It’s the beginning of a new year, and despite being a weaker month usually for releases, there’s a selection of highly anticipated January 2024 games to look forward to. From intense fights inTekken 8to the calmer, puzzle-basedAnother Code: Recollection,there’s something for everyone.
Another Code: Recollection(Switch)
Publisher:NintendoDeveloper:NintendoPrice:$59.99Release Date:January 19Trailer
It’s a delight when a lesser-known game gets another chance on a newer platform.Another Code: Recollectionincludes two DS and Wii puzzle games (one never released in North America) about Ashley, a 13-year-old girl looking for answers. She’s uncovering the truth about her parents as you solve puzzles on the stunning remote Blood Edward Island. There’s new voice acting, visuals, and music to make the game feel more modern on the Nintendo Switch.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered(PS5)
Publisher:PlayStationDeveloper:Naughty DogPrice:$49.99 (or $9.99 for the PS4-PS5 upgrade)Release Date:January 19Trailer
Naughty Dog, whether you like it or not, is releasing a new remastered version of the PS4 gameThe Last of Us Part II.Thankfully, it won’t be full price. If you have the PS4 game already, the upgrade only costs $9.99.
Despite the apprehension, this game does have a bunch of new features. First and foremost there’s the roguelike survival mode calledNo Return.There will be plenty of enemies in your path, and a return to some familiar settings throughout the series so far. It will be all randomized.
We’ll also gain access to the Lost Levels that lets us play early development workings from the game cut from the final product. Another impressive feat is that the game outputs 4K in Fidelity mode, adding higher quality visuals on-screen. Despite it being a remaster, it’s arguably one of the most anticipated January 2024 games, due to the series’ prestige alone. It’s a shamethe multiplayer game was canceled, however.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth(PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Publisher:SegaDeveloper:Ryu Ga Gotoku StudioPrice:$69.99Release Date:January 26Trailer
The turn-based RPG antics of Ichiban and his friends return inLike a Dragon:Infinite Wealth. He’ll be exploring Hawaii, battling thugs, and starting up a new village in a newAnimal Crossing-inspired side mode. It has also been teased that this could be Kazuma Kiryu’s farewell to the series as he’s battling cancer. Get the tissues ready if you play this game.
As always, expect some drama and some bombastic comedic moments inInfinite Wealthjust like pastYakuzaandLike a Dragongames. If you play the last entryThe Man Who Erased His Name,you canplay a demoright now.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown(PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC)
Publisher:UbisoftDeveloper:UbisoftPrice:$49.99Release Date:January 18Trailer
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crownis looking like a promising revival of a beloved Ubisoft franchise. This one’s taking a 2D Metroidvania route with astonishing bosses, plenty of time powers to unlock, and exhilarating platforming from what the trailers have shown so far. “The combat system inThe Lost Crownis extremely fluid and fast-paced,” saidour preview. Sargon has a quick light attack, a heavy attack that takes longer to perform but deals more damage, a block, and a dash-style evade.”
The combat looks fast and deadly with combos that have you soaring across the sky and crushing your foes to the ground. Hopefully, this game will live up to its potential when it releases on January 18.
Tekken 8(PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Publisher:Bandai NamcoDeveloper:Bandai NamcoPrice:$69.99Release Date:January 26Trailer
The epic fighting game series returns for this generation withTekken 8.The visuals are enhanced, the stages are destructible, and the new Heat system will heighten each battle greatly. There will be 32 characters at launch.
Unlike many other fighting games at launch,Tekken 8is packed with content from day one. The story continues six months after the events ofTekken 7as Jin and Kazuya fight it out in an awe-inspiring clash. There’s also theall-new Arcade Quest, which has you playing as your own avatar and unfolding a narrative as we battle it out among a series of arcades. It sounds like a great way to learn the game for newcomers to the series.
Honorable mentions
There are even more January 2024 games to expect, including another fighting game and a newTamagotchigame exclusive to iOS platforms.
