Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider joins this week’s upcoming games

Good morning, everyone, and happy Monday! 2023 is certainly shaping up to be a big year for gaming, and we’re getting started with some new releases this week. Whether you want to enjoy the modern-retro Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider or enter the world of your favorite anime, there’s something new for you. So, without further adieu, here are all the new games releasing this week!

KartRider: Drift (Jan. 11)

Starting things off this week, we have KartRider: Drift. Developed and published by Nexon, this kart racer puts you in the driver’s seat for some high-speed fun. To add some icing to the cake, it’s free-to-play as well.

The game offers multiple levels, with both a free and premium battle pass. In addition, it also features multiple unique minigame-like challenges. You can zoom into KartRider: Drift on Wednesday when it speeds out to PC, iOS and Android.

Lone Ruin (Jan. 12)

Blasting into your home next is Lone Ruin. Developed by Cuddle Monster Games and published by Super Rare Originals, this roguelike blends magic with twin-stick shooter action. Featuring multiple unique spells, you can learn new abilities which feature a number of upgrades and customization options.

In the game, you’ll venture into an old ruin in search of an ancient power. As you progress, you’ll need to optimize spells to build powerful combos while you dive deeper into the monster-filled ruins. Lone Ruin comes to Nintendo Switch and PC this Thursday.

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider (Jan. 12)

Then, developer JoyMasher and publisher The Arcade Crew come out swinging with their new 16-bit title Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider. Inspired by the likes of Shinobi and Ninja Gaiden, this side-scrolling game places you in a dystopian future, where humanity sits oppressed by an authoritarian and war-hungry government. As Moonrider, you are a sentient cyborg Ninja who turns against this government and rises up to save humanity from its evil oppressors.

Throughout the game, you can pick up modifier chips that give Moonrider new abilities to utilize in battle. In addition, you can combine and customize two chips at a time to get an edge over the enemies and fit your playstyle. Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider rises up on Thursday for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot (Jan. 13)

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot lets you relive the story of Goku, going beyond the epic battles and experiencing life within the Dragon Ball Z universe. Developed by CyberConnect 2 and published by Bandai Namco, this JRPG adapts the anime, giving players a new perspective on its world like never before. Though it first launched in 2020 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC, the new update for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S will offer multiple improvements over its first release.

The most notable upgrade comes with significantly improved visuals. In addition, the framerate sees an upgrade of 60 FPS as well. For those who already own it on PS4 or Xbox One, you’ll also receive the modern gen update completely free. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot returns on Friday for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

One Piece Odyssey (Jan. 13)

Closing out this week, we have another anime adaptation in the form of One Piece Odyssey. Developed by Ilca and published by Bandai Namco, this JRPG tells an original story from One Piece series creator Eiichirō Oda. Featuring a vast and colorful world, this game aims to provide players a rich experience within the world of One Piece.

One cool feature in the game is the ability to play as all the Straw Hats, with the exception of Jinbe. Though there have been numerous games in the series, the new one appears to be one of the most ambitious. One Piece Odyssey launches on Friday for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC.

What upcoming games will you be playing this week?

Overall, this is a great week for new game releases! From the retro-style Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider to two epic anime-based JRPGs, there’s something unique for every gamer. But which new release are you most excited about? As always, share your thoughts with us down in the comments!