January 2025 Game Releases: Must-Play Titles
January 2025 emerges as a month dedicated to gaming nostalgia and innovation, bringing a compelling mix of beloved classics reimagined for modern platforms alongside fresh gaming experiences. The month's lineup is particularly notable for its strong focus on remastered titles that have left an indelible mark on gaming history, from the intense action of Freedom Wars to the timeless platforming of Donkey Kong Country Returns.
The crown jewel of January's releases is undoubtedly the PC debut of Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, finally bringing Square Enix's acclaimed title to a new platform. Meanwhile, surprising announcements like the revival of Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles demonstrate publishers' renewed interest in breathing new life into cherished classics.
With releases spanning across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, January 2025 ensures that players across all platforms have something to look forward to. From action-packed adventures to immersive RPGs, here's our detailed breakdown of each title arriving this month.
Freedom Wars Remastered
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Platforms: PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: Japan Studio, Shift
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Freedom Wars Remastered resurrects the beloved PS Vita classic for modern platforms, bringing its unique dystopian world to life with enhanced visuals and refined gameplay. In this remastered version, players return to a future where criminals must serve million-year sentences, fighting for their freedom in intense action-RPG combat. The game's signature Thorn mechanics and strategic battles have been carefully preserved while receiving subtle refinements to meet contemporary gaming standards.
The remaster introduces several technical improvements, elevating the experience beyond a simple port. Graphics now target 60 FPS across all platforms, with completely redesigned UI elements that take advantage of modern displays. The online multiplayer experience has been rebuilt from the ground up, offering seamless cross-platform play and improved matchmaking systems. Veterans of the original will appreciate the inclusion of all previously released DLC content, while newcomers will find the game more accessible thanks to refined tutorial systems and control schemes.
Pre-order Bonuses:
Exclusive "Vintage Code 3" weapon skin set
Digital artbook featuring original concept art
Early access costume pack themed after original promotional materials
Unique multiplayer title "Freedom Pioneer"
Collector's Edition:
Physical copy of the game in exclusive packaging
8" Accessory-type android figure with LED lighting
120-page hardcover artbook "The Art of Freedom Wars"
Premium steelbook case with unique artwork
Digital soundtrack featuring remastered tracks
Exclusive in-game content pack including:
3 rare weapon skins
2 unique character costumes
Special title set for multiplayer
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Retro Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD brings the beloved Wii classic to Nintendo Switch with stunning visual enhancements and modernized features. Originally celebrated for its challenging platforming and creative level design, this HD remaster maintains the heart-pounding action that made the original a fan favorite while introducing refined graphics and smooth performance that takes full advantage of the Switch hardware.
This definitive version runs at a crisp 60 FPS in both handheld and docked modes, featuring completely retextured environments and character models that breathe new life into DK Island's varied landscapes. The game's signature side-scrolling challenges have been preserved in their pure form, from mine cart adventures to rocket barrel challenges, all while maintaining the precise controls that platforming fans expect. The cooperative multiplayer experience has been enhanced for Switch, allowing players to share Joy-Cons for instant local co-op action, with one player controlling Donkey Kong and the other taking on the role of Diddy Kong.
Pre-order Bonuses:
Exclusive "Classic Kong" character skin
Digital mini soundtrack featuring remixed tracks
Commemorative digital art collection
Profile icon set for Nintendo Switch
Collector's Edition: Banana Bunch Edition:
Physical copy of the game
Exclusive Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong amiibo set
Hardcover "The Art of DK Returns" book
Reversible game cover
Banana-themed carrying case for Nintendo Switch
Digital bonuses including:
Special character skins
Retro music pack
Exclusive profile icons
Dynasty Warriors: Origins
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Dynasty Warriors: Origins represents a bold reinvention of the legendary musou series, returning to the roots of the Three Kingdoms era while leveraging modern gaming technology to create the most immersive Warriors experience yet. Built from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5, this new entry serves as both a celebration of the series' history and a fresh beginning for new generations of players.
The game reimagines the classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms story with unprecedented detail and authenticity. Players experience the chaos of ancient China through stunning real-time cutscenes and expansive battlefields that can host up to 1,000 soldiers simultaneously without performance compromises. Omega Force has completely revamped the combat system, maintaining the satisfying one-versus-thousand action the series is known for while adding deeper strategic elements and more responsive controls. Each legendary warrior now features unique combat styles and special abilities that dramatically affect battlefield dynamics.
Pre-order Bonuses:
Exclusive "Imperial Guardian" armor set
Early access to Lu Bu as a playable character
Unique weapon skin pack for all starting characters
Digital mini soundtrack
Special titles for online modes
Collector's Edition: Warlord's Legacy Edition:
Physical copy of the game
12" high-quality statue of Lu Bu
Hardcover art book "The Art of Dynasty Warriors: Origins"
Premium steelbook case
Fabric map of Ancient China
Soundtrack CD featuring new and classic tracks
Digital content package including:
4 exclusive officer costumes
3 unique weapon designs
Special mount skins
Exclusive battlefield banners
Tales of Graces f Remastered
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Tales of Graces f Remastered brings one of the most beloved entries in the Tales series to modern platforms with stunning visual enhancements and quality-of-life improvements. This definitive version of the game preserves the heartfelt story of friendship and responsibility that made the original so special, while introducing modern features that make the experience more accessible and engaging for both newcomers and returning fans.
The remaster showcases significantly enhanced visuals running at 4K/60 FPS on current-gen platforms, with completely remastered character models, environments, and effects. The game's signature Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS) feels more fluid than ever, with refined controls and smoother animations that make the already excellent combat system even more enjoyable. All content from the PS3 version, including the "Lineage & Legacies" epilogue chapter, is included and enhanced, providing dozens of hours of additional gameplay beyond the main story.
Pre-order Bonuses:
Exclusive "Memories of Grace" costume set
Digital mini artbook
Special battle background music pack
Unique character titles
Early access to high-level equipment
Collector's Edition: Eternal Grace Edition:
Physical copy of the game
10" Asbel and Sophie dual figurine
Hardcover visual art collection
Premium steelbook case
Official soundtrack CD with new arrangements
Exclusive cloth world map
Digital bonuses including:
Special costume pack for all characters
Rare item starter pack
Exclusive battle music tracks
Premium menu themes
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Platform: PC
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth finally arrives on PC, bringing the critically acclaimed second chapter of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy to a new platform. This enhanced PC version delivers the definitive experience of Cloud and his companions' journey beyond Midgar, featuring improved visual fidelity, expanded graphics options, and seamless performance that takes full advantage of modern PC hardware capabilities.
The PC release includes all post-launch content and updates from the console version while introducing platform-specific enhancements such as ultra-widescreen support, uncapped framerates, and DLSS/FSR support for optimal performance scaling. Players can now explore the vast open world with unprecedented detail, from the shores of Junon to the peaks of Mt. Nibel, all rendered with enhanced texture resolution and improved lighting effects. The game's already impressive character models and animations reach new heights with additional graphics options exclusive to the PC version.
Pre-order Bonuses:
Exclusive PC wallpaper collection
Digital mini soundtrack
Special weapon: "Mystic Buster" for Cloud
Unique materia set
Early access costume pack
Digital Deluxe Edition:
Digital copy of the game
Digital art collection "Visions of Rebirth"
Digital mini soundtrack featuring selected tracks
Exclusive digital artbook
Special in-game content including:
Exclusive summon materia
Unique weapon skins for all characters
Special combat accessories
Premium menu theme
PC Collector's Edition:
All Digital Deluxe Edition content
High-quality Cloud & Sephiroth statue
Hardcover artbook "The Art of FF7: Rebirth"
Steelbook display case (decorative - no disc)
Special soundtrack selection CD
Double-sided poster
Collection of art cards
Exclusive PC-themed digital bonuses:
Ultra HD texture pack
Additional graphics presets
Exclusive photo mode features
Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles Remastered
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: Aspyr Media
Publisher: Lucasfilm Games
Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles Remastered unexpectedly returns to modern platforms, bringing the beloved 2000 action game to a new generation of Star Wars fans. This carefully crafted remaster preserves the challenging gameplay and cooperative action that made the original a cult classic while introducing modern enhancements and quality-of-life improvements.
The remaster features completely rebuilt visuals that maintain the game's iconic style while delivering smooth 4K/60 FPS performance across all platforms. All twelve stages have been meticulously recreated with enhanced textures, improved lighting, and reimagined special effects that bring new life to the events of Episode I. The game's signature combat system has been thoughtfully refined, offering more responsive controls and improved camera mechanics while maintaining the strategic lightsaber combat and Force powers that fans remember.
Pre-order Bonuses:
Classic character skins from the original release
Digital original soundtrack
Exclusive lightsaber color options
Bonus concept art gallery
Special character profile icons
Collector's Edition: Jedi Master Edition:
Physical copy of the game
Replica Obi-Wan Kenobi lightsaber hilt display piece
Hardcover "The Art of Jedi Power Battles" book
Original soundtrack CD featuring remastered tracks
Premium steelbook case
Set of character art cards
Digital content including:
Exclusive character skins
Classic mode visual filter
Bonus challenge modes
Special effects pack for Force powers
Cuisineer
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: BattleBrew Productions
Publisher: Humble Games
Cuisineer arrives on Nintendo Switch as a unique blend of restaurant management and roguelite dungeon crawling. This charming indie title puts players in the role of Pom, a young chef who inherits her family's restaurant and must restore it to its former glory. By day, you'll manage your cozy restaurant, and by night, you'll venture into mysterious dungeons to gather rare ingredients and discover ancient recipes.
The game features a delightful cooking system where players can experiment with hundreds of ingredient combinations to create unique dishes. Each successful recipe not only satisfies your customers but also provides different buffs and abilities for dungeon exploration. The combat system cleverly incorporates cooking tools as weapons - from wielding rolling pins against monsters to throwing hot pans at enemies. As you progress, your restaurant grows from a humble café into a culinary destination, attracting unique characters and unlocking new gameplay opportunities.
Pre-order Bonuses:
Exclusive "Master Chef" outfit for Pom
Special starter recipe collection
Unique restaurant decoration set
Digital soundtrack sampler
Bonus ingredient starter pack
Deluxe Edition:
Digital copy of the game
Digital artbook "The Art of Cuisineer"
Complete digital soundtrack
Special in-game content including:
Extra character outfits
Unique weapon skins
Exclusive restaurant themes
Bonus recipe collection
Special ingredient discovery guide
2025 Game Releases: Looking Ahead
January 2025 sets a remarkable tone for the gaming year ahead, offering an impressive balance of nostalgic remasters and fresh experiences. This month particularly stands out for its strong focus on bringing beloved classics to modern platforms, with standout titles like Freedom Wars Remastered, Tales of Graces f Remastered, and the unexpected return of Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles. Each remaster not only preserves what made these games special but enhances them with modern features and quality-of-life improvements.
For collectors, January offers several compelling special editions, with particularly impressive offerings from Freedom Wars and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth. These collector's editions include not just the usual artbooks and soundtracks, but also high-quality figurines and exclusive digital content that add genuine value for dedicated fans.
Whether you're interested in revisiting enhanced classics or experiencing new adventures, January 2025's lineup provides a strong start to the gaming year. With releases spanning various genres and platforms, there's something here for every type of player. As we look ahead to the rest of 2025, this opening month sets a high bar for what promises to be an exciting year in gaming.
