January may be a bit of a dry month for game releases, but worry not, as several worthy distractions will launch in the weeks to come to tide you over until this year's blockbusters launch. Oh, and then there's the flood of Dora the Explorer releases. Prepare yourself.
The source of much controversy, Devil May Cry has generated an astounding amount of interest among fans and newcomers alike. Developer Ninja Theory's reboot of the beloved franchise initially drew fire for its revamped character design, and has incensed a vocal group of series regulars who have rejected the latest alterations to Dante's combat style. However, the first wave of reviews have applauded DmC's new direction, so the jury is still out on this one.
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is the product of Dark Cloud developer Level-5's work with Studio Ghibli, the creators of countless anime classics such as Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Castle in the Sky. With such a high RPG pedigree and an unmistakably striking art style, Ni no Kuni is one of the most promising titles of January, even if it will most likely fly under most gamers' radar.
Check out the rest of this month's releases below.
1/08
Anarchy Reigns (360/PS3), Dance Magic (PSN), Earth Defense Force 2017 (PSN), Go, Diego, Go!: Great Dinosaur Rescue (PSN), Rise of the Guardians (PSN), Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom (PSN), Lord of the Rings: War in the North (PSN), Dora The Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess (PSN), Go, Diego, Go!: Safari Rescue (PSN), Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Mermaids (PSN)
1/11
The Sims 3 Monte Vista (PC)
1/15
Devil May Cry (360/PS3)
1/22
Naughty Bear: Double Trouble (360)
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (PS3)
The Sims 3 70s, 80s & 90s Stuff (PC)
1/23
Path of Exile (PC), ShootMania Storm (PC)
1/24
Strike Suit Zero (PC)
1/29
Hitman Trilogy HD (360/PS3), Ratchet & Clank Full Frontal Assault (PSN)