3 Up, 3 Down – January 2025
3 Up, 3 Down was missing in December, but it’s back for January 2025, combining the last two months. We did this because there weren’t that many video game releases in December 2024. But most of the games covered in this article are from December anyways, because the majority of January’s releases scored in the 70-85 range. Most of the highs and lows came from December. Anyways, without further ado, here are The Three Best (and Worst) Video Games from January 2025:
The Good
Batman: Arkham Shadow VR
***click here for our review***
Batman: Arkham Shadow VR is a launch title for the Meta Quest 3S VR headset. The story is a part of the Arkham games’ mythology, and takes place between Arkham Origins and Arkham Asylum. The gameplay is a first-person conversion of the Batman: Arkham series’ third person action gameplay. Our reviewer noted “You get all the elements of an Arkham game. There’s exploration, combat, detective work, stealth, and puzzle solving”. Batman: Arkham Shadow VR is on a short list of must-own VR titles, making it an easy inclusion on The Three Best (and Worst) Video Games from January 2025.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
***click here for our review***
Nintendo Switch owners have had access to the excellent Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for years. It’s the sequel to a Wii platformer called Donkey Kong Country Returns. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the long-awaited Switch version of that Wii classic. And it modernizes the controls away from the Wii motion controls that turn off so many players. Our reviewer noted “The boss fights are all clever, the controls allow for precise maneuvers, and the visuals are nice and crisp”. What more could someone ask from a 2D platformer? Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the highest rated game from January on The Three Best (and Worst) Video Games January 2025.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
***click here for our review***
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a first-person action-adventure game that captures the spirit of the Indiana Jones films. The narrative is cinematic and engaging. Troy baker does an excellent job voicing Harrison Ford’s face. Our reviewer concluded “Indiana Jones is all about globetrotting adventures, punching nazis, and solving gigantic mysteries. This game captures that vibe with ease”. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was COGconnected’s best reviewed game from December 2024, and easily deserves a spot in The Good section of The Three Best (and Worst) Video Games January 2025.