It’s now a new year and with it new games as we usher in 2023. Most companies blew their load to make it in time for the holiday season.
Coming from this, January can appear a bit bare compared to other months when it comes to big releases. That doesn’t mean no games come soon, and this month isn’t looking to disappoint with some of the biggest IPs getting new games.
Join us as we start off the new year here in January with our latest Niche Release Recap:
1. One Piece Odyssey
One Piece Odyssey is the latest game based on the long running hit anime/manga series, One Piece. Players will be able to play as some of their favorite characters such as Monkey D. Luffy or Zoro in an RPG spanning a brand new adventure.
The game will follow an original story with new characters and monsters penned by One Piece author himself, Eiichiro Oda. So it’s certainly going to have the same charm fans have come to expect from the series.
One Piece Odyssey will be launching on January 13th for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam).
2. Fire Emblem Engage
Fire Emblem Engage will be the newest title for the Fire Emblem franchise which has spanned decades. Fitting for a game which will bring back classic characters from their series such as Marth, Sigurd, Lyn, and even their most recent protagonist in Byleth.
Players can expect the tactical RPG series to take itself to new heights with the introduction of the rings, allowing them to add more possibility for their characters in combat. Of course other things such as the popular support system allowing players to connect with the characters continues to play a vital role within the game’s story and gameplay.
Fire Emblem Engage launches on January 20th exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
3. Forspoken
Forspoken is the first title by newly founded developer Luminous Productions, who were brought together after being created to aid in development for Final Fantasy XV and the Luminous Engine.
The game’s story follows Frey Holland, a young woman from New York City who finds herself in a fantasy world in this isekai adventure. It’ll assuredly be a technical marvel when it comes out as the team pushes the Luminous Engine to its limits.
Forspoken is set to release on January 24th for PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store).
4. Disgaea 7
Disgaea 7 continues the other long running tactical RPG series that’s coming out this month. Though unlike Fire Emblem, the series takes a much more light hearted approach in its story and cast of characters.
In the latest entry for the series, players will follow an otaku girl in a Japanese styled world as she attempts to bring back the long lost art of bushido after demons suppressed the concept. Alongside her is a warrior who hates humanity.
Disgaea 7 is slated to launch on January 26th in Japan for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
5. Dead Space Remake
Dead Space comes back after a nearly 10 year long hiatus with a remake of the original game. Players will assume the roles of Isaac Clarke as they once again explore the Ishimura space station in search of his missing girlfriend.
While the team is looking to stay faithful, there are going to be changes from the original such as the inclusion of the “director” system which will dynamically cause certain events to occur based on what the player is doing to keep them on their toes.
The Dead Space Remake will be releasing for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store) on January 27th.
6. SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake
Finally on our list is SpongeBob Square Pants: The Cosmic Shake, a brand new title based on the popular SpongeBob cartoon series. After setting off a chain of events which threaten to tear apart space and time, it’s up to SpongeBob and his best friend Patrick, who has been turned into a balloon, to save the day.
They’ll find themselves traveling through various wish worlds to save their friends thanks to the help of a plethora of “cosmic skins” which will allow SpongeBob to be able to use different skills to navigate these worlds.
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake will be launching on January 31th for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (via Steam).
