And now we are back again and I find myself writing about the topic that got me into this whole writing world in the first place – video games. Movies are a huge passion of mine, but one can arguably say that I have written more about video games and gaming culture more than any other topic in my writing career. Ever since I really got into the gaming journalism world back in 2009 up until I went independent back in 2018, I have focused more of my energy on gaming than any other culture out there, including movies and comic books. But that’s not to say that I don’t enjoy gaming; quite the contrary – gaming is a huge part of my life. Maybe even more so since my wife and three kids are all heavily involved with gaming themselves. Gaming has become a family affair, and a passion that we all can share. Whether it be competing against each other to complete tasks in games or playing together as a team in games to compete against others, gaming as a family is a huge deal for us, and one that continues to feed my love for gaming today.
So, I wanted to get a piece on here that states just my opinion on what I believe are the most exciting games coming out in the month of January 2023. But Geek, you just did a list about the 20 movies that you are anticipating in 2023; why are you only doing in for a month when it comes to gaming? Well, quite simple really. There are way more gaming releases throughout the year than there are major film releases. Also, most film releases are sort of set in concrete for quite a while whereas with gaming, their release dates are much more “fluid” and much more likely to get changed. So, when you look at the release schedule for games, those are not really set for more than a few months in advance. So, because of the volume or releases and the nature of release date delays in gaming, it makes much more sense to do it on a month by month basis. And, to be honest, I love writing about gaming so much that I actually don’t mind writing about it more and more than other topics… but let’s keep that a secret, okay?
And with that being said, let’s get on to the list.
One Piece Odyssey
Developed by: ILCA
Published by: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Release date: January 13, 2023
Okay, if we’re being completely honest here, I am not a fan of the One Piece franchise. I don’t know what it is but I just cannot find myself connecting to the series in any way. I am not a fan of the characters, story, or even the animation. But I do realize that it is a much beloved franchise and there are quite a few gamers out there who are eagerly anticipating this upcoming role-playing game. And even I have to admit that from what I have seen from the game, it does look really interesting in how it will play. So, I’m willing to give it a chance… though I am not holding my breath on this entry turning me into a fan of the series.
Monster Hunter Rise
Developed by: Capcom
Published by: Capcom
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Release date: January 20, 2023
In case you missed Monster Hunter Rise on the Nintendo Switch and PC (much like I did), then you have another chance to pick up this highly acclaimed entry into the Monster Hunter series as it will see a release on the remaining major platforms later this month. I’ve certainly enjoyed playing other entries in this long running action role-playing series, so I am hoping to pick up (if I can afford to so do) this entry for my PS5 when it releases and I can finally experience this game for myself.
Forspoken
Developed by: Luminous Productions
Published by: Square Enix
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Windows
Release date: January 24, 2023
After having played the free demo version that was released immediately after the 2022 Game Awards I am even more excited to get Forspoken when it gets its full release on the PS5 (and Windows) later this month. In just my short time playing the demo and seeing what the game is hoping to present players in its full releases, I quickly fell in love with almost ever aspect of the game. The graphics, the music, the setting, the characters – all were presented beautifully in the demo version, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the full release.
Hyperdimension Neptunia: Sisters vs. Sisters
Developed by: Compile Heart
Published by: Idea Factory International
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows
Release date: January 24, 2023
Look, I know this is a niche game made for a certain type of gamer… but truth be told is that I am that kind of gamer and I have been a fan of this series since its first entry back in 2010. I have owned and played nearly every local game release in the Hyperdimension Neptunia series because I am a huge fan of the world that the series has presented. I know this series isn’t every gamers cup of tea, but for those of us to whom the game does appeal to, it has consistently delivered in the department that is most important to us – the fun factor. So, I have no doubt that I will again enjoy another romp into the world of Gamindustri alongside these characters.
Dead Space
Developed by: Motive Studio
Published by: Electronic Arts
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Release date: January 27, 2023
So, I may not be stating anything too controversial here, but I think that the recent game The Callisto Protocol was a bit of a disappointment. I think a lot of us were longing for a taste of that Dead Space feel for so long that we were hoping that the game would fill in that void. And while the game certainly looked and felt gory and emotive, the gameplay was rather “lacking” in a lot of ways. I guess that’s why I have been looking forward to the release of the Dead Space remake than I had been before playing The Callisto Protocol. If developer Motive Studio can deliver on even a fraction of what the 2008 survival horror classic did back in the day, I will be more than satisfied with its release.
And there you have – my 5 most anticipated video game releases of January 2023. I know it’s quite an RPG heavy list, but that is and will continue to be my favorite gaming genre. But looking at the release of the Dead Space remake at the end of the month, I think it balances out quite nicely. (Okay, not really, but just play along, okay?) Anyway, let me know what you think of my list. Do you agree? Do you disagree? What game release this month that I missed has you eagerly looking forward to it? Let me know in the comments below. I hope to see you all again next time, so stay safe and take care, my friends.
