Oh January, a month we use to catch up on all of the big releases from the Holidays before they become part of our permanent backlog that will haunt our library until the end of time.

That said, between Game Pass and all of the free stuff on PSN this month as well as the PS Plus Collection for the fortunate gamers who have secured a PS5, that’s a lot of games. We’ve yet to get our platinum trophies for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Cyberpunk 2077, but those will have to wait until another playthrough of the God of War and Days Gone.

However, January also sees a slew of new games bannered by Hitman 3 and The Medium. With our recovering budget, we’re glad that January is quite a slow but quality month nonetheless.

Here are some of the games to look out for this January 2021!

Pick of the Month 1: Hitman 3

Release Date: January 20, 2021
Platform: PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One X|S, Xbox Series X|S, Stadia

One the bigger games to kick off 2021 with a bang or more accurately, with a whisper. The latest in the series of the Hitman titles, this one is for sure going to give the fans some solid strategy and action as we venture off to Chongqing, Dubai, and England as Agent 47 does what he does best. If you’ve been eyeing this, be sure to take advantage of the PS Plus sales price off the digital collector’s edition for both the PS5 and the PS4 before the launch date!

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & The Secret Fairy

Release Date: January 26, 2021
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5

Remember that thicc Ryza statue that retailed for about 1.2m PHP? I guess that’s all I recall when someone mentions Atelier Ryza. There’s a sequel out and it’s available on the PS5 for the base cost of a PS4 game for those interested. If colorful, happy crafting games with a dash of RPG action is your thing, this is definitely a game for you.

Cyber Shadow

Release Date: January 26, 2021
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One

Who misses classic Ninja Gaiden? Personally, I was more of a Shinobi guy back during the Mega Drive/Genesis days. Closest thing I got to playing this style of game recently was Strider. The trailer looks promising and gives us that classic 8-bit cyberpunk ninja vibe that inspired many of us want to create that melee ninja type for Cyberpunk 2077. The midi soundtrack alone is enough for me to dive into this title.

Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny

Release Date: January 28, 2021
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PS4

Is the Disgaea series still a thing? I’m still trying to beat the very first game where I end up getting lost in an item dungeon. Apparently, you just have to pick and choose what to power up and just leave everything else to chance. For those who have completed the most recent Disgaea title, the latest one will launch on both the PS4 and Nintendo Switch at the tail end of January.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game Complete Edition

Release Date: January 14, 2021
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Stadia, and PC

After this beat ’em up received an unfortunate demise because of being pulled from digital storefronts last 2014, Scott Pilgrim is making a comeback this month, making many wishes come true.

This latest release will include all of the previous DLC from the original, unlocking Knives and Wallace as playable characters among other bonuses. Make this a must buy on your list, because who knows, it might get pulled again!

Pick of the Month 2: The Medium

Release Date: January 28, 2021
Platform: Xbox Series X|S, PC

Out of all the titles featured in the Xbox Showcase last year, this one stood out. Being delayed from last year’s release, January seemed to be a great time to launch such a title. For those who are able to secure their Xbox Series X or S during the holidays, here’s a good first party title to start the new year right! With the Game Pass Ultimate, it’s a great way to try the game before adding it permanently to your library (or not).