The biggest games to be released in January 2025

When it comes to game releases, the only time of year that's as slow as December is January. Holiday shopping is over, people are busy chasing resolutions, and they've spent all the money they want to spend on a little something. Also, game awards happen early, and games from December and January are often forgotten when they are considered the next time around.

There isn't much reason to release a game now. As such, this month is pretty slow—especially when you consider what 2024 has been like for top-tier games. Even so, there are still some great games on the way, especially if you're a PC gamer who loves previously PlayStation-only titles.

Editor's Note: All of the games on this month's list are traditional “Web2” video games with unknown crypto or blockchain components. But you can love them anyway.

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Hyper light breaker

Release Date: January 14 Platforms: PC (Steam)

Hyper Light Drifter was an indie game darling of the Kickstarter days, an action game backed by strong mechanics with stunning pixel art and a wordless story. Now, Heart Machine is returning to the franchise to take things to a whole new level with a 3D open-world game like the original 2D experience.

This release date marks early access to the game on PC via Steam. The developers are promising fun and frenetic combat with a bold visual style enhanced from the original pixel aesthetic, and you can play on your own or jump online to co-op.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

Release Date: January 16 Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Donkey Kong Returns HD brings the original Wii game—released in 2010—into the modern age in high definition. It will also feature additional content from Nintendo 3DS releases coming later.

Donkey Kong Country was a visual force during the SNES era, and a fan-favorite platformer among Nintendo franchises. This entry thankfully keeps the spirit and compelling game design of Rare's 90s classics intact, now with more sparkle.

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 entry in the new Final Fantasy VII remake saga – is coming to PC. The first game (FF7 Remake) covered the first episode of Midgar, and this one takes you into the world, visiting places like Cosmo Canyon and the Golden Saucer Casino, and introduces the game's background companions like Cait Sith and Cid.

While people aren't quite as hot on Rebirth as they were, it's still worth checking out, offering 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)

Taken from 2000 and remastered 25 years later, this remastered, side-scrolling 'em up takes you back to Star Wars: Episode 1, starring many of the Jedi featured in that film – Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon Jinn, Mace. Windu et al – use lightning and force power to fight against different types of enemies as they take back Ted's Royal Palace. By using

In addition to single-player gameplay, Jedi Power Battles features local co-op and cheat codes – now there's real throwing – additional characters like Darth Maul and more.

Spider-Man 2

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

Step into the shoes of friendly neighborhood Spider-Man: Kraven the Hunter and the alien symbiote Venom to protect Manhattan from new threats. You can play as Peter Parker and Miles Morales, switching between them throughout the game to experience their respective parts of the story.

This game features a faster, more fun ride with not only slingshots, but also lightning, new clothing sets, new mini-games, and more to do as you explore the world. This was a banger when it launched on PS5 in late 2023, and now it's launching on PC.

Citizen Sleep 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 Sleep 2: Starward Vector features many of the same elements as the original, including gameplay driven by dice rolls and hard choices. You're still a rogue android trying to escape your past and help everyone you can along the way.

This time, however, they are no longer limited to a single space station. You have a ship to upgrade, a crew to hire and contracts to complete. If this game can expand its horizons while maintaining the same level of writing and difficult choices as the original, it will be great.

Edited by Andrew Hayward.