The Top Video Game Releases Expected Early Next Year
As 2023 draws to a close, there are plenty of exciting video games on the horizon to look forward to. This year has been a banner year for the gaming sector, and 2024 is shaping up to continue the trend, with major titles scheduled to be released within the first few months. The near future sure looks bright for gamers everywhere. Below is an overview of some of the biggest video game releases expected early next year.
1. Tekken 8
Tekken 8 is the eighth main and tenth overall installment in Namco’s legendary fighting game franchise. It is scheduled to be released on January 26, 2024, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Tekken 8 is among the most anticipated games of 2024. The game is a continuation of Tekken 7, focusing on concluding the enmity between Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama.
Tekken 8’s gameplay will revolve around “aggressiveness” and include a novel “Heat” gauge system. Players will be rewarded for aggressiveness as opposed to patient or defensive play. Tekken 8 will also have returning features from its predecessor, such as Rage system-based attacks.
Another interesting focus of the game is stage destruction and character reactions to the same. This aims to make the gameplay enjoyable to play and watch, given that Tekken is now a top-level E-sports video game. Tekken 8’s online mode is a battle hub lobby called “Arcade Quest”.
The avatar-based hub features arcade environments, regular tournaments and online matches, and avatar customization. Tekken 8 will have 31 confirmed playable characters, including three new characters. The all-new character models and voice lines will be a welcome improvement over previous Tekken games.
2. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
The hype train has already taken off for Ubisoft’s highly anticipated platformer Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. It’s easy to see why, given that it’s the first new main installment in the beloved Prince of Persia franchise since 2010’s The Forgotten Sands. The Lost Crown comes out on January 18, 2024, for the PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.
The game has been in development for nearly four years. The Lost Crown is a Ubisoft original that takes place in the Prince of Persia universe. It introduces a new hero called Sargon.
As a young member of The Immortals, a warrior clan, he must travel to a cursed city to rescue a kidnapped Prince. Gameplay-wise, The Lost Crown is a side-scrolling 2.5D action-adventure game. The game’s protagonist can move between platforms by jumping, air dashing, and sliding.
You can defeat enemies using a pair of blades and various time-based powers (which you can also use for platforming). Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown also features gameplay elements from Metroidvania games. These include interconnected game worlds, secret rooms and shortcuts, and puzzles.
3. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Fans of the Yakuza series can’t wait to have their fix with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. This upcoming RPG is the ninth main installment in the Like a Dragon series and the sequel to 2020’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Infinite Wealth is set to release on January 26, 2024, for the PlayStation 4 and 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.
The premise of Infinite Wealth follows former Yakuza members Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu as they set on new adventures in Japan and Hawaii. The game’s major setting in Honolulu, Hawaii, is the first overseas setting in the highly popular franchise. In Infinite Wealth, players will control Kasuga, Kazuma, and their party members as they explore the game’s settings.
The game uses a turn-based combat system similar to Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Infinite Wealth also features plenty of new and returning mini-games and side activities. It’s worth noting that Sega will include a demo with the release of the spin-off Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name set for November 9, 2023.
4. Persona 3 Reload
Persona 3 Reload is the highly anticipated fan-requested RPG remake of 2006’s Persona 3, the fourth main title in the popular Persona series. Reload is scheduled to be released on February 2, 2024, for Windows, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. As with the original, players will assume the role of a high school student who returns to his home city years following the death of his parents.
The game’s protagonist gains the ability to summon a Persona, a physical manifestation of his inner spirit. He joins a team of other Persona users to tackle monsters arising from a temporal anomaly. Aside from a faithful adaptation of the original’s story, Reload features graphical, functional, and gameplay updates that bring the game up to par with later Persona installments.
Persona 3 Reload will retain the core hybrid gameplay involving role-playing and social simulation. Developer P-studio has also overhauled the game mechanically to incorporate systems introduced in later games. Notable improvements include updated character models, new activities, enhanced aesthetics, and a refined graphical user interface.
5. Banishers: Ghost of New Eden
Following the success of Vampyr, DontNod Entertainment and Focus Entertainment commenced the production of Banishers: Ghost of New Eden. The game was revealed in The Game Awards in 2022. The upcoming Ghost of New Eden is an action RPG releasing on February 13, 2024, for Windows, PlayStation 5, AND Xbox Series X/S.
In Ghost of New Eden, Players will assume the role of a pair of ghost hunters named Duarte and Raith on a mission to investigate the haunted community of New Eden. Duarte becomes a ghost in the process, allowing players to utilize spirit abilities to defeat enemies.
You can also use Raith’s conventional weapons for combat. Player choices in Banishers: Ghost of New Eden influence the game’s storyline.
6. Princess Peach: Showtime
Nintendo announced a Super Mario spin-off game revolving around Princess Peach during the June 2023 Nintendo Direct presentation. In September, we were treated to more details about the game, including the title and release date.
The upcoming Princess Peach: Showtime will be the first game to feature Princess Peach as the primary protagonist since 2005’s Super Princess Peach. Nintendo announced a release date of March 22, 2024, for the Switch. Princess Peach: Showtime is conceptualized as a stage play, a similar theme to Super Mario Bros 3.
In the game, Princess Peach has various transformations, including Detective Peach, Swordfighter Peach, Kung Fu Peach, and Patissier Peach. The transformations give her unique abilities for every play she participates in. Wicked Grape is the game’s main Villain, while Stella is Peach’s sidekick.
7. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
The third highest-funded game in Kickstarter history is nearly upon us. During the September 2023 Nintendo Direct, the much-awaited Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes was confirmed to be released on April 23, 2024, for the Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.
Hundred Heroes is an RPG developed by Rabbit and Bear Studios. The game is directed and produced by the creator of the popular Suikoden series.
Eiyuden Chronicle Kickstarter campaign raised $4.5 million, making it the third highest-funded game in the crowd-funding platform’s history behind Shenmue 3 and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. It’s no surprise that Hundred Heroes is one of the top video game releases expected in early 2024.
Conclusion:
With the current momentum, 2024 looks to be yet another great year for gaming. Other notable video game releases expected early next year include Alone in the Dark, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Helldivers 2, Tomb Raider Remastered, Palworld, and Mario vs. Donkey Kong. You should expect more release dates during upcoming presentations like The Game Awards in December and the next Nintendo Direct.
