Welcome to a new year with more exciting games promising us wonderful experiences. Once again we’ll be providing our picks for January while reminiscing over what came before. Last month we had some good and straight-up atrocious releases. We finally got to see what The Day Before had in store for us but sadly that crashed and burned (didn’t even last a week). Luckily games like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora came and gave us a fantastic experience set in a wonderful Sci-Fi world. There was also some fun and spooky VR experiences with Five Nights At Freddy’s Help Wanted 2 and Arizona Sunshine 2.
Now we’re beginning 2024 with the start of some big hitters and interesting indie games. We have long-awaited sequels, another adventure with former Yakuza, some remasters, early access experiences and plenty of unknown potential hits. Let’s not delay any further, here are eight games to look out for in January (2024).
War Hospital
To start the new year is a game that takes us back in time to the First World War. Developed by Brave Lamb Studio, War Hospital provides a look into the life of a combat medic during World War One. Take charge of a WW1 field hospital on the Western Front, and make all the decisions necessary to help the soldiers recover and to support the war effort. Prepare the anaesthetic and bandages when War Hospital releases on January 11th for PC and PS5.
Use whatever means to construct and manage medical facilities during the Great War
What We Know About War Hospital
Nearing the end of WW1, step into the shoes of Major Henry Wells, a retired British combat medic, recalled to the trenches. With dwindling resources and overwhelming odds, stand as the final hope for countless soldiers on the French Front. Be in control of a field hospital and take care of numerous injuries caused by the war. Use authentic tools from the era and witness the evolution of both equipment and techniques. Manage a staff of community healers and ignite hope among the wounded soldiers. Dive into a war game that underscores the value of life over the shadow of death.
War Hospital is a 3D isometric RTS where you control the medical corps instead of soldiers. Deal with injuries from bullets, shelling, and chemical-based inflictions, to mental trauma and more. Make difficult choices with every patient, saving one life may cost the lives of others down the line. There is no right answer; nonetheless, every decision will have both short and long-term consequences. Managing your medical camp will be tough, keep an eye on supplies and the conditions of both staff and patients. As the war rages on, you’ll face different injuries requiring new tools that may be out of reach. Use alternative methods to save lives even if you have to cut corners to do so. Keep your facility running or the last hope in the frontline will be lost.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Next, we have a return to one of Ubisoft’s oldest franchises, with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. The new entry will continue the mythical themes of the franchise but with a new protagonist. It will be a 2D side-scroller set in the mythological Persian world full of time-corrupted creatures to defeat. Begin the adventure of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown on January 18th for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Use the powers of time and space to pull off creative moves to defeat your foes
What We Know About Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
In this new adventure, play as Sargon, a young gifted warrior and member of the elite group, The Immortals. The story involves Sargon and the Immortals travelling to the cursed Mount Olaf to rescue Prince Ghassan. As they journey forth, they soon realise that time itself is against them and that the world balance must be restored. Inspired by Metroidvanias, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown lets players explore a handcrafted world at their own pace. From the majestic Citadel of Knowledge to the colourful landscapes of the Hyrcanian Forest, players will discover a variety of environments inspired by Persian mythology.
Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate. By acquiring new time powers, unlocking unique abilities, and combining them in combat, Sargon will progressively delve deeper into Mount Qaf, solving puzzles, finding secrets, and completing exciting side quests. Go from a sword-wielding prodigy to an extraordinary legend performing deadly combos on mythological creatures. Purchase powerful amulets from shopkeepers and use them in battle to boost your combat and platforming skills. There are plenty of puzzles and hidden treasures to find and solve while uncovering the mysteries of Mount Olaf.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered
For our next pick, we’ve chosen Naughty Dog’s remaster of The Last of Us Part II. Return to the game that won over 300 Game of the Year awards, now with an array of technical enhancements. Alongside the improvements are new parts of the game to explore, outfits to unlock and a whole new experience to the series. Experience the definitive way to play Ellie and Abby’s story when it releases on January 19th exclusively for PS5.
Play as never before playable characters like Dina, Jesse, Lev, Tommy and more!
