The biggest games releasing in January 2025

When it comes to game releases, January is the only time of year that is traditionally as slow as December. The holiday shopping is done, people are busy chasing resolutions, and they’ve spent all the money they want to spend for a while. Plus, the Game Awards have already happened and games from December and January are often forgotten to consider next time.

There’s not much reason to release a game now. As such, this month is pretty slow, especially considering what a blast of a year 2024 was for top games. Still, there are still some great games on the way, especially if you’re a PC gamer who enjoys previously exclusive PlayStation titles.

Editor’s Note: All of the games on this month’s list are traditional “Web2” video games with no known crypto or blockchain elements. But you might like them anyway.

Hyperlightbreaker

Release date: January 14
Platforms: PC (steam)

Hyper Light Drifter was a darling from the Kickstarter days of indie game development, featuring stunning pixel art and a wordless story to support an overhead action game with strong mechanics. Now Heart Machine returns to the franchise to take things to a whole new dimension, with a 3D open-world game instead of a 2D experience like the original.

This release date marks the game’s early access debut on PC via Steam. The developers promise fun, frenetic combat with a bold visual style that draws from the original pixel aesthetic, and you can play solo or jump online for co-op.

Donkey Kong Country returns to HD

Release date: January 16
Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD brings the original Wii game, released in 2010, into the modern era with a high-def upgrade. It also includes additional content from the Nintendo 3DS release back then.

Donkey Kong Country was a visual powerhouse in the days of the SNES and has long been a favorite platformer among Nintendo franchises. This entry thankfully keeps the spirit and immersive game design of Rare’s ’90s classics intact, now with more flash.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Release date: January 23
Platforms: PC (Epic Games Store, Steam)

Less than a year after its release on PlayStation 5, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second part in the new Final Fantasy VII remake saga, comes to PC. The first game (FF7 Remake) included the first part of the original, Midgar, and this takes you out into the world, visiting locations such as Cosmo Canyon and the Golden Saucer casino and introducing the game’s later companions such as Cait Sith and Cid .

While people aren’t as excited about Rebirth as they were with Remake, it’s definitely still worth checking out, with stunning visuals and a new and different take on a classic game.

Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles

Release date: January 23
Platforms: PS5/PS4, Xbox Series X/S + One, Switch, PC (GOG.com, Steam)

This remastered, side-scrolling beat ’em up, lifted from 2000 and remastered 25 years later, takes you through the events of Star Wars: Episode I, playing as many of the Jedi from that film: Obi-Wan, Qui -Gon Jinn, Mace Windu and more: Use your lightsaber and Force powers to battle different types of enemies as you take back the Theed Royal Palace.

In addition to single-player gaming, Jedi Power Battles offers both local co-op and cheat codes (now making a real return) with additional characters like Darth Maul and more.

Spider Man 2

Release date: January 30
Platforms: PC (Epic Games Store, Steam)

Once again step into the shoes of the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man to protect Manhattan from new threats: Kraven the Hunter and the alien symbiote Venom. You can play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, switching between them during the game to experience their separate parts of the story.

This game offers faster, more exciting movement that involves web-slinging and hovering, along with a collection of new suits, new mini-games, and plenty to do as you explore the world. This was a banger when it debuted on PS5 in late 2023, and now it’s launching on PC.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward vector

Release date: January 31
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC (Epic Games Store, GOG.com, Steam), Mac

One of the best written games of 2022 is getting a sequel. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector contains many of the same elements as the first, including dice-driven gameplay and difficult choices. You’re still a rogue android trying to escape your past and help everyone along the way.

This time, however, you are no longer limited to one space station. You have to upgrade a ship, recruit a crew and complete contracts. If this game can expand on its vision while still maintaining the same level of writing and tough choices as the original, then it will be a treat.

Edited by Andrew Hayward