Over the past few years, it’s been interesting to see how some of gaming’s biggest hits have emerged during the seemingly quiet post-Christmas period. You’d expect this time, nestled between the New Year and spring, to be a lull when everyone is still digesting turkey and engrossed in new games received over the holidays. Traditionally, it’s a quieter season for gaming.
However, for roughly the last decade, savvy publishers have been using this period as a strategic opportunity to launch under-the-radar gems. These releases might otherwise be overshadowed by blockbuster titles during the busier times of the year. Take Dying Light, for example. It’s hard to believe it’s already been ten years since that game redefined what a new IP could accomplish in 2015. It cleverly tapped into the popularity of zombies and the PS4’s open-world craze, setting records along the way.
Following Dying Light’s success, the pattern became clear. Almost every year, an indie darling or an overlooked series made its mark during this post-holiday window. Then, Resident Evil 2 Remake came along, reminding everyone of Resident Evil’s iconic status while also solidifying the strategy of launching games during this newfound golden period.
Fast-forward to 2025, and it appears everyone is keen to jump on this bandwagon. February alone promises a fantastic array of releases from both major publishers and ambitious indie studios. These include titles like Assassin’s Creed and Avowed, both of which landed here after some scheduling upheavals, while others like Monster Hunter and Kingdom Come have come to appreciate the magic of this launch window.
Looking at the line-up, February 2025 is turning into an all-out RPG showdown. There are a myriad of sprawling RPGs vying for attention, but in the end, only one can emerge as the crowd favorite. So, let’s dive into the contenders.
First on the list is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which is set to make its grand entrance on February 4, 2025. This game aims to seize the throne with its unique spin on medieval role-playing. It promises a mix of historical authenticity and sandbox adventure, all wrapped up in a somewhat unpredictable yet endearing package.
Developed using the CryEngine, known for its FPS focus, the original Kingdom Come stretched its capabilities to create lively towns and a persistent world state demanded by open-world RPGs. This resulted in a breathtakingly detailed game world, although at times, it was close to its breaking point.
When I delved into the first Kingdom Come, I found its novel role-play mechanics intriguing, even if the results were mixed. For instance, instead of following a traditional difficulty curve, skills became easier as you repeated them, which could make certain tasks like lockpicking incredibly challenging at the start. Yet, it also had genuinely innovative features, like requiring you to learn to read before understanding in-game text.
This sequel continues the story with Henry of Skalitz, a low-born blacksmith who rose to prominence through chance and skill in the original game. I’m curious to see how the developers will handle the progression of an existing character, especially without pulling the old “you’ve lost all your powers” trope.
Rumored to be twice as large as its predecessor, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 intends to refine some of the rough edges while delivering an even grander experience. It could easily surprise many players amidst the fierce competition this month.
Next up is Assassin’s Creed Shadows, dropping on February 14, 2025. While it’s had its share of challenges, I still hold a lot of hope for this game. It comes from the studio responsible for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, my personal favorite in the series. Given Ubisoft’s recent mishaps with releases like Skull and Bones and Star Wars: Outlaws, Shadows has a lot riding on it.
Japan has been a long-desired setting for Assassin’s Creed. Yet, with titles like Ghost of Tsushima already exploring this locale, Ubisoft will have to bring a fresh perspective to stand out. This entry in the franchise aims to confront longstanding issues, notably through its dual protagonists, Naoe the shinobi and Yasuke the samurai. Their diverse combat styles promise a more engaging experience.
A reworked stealth system is also on the cards—something fans have eagerly awaited. There’s potential for growth, especially as the missions appear to embrace more player freedom, which could breathe new life into the gameplay.
Avowed, scheduled for February 18, 2025, faced its own challenges being delayed to avoid clashing with other Game Pass titles. Now it finds itself amid stiff competition, but its lower entry barrier might give it an edge.
If The Outer Worlds was Obsidian Entertainment’s sci-fi answer to Fallout, then Avowed is their take on a fantasy adventure akin to Skyrim. It promises smaller, condensed maps packed with treasures and thrilling quests. As an Obsidian fan, I’m eager to see how this game unfolds. Although it might not boast the largest budget, Avowed’s storytelling prowess could help it shine.
Closing out the month is Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28, 2025. The Monster Hunter series has evolved significantly since Monster Hunter World’s launch in February 2018. Now, with numerous imitators stepping into the monster-hunting realm, Wilds is determined to reclaim its throne.
Unlike the smaller scale of Monster Hunter Rise, Wilds promises an expansive experience. The environments are more interactive, with tricky terrains and diverse biomes. Expect to see monsters using their surroundings to their advantage, creating a more dynamic hunting experience.
Monster Hunter has moved far beyond its niche beginnings, and Wilds is poised to be another major hit. The only question is, how many players will wait until the end of the month to embark on their hunting expeditions?
So, which game will you dive into first? In a month packed with options, the challenge isn’t finding something to play—it’s deciding what to tackle now and what to add to your ever-growing backlog. And that’s before considering other releases like Elden Ring: Nightreign, Borderlands 4, Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yotei, Pokemon Legends Z-A, and, of course, GTA 6. February 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable month in gaming!