What We Know About The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Return to the apocalyptic world of The Last of Us, where its been five years since Ellie and Joel’s perilous journey. Now settled down amongst a thriving community of survivors. Things seem peaceful until a violent event plunges their lives into a dangerous crossroads with a new group of survivors. Play as both returning character Ellie and newcomer Abby in a tale of justice and revenge. Alongside the sequel’s story, The Last of Us Part II Remastered features hours of new developer commentary. One new addition to the story is Lost Levels. Explore early-development versions of three new levels not seen in the original The Last of Us Part II: Sewers, Jackson Party and Boar Hunt.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered comes with an array of technical enhancements. Including 4K output in Fidelity Mode, 1440p upscaled to 4K in Performance Mode, and an unlocked framerate option for TVs that support VRR. The remaster also includes improved load times and descriptive audio and speech-to-vibrations added to its already large amount of accessibility features. The biggest addition to the remaster though is the new roguelike game mode called No Return. Survive as long as you can in each run as you choose your path through a series of randomized encounters featuring different foes and memorable locations from throughout The Last of Us Part II, all culminating in tense boss battles.
Enshrouded
Fans of survival RPGs might be interested with this pick. Developed by Keen Games, Enshrouded is an action-packed survival RPG set in the magical realm of Embervale. Combining survival, crafting, and RPG combat, fully explore and shape your destiny in the expansive open world. Forge your path alone or with friends when Enshrouded releases on January 24th in early access for PC.
Start with nothing but the will to survive the wilds, scrape together what you can and shape your destiny
What We Know About Enshrouded
Play as one of the Flameborn, a last ember of hope of a dying race. They are magic-wielding heroes who possess an assortment of remarkable abilities. These powers have the potential to restore the fallen realm of Embervale from the sinister blight where the Shroud entwines with the core of the continent. Hunt, gather, and craft to unleash your power and untangle the secrets of a ruined realm of epic beauty. Venture into the lush forests, unyielding deserts, deep fissures, and lost dungeons of the land. The infamous Shroud consumes the land, corrupting and mutating all the life it encounters. Cleave your way through ravaging factions and formidable bosses, battling Scavenger in the forests, Vukah in the caves, and Fell creatures in the mist.
Whilst exploring the world of Embervale, unleash your creative vision with Enshrouded‘s voxel-based building mechanics. Create grand architecture on an epic scale, customised with a vast assortment of materials and furniture. Craft and customize a staggering array of legendary weapons and armour to become a force to be reckoned with. You’ll need to master the shield, the sword, the staff and the bow to withstand the merciless advance of the Shroud. Duck, parry, and surprise your foes with unexpected fighting skills and powerful spells. Exploit the weaknesses of your enemies as you develop your unique playstyle with an in-depth skill tree system. Join with friends in 16-player co-op gameplay. Carve out unique roles and complementary skills that will prove your worth in battle as together you raid, gather treasure, and overcome the Fell hordes that ravage the land. Are you ready to embark on this thrilling adventure and restore hope to Embervale?
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Hold it! For our next pick, we’ll be taking you to court to serve some justice in Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy. This trilogy brings courtroom catharsis and devious legal duels to newer platforms. The games contained in the trilogy are Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice. These updated versions come with new features and technical enhancements. Experience the Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy when it releases on January 25th for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Apollo Justice’s Legal Journey Begins Anew!
What We Know About Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Play as rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, Phoenix Wright in the newest trilogy collection. Based several years after the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy, Play through Apollo’s career through three games featuring intriguing storylines and wacky shenanigans. This collection of games features a combined total of 16 episodes from the three games (including DLC).
Players can now experience the courtroom in full high-definition in seven languages, including Japanese, English, French, German, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. Stop by the Orchestra Hall, listen to the in-game background music and select orchestral arrangements. Visit the Art Library and view illustrations, design specs, commissioned pieces and even the special Spirit of Justice Prologue anime. Play around in the Animation Studio and recreate your favourite scenes by fiddling with character animations.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Our next pick is probably one of the biggest releases in January and that’s Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios is back with its next crazy adventure featuring two larger-than-life heroes brought together by the hands of fate. Embark on an RPG odyssey that is so expansive that it stretches across the Pacific. Engage in outrageous and dynamic RPG battles involving numerous classes and special moves. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth releases on January 26th for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Team up with new characters alongside veteran characters in the franchise
What We Know About Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
In the direct sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, join Kasuga Ichiban and former protagonist Kazuma Kiryu in co-lead adventure. They’ll be exploring the returning Isezaki Ijincho district of Yokohama, alongside Honolulu City set in Hawaii. Following a tip from a former ally, Kasuga travels to Honolulu in search of his biological mother. At the same time, Kiryu is searching for Akane per the Daidoji faction’s orders. Their lives will intertwine and they’ll team up to protect her from various local dangers. In the background of these events, Kiryu confesses to Kasuga that he’s contracted cancer and has an undetermined amount of time to live.
