The beginning of the year offers something for fans of anime, JRPG, shooters, strategy games, and retro arcade games. If you’re one of the lucky few who got a Nintendo Switch last December, here are some of the nostalgic games you might want to check this January 2020.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot (January 17)
Get to experience the intensity of the fight scenes and powerful transformations you’ve seen in the anime again with Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot.
The action RPG seems to cover all the important events from the Dragon Ball Z series – the Saiyan Group saga, the Cell saga, and the Buu saga to include a few. The game will also include some of the filler episodes in the form of side quests or mini games like driving, fishing, and eating. There were also mention of including new stories, characters, and additional lore that were not in the anime and manga before. This means that the game will not only be a mere rewind of Dragon Ball Z episodes but also offers fresh content for fans to get invested into.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot features exploration with a wide map full of things to do. However, it does not seem to be following an “open world” format. In terms of combat, the game plays like an arena fighter similar to the crossover fighting game Jump Force. As the player, you get to immerse yourself into Goku’s shoes as he progresses throughout the story and unlock more powers.
You can also play as some of the other iconic characters like Gohan, Piccolo, and Vegeta. Gohan focuses more on hand to hand combat, Piccolo seems to be the defensive character among the group, while Vegeta is more effective with blast attacks. Some sub quests are only accessible if you play as any of these characters.
You may also call upon other popular characters like Krillin and Yamcha to support you in battle. Each have a unique set of skills that either stun enemies, heal Goku, draw attention away from Goku, and other creative ways to assist Goku during combat. The much-anticipated game is already out since January 17, 2020 on Playstation 4, Xbox one, and PC. No Nintendo Switch release for this one, unfortunately.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Remastered Edition (January 23)
Besides Final Fantasy, Dragon Ball is another beloved series that comes up in anyone’s head if the word “nostalgia” is asked. This GameCube gem returns with new features in this remastered version. The story revolves around a group of adventurers who gather fuel for protective crystals. These crystals are crucial for they protect the land from a harmful mist that attracts monsters.
You can now play with three of your friends via online multiplayer. On top of that, you can play with them across different consoles via cross-play. Team up with friends and other online players from Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, or Android. This is a significant function because, back in 2003 when the original version was released, it was expensive and difficult to play with four other players.
This Final Fantasy spin-off also boasts new content in the form of fresh voice overs, new skins or costumes to collect, as well as new challenging bosses and dungeons. This cute pixel action RPG is coming this January 23, 2020.
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath HD (January 23)
This bounty hunting action-adventure game set in the Wild West combines first-person shooting with some third-person platforming gameplay. It was first released on Xbox and Steam last December 2010. “Stranger’s Wrath” is part of the artistic yet bizarre Oddworld series of games. “Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee” is the first title from the series and was released back in 1997. Xbox players who played this game back then will probably want this if they own a Nintendo Switch. For those who were interested in the game but did not own an Xbox back then, this is a great opportunity to finally play the game.
In Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath, players assume the role of a bounty hunter named Stranger. He captures outlaws and collects the bounties on their heads. His weapon of choice is a crossbow that can load two types of ammunitions instead of conventional bolts. The “live ammo” is quite literal since he loads various critters, each offering unique effects to aid Stranger in various ways. Stranger’s Wrath will be out on the Switch this January 23, 2020.
198X (January 23)
If you’re looking for a nostalgia trip, this game is the perfect one to get. As the name suggests, the game is set in the 1980s where you play as a kid who is stuck between the innocence of youth and the eventual responsibilities of an adult. The kid finds comfort in playing arcade games and this is where the coming-of-age story is told in a poetic manner. The games included are Outrun-style racing, Streets of Rage-ish beat ‘em up, space battle shoot ‘em up, ninja platforming game, and a dungeon crawler RPG. The cinematic pixel-art storytelling gives the game a truly retro feel that will not only bring some nostalgia but might also provide guidance for those who are lost.
The retro game has been out in Steam and PS4 since last year but it will be released on Nintendo Switch this January 23, 2020.
Warcraft III: Reforged (January 28)
This is a remastered version of the fantasy real-time strategy game Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and The Frozen Throne expansion. Warcraft is a video game series that has been out since 1994, first as a real time strategy game for the PC. It has since grown and expanded to other media such as books, graphic novels, and popular games today – the online collectible card game “Hearthstone” and the leading massive multiplayer online role-playing game “World of Warcaft.” This video game series is considered a as a prime example of overwhelming video game success.
Warcraft III: Reforged retains its iconic gameplay that made it one of the many RTS (real time strategy) classics. It will get improved graphics that will look more similar to World of Warcraft. The story will be altered a bit in order to fit the Warcraft lore in other modern media. The game will also get improved modding, balance changes, and online features to accommodate who players who are still playing the game competitively even to this day. It was originally scheduled for release last December 17, 2019 but Blizzard felt the need to polish the game further before the final release on January 28, 2020.
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