Incoming – January Plus 2014

Welcome back to our feature where we aim to outline the new releases that that our readers might be interested in.

As we enter a new year, I think I can safely say that the holiday rush is finally over. But while mainstream console releases are scarce, there’s a lot happening on the digital front.

Ardent Kickstarter followers will be pleased to learn that The Banner Saga, one of the strongest victors to emerge from the Great Crowd-Sourcing Boom of 2012™, will be with us next week (the 14th), boasting an engrossing story, deep tactical combat and frankly gorgeous 2D artwork. PC gamers who favour something a little more action-orientated can pick up a port of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, out now.

The Year of Luigi never ends, as Nintendo is extending the celebrations into 2014 with the release of Dr. Luigi on 15th January, a remixed port of classic puzzler Dr. Mario which features new multiplayer modes and rule sets. 3DS owners looking for other multiplayer experiences are invited to join the party in Mario Party: Island Tour on 17th January.

Retail releases might be quiet this month, but by contrast (hah?), PlayStation Plus is abuzz with activity across both European and North American subscriptions, no doubt bolstered by a new platform bringing new subscribers. If you were lucky enough to pick up a PlayStation 4 over the holidays, you can enjoy survival-horror title Don’t Starve, which is much like a never-ending first night in Minecraft, except you’re instead surrounded by Lovecraft-inspired flora and fauna. Lovely.

If that sounds a little too grim, EU subscribers can also take part in some vault-hunting in the addictive loot-fest that is Borderlands 2, or alternatively indulge in last year’s excellent (and energetic) Devil May Cry reboot, DmC: Devil May Cry.

And while it could be argued that EU subscribers had the overall edge in last year’s Plus offerings, NA is fighting back this January; BioShock Infinite and Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, two critically-lauded titles which ended up on plenty of 2013 GOTY lists, will also join DmC: Devil May Cry on the service later in January.

New Releases (UK)

Upcoming “Instant Games” PS+ Changes (EU)

Current EU Instant Games Collection

Upcoming “Instant Games” PS+ Changes (NA)

Current NA Instant Games Collection