Similar to the last mainline entry, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the game employs turn-based combat involving up to four characters in your party. Each character can choose from numerous jobs (in-game classes), that grant them distinctive perks and playstyles. Kiryu has a unique job “Dragon of Dojima”, allowing him to switch between multiple fighting styles, while allowing him to temporarily perform real-time combat. Dive deep into the cultures of Japan and Hawaii in a journey spanning the Pacific. From intriguing quests to leisurely activities, every step promises memorable moments to cherish. In addition to returning minigames like Karaoke, Darts, and Mahjong, new minigames are introduced for Infinite Wealth. Play Crazy Delivery, a food delivery game inspired by Crazy Taxi, Sujimon Battle, a Pokémon parody game, and a major side activity where Kasuga manages his own resort island.
Tekken 8
Fighting game fans will be interested in this pick, with Tekken 8, the next exciting chapter in the franchise. Developed by Bandai Namco, Tekken 8 brings a new roster of playable fighters, all with their own unique fighting styles. With completely redesigned character visuals, a new battle system, fantastic stage design, and all built using Unreal Engine 5. Tekken 8 promises a grand roster of 32 characters, alongside more on the way after release. Prepare for fists to clash when Tekken 8 releases on January 26th for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Unleash grand super moves that will enthrall both players and spectators alike.
What We Know About Tekken 8
Holding the record for the longest-running video game storyline, Tekken 8 continues the narrative with a new chapter. Delving deeper into the tumultuous saga of the Mishima and Kazama lineages. The story continues six months after the climactic end of the previous showdown, where Jin proclaims to destroy Kazuya and the cursed Mishima bloodline. Tekken 8 will centre around Jin and his companions as they plan to take down Kazuya once and for all. A big aspect of Tekken 8’s story is the return of Jun Kazama, Jin’s mother who hasn’t been seen since Tekken 2.
The gameplay of Tekken 8, is said to be focused mostly on aggression thanks to the new battle system. The Heat system rewards aggressiveness rather than defensive/patient play. Tekken 8 uses new-generation hardware to bring highly detailed character visuals built from the ground up. Including vivid environments and destructible stages, creating the ultimate play experience. New game modes arrive like Arcade Quest, allowing you to craft unique avatars and battle a variety of rivals across multiple arcades. All of these hard-hitting mechanics come together to make Tekken 8 the most exciting instalment in the series to date!
Dark Light
Finally, our last pick is the Sci-Fi 2D action-platformer, Dark Light, developed by Mirari & Co. Explore an apocalyptic cyberpunk world filled with supernatural beings. Experience intense hack-and-slash combat in riveting souls-like gameplay. Explore this dark unknown world and enhance your abilities with cyberware while facing supernatural entities to seal the Dark Void and end the eternal darkness. Dark Light releases on January 30th for PS4 and PS5.
Enjoy cinematic-grade graphics with a retro aesthetic, detailed character and environment designs, and lush visual effects when exploring the world.
What We Know About Dark Light
Dark Light is set in the aftermath of the apocalypse where the world is shrouded in an impenetrable darkness. The world now belongs to the creatures birthed from the Dark Void. You play as the last of the Dark Hunters, an elite group of human warriors who are entrusted with sealing the Dark Void and rescuing humanity. Venture into the heart of this darkness, into the mysterious and perilous zones now claimed by the night.
Explore a post-apocalyptic world of dark zones, where you can choose your own path and uncover ancient secrets. Travel through handcrafted maps, battle your way through gruesome castles, and descend into forgotten machine temples. Experience a nightmarish realm of possibilities and uncover the mysterious powers of the Underground City, hidden beneath the Great Swamp. Augment your abilities with cyberwares, face the supernatural entities that lurk in the shadows, and engage in brutal combat against hordes of ferocious creatures. Collect their energy shards, join a faction, unlock skills, and face epic bosses in your relentless pursuit to halt the cycle of eternal darkness.
Have any other games you’ve got your eye on during January? Let us know in the comments below!
