Best games coming out in January: from Tekken 8 to The Last Of Us Part II, here's what to play
It’s a brand new year, and what better way to spend it than by getting stuck into a brand new game? For those itching to play something a little different, January doesn’t disappoint: this month's releases promise everything from remasters (looking at you, The Last of Us Part II) to brand-new instalments of beloved franchises (Prince of Persia, anybody?).
For anyone looking to kick off 2024 in style, we’ve got you covered: here’s our list of the best games coming out over the next few weeks.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
This exciting platformer looks set to resurrect the old and much-loved Prince of Persia franchise. It's also Ubisoft’s second desert-based stab-heavy game to come out in the last six months. The Lost Crown promises players “a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate” – featuring time-based powers, a Persian-inspired Metroidvania-style world and some pretty gorgeous graphics.
Out January 18 on Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox X/S and PlayStation
Another Code: Recollection Remastered
Fans of puzzle-based games will have something to distract them during the cold winter months, as Nintendo gets ready to release its latest remaster. You play as Ashley Mizuki Robins, who must explore a mysterious mansion on the ominously-named Blood Edward Island in a bid to find out the fates of her parents. Even better, there are two games to play here: Two Memories, which was first released in 2005, and the sequel Lost Memories, which was originally released as a Wii game. It rewards the patient and detail-oriented: perfect for a cosy day in front of the fire.
Out January 19 on Nintendo Switch
The Last of Us Part II: Remastered
After the critical success of Naughty Dog’s The Last Of Us remaster in 2022 – to say nothing of the barnstorming success that was the HBO show – get ready to see The Last Of Us II in a whole new light. That’s right, the game that came out in 2020 is getting lovingly upgraded for the PS5 a mere four years later, and yes, we’re excited to see what new innovations the Naughty Dog team is going to bring to the table. Expect the obvious graphical enhancements, but there are also new gameplay modes like the roguelike survival mode No Return, the chance to explore early-development versions of beloved levels and haptic integration. Yum.
Out January 19 on PlayStation 5
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Dive back into the fabulously over-the-top world of the Street Fighter-esque Like A Dragon for the latest instalment of this Yakuza-flavoured story. Meet back up with Ichiban Kasuga as he attempts to escape his criminal past… but finds himself mugged and broke on the streets of Honolulu City. With only his wits to guide him, he must fight his way through the city’s criminal syndicates (yes they exist) to find his missing mother Akane. It looks bright, colourful, bonkers – and with 50-80 hours of gameplay to get stuck into, it’s going to be a bit of a beast.
Out January 26 on PlayStation, Xbox and Windows
Tekken 8
For those who love no-holds-barred fighting games featuring some epic combat moves, look no further. Tekken 8, the latest in the long-running Tekken franchise, will head back in time to focus on the final battle between father and son Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama – but of course you’ll also be able to do battle as a variety of characters. But it’s not all nostalgia; the game is set to introduce the ‘Heat’ feature for the very first time, which grants additional movesets, and there’s been a focus on creating a more cinematic fighting environment (i.e. more epic cutscenes and explosions). It’s also set to be the very first fighting game to use the Unreal Engine 5 platform – and initial impressions have been very positive indeed.
Out January 25 on PlayStation 5