Top 10 Video Games Launching in January 2025: Must-Play Titles for the New Year

Top Video Games Coming in January 2025

Sea Fantasy

Sea Fantasy is an exciting pixel-art action RPG developed and published by METASLA, set to release on January 7, 2025. Combining open-world exploration with a unique fishing mechanic, players embark on an epic quest to save a crumbling world by capturing the SeaAZ, the enigmatic marine life that holds the key to survival.

The game features vibrant pixel graphics, dungeon exploration, crafting, and dynamic ship-based travel across a vast ocean. With support for full controller use and multiple languages, including English, Japanese, and Korean, Sea Fantasy promises a rich, immersive adventure for fans of fantasy, fishing, and JRPGs alike.

Things Too Ugly

Things Too Ugly is an atmospheric first-person psychological horror game developed by Professor Space Games and published by Baltoro Games, launching on January 16, 2025. Set in 1986, players assume the role of a Risk Assessment Data Processor for TEREBRO INC., unraveling the company's shadowy past through archival documents and recordings.

With retro-inspired visuals, era-specific tools like encoders and GPS, and an eerie, dimly lit office environment, the game blends narrative exploration with puzzle-solving. Recognized at multiple indie showcases, Things Too Ugly delivers a chilling, choice-driven experience that challenges players to protect—or expose—a corporation's fragile legacy.

Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, developed and published by Nintendo, is a visually enhanced 2D platformer arriving on January 16, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch™. Players join Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong in an action-packed quest to reclaim their banana hoard from the Tiki Tak Tribe, traversing 80 levels across nine diverse worlds.

The HD version features enhanced visuals, extra levels from the Nintendo 3DS version, and an optional easier mode with extra hearts. With local co-op, players can team up for barrel-blasting adventures, utilizing Diddy’s Peanut Popgun and DK’s Ground Pound. Playable in TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes, it supports multiple languages.

STAR WARS: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles

STAR WARS: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is a remastered action-adventure game by Aspyr, launching on January 23, 2025, as part of the 25th anniversary of the original release. This fast-paced hack-and-slash experience transports players to the Star Wars galaxy, challenging them to reclaim Theed Royal Palace with the Force and a trusty lightsaber.

Playable characters include Jedi heroes like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Mace Windu, alongside unlockable icons like Darth Maul and Queen Amidala. Featuring a 10-level campaign, couch co-op, modernized controls, and fun extras like cheat codes, it blends nostalgic charm with fresh surprises for fans old and new.

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is a futuristic PvPvE extraction shooter developed by Game Studio Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, releasing on January 24, 2025. Set in a post-apocalyptic 2222, players become Drifters who scavenge the toxic surface for AO Crystals while battling hostile Enders and rival players.

With assistance from customizable AI companions, called Magus, and versatile mechas known as CRADLECOFFINs, the game blends survival and strategy. Featuring advanced AI feedback, deep customization options, and intense combat, SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada offers an immersive, high-stakes experience for fans of looter shooters and sci-fi narratives.

Most Anticipated Virtual Games Coming in January 2025

Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos

Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos, developed by Idea Factory International, is a thrilling motorcycle combat action spin-off from the Neptunia series, launching January 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Switch. Players explore a Dogoo-infested dimension with six playable characters across 15 stages, combining high-speed bike action with tactical combat.

Customize your ride to boost performance and leverage Dogoo effects to outmaneuver rivals. The game offers physical and digital editions, featuring vibrant art, soundtracks, and costume sets. With English and Japanese voiceovers and multilingual subtitles, it brings fun, fast-paced gameplay and quirky Neptunia charm to fans worldwide.

Stone of Madness

The Stone of Madness, developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Tripwire Presents, is a real-time tactical stealth game set in an eerie 18th-century Spanish monastery. Releasing on January 28, 2025, the game features five unique characters- each grappling with phobias and traumas-working together to escape a treacherous madhouse.

Players navigate richly detailed, hand-painted visuals inspired by Francisco de Goya, combining exploration, strategy, and stealth. With continuous time mechanics and dual campaigns, decisions affect survival and sanity. Paranormal threats emerge at night, intensifying the challenge in this atmospheric blend of art and suspense.

Warside

Warside, developed by LAVABIRD and published by First Break Labs, is a fast-paced, turn-based tactics game launching on January 28, 2025. Featuring a vibrant pixel-art design, the game offers over 25 unit types, including tanks, submarines, and jet aircraft, across land, sea, and air.

Players can choose from 12 unique Commanders with game-changing Battle Powers and passive abilities. Warside includes a single-player campaign with 30+ missions and supports local and online multiplayer, including cross-platform play. With an intuitive map editor for custom scenarios, this strategic wargame delivers endless tactical possibilities for both solo and competitive players.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Sniper Elite: Resistance, developed and published by Rebellion, launches on January 30, 2025, delivering intense sniping mechanics, stealth, and tactical combat. Set in occupied France during WWII, players assume the role of SOE agent Harry Hawker, working with the French Resistance to thwart a Nazi superweapon.

The game features authentic weapon customization, advanced ballistics, and the iconic X-Ray Kill Cam. With a gripping single-player campaign, co-op support, Axis Invasion mode, and 16-player online multiplayer, it offers diverse gameplay. Players can also complete Propaganda Missions as Resistance fighters. The game's detailed environments and tense combat create a thrilling experience.

Genso Manège

Genso Manège, developed by MAGES. Inc. and published by PQube, is a dreamlike otome visual novel set to release on January 31, 2025. Players follow Emma, a young witch who lost her magic, as she works to rediscover her abilities and free the employees of a magical amusement park, La Foire du Rêve, trapped by a dark secret.

With six captivating male leads, a reimagined French setting, and evocative pastel artwork, the game offers romance, mystery, and stunning visuals. The Éveil System mini-games help restore Emma’s powers, while voice acting brings the characters' heartfelt stories to life.

Conclusion

January 2025 offers a robust lineup of virtual games, with options ranging from whimsical romance in Genso Manège to tactical precision in Sniper Elite: Resistance. This eclectic mix of remasters, new IPs, and genre-bending experiences ensures something for every player. Whether exploring pixel-art worlds or engaging in intense battles, the month's releases promise memorable adventures.