Over the past few years, the gaming industry has witnessed some of its biggest hits emerging during the usually quiet time after Christmas. Typically, this period is when gamers, having indulged in holiday feasts and played through gifts, might not be looking for new titles. However, in the last decade, publishers have cleverly used this window to spotlight hidden gems that otherwise might be overshadowed by bigger titles.
I clearly remember when Dying Light emerged on the scene about ten years ago. Unveiled in 2015, this new franchise made a significant impact, riding high on the zombie-surge and the open-world excitement that defined the PS4 era. Since then, it seems every subsequent year, a well-backed indie game or overlooked series slips through the Christmas congestion to make its mark during the supposed downtime.
Steadily, this strategy has proven successful, and games like the Resident Evil 2 Remake have cemented the trend. This remake not only reestablished the franchise as a dominant force but also captured public attention, setting a precedent still felt across the industry today.
Fast forward to 2025, and the secret is definitely out. February alone is packed, with four major releases from both top publishers and thriving independent studios. Some, like Assassin’s Creed and Avowed, landed here due to delays and development challenges, while others, such as Monster Hunter and Kingdom Come, are banking on the proven allure of this strategic release period.
With 2025 shaping up to be a clash of the RPG titans, February is brimming with sprawling 100-hour adventures all vying for your time. Let’s delve into the lineup and see which contender might come out on top.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – February 4, 2025
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 kicks off the month with a bid for the throne, quite literally. While it may seem the most grounded of the bunch, it’s also ambitious in its own right. Adhering to the “dungeons not dragons” philosophy, it delivers an authentic medieval role-playing experience. Think of it as part Renaissance fair, part sandbox escapade, with a dash of unpredictable chaos.
The game, built on CryEngine, traditionally optimized for first-person shooters, presents an intricate challenge. It attempts to showcase bustling towns and a persistent world within an open-world RPG context. This ambitious endeavor illustrated a beautifully crafted world teetering on the edge of technology.
Having spent considerable time with the first game, I found it full of intriguing role-play elements that yielded mixed outcomes. A notable feature was its attempt to simplify skills with practice—a novel approach that made lockpicking notoriously difficult initially and rendered key story battles almost farcical if stealth or negotiation skills were underdeveloped.
However, it offered fascinating mechanics, like scrambling book text until you learned to read. The sequel continues Henry of Skalitz’s journey, a humble blacksmith turned key player in the Holy Roman Empire’s fate. I’m intrigued to see how they handle character progression without the amnesia cliché seen in other series.
Reportedly, the sequel doubles the original’s scope, with improved performance and refinement of frustrating features. The execution of this expanded vision could set Kingdom Come 2 apart during this crowded release window.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows – February 14, 2025
Despite its development setbacks, I’m optimistic about the studio behind Assassin’s Creed Shadows, particularly because Assassin’s Creed Odyssey ranks among my favorites. Yet, with the franchise’s reputation at stake, especially after missteps like Skull and Bones and Star Wars: Outlaws, Shadows has plenty to prove.
Japan has always been a dream setting for the series, but Ghost of Tsushima and Rise of the Ronin have already explored that era. It raises the question of how Ubisoft will sustain interest without relying on the mythological elements that enriched Ancient Greece and Norse settings.
Mechanically, Assassin’s Creed Shadows aims to revitalize the series. Featuring dual protagonists—shinobi Naoe and samurai Yasuke—the game promises diverse combat styles, incorporating katanas, tanto, kanabo clubs, and naginata, among others.
Thankfully, this installment includes a redesigned stealth system—something the franchise has long needed. It’ll be interesting to see Yasuke, visibly imposing, naturally attracting attention, contrasted with the stealthy Naoe, who embodies the archetypal silent assassin.
Valhalla’s excessive length was evident, diluting the experience with repetitive combat and interactions. Shadows appears to shift towards more open-ended missions, offering deeper engagement. This could be the fresh start Assassin’s Creed needs to once again captivate its audience.
Avowed – February 18, 2025
The race to avoid conflict with other game releases can be unpredictable. Even after maneuvering away from competitors like Stalker 2 and Indiana Jones, Obsidian’s Avowed still lands in the midst of this year’s biggest releases. However, its availability on Game Pass could give it the edge it needs.
If you think of Outer Worlds as Obsidian’s streamlined take on a sci-fi Fallout, then Avowed is their interpretation of Skyrim with a Dragon Age flair. It features compact maps brimming with loot, enemies, and the intricate, decision-driven quests that Obsidian is renowned for.
As a fan of virtually all Obsidian titles—from Fallout: New Vegas and Alpha Protocol to Grounded and South Park: The Stick of Truth—Avowed holds my highest personal anticipation for February. Yet, it’s also the release I fear might be overlooked.
Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed boasts a vibrant, swashbuckling art style. Its triumph will hinge on the storytelling quality and captivating quest design. If it can effectively marry these elements with engaging gameplay, it might just exceed expectations despite being the underdog in terms of budget.
Monster Hunter Wilds – February 28, 2025
Gone are the days when Monster Hunter was relatively unknown in the West. Since Monster Hunter World leveraged a quiet February week in 2018 to capture the global audience, the series has skyrocketed.
With numerous challengers now aiming to carve out a space in the monster-hunting genre, from the free-to-play Dauntless to indie ventures like Fera: The Sundered Tribes and EA Original Wild Hearts, Monster Hunter Wilds reclaims its title as the apex predator in this field.
While Monster Hunter Rise, built for the Nintendo Switch, was a noteworthy success, Wilds scales up dramatically. It features expansive, interactive environments across diverse terrains, adding complexity and elevation.
Creatures now employ strategic movements like bursting through the sand, navigating branches, and forming packs to strategically challenge hunters. This amplifies the dynamic personality of the monsters, which are the real stars of the Monster Hunter series.
The franchise has firmly moved beyond niche status, setting itself up for another blockbuster release. As we approach the end of February, it will be exciting to see how many players reserve their resources for the thrilling adventures that await in Monster Hunter Wilds.
So, which game will you be snagging? Or will they remain on your to-play list for years to come? February’s sheer volume of releases is daunting, even before factoring in new arrivals like Elden Ring: Nightreign, Borderlands 4, Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yotei, Pokémon Legends Z-A, and, naturally, the much-anticipated GTA 6…
