February’s Madness of Games
A Packed Release Calendar That Shows No Signs of Slowing Down!
January already had a lot of games that were released like Cairn, MIO: Memories in Orbit, and Code Vein 2. We’re in the second week of February and big anticipated games already dropped. I’m not sure how any reviewer is able to play or even finish all of these games. I know I can’t, it’s overwhelming! My backlog is growing but I know I’ll finish it in due time. At least they are all good games, but here’s all the games I’m eager to play and try out so far.
DRAGON QUEST 7 REIMAGINED
I spoke about my experience with the Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined demo, and it is a game that needs to be on this list because it is such a huge release on the first week of February! This is the first Dragon Quest game I’m jumping into, and after playing the demo, I’ve been hype to continue the adventure and to see how the story further unfolds. Compared to the original version, the game has improved a lot with its graphics and combat mechanics. It’s a lot like the old-school Final Fantasy games with its turn‑based combat, and it keeps that charm with its cozy world, fun NPCs, and the cool teammates you pick up along the way. I’m already 20+ hours into the game and still having fun with all the new stuff I’ve unlocked. The game is out on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Switch 2 and PC.
ROMEO IS A DEADMAN
I’ve been a longtime fan of Suda51. He always goes above and beyond with his hopeful storytelling, mixing in that chaotic, weird fun in both the gameplay and cutscenes you see in games like No More Heroes or Killer Is Dead. Now we’ve got their next big project, Romeo Is a Dead Man, and so far it looks like they’re being more ambitious than ever. They’ve added new gameplay styles, animated‑style cutscenes, and improved what they do best, which is that over‑the‑top combat. From the gameplay trailers, it looks like there are a bunch of new weapons to use and verticality in the level design. What I love the most about this is that although it was said multiple times that their game will be released tomorrow, February 11th, they ended up releasing it today! So, take a chance with this game, and I am excited to see how the story plays out. Also, fun fact: Suda51 is self-publishing this one with Grasshopper, which is a big shift. Plus, the game is $49.99 ($45 with the sale currently happening), which is cheaper than the $70–$80 games we usually get now.
REPLACED Demo
REPLACED is a game I’ve been waiting for a long time, and seeing more of it just makes me even more excited. The 2.5D visual style is so distinct, with that retro look mixed with crazy detailed environments. It has a strong cyberpunk vibe, and the story already seems like it’s going to hit hard. The combat looks slick too, almost like a mix between the rhythm of the Batman Arkham games and the smooth platforming you’d see in Prince of Persia. I can already tell this game is going to be something special.
What really grabbed my attention is that it doesn’t seem like a straightforward, point‑A‑to‑point‑B game. From the previews I’ve seen, it looks like you can interact with different characters, take on side quests, and learn more about the world you’re stuck in. Even though it’s a dystopian setting, it still feels vibrant and alive.
The best part is that we finally get to try it out tomorrow on February 11th! Getting hands-on with it will give us a better idea of how everything plays, and this confirms it’s still on track for release next month. I’m honestly so ready for this one.
PLANET OF LANA II Demo
Planet of Lana is a game I haven’t played before, but I instantly recognized its gorgeous art style, world, and character designs. From what I know, it’s a cinematic puzzle adventure, and this entry looks like it continues the story of the main characters, Lana and Mui. I remember seeing some gameplay from the first game and being surprised by how colorful and open the world was. This time around, things seem a lot more serious, shifting into darker, factory‑like areas that the two of them must work through together.
I really like that you can control both characters to solve more complex puzzles. The demo drops tomorrow, the same day as the REPLACED demo, so we’re being spoiled by the Indie gods this week. I’m planning to try the first game before jumping into the new demo, but if you want to check it out yourself before committing fully, give it a shot when it goes live tomorrow.
