Games of the Month: January
By Kyle Mann | January 3, 2012 | Features | No comments | Share
It’s a new year with brand new game releases stretched out in front of us as far as the eye can see. But don’t sit around twiddling your thumbs idly as you wait for later releases like Borderlands 2 or BioShock Infinite to drop; instead, take a second to stop and smell the roses. In this context, that means peruse our list of games coming out this very month and see whether something doesn’t catch your fancy. Even though the post-holiday season is typically anemic for game drops, there are a few games that just might make a name for themselves–but don’t take my word for it!
Gotham City Impostors
 | January 10 | XBLA, PSN, PC When you start talking about a game developed by Monolith Productions, creators of the brilliant works of art known as Tron 2.0 and No One Lives Forever 2, I perk up and start listening intently. When you casually mention that it's a zany multiplayer shooter starring two teams that poorly try to imitate their respective idols, Batman and the Joker, I began to do the happy pants dance in delightful anticipation. We always complain about games' needing to do something different, and I'm excited to see what the inventive setting and fresh take can do for Gotham City Impostors. |
Soul Calibur V
 | January 31 | PS3, Xbox 360 Bringing back returning favorites and adding an impressive set of new characters, the next entry in the acclaimed Soul Calibur fighting franchise is due out at the end of the month. We don't know what third-party characters will be making an appearance other than Ezio of Assassin's Creed fame, but we've got our fingers crossed for Meat Boy. The fifth core title in the series will make some big mechanical changes, including a new guard system, the removal of the Soul Gauge and Critical Finishes, and Ring Outs. Series fans should keep an eye on this one as January 31 approaches. |
Final Fantasy XIII-2
 | January 31 | PS3, Xbox 360 When Final Fantasy XIII came out a couple years ago, critics and gamers alike only received the game with lukewarm feelings as they picked apart the RPG's linearity and storyline. Nonetheless, it remains the fastest-selling entry in the history of the series, and as such Square Enix saw fit to grace the game with a rare Final Fantasy direct sequel. In addition to continuing the storyline, the gameplay mechanics will be refined and upgraded, as Square Enix hopes to address a few of the concerns its fans voiced over the first game. In any case, those who loved FFXIII will surely be ecstatic to return to its world's loving embrace come the end of the month. |
NeverDead
 | January 31 | PS3, Xbox 360 Another of the impressive list of games to hit at the very end of the month, NeverDead represents a new IP for developer Rebellion Developments and publisher Konami. Even though we don't know how the final product will turn out, it's got a few intriguing things to distinguish it from the pack: one, Megadeth is doing the soundtrack--always a plus for me. Two, you play as an immortal hunter of demons. And finally, it's being headed up by the director and programmer for many of the much-loved Metal Gear games. Add all that up, and you've got a recipe for a big, loud, shiny third-person action game that will make the end of January interesting. |
King Arthur II
 | January | PC Paradox's King Arthur series is a unique take on the RTS genre, mixing a roleplaying metagame and traditional strategic battles up in a fantastical setting. Now, the second core game in the series aims to up the ante with improved graphics and more heroes, skills, and artifacts to help in the endless struggle for peace in Camelot. For strategy fans, it's at least worth a shot, so we hope Paradox drops a demo on us before the game finally releases sometime this month. If you're in the buying mood though, a pre-order for the full $40 will net you the prologue of the game to play right away. |
