It’s been a long month, but we’ve finally reached January’s end. That marks the end of a slow start to the video game year ahead of the busiest February in recent memory. In just a few weeks, you’ll be able to playCivilization 7,Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2,Rift of the Necrodancer, and more. But before you get to all those, there are still a few neat January releases worth checking out. From the latest entry in the Sniper Elite series to a newGame Pass additionthat’s getting buzz, this is what I’ll personally be dipping into this weekend.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

Last week, Xbox gave us our first big surprise of 2025 — and it was a good one.Ninja Gaiden 2 Blackrevives a 2008 Xbox classic by giving it an Unreal Engine facelift. It’s a bit of an appetizer forNinja Gaiden 4, which is set to release later this year, so that’s as good an excuse as any to revisit a truly unique action game from a different era.Ninja Gaiden 2doesn’t play like a modern action game. It’s an unrelentingly difficult game that will kick your butt if you don’t learn how to properly block and counter attacks. While you may find it a bit dated thanks to its unruly camera, it’s a great little blast for the past that’ll remind you of just how distinct action games used to be before studios doubled down on consistent, repeatable formulas.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Blackis available now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

If you’ve never played a Sniper Elite game before,Resistanceis as good a place as any to start. The latest entry in Rebellion’s shooter is essentiallySniper Elite 6in everything but name. It’s a strong collection of World War 2 set pieces that have players infiltrating Nazi operations and gunning down fascists through tense stealth action. While I’ve already finished up the campaign, I’m looking forward to diving into its suite of multiplayer modes, taking out other players in death matches or maybe even invading other people’s campaigns and making their lives a little harder. If you just feel like beating up some Nazis this weekend, this is a good way to do it.

Sniper Elite: Resistanceis out now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Hello Kitty: Island Adventure

Hello Kitty: Island Adventureis available now on Nintendo Switch, PC, and iOS via Apple Arcade.