STACK #255 January 2026

GAMING PREVIEWS

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WHAT’S OUT THIS MONTH? No matter what style of game is your vibe, there’s sure to be something to get excited about amongst these fresh releases heading to JB this month. Words Amy Flower

EDITOR’S PICK ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS RELEASE DATE: Jan 15 GENRE: Social simulation FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes In March of 2020, the launch of Animal Crossing: New Horizons coincided with a certain pandemic that we’d all rather forget about. The upside, however, was that Nintendo’s creation ably demonstrated how a game could bring many people together. Now, the much-loved social life simulation is back in spruced up form to delight us all over again – and soak up an inordinate amount of our chill time, too! We’ll take up Tom Nook’s offer to travel to a deserted island and get busy with our crafting skills to make the place, well, not deserted! Fave characters and new folk to get to know abound, as we once again set about crafting our very own island paradise. Switch 2 players can look forward to improved graphics – with 4K support on TVs – and up to 12 players can meet up online, with added CameraPlay support. Joy-Con 2 mouse controls are introduced, and a cool new feature is being able to use the inbuilt microphone of the Switch 2 to locate residents by calling their name. Add to this a whole bunch of new stuff, including a

RUGBY LEAGUE RAW RELEASE DATE: Out now GENRE: Sports FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Experience all the action and thrills of rugby league on Nintendo Switch for

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE RELEASE DATE: Jan 22 GENRE: Action RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No The iconic Midgar arc from this epic RPG

the first time! Rugby League Raw promises to deliver the sport fast and pure, wherever you play. Chase glory in Career Mode, forge a personal path in ‘Be a Pro’, and unleash your creativity in Fanhub. With multiple modes, online matches for up to eight players, and lively AI commentary, every clash feels alive.

saga is reimagined with stunning visuals, rich storytelling, and a hybrid combat system that blends real-time action and strategy. Follow Cloud and friends through expanded environments and quests, then experience a bonus Yuffie’s adventure. This highly desirable physical edition also includes a reversible cover, and a Magic: The Gathering booster pack.

BEYBLADE X ONE RELEASE DATE: Out now GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes The Beyblade X anime comes alive in game form, with a wholly original story

DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS RELEASE DATE: Jan 22 GENRE: Action FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Get ready for action, as epic 1-vs-1000

in this action-packed blast. Enter the X Championship tournament and let loose your Beyblade mastery, with wild online battles, and customisation with more than 100 million possible combinations. This physical edition delivers an exciting array of bonus goodies, including in-game historical Beyblades, and accessories galore.

combat is unleashed on Switch 2! As a nameless, amnesiac martial artist, you’ll carve a swathe through the war-torn Three Kingdoms. Team up with legendary heroes and grow stronger through unrelenting battles, as you take on massive armies in a world in chaos. Rise to bring peace to the land in this fresh and uncompromising take on the iconic saga.

YOOKA-REPLAYLEE RELEASE DATE: Out now GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes A love letter to classics like Banjo Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country ,

CODE VEIN II RELEASE DATE: Jan 30 GENRE: Action RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes

This hot sequel sees you dropped into a collapsing future where humans and

actual Rare talent who worked on those games crafted 2017’s open world platforming gem Yooka-Laylee . Now it’s back for a new generation, remastered and enhanced, delivering improved graphics, new challenges, collectible currency, a new world map, gameplay enhancements, and revised controls. It’s like a whole new game!

Revenants face ruin, as the Luna Rapacis turns the latter into deadly Horrors. With time-bending ally Lou, battle through times past and present to rewrite fate. Master intense combat, drain enemies for powerful skills, customise your build, and fight alongside unforgettable partners in this sweeping, time spanning adventure.

SLIME RANCHER 2 RELEASE DATE: Jan 14 GENRE: Simulation FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No This engaging sequel sends Beatrix LeBeau to the dazzling Rainbow Island,

DINKUM RELEASE DATE: Jan 30 GENRE: Life simulation FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes

Strewth! Have you ever wanted to build, explore, and survive on a bonza island inspired by the Australian outback? Now

a mysterious world full of ancient tech, vibrant landscapes, and cute new slimes to discover. Explore, farm, and craft within a stunning glass conservatory, upgrade your gear, and collect wiggly newcomers like cotton and angler slimes as you solve the island’s mysteries. Also included: a poster and game soundtrack download code.

you can go for it! Farm, fish, craft, hunt, and shape the land as you create a thriving town from scratch – solo, or with mates. Every day will bring new discoveries, creatures, and endless customisation options. This ripper edition includes a keyring and beaut two-CD soundtrack.

Coming in FEBRUARY FEBRUARY

Resort Hotel, additional home storage, and even LEGO items to collect, and we’re ready to fall in love with Animal Crossing: New Horizons all over again.

NIOH 3 (Feb 6) MARIO TENNIS FEVER (Feb 12) RESIDENT EVIL REQUIEM (Feb 27)

Answers: 1. Timmy and Tommy 2. Andrew Ettingshausen 3. Banjo Kazooie 4. Beatrix LeBeau 5. PlayStation 6. Romance of the Three Kingdoms 7. It rotated 8. The Hobbit

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44 JANUARY 2026

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