The first month of the year has come and gone. There were some big releases that we covered in the previous edition, alongside one which became a bit of a surprise hit with Hi-Fi Rush.
Now we enter February, where love may be in the air with Valentine’s day right in the middle of it, followed with some partying with Mardi Gras.
But even if you’ll be alone for the festivities, there’s likely to be at least one game coming out that you’ll love. Here’s our Niche Release Recap:
1. Hogwarts Legacy
Fans of Harry Potter will be able to live out their dreams and attention the famous school created in the wizarding world in Hogwarts Legacy. The developers have gone to great lengths to create a vast and detailed world to immerse players as they roleplay being a wizard or witch.
Of course it’s not just a game where you’ll see familiar sights, but also a fully fledged RPG where players will learn and use magic in combat while completing the various side quests given by the many students of the school.
Hogwarts Legacy launches February 10th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store). Ports for last gen consoles and Nintendo Switch are set to release at a later date.
2. Wanted: Dead
Wanted: Dead is an action game made by developers who’ve worked on Ninja Gaiden and the Dead or Alive series. Described as a love letter to the 6th generation of consoles (PS2, Gamecube, etc), it brings high octane actions inspired by old school gaming.
Players will take on the role of an elite police task force known as the Zombie Unit. Throughout the story, they’ll find themselves in battle to uncover a massive corporate conspiracy against mercenaries, gang members and private military contractors in a cyberpunk setting.
Wanted: Dead will launch on February 14th for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam).
3. Tales of Symphonia Remastered
Tales of Symphonia finds itself getting a new coat of paint as it gets remastered for more modern consoles. The classic JRPG experience still remains strong ever since it’s initial launch back on the PS2 and Gamecube.
While the remaster is stated not to add anything new beyond standard technological improvements. It likely won’t be a problem considering the game is the most popular in the franchise. The team have also promised that nothing will be cut either from the game.
Tales of Symphonia Remastered releases February 17th for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. A Nintendo Switch launch is expected later.
4. Wild Hearts
Wild Hearts is EA’s attempt to take on the massively popular Monster Hunter series with a hunting game of their own. It packs some heavy talent, being developed by Omega Force, the minds behind the Dynasty Warriors series.
Players will be able to explore a fantasy world based on Japan while teaming up with their friends to take on giant monsters. As more foes fall, you’ll be able to gather resources to create new weapons to aid in combat.
Wild Hearts comes out for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store) on February 17th.
5. Atomic Hearts
Atomic Hearts is a visceral first person shooter where a world has found itself turned upside when the robots originally built to serve rebel against their creators. Of course it’s up to the players to fight back and solve this strange mystery.
And they’ll be able to do it thanks to a plethora of powerful weapons, explosives, and their experimental power glove (Not like the Nintendo one). It’s looking to be a gory adventure for those looking for something hardcore.
Atomic Hearts launches on February 21th for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam).
6. Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is the remake of a spinoff to the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise. While the main games take place in the modern world, Like a Dragon: Ishin! takes place in the late Edo period of Japan.
The original was released not long ago exclusive in Japan for PS4. However this remake creates the game again from the ground up using the Unreal Engine 4 and find its way around the world. Despite major changes under the hood, the game is expected to play just as the original did.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! will release on February 22nd for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, with the PC (via Steam) launch being on February 21st.
7. Company of Heroes 3
Company of Heroes 3 is the latest for the popular RTS WWII franchise. This time around, the game will center on allied forces in the North African campaign of the war.
The new game will see improvements to the series notable strategy gameplay while also adding in the new tactical pause mechanic which will allow players to stop things and queue up actions. Their game engine also allows for granular destruction, bringing the world to life and allowing players to make any decisions they see fit to win the battle.
Company of Heroes 3 launches February 23rd on PC (via Steam). The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S version will release sometime later this year.
8. Sons of the Forest
After numerous delays, Sons of the Forest finally has a launch date set this month. Following the events of the previous game, players will assume the role of the prior protagonist’s son, whom needed to be rescued during the events of the last game.
This will be another open world survival experience, but with additional features such as the addition of NPCs whom the player gives commands to. Which will open things up for players who don’t play co-op and add a new facet not present in the previous title.
Sons of the Forest releases February 23rd for PC (via Steam).
9. Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe bring another Kirby adventure onto the Switch as a remake of the title from the Wii. Kirby can be joined with up to three other comrades to take on the classic Kirby formula.
This remake adds new abilities to help mix things up and there has been rumors that a new stage will also be added for this version of the game. For fans of the series hoping to have modern improvements, this will likely be a fun addition to the Kirby collection.
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe comes out exclusively on Nintendo Switch on February 24th.
10. Octopath Traveler II
Octopath Traveler II is the hotly anticipated sequel to the popular Octopath Traveler from 2018. The sequel promises to make major improvements while maintaining the HD-2D style first featured in the original.
Players will be able to see the eight main characters’ paths intertwine frequently as they each experience their own unique storylines. All the while utilizing their various skills in and out of combat.
Octopath Traveler II will release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC (via Steam) on February 24th.
11. Redemption Reapers
Redemption Reapers is a new project helmed by the former director for the Fire Emblem series, which had its latest entry just last month. Though while Fire Emblem Engage was a bright, colorful game, Redemption Reapers goes the opposite direction with its dark fantasy.
There’s strong tactical gameplay to be had as players lead their small band of heroes against Mort horde. They’ll even be able to get to know the characters even more as each grows their bonds with each other.
Redemption Reapers will launch on February 14th for PC (via Steam).
