, and even sheer their own livestock. Yes, you are a lamb running a cult raising sheep. We listen and we don’t judge.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC
Release Date: January 22
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
As part of the FFVII Remake Project for the Xbox consoles, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is coming to Xbox X and S as well as Switch 2 in mid-January. Gamers on either system can now jump into Midgar with better graphics as well as the bonus INTERmission episode that features Yuffie. For Xbox players, this game is included in Xbox Play Anywhere. FFVII Remake Intergrade is part one of the FFVII Remake Trilogy.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2
Release Date: January 22
Highguard
Highguard was the final game announced at this year’s Game Awards. It is a first-person shooter brought to life by game devs who worked on incredible titles such as Titanfall and Apex Legends. This game is listed as a PvP raid shooter allowing players to step into the role of Wardens, described as arcane gunslingers that must fight for control of a mythical continent. The game is listed as free-to-play coming only to PC as of now and the promise to release to consoles in the future.
Platforms: PC (PS5 and Xbox – Coming Soon)
Release Date: January 26
Dispatch
Dispatch is a hybrid show and game that is coming soon to Switch 2. Play as Robert Robertson, a superhero on hard times who is forced to work for a superhero dispatch center in modern day Los Angeles…as a dispatcher. If you’re someone who read choose-your-own adventures (or understands the concept), your choices throughout shape the story ahead impacting how it all unfolds. Make decisions that can make-or-break emergencies, play therapist to varying rosters of heroes with their own baggage, and save the world (or not) while riding a desk.
Platforms: Switch 2
Release Date: January 28
Dinkum – Physical Edition
Another survival life sim to potentially add to your cozy gaming needs is releasing a physical edition despite its digital release in early 2025. Dinkum is set in the Australian outback, for those who aren’t hip to Aussie slang, where you can farm, fish, and forage solo or with friends. The physical edition comes with exclusive costumes and promises from the developer for continued support, communication, and improvements.
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: January 30
Code Vein II
Jump into the direct sequel as a Revenant Hunter seeking to prevent the world’s collapse. Players with travel back in time thanks to Lou, a girl who can manipulate time. However, she is not the only companion players can choose to travel with. Varying partner characters, each with their own special abilities and stories enhance the story. Expect a post-apocalyptic world and incredible narrative as well as heart-pounding combat and a battle system utilizing the blood of enemies to pick and choose which skills one acquires. While the game releases on January 30th, players who purchase deluxe, ultimate, and collector’s edition can jump in three days sooner as well as enjoy varying perks depending on which edition is bought.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox X|S, PC
Release Date: January 30
