The Month in Games – January 2022

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©DotEmu/Ubisoft/Drakkar Dev/The Pokémon Company/Game Freak/Stray Bombay

2022 kicks off in style, with adventures in space and on Earth being joined by a tale from the past and a long-awaited release finally coming to consoles this month.


The Anacrusis

Fight to keep control of your ship in this co-op shooter. Working in teams for up to four players, The Anacrusis is set onboard a marooned ship in the depths of space. With hordes of alien creatures looking to stake their own claim on the ship, players will have to use a wide range of weapons and tactics as they battle through the decks to stay alive and unlock the skills, abilities and perks in order to make the final stand for humanity.

With an AI driver in control of the gameplay, players will be able to find the ideal level of challenge in The Anacrusis for their skill level and playstyle. The same battle won’t appear twice as the AI driver determines spawn locations, weapon drops, gadget placement and enemy directions based on how each team interacts with the game. As the game will be launching in Early Access on PC, development of the game will be ongoing as players participate in the gameplay.

The Anacrusis will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC (Steam Early Access) from January 13*


Rainbow Six: Extraction

Ready your team against the incursion in the latest from the Tom Clancy franchise. In Rainbow Six: Extraction, players are part of the Rainbow Exogenous Analysis Containment Team (REACT), a highly trained group formed in the wake of the breakout of the Chimera parasite in New Mexico. With an evolved form of the parasite now starting to spread through the US, the REACT squads are the only group able to engage with the infected and the mysterious Archæans, who are adding another layer to the Chimera mystery.

Players who pre-order will receive the Orbital Decay Bundle which includes two additional uniforms, Finka and Lion headgear, a bonus weapon skin and Crashlander charm. The Standard Edition includes a copy of the game and a Buddy Pass, which will allow players to invite two others to join them in online co-op even if they don’t own a copy of the game. The UK retail exclusive Guardian Edition includes a copy of the game, Buddy Pass and the Noxious Touch Pack which includes a uniform and headgear set, bonus weapon skins and two bonus weapon charms. The Deluxe Edition includes the game, Buddy Pass and Noxious Touch Pack along with two additional items and gear packs – the Obscura and React Strike Packs.

Rainbow Six: Extraction will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC and Stadia from January 20*


Blackwind

Explore and battle the unknown in this top-down shooter adventure. In Blackwind, players are James Hawkins, a young explorer who finds himself in an unknown world after his ship, the Pandora, is shot down. With only a mech suit known as a Battle Frame to assist him, James must set off and explore this dangerous new world as he tries to find his father and keep the native Raknos hordes at bay in order to quell any plans of a full alien invasion.

With a mix of melee and ranged combat options, players will be able to adapt to the world of Blackwind to suit their own playstyle. As players progress, they will also be able to augment their Battle Frame mech – which may lead to a new ally for James to uncover – in both the single-player campaign and local co-op play.

Blackwind will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC from January 20*


Windjammers 2

The arcade classic makes its long-awaited return with this sequel. Featuring frenetic matches with power-discs spinning around arenas, players will be able to take their pick from 10 different playable characters – including the original six from the first Windjammers – to go head-to-head in the arena combat. With each character offering different perks and skills, players will have to choose wisely to progress through the challenges that await them.

Windjammers 2 brings the iconic gameplay of the original to modern hardware with new power moves, a new Arcade mode, local PvP and online multiplayer. There will also be two new unlockable mini-games – Dog Distance and Bowling – for players to enjoy, all with the signature 2D art style and animations of the original Windjammers. Those on Xbox and Windows will also be able to enjoy cross-play at launch.

Windjammers 2 will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Stadia and PC from January 20*


Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Explore the history of Sinnoh in this new chapter in the Pokémon franchise. Set in a bygone era of the iconic region, Pokemon Legends: Arceus will have players explore the region under its former name of Hisui. In this undiscovered region, it will be up to players to explore and survey the land, catch new Pokémon, and research all the new types and evolutions in order to create a complete Pokédex for Hisui’s future. Players will also be on the hunt to be the first to lay eyes on the Legendary Pokémon, Arceus.

Players who pre-order will receive an exclusive Steelbook case for their game along with a figurine of the legendary Pokémon Arceus. A Growlithe Kimono Set will also be available as an early purchase bonus through select retailers.

Pokémon Legends Arceus will be available on Nintendo Switch from January 28*


Free to Play

Those with either an Xbox Gold or Game Pass Ultimate subscription will have four titles to add to their libraries for free this month. On Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One NeuroVoider will be available from January 1-31* with Aground available from January 16 – February 15*. On Xbox 360 (and Xbox One/Series X/Series S via Backwards Compatibility) Radiant Silvergun will be available from January 1-15* followed by Space Invaders Infinity Gene from January 16-31*

Over on PlayStation, those with an active Plus membership will have three games available to download and keep for free across the PlayStation family. From January 4* Deep Rock Galactic and Dirt 5 will be available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, with Persona 5 Strikers available on PlayStation 4.

Full details on this month’s selection of games and content drops via Prime Gaming can be found on the official website.

Also Released This Month

January 11* – Weird West (Xbox One, Ps4, PC)

January 12* – Monster Hunter Rise (PC)

January 14* – God of War (PC), Disney Classic Games: Definitive Edition (PS4)

January 20* – WARNO (PC – Steam Early Access)

January 21* – Neversong (PS4), The Dungeon of Naheubeuk: The Amulet of Chaos (PS5)

January 24* – Hidden Deep (PC – Steam Early Access)

January 26* – Kingdom of the Dead (PC), Diplomacy is Not an Option (PC – Steam Early Access)

January 27* – Circuit Superstars (PS4), Rugby 22 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5)

January 28* – Human Fall Flat: Anniversary Edition (PS5), Wanderer (PSVR), Doki Doki Literature Club Plus (PS4, PS5), Zengeon (PS4), Horror Tales: The Wine (PS5), Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (PS5)

January 31* – Cricket 22: The Official Games of The Ashes (Switch), Undernauts (PS4, Switch)

*Dates refer to UK release only. International dates may vary and are subject to change. Information correct at time of writing.

Words by Megan Roxburgh


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