A new year is here, and with it, a plethora of new video games to enjoy. And what better way to kick off 2025 than with our most anticipated video games releasing in January? We’ve got nostalgia around every corner and quite a few new titles to enjoy. Where will your adventure begin?
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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
What better way to kick off the new year than to get Square Enix’s next installment of Final Fantasy VII Remake, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, on PC? Over the last few years, gamers from the late 90s and early 2000s have experienced incredible nostalgia with this. It’s also introduced a whole new generation of video gamers to a franchise that has excelled at everything it has delivered. It is the second installment of the remake and picks up after the first game’s events. We know and love the story, but the upgrade to gameplay and the graphics have made the playthrough feel brand new. We’re excited that PC gamers are finally getting the chance to experience this adventure.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launches on PC starting January 23, 2025, via Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is an upcoming remake of the Wii classic released by Nintendo in 2010. The villainous Tiki Tak Tribe has stolen the banana hoard, and it is up to DK and Diddy Kong to get them back. Race through the jungles, beaches, and ruins of Donkey Kong Island to get your snacks back. Stomp enemies, blast through barrels, or take a ride on Rambi the Rhino.
Run through 80 levels of classic DK fun (including levels from the Nintendo 3DS version), all remastered in high-quality HD graphics for the Nintendo Switch. The best part is that you can join a friend for some good old-fashioned couch co-op.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD releases on January 16, 2025, only on the Nintendo Switch.
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Hello Kitty Island Adventure
Get ready to join Butters and ditch World of Warcraft to embark on Hello Kitty Island Adventure. In this cozy, open-world adventure, you’ll explore with Hello Kitty and her friends. Meet beloved characters as you embrace island life and restore the surrounding area by solving ancient puzzles and cooking delicious dishes. This game promises a host of cozy gaming staples like personal character customization, cabin decorating and even a mermaid persona. Run, float, swim, and dive around the world to uncover hidden treasures and mysteries, all while listening to over 50 tracks of original music. This is a game that I’ll say I bought to play with my daughter but will end up putting in late-night hours long after her bedtime.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure is available on Apple Arcade now and on January 30, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam, with PlayStation releases to follow soon.
Eternal Strands
We are excited to include Yellow Brick Games’ Eternal Strands on our most anticipated video games list. This is the company’s first foray into the world of action-adventure. The story follows Brynn, a young Weaver determined to recover her people’s cultural home. The game has powerful magic abilities and weapons that allow players to customize their playstyles as they journey through this adventure. All of the gameplay we have seen so far looks incredible. We are hopeful that the story is just as engaging and mixes well with the mechanics, and it delivers a truly excellent video game.
Eternal Strands is available to play starting January 28, 2025, on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
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The Stone of Madness
The Stone of Madness is a real-time tactical stealth game from Tripwire Presents and The Game Kitchen. The game takes place in an 18th-century Spanish Monastery that houses a madhouse and prison. Players alternate control of five unfortunate prisoners who are plagued by madness and despair. Pool their skills and resources to stave off complete madness, uncover the secrets of the Monastery and find a way to freedom.
The Stone of Madness releases on January 28, 2025, for PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap
Robot Entertainment is back with another installment of their iconic franchise. Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is an action-packed third-person shooter and trap defense game. Up to four players can take on the role of war mage and set out to obliterate, eviscerate and incinerate massive hordes of orcs. It features a deep progression system, allowing players to expand their gameplay style. We love Robot Entertainment’s artistic style and are excited to dive into this next installment.
Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap drops on January 28, 2025, for PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox Series X/S.
Who I Am: A nerd by the strictest definition. I enjoy diving straight into my favorite fandoms without a care in the world. I live on video/board games, fantasy movies and TV, and all things geeky.
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