The Biggest New Games Launching in January 2023
January 2023 is kicking off the new year with a bang when it comes to new video game releases, as there are some major, high-profile titles scheduled to release across various platforms this month. January is typically known for being a slower month when it comes to new game releases, but January 2023 is shaping up to be a rather busy month for gamers between highly-anticipated ports of acclaimed games to brand-new releases.
This month, gamers can look forward to the next-gen version of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, ports of Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Monster Hunter Rise, as well as the brand-new Square Enix action-RPG Forspoken. January 2023 is looking to cap things off with the release of the highly-anticipated Dead Space remake, so there really should be something for everyone among the January 2023 releases.
Of course, that’s not even all the new games that are releasing in January 2023. Here are the biggest new game releases of the month.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot – January 13
It’s safe to say that most Dragon Ball Z games are fighting games, so it’s always refreshing whenever the IP is used in a different genre. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot offered fans an open world DBZ experience, and while it earned mixed reviews at the time of its release, it’s still looked at as one of the more interesting adaptations of Akira Toriyama’s anime/manga franchise. Now, three years later, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is jumping ship to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles, bringing with it a host of performance and graphical improvements. Anyone that already owns Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot can upgrade to the new version completely free of charge.
While some may think three years is too long and that Kakarot‘s moment has passed, the game is still receiving support to this day. In fact, there are more Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot DLC packs planned on top of regular updates, so it investing in the game now could be worthwhile for fans of the franchise.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X on January 13, while PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One versions are available now.
One Piece Odyssey – January 13
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot‘s next-gen version isn’t the only anime game releasing in January 2023. On the very same day, fans can look forward to One Piece Odyssey, a massive-scale turn-based RPG based on the wildly popular anime/manga franchise. One Piece video games have traditionally struggled to earn much praise from fans or critics, but One Piece Odyssey is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious games based on the IP to date. It will be exciting to see if it lives up to expectations when its release date rolls around next week.
One Piece Odyssey launches January 13 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Persona 3 Portable/Persona 4 Golden – January 19
Typically, ports of older games wouldn’t be considered big releases for any month, but the ports of Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden certainly fit the bill. Persona 3 Portable is one of the highest-rated and most well-regarded JRPGs of all time, yet it’s been trapped on old hardware for decades. Persona 4 Golden was in a similar situation for quite a while, though it did finally get a PC port.
Now both Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden will be more immediately accessible to modern gamers. Both games are coming PS4, the Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, with plans to release them as day one Xbox Game Pass games as well.
Persona 3 Portable launches January 19 for PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. Persona 4 Golden releases the same day for PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Fire Emblem Engage – January 20
While it was once more niche, the Fire Emblem franchise has become huge for Nintendo. Each new installment manages to sell millions of copies and earn rave reviews from critics, and the signs are pointing to Fire Emblem Engage keeping that streak alive. Previews for the game have been largely positive, and fans of the franchise don’t have to wait much longer to find out if the game lives up to the high bar set by its predecessors or not.
Fire Emblem Engage releases January 20 as a Nintendo Switch exclusive.
Monster Hunter Rise – January 20
Monster Hunter Rise originally launched as a Nintendo Switch exclusive game in 2021. The following year, it migrated to PC, and on January 20, it will make its way to PlayStation and Xbox consoles. The latest entry in Capcom’s beloved and long-running Monster Hunter franchise, Monster Hunter Rise introduces new traversal options and features, like the Palamut companion, while still providing a traditional Monster Hunter experience. The PlayStation and Xbox version of the game boasts improved performance and visuals among other bells and whistles, so it should prove to be the definitive way to experience it come launch. Better yet, Monster Hunter Rise is launching day one on Xbox Game Pass, so subscribers to Microsoft’s popular service have that to look forward to as well.
Monster Hunter Rise will be available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X on January 20, with PC and Nintendo Switch versions already available.
Forspoken – January 24
Square Enix’s open world action-RPG Forspoken is one of the biggest truly brand-new game releases of the year, and so there’s a lot of interest in seeing how it stacks up. Right now, public discourse surrounding the game seems to be more on the negative side, with fans coming away unimpressed by the Forspoken gameplay demo and voicing their disapproval of the game’s cheesy dialogue. However, fans can’t properly judge Forspoken without getting the full picture, and it could very well surprise everyone and turn out to be one of the better games of the year. Fans will find out when the game launches later this month.
Forspoken will be available January 24 for PC and PS5.
Dead Space – January 28
The original Dead Space launched in 2008 and is remembered fondly as one of the best sci-fi horror games ever made. It was successful enough to spawn an entire media franchise that included an animated film, comics, a Nintendo Wii spin-off, and two proper sequels, but it’s been dormant since 2013. 10 years later, EA and Motive Studio are looking to revive Dead Space with a full-blown remake of the original game that will stay true to its roots while also making some considerable changes.
The Dead Space remake is expected to mainly recreate the original game, but with vastly improved graphics. However, there will be some changes as well, with one of the bigger ones being that protagonist Isaac Clarke will have a voice this time around as opposed to being a silent protagonist. There will also be some slight story tweaks and changes here and there that should go a long way in keeping even the most dedicated Dead Space fan on their toes.
Dead Space launches January 28 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.