Five Games You Have To Play This January
2019 is upon us. The holidays are over, the fireworks have exploded and the hangovers are starting to fade. While there are plenty of massive games from 2018 that still demand completion, there’s something intoxicating about picking up a new game to start off the new year.
Not sure what to play? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below are the five games that you have to play this coming January, no excuses.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe:
Release Date 11 January 2019
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Bayonetta 2. Mario Kart 8. Even the addition of every character that has ever brawled in the series to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Nintendo have come to terms with the fact that the Wii U was not the universal success that they had originally hoped it would be, but also acknowledge that some stellar games were released for the tablet-based system and have made it their mission to release these titles to the larger market that the Switch has gained.
This 2D side-scrolling adventure starring everyone’s favourite moustached plumber was originally released in 2012 on the Wii U and is set for re-release on the Switch. It brings with it all of the patented platforming excellence that one would expect from Mario along with the New Super Luigi U expansion for all you Luigi mains out there. The Switch edition also boasts two exclusive characters: Nabbit and Toadette. If you missed out the first time around, or just want more of that Mario magic, this is the game for you.
YIIK: A Postmodern RPG:
Release Date 17 January 2019.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PSVita, PC, Nintendo Switch.
This indie title is a JRPG following eight strangers, a mysterious woman who vanishes in an elevator and features weaponised panda plushies. As such, YIIK: A Postmodern RPG is unlike all other games on this list. Images of the title, produced by Ackk Studios, first surfaced in 2013 and teased a quirky, artistic experience unrivalled in the market.
With a vibrant and colourful aesthetic and an outside of the box premise, YIIK has the makings to be something truly special in 2019. Set in the 1990s, the protagonist attacks his foes with vinyl records, building up combos by scratching the disc at the correct time. This is only one of the many gameplay mechanics that sets it apart from its rivals. With indie RPG juggernauts such as Undertale and Stardew Valley already in the market, YIIK could be the next big sensation.
Life Is Strange 2 - Episode 2: Rules:
Release Date 24 January 2019
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
The second chapter of the episodic graphic adventure videogame Life Is Strange 2 follows on from the story of Sean and Daniel Diaz that started in 2018. Without spoiling any of the story beats of the first episode, developers DONTNOD Entertainment have crafted a story full of charm and heart and adopted the decision-making storytelling technique made famous by Telltale Games before their unfortunate dismantling. It is surprisingly thrilling, and manages to sink its claws into you without you even noticing.
DONTNOD have confirmed that the second episode of this title will revisit the story of Captain Spirit that had been introduced in The Awesome Adventure of Captain Spirit, an awesome free game released before the first chapter of Life Is Strange 2. That alone will have Life Is Strange fans rushing to download the latest installment as soon as it is released. If you’ve not yet joined the Diaz family on their adventures, get caught up before this second episode is unleashed.
Resident Evil 2:
Release Date 25 January 2019
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
21 years ago, Leon Kennedy experienced the worst first day at work of all time when Raccoon City got infected with the t-Virus in Resident Evil 2. Zombies, lickers and massive alligators, oh my! Following the infamous events that took place at the Arklay Mansion, the original Resident Evil 2 has since been hailed as a classic, introducing a unique version of the story depending on if the player chose to begin the adventure as Leon Kennedy or Claire Redfield. It also injected nightmares into the minds of millions around the world with its gore and innovative enemy design, which future titles have tried (and failed) to replicate in the years that followed.
Resident Evil fans had been clamoring for a fresh lick of paint to be added to this beloved game ever since the original Resident Evil was remade in 2002 for the GameCube. Capcom obliged, revealing a rebirth of the beloved PSX title that ditched the fixed camera angle approach in favour of an over-the-shoulder view akin to Leon’s other famous entry in the series, Resident Evil 4. Previews for the game look like it is going to be equal parts running and gunning and not one to be missed by fans of the survival horror genre.
Kingdom Hearts III:
Release Date 28 January 2019
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Square Enix’s ambitious RPG crossover with Disney worlds and characters should not have worked, but since the original Kingdom Hearts debuted in 2002 the series has become one of the most popular in all of gaming. Despite being the 16th entry in the series, Kingdom Hearts III is only the third numbered installment following a 13 year gap since Kingdom Hearts II.
As a result, expectations are at an all-time high. Luckily Square Enix have revealed the addition of beloved franchises such as Frozen, Toy Story and Monsters Inc. to the upcoming game to fulfill all of our crossover fantasies. This isn’t a game you’re going to want to miss.
Other upcoming releases:
| ____________ | ___________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| 11 January | |Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey (Nintendo 3DS) |
| 15 January | |Onimusha: Warlords (PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One) |
| 17 January | |Yakuza 4 (PlayStation 4) |
| 18 January | |Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (PlayStation 4, Xbox One) |
| 25 January | |Tropico 6 (PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One) |
| 29 January | |Air Conflicts: Double Pack (Nintendo Switch) |
| 31 January | |Robotics: Notes DaSH (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4) |
Is there anything we missed? Let us know what games you’re going to spend your January nights blasting through.
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