The gaming world experienced a remarkable surge in 2023, and it appears 2024 will maintain that momentum starting with some major game releases on January 26.

Recently, the video game industry has been overflowing with notable launches, and the beginning of 2024 seems to be continuing this trend. Particularly, January 26 stands out as a key date for gaming enthusiasts, as it marks the debut of two eagerly awaited titles: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Tekken 8.

Each with a storied legacy, Like a Dragon and Tekken are set to release games that are arguably the most awaited in their respective series. These upcoming titles are expected to introduce groundbreaking changes to their franchises, pushing beyond the familiar limits, which is why January 26 is poised to be a significant date in the gaming world.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: infinitely good?

The buzz around Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth celebrates Ryu Ga Gotoku’s successful overhaul of fundamental gameplay mechanics in Yakuza: Like a Dragon back in 2020. This installment brought a fresh face to the Like a Dragon series with Ichiban Kasuga at the helm, succeeding the renowned Kazuma Kiryu. This game marked a departure from the series’ traditional beat-’em-up style, opting instead for a turn-based JRPG style, a trend that will continue in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

Infinite Wealth, following directly from Yakuza: Like a Dragon, invites players to step into Ichiban’s role again, accompanied by a diverse cast of characters. The game, primarily set in the exotic locale of Hawaii, promises to be one of the most ambitious installments in the series to date. Infinite Wealth is set to feature the most extensive map and the longest storyline of any game in the LaD series, along with a vast array of side quests. The game’s launch on January 26, just a short interval after Like a Dragon: Gaiden, is highly anticipated and might bring closure to Kiryu’s narrative spanning nearly two decades.

Tekken 8: a new chapter in the fighting game saga

Bandai Namco is set to enhance their iconic fighting series with the release of Tekken 8 on January 26, generating significant excitement among fans. It’s been nearly ten years since Tekken 7’s release, and the buildup for this new installment is tangible.

Described as a game that will transition the series into the modern era, Tekken 8 boasts a detailed story mode and 32 reimagined characters. The game focuses on breathtaking battle environments and dynamic stage destruction, creating novel and unpredictable combat scenarios. Continuing the storyline from 2015, Tekken 8 features Jin Kazama and Kazuya Mishima in another monumental showdown.

Tekken 8 is set to include an extensive online mode, along with innovative gameplay mechanics like the Heat system, which promises to redefine aggressive play and add unique elements to each character. Both Tekken 8 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth are not just new additions to their franchises; they represent a leap into a new era, laden with fresh gameplay features and engaging storylines. The launch of these games on January 26 is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the gaming industry.

Source: GameRant