Amplitude (Jan. 5)
Amplitude is that classic rhythm game that paved the way for titles such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero with its slick music, fast pace, and stunning visuals. When the Kickstarter was announced for a re-imagining of the PS2 classic, music games fans were excited. After some hard work and a bit of going back to the drawing board, Amplitude has become something that an entirely new generation of gamers can enjoy as we move into yet another great year of gaming.
A much more intuitive gameplay scheme, original music, an interesting story, and new visuals that do the classic justice make Amplitude a must have. Whether you’re looking for some nostalgia feels or trying to find out why people can’t get enough of rhythm games, there is no better place to start. You can pick this one up on PS3 or PS4 when it finally releases.
Darkest Dungeon (Jan. 19)
Darkest Dungeon is an RPG that is probably unlike anything you’ve ever played. A unique, hand-drawn, gothic art style gives it an intriguing look. But it’s insane difficulty and the psychological warfare the game seems to want to throw you in is what keeps you hooked. It’s been in Steam Early Access for quite some time, but it is finally getting a full release later this month.
If you’re the type who prefers to wait for full releases rather than sit through a development cycle, your time to get in on what has everyone angry with delight is upon you. You can grab this on PC when it finally gets its full release on the 19th.
Resident Evil 0 Remaster (Jan. 19)
Resident Evil 0 is one of the last really good entries into the main series. While the episodic Revelations proved to be impressive, the numbered iterations haven’t fared too well ever since the games began to take a drastically different approach to the gameplay. Resident Evil 0 kept things close to the classic gameplay fans fell in love with in the first place while still managing to mix things up a bit.
Two protagonists caught in a tricky situation that precedes the original classic sets the stage for a terrifying and puzzling experience that was previously exclusive to the Nintendo Gamecube. If you never got a chance to enjoy the horrors for yourself, you will be able to experience them on the PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, and PC when the nightmare returns on Jan. 19.
If you’re looking to really kick up the nostalgia, you can pick up the Origins Collection on the same day instead. It includes both Resident Evil 0 Remastered and the recently released remaster of the original game.
Darkest Dungeon and this on the same day? January looks to bring the scares right away.
Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam (Jan. 22)
There’s just something about Mario and his taller (and angrier) brother, Luigi, that makes their adventures must plays. Combining the Mushroom Kingdom we all know and love with the Paper Mario world, the plumbing siblings set out on an all-new RPG adventure filled with new combat mechanics, hilarious dialogue, and adorable visuals. The brothers are at it again, and if Bowser and Paper Bowser think they can win this time, you’ll show them that they got another thing coming.
The game has been available in a couple of regions for a few weeks now, but North American players will finally get their hands on this gem on Jan. 22. So charge up your Nintendo 3DS and prepare to save the kingdom…again.
Final Fantasy Explorers (Jan. 26)
Final Fantasy has managed to grab all of the spotlight once again. Whether it’s due to the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Remake or FFXIV’s tumultuous housing situation, it can’t stay out of the news. Final Fantasy Explorers will keep it there, but hopefully in a much more pleasant light.
A handheld adventure full of ARPG fun, loads of customization, over 20 jobs to level up, and 4-player multiplayer action is definitely something the series needs. Combine all this with the ability to recruit classic heroes such as Cloud Strife, Lightning, and Squall and you have a robust Final Fantasy experience bursting from your 3DS.
LEGO Marvel’s Avengers (Jan. 26)
You just can’t go wrong with a LEGO game. The adorably animated toys, the odd humor that just happens to be absolutely perfect for all ages, and the action that maintains a level of detail that it puts other, non-family-safe games to shame, make the franchise a go to. This month they take on the Avengers and allow fans to play through the movies as well as some new story bits that tie in even more of the Marvel Universe.
If you’ve been needing that Marvel itch scratched ever since LEGO Marvel Superheroes, you’ll finally get what you’ve been looking for. You’ll be able to grab this on the PS4, Xbox One, Wii U, PS3, Xbox 360, Vita, 3DS, and PC.
The Witness (Jan. 26)
Jonathan Blow’s follow-up to Braid is a highly ambitious open world filled to the brim with puzzles and mysteries. The lush expanse that awaits players will be designed to guide and teach, and with the exception of a few audio files to help out with narrative, the players will be on their own. An experience centered around exploration and discovery is what Blow is aiming for, and from the looks of it, that is exactly what awaits us in The Witness later this month.
You’ll be able to snag this anticipated indie title for both PS4 and PC when it drops on the 26th.
This War of Mine (Jan. 29)
This War of Mine is by no means a ‘new’ game. It has been available on PC since 2014 and has enthralled many players with its adherence to the true horrors of war. It holds no hands and has not even an ounce of sugar coating. Players must survive the harsh natures of war in this strategy game by any means necessary. They can try and be civil, bargaining with and helping others. Or they can go for a more ‘survival of the fittest’ approach, and take what they need no matter where or, more importantly, who it comes from.
The gripping story and dark tones of this indie title make it definitely worth a play. You’ll be able to experience the war yourself on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One come the 29th. Just remember, This War of Mine is fought by all, and there are no true winners when the despair truly sets in.
Are there any games that have you excited as the new year finally kicks off? Anything you feel was left off of this list? If so, feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.
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