Our first Content Drop for 2020 is here. The year started with a bang with Monster Hunter World: Iceborne last week. This week, we’ve also got more PC game releases such as Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, Total War: Three Kingdoms – Mandate of Heaven, and Lightmatter.
Note: For all other PC games releasing in this month, check out our monthly listing here. For everything else releasing throughout 2020, as well as 2021 and beyond, check out the full calendar of PC game release dates.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: January 9
- Store: Steam
Although Monster Hunter World: Iceborne did release last week, it bears mentioning in our weekly Content Drop feature since, well, it is Monster Hunter World and Iceborne was the only major launch at the time. Monster Hunter World‘s Iceborne expansion takes players to the frozen lands of Hoarfrost Reach, teeming with new gigantic foes and numerous weapons to obtain. Iceborne also introduces the master rank difficulty for quests, letting you obtain new materials while facing an even tougher challenge.
Andrew reviewed Monster Hunter World: Iceborne recently as well. A newcomer to the franchise, he was surprised by the amount of content that the expansion provided. He did notice a few downsides, though, such as framerate drops and the high pricing point.
Total War: Three Kingdoms – Mandate of Heaven
- Developer: Creative Assembly
- Publisher: Sega
- Release Date: January 16
- Store: Steam
Mandate of Heaven takes you eight years before the start of Total War: Three Kingdoms‘ grand campaign. Set on the eve of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, players will be able to choose between the Han lords (including the Han emperor) and the rebels as they battle to rule China. Total War: Three Kingdoms – Mandate of Heaven boasts several new units and in-game mechanics to keep you on your toes.
I was able to review Total War: Three Kingdoms – Mandate of Heaven recently. Although it did present you with enough quirks to keep you entertained, the excitement dwindles once you get past the scenario’s “Mandate War.” Your mid to late-game campaign experience will tend to become no different from what you’ve gone through before. Still, Mandate of Heaven does show Creative Assembly’s willingness to experiment and add more flavor to Total War: Three Kingdoms. You can check out our detailed guides and features hub as well.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
- Developer: CyberConnect 2
- Publisher: Bandai Namco
- Release Date: January 17
- Store: Steam
One of the most hotly-anticipated games releasing this January 2020 is none other than Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot. It’s not only because of the popularity of the Dragon Ball Z franchise and its various video game iterations. It’s also because it’s a somewhat open-world adventure game that features numerous arcs from the anime. From the arrival of Raditz and Vegeta to the introduction of the Ginyu Force and Cell, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot will let you experience these arcs as you progress.
Speaking of “progress,” Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot will also have you picking up orbs and eating food heartily to gain buffs for your characters. Various chapters in the game will have you exploring the land, speaking to other characters, grabbing collectibles, and more. When facing bosses, the mechanics will be akin to Dragon Ball Z fighting games, complete with dazzling attacks and destructible environments.
Other Content Drops this week
Darwin Project (January 14) – Previously an early access title, Darwin Project has up to 10 inmates facing off in a battle royale. Darwin Project had its full release earlier this week via Steam and it’s still a free-to-play game.
Lightmatter (January 15) – Originally a college project that has since become a game in development, Lightmatter is a puzzle game where you control various sources of light to keep the fatal shadows at bay. You can find it on Steam, and you could also check out Andrew’s review.
Wizardry: Labyrinth of Lost Souls (January 15) – Originally released for the PS3 back in 2011, this dungeon-crawler makes its way to PCs for the first time this month. Find it on Steam.
A Long Way Down (January 16) – A deck-building and dungeon-delving game, A Long Way Down leaves early access for its full release this week on Steam.
The Alliance Alive HD Remastered (January 17) – Originally released for the Nintendo Switch in Japan back in 2017 and worldwide in 2018, a remastered version of this RPG makes its way to PCs. You can find it on Steam.
Next week’s Content Drops
Next week’s Content Drop features PC game releases such as Temtem, The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners, the HD remasters