The new year is here, and with it comes a new selection of games for PlayStation Plus members to enjoy. January’s lineup is packed with a variety of titles that will appeal to players of all tastes and preferences.
Leading the pack is the PS5 upgrade of Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition. This highly-acclaimed action game is known for its fast-paced combat and stylish visuals, and the upgraded version promises to take the experience to new heights with improved graphics and more challenging gameplay modes.
Additionally, the Special Edition includes new story content that will give players an even deeper dive into the game’s universe.
Another game that is sure to be a hit with fans is Dragon Ball FighterZ. This anime fighting game is based on the popular manga and anime series, and it features fast-paced, 3-on-3 battles that will put your skills to the test. The game’s roster is packed with fan-favorite characters, each with their own unique moves and abilities, and the cel-shaded graphics give the game a distinct look and feel.
For fans of first-person shooters, Back 4 Blood is a must-play. This game, which is being developed by the team behind Left 4 Dead, is a spiritual successor to the popular zombie shooter and promises to deliver an intense and thrilling experience. Players will have to work together to survive against hordes of the undead, and the game’s dynamic AI will ensure that no two playthroughs are the same.
If you enjoy a more story-driven experience, Life is Strange and its prequel, Life is Strange: Before the Storm, are both available in January’s lineup. These episodic adventure games take players on a journey through the lives of a group of teenagers who are trying to navigate the complexities of growing up. The games are known for their thought-provoking storylines and relatable characters, and they offer players the chance to make choices that will affect the course of the story.
Jett: The Far Shore is an interstellar journey through the cosmos that offers a unique and meditative experience. The game’s unique soundtrack creates an immersive atmosphere, and the gameplay is designed to be a relaxing and contemplative experience.
Just Cause 4: Reloaded, on the other hand, is a sandbox game that allows players to wreak havoc on a corrupt regime. The game’s open-world environment is packed with opportunities for players to explore and cause chaos, and the game’s physics engine makes for some truly spectacular action sequences.
If you´re looking for something a bit different, Erica is a live-action and interactive thriller that combines murder, childhood trauma, and grisly detective work to create a gripping narrative. The game is played using a combination of live-action footage and interactive elements, and players will have to make choices that will affect the outcome of the story.
Premium subscribers will also have access to a selection of PlayStation Classics that have been updated with quality-of-life features. The games included are an enhanced version of Syphon Filter 3, Star Wars Demolition, and Hot Shots Golf 2. Each of these games has been updated with features such as enhanced up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters.
As part of the Essential tier, PlayStation Plus members can also download Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Axiom Verge 2, and Fallout 76. These games offer a variety of experiences, from fast-paced action and exploration in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, to a retro-inspired adventure in Axiom Verge 2, and a post-apocalyptic multiplayer RPG in Fallout 76.
Moving on to Xbox, the Developer Direct for Microsoft’s console has also been confirmed for January 25. The event will center on The Elder Scrolls Online, Forza Motorsport, Minecraft Legends, and Redfall. According to Xbox Wire, the event will feature “big features” and “extended gameplay showcases” for each of these titles. For example, Arkane Austin will be showing off single- and multiplayer gameplay footage for Redfall, as well as talking more about combat, customization, and bosses for the FPS. This is a great opportunity for Xbox players to get a closer look at these upcoming games and see what they have to offer.
Another game that Xbox players are likely looking forward to is Ubisoft+ potentially coming to Xbox soon. Ubisoft+ is a subscription service that gives players access to a wide variety of Ubisoft games, including some of the company’s biggest franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six. This service is currently available on other platforms, and it would be a great addition to the Xbox ecosystem.
On the downside, it’s disappointing to hear that Skull and Bones, the highly-anticipated pirate game from Ubisoft, has been delayed again. The game was originally announced back in 2017 and was set to release in 2019, but it has been delayed multiple times since then. It’s not clear when the game will finally be released, but fans will have to wait a bit longer before they can set sail on the high seas.
January’s lineup of games for PlayStation Plus and Xbox Developer Direct is packed with a variety of titles that will appeal to players of all tastes and preferences.
From fast-paced action games like Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition and Dragon Ball FighterZ, to story-driven experiences like Life is Strange and Erica, there’s something for everyone. As always, it’s important to remember that these games are only available for a limited time, so be sure to download them before they’re gone.
