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January is typically a dry month for new game releases, and after the surprise drop of new content last year in the final weeks of December, it's a nice break before the gaming year kicks off properly. But this year, there's a comfortably manageable number of high-profile releases to look forward to. Yakuza fans get to enjoy the next chapter in the rechristened Like a Dragon franchise, one of the best PlayStation games of the previous generation is getting a glow-up on PS5, and anyone looking to throw hands can flex their fighting game muscles with the return of Tekken. Between those big games are several smaller ones as well, indie games and early access titles that are taking advantage of the relaxed schedule as they head to PC and consoles. Virtual reality fans can get acquainted with Waggleton P. Tallylicker when Bulletstorm comes alive in VR, and Palworld looks like a fascinating Pokemon-like. If you like your pocket monsters to be armed to the teeth with military-grade hardware, that is. You can see all the highlights and the full schedule below, and for a broader view of the year ahead, you can check out GameSpot's 2024 games list and every game that has been delayed so far.
Bulletstorm VR (PC, PS5, Quest) -- January 18
Can the creative combat and imaginatively crass language of Bulletstorm hold up in virtual reality? That's the question fans of People Can Fly's 2011 FPS will be asking when the game makes the jump to VR headsets and they slip back into the boots of space-mercenary Grayson Hunt. All of the unhinged violence of the original game has been kept for this VR port, and as an added bonus, the legendary Trishka Novak will be added as an exclusive playable character. It's almost time to wield her energy blades to slice and dice through hordes of mutants.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X|S) -- January 18
It's seemingly going to be a long wait for the remake of Prince of Persia: Sands of Time to see the light of day, but at least there's a fascinating alternative out this month. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown mixes 2D action-adventure with an anime influence and stylish combos, creating a high-energy metroidvania in an era of gods and heroes. All the core elements of the classic Prince of Persia games are here--platforming, puzzle-solving, and time-based powers--and with a striking visual style, this could be one of the early highlights of 2024. It's rare for AAA devs to make metroidvanias, so The Lost Crown is a fascinating experiment for Ubisoft.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered (PS5) -- January 19
A remastered version of The Last of Us Part II on PS5 sounds like a great way to kick off the year, but there's something else to look forward to here in addition to an award-winning game with a new 4K fidelity mode, improved loading times, and "full" DualSense integration. A roguelike survival mode called No Return debuts in this new version of the game, and if taking on hordes of Clickers with an arsenal of weapons that slowly become more powerful sounds like a good time, then you're in for a treat when The Last Of Us Part II Remastered launches on January 19.
Graven (PC via Steam early access) -- January 23
Hexen might be a dead franchise, but Graven looks like a fascinating spiritual successor to that fan-favorite game of spell-slinging action. Launching in early access on Steam in January, Graven is an open-ended journey through three expansive regions where every violent problem can be solved with some magical firepower. Throw in some RPG elements, puzzles to solve, and plenty of spells to collect for your arcane arsenal, and Graven could be a fun time for anyone looking for some retro-inspired fun.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) -- January 26
Yakuza and Like a Dragon fans ate well in 2023 with the release of Like a Dragon: Ishin and Like a Dragon: Gaiden, but this year, the series has booked a ticket to the sunny shores of Hawaii. Ichiban Kasuga is back and teaming up with a legendary dragon for an adventure that might monopolize all of your free team in January. Gangs of ruffians need to be put in their places, the siren call of the gig economy can't be ignored, and there's even a chance to go full Animal Crossing when this game arrives later this month. You can save 13% on your Steam key preorder at GameSpot sister site Fanatical.
Tekken 8 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) -- January 26
Get ready for the next big fighting game! 2023 was headlined by Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1, but for 2024, Tekken 8 is lacing up its boots and stepping into the ring. It's the best-looking game in the franchise to date, the launch-day roster is gigantic. There's a new emphasis on aggression with the new Heat Gauge system rewarding players for relentless pummeling. At its core, Tekken 8 is still a story about fathers and sons, but with Leopard-themed Lucha libre wrestlers, a French take on James Bond, and lethal high school ruffians in the mix, it looks to be a healthy one-two combo of serious storytelling and absurd grudge matches for fans to look forward to. You can save 16% on your Steam key preorder at GameSpot sister site Fanatical.
Palworld (PC) -- January TBC (PC via Steam early access)
What is Palworld? Developer Pocketpair has kept a low profile on its Pokemon-with-guns game ever since it was first revealed, but at long last, the game will be available in early access via Steam sometime in January. Described as a monster-catching, survival, and crafting game by the developer, Palworld looks like an ambitious take on those genres. Players collect exotic critters and keep the peace with an assortment of super-effective firearms.
January 2024 video game release schedule
- Laika: Aged Through Blood (Switch) -- January 11
- Momodora: Moonlit FarewellWar Hospital (PC) -- January 11
- Top Racer Collection (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) -- January 11
- Crystal Story: Dawn of Dusk (PC) -- January 12
- Gungrave G.O.R.E Ultimate Enhanced Edition (Switch) -- January 12
- DreadOut 2 (Switch) -- January 18
- Bulletstorm VR (PC, PS5, Quest) -- January 18
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X|S) -- January 18
- Another Code: Recollection (Switch) -- January 19
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered (PS5) -- January 19
- Graven (PC) -- January 23
- Howl (PS5, Xbox Series X) -- January 23
- Neptunia: Sisters vs. Sisters (Switch) -- January 23
- Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch) -- January 25
- Macross: Shooting Insight (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch) -- January 25
- Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island (Switch) -- January 25
- Touhou Luna Nights (PS5, PS4) -- January 25
- Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes] (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch)-- January 25
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) -- January 26
- Tekken 8 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) -- January 26
- The Lost Legends of Redwall: The Scout Anthology (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) -- January 30
- Palworld (PC) -- January TBC (PC via Steam early access)
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