REANIMAL
Developed by Tarsier Studios, the same team behind Little Nightmares 1 and 2, they’re back with this extremely creepy game that pulls you in just because of how much they haven’t shown yet. The amount of curiosity and excitement I have for this game is something else, and it’s all because of its world. We still don’t know what kind of crazy monsters are hiding in the shadows or what’s going to show up and chase you. They haven’t fully shown the animals in Reanimal yet either. They already showed one of the creepy animals like the huge, deformed sheep/pig in one of the trailers. I know they’re saving something insane.
There’s also a demo out that my brother and I played, and let me tell you right now, I already know there are going to be a lot of jumpscares and a lot of sleepless nights. The game gets so tense, especially when hiding from the “humans” that’s roaming around and grabbing whatever they see that moves. I know from just that demo, there are going many more sequences that will make us pause and take a break from. I still can’t believe they managed to make something even creepier than their original games. So, if you want to try the game by yourself (not sure why you would do that) or with a friend, download the demo, and if you end up liking it, the full game releases on February 13 for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
HIGH ON LIFE 2
The first game was hilarious, wild fun, and now we’re jumping back into another adventure that’s crazier, bigger, and honestly even funnier than before. My brother and I have been keeping a close eye on each preview that IGN dropped on the game, and it has been exciting and comical to see. I love how the NPCs interact with your character this time; it seems a lot more intentional, and they have random/silly conversations. They’ve added a bunch of new weapons and companions, more aliens to take down, and new worlds to explore.
Squanch Games really stepped up the movement and speed this time by adding a skateboard so you can grind around and pull off tricks like Tony Hawk while taking out enemies with style. I’m curious to see how the story goes this time and what unforgivable places they’ll make us explore, hopefully not too many. High on Life 2 releases on February 12th for Xbox Series X|S (including Game Pass Ultimate), PS5, and PC. The game seems to be also releasing for the Nintendo Switch 2 so it may drop on April 20th.
MARIO TENNIS FEVER
Originally, I wasn’t interested in the game, but after seeing the overview trailer, Mario Tennis Fever looks like it’s fun to try out. I love the fact that they included a good variety of characters, especially the new Baby Wario and Waluigi. I’m also surprised that it has a full‑fledged story mode that feels like a mini action game, where you’re fighting giant monsters using only tennis gear. I’m happy the story looks fun so far, especially with the whole idea of being turned into babies and relearning the basics of tennis.
The crazy twist are the fever tennis rackets. They have special abilities, like creating ice or fire on the court, or a racket that turns the tennis ball into a Bullet Bill. I already know the matches are going to get intense when players start using their special moves back and forth. It looks like it’s going to be a fun game to play with friends and family. Mario Tennis Fever releases on February 12th on Nintendo Switch 2.
RESIDENT EVIL REQUIEM
Listen, I don’t care how many Resident Evil games come out. As long as Capcom keeps things badass and the horror elements strong, I’m all for it. This time we have two protagonists you can play with - Grace and Leon. The fact that we get to play as Leon again is amazing. He’s back with the new strength he learned from Chris Redfield, and the slick execution moves he picked up after watching Ada Wong. It really looks like no enemy is going to stand a chance against his aura.
As for Grace, I’m really interested in seeing her role in all of this and how she’s going to deal with the madness she got pulled into. I love that both characters can switch between first‑person and third‑person views. First‑person feels completely different, especially for Grace since everything comes off more crucial and scarier. In third‑person, there are way more animations and character traits that stand out for both characters, so I might end up doing two playthroughs, one in each view.
Here’s hoping they randomly bring Wesker back or someone just as wild. Resident Evil Requiem releases on February 27th for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
See, that’s just scratching part of the list of games releasing this month. Gamespot has a full list of games releasing this year that they are constantly updating. Not only that, but March doesn’t let up in the fact that even bigger games are being released like Crimson Desert and Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection! I bet even more games will be added to the upcoming months, especially because of the upcoming PlayStation State of Play that is happening this Thursday, February 12th. Let us know what games you are excited to check out and play this month or in the future. We’ll get out some reviews and impressions on them, so be on the lookout!