February Kicks Off with a Mix of Retro RPGs, Co-op Chaos, and Samurai

February’s first week delivers a striking lineup of new games, blending retro-inspired RPGs, genre-defying co-op chaos, and a return to the dark samurai action that defined Nioh. While some titles lean into pixel-perfect nostalgia, others experiment with unconventional mechanics—like a turn-based tactical war game or an island ruled by cats. The week also includes a reimagined classic from Square Enix and a chaotic co-op horror experience where vandalism is the ultimate goal.

With early access and full releases arriving across the week, there’s something for fans of strategy, fantasy, and brutal combat.

At a glance

Menace – A turn-based tactical RTS where you command a strike force of marines and mercenaries in a lawless alien system. Early access drops February 5.
Tearscape – A dark, non-linear 2D RPG with pixel art and precise combat, launching February 2.
Yapyap – A co-op magic-themed horror game where players act as minions breaking into rival towers, arriving February 3.
Peace Island – A whimsical early access title where cats must survive without their humans, debuting February 4.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined – A modernized take on the classic JRPG, with time-travel mechanics and sealed lands, out February 5.
Nioh 3 – The latest in the samurai-yokai action series, blending melee combat with ninja tactics, releasing February 6.
Supporting releases include PUBG: Blindspot, My Hero Academia: All’s Justice, and Carmageddon: Rogue Shift.

A week of contrasts

This week’s slate is defined by contrasts. On one hand, Tearscape and Dragon Quest VII Reimagined cater to fans of traditional JRPGs and turn-based strategy, respectively. The former drops players into a gothic, interconnected world where combat hinges on precision, while the latter reworks a beloved franchise with time-bending mechanics and sealed dimensions.

On the other end of the spectrum, Yapyap and Peace Island subvert expectations. The former is a co-op horror game where players act as magical minions wreaking havoc in rival towers, blending chaos with tactical spellcasting. The latter flips the script entirely: an early access title where cats—yes, cats—must govern an island after their humans vanish, making decisions about whether to restore humanity or embrace feline rule.

For strategy fans and combat purists

Menace stands out as the week’s most unconventional release. A turn-based tactical war game, it tasks players with commanding a strike force of marines, mercenaries, and criminals in a distant, lawless system. Unlike real-time RTS titles, Menace emphasizes deliberate planning, unit customization, and large-scale battles involving tanks, walkers, and infantry. Early access begins February 5, offering a chance to test its blend of Command & Conquer-style warfare and XCOM-like tactics.

For those craving melee combat, Nioh 3 delivers the series’ signature brutal swordplay, now with expanded ninja mechanics. The game’s open fields and yokai-filled battles promise deeper combat than its predecessors, with a loot system that rewards mastery over raw difficulty. It’s a return to form for fans of Dark Souls-like challenges, but with more fluid combat options.

Where it fits

This week’s releases cater to distinct audiences. Tearscape and Dragon Quest VII are clear picks for JRPG enthusiasts, while Menace and Nioh 3 target strategy and action fans. Meanwhile, Yapyap and Peace Island offer lighter, experimental experiences—one a chaotic co-op romp, the other a heartwarming survival story with a feline twist.

For those who prefer mainstream multiplayer, titles like PUBG: Blindspot and My Hero Academia: All’s Justice provide familiar entry points. But it’s the outliers—like a cat-run island or a turn-based war game—that make this week memorable.

Availability and pricing details for each title are as follows