2020 is finally coming to a close, and 2021 is on the horizon. January typically doesn't have very many big video game releases, as most major publishers try to get their biggest titles out for the holidays, and January 2021 is no different. But while January 2021 may not have as many big game releases as recent months have had, it still has a handful of potentially great titles for fans to look forward to.
There's also a lot of variety with January 2021's big game. Fans can look forward to the return of a classic beat 'em up to the latest installment in the long-running Hitman franchise to a brand new horror IP from Bloober Team. Whether or not these games live up to expectations remains to be seen, but it will definitely be interesting to see if they sink or swim.
Here are the biggest video game releases of January 2021.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game - Complete Edition (January 14th)
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game was a relatively popular beat 'em up based on the Scott Pilgrim franchise that launched for digital marketplaces in 2010. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game was available for four years before the plug was pulled on December 2014, likely due to licensing issues, making it impossible for anyone to buy the game. In the years since Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game was de-listed, fans have been asking for it to make a comeback, and they will soon get their wish.
On January 14, numerous platforms will be getting the long-awaited Scott Pilgrim re-release entitled Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game - Complete Edition. This new remastered version of the game not only brings it to modern platforms, but also features both DLC packs. This means fans can get their hands on not just the Scott Pilgrim vs. the World base game, but also extra content like Knives Chau and Wallace Wells as playable characters, online multiplayer support, and the Battle Royal and Dodge Ball game modes.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game - Complete Edition sounds like it will live up to its namesake, and anyone interested should make it a point to purchase it when they can. After all, it's possible that the game will be de-listed and tossed back in the vault eventually.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game will launch on January 14 for PC, PS4, Stadia, Switch, and Xbox One.
Hitman 3 (January 20th)
IO Interactive will be taking its first steps into the world of next-generation gaming with Hitman 3, meant to cap off the studio's Hitman reboot trilogy. Those who played the first two games can carry over their content to Hitman 3, while the new game will add a slew of brand new locations and missions to complete of its own. Those playing Hitman 3 on PlayStation platforms will also be able to check out the game's virtual reality modes using a PlayStation VR headset.
Hitman 3 is a cross-gen title, so those wanting to get the most of the experience will want to play the game on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. The next-gen version of Hitman 3 will enjoy all kinds of benefits, including 4K resolution, 60 frames per second, and much faster load times when compared to its current-gen counterpart. PS5 seems to be the definitive way to play the game, as not only will Hitman 3 have all these next-gen upgrades, but it will also support the unique capabilities of the PS5's DualSense controller.
Hitman 3 launches January 20 for PC, PS4, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Cyber Shadow (January 26th)
Earlier this month, Nintendo hosted a surprise Indie World Showcase event. While quite a few titles were shown off during the event, one managed to create a bit more buzz than most the others. Cyber Shadow is an 8-bit throwback developed by Mechanical Head Studios and published by Shovel Knight's Yacht Club Games. Cyber Shadow clearly takes inspiration from the NES Ninja Gaiden games, blending that kind of action-oriented side-scrolling gameplay with Metroidvania-style progression.
Cyber Shadow stars a ninja cyborg named Shadow, whose clan has been captured by robotic beings. By rescuing their clan members, Cyber Shadow players gain access to new abilities that will not only help them in combat, but also assist in general environmental traversal as well, which is where the Metroidvania inspiration comes into play. Cyber Shadow has turned a lot of heads since its initial announcement, and is riding a new wave of momentum since its impressive Indie World Showcase presentation. Fans don't have to wait all that much longer to find out if it lives up to the hype.
Cyber Shadow will be available for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One starting January 26.
The Medium (January 28th)
Bloober Team has the lofty goal of being the video game industry equivalent of prolific horror film production company Blumhouse. Whether or not it achieves that goal remains to be seen, but there's no denying that Bloober Team has made an impact in the horror gaming space with the Layers of Fear games, Observer, and more recently, Blair Witch. Bloober Team's next game is still horror, but is also a departure from the kind of games the studio usually makes, and while that's certainly a risk, it's shaping up to be one of its most ambitious games to date.
Bloober Team's The Medium ditches the first-person horror that most of the studio's games use, opting for a third-person viewpoint and taking its cues from titles like Silent Hill. The Medium uses a unique split-screen gameplay mechanic where players simultaneously explore two versions of the game world - a mechanic that is supposedly only possible thanks to the beefier hardware provided by next-generation consoles.
The Medium is set to be an Xbox Series X console exclusive game when it launches next month, and one of the first ones to date. This has helped it get even more attention than it would have otherwise, and it being made available through Xbox Game Pass certainly hasn't hurt either.
The Medium launches January 28 for PC and Xbox Series X.
The Pedestrian (TBA)
The Pedestrian is a unique platformer where players control a stick figure that travels through a 3D world in a 2D space. Originally launched in 2020 for PC, The Pedestrian is set to make its PlayStation debut in January, though an exact release date has not been announced at the time of this writing. With January 2021 right around the corner, PlayStation gamers should find out more sooner rather than later.
The Pedestrian is out now on PC and is coming to PS4 and PS5 in January 2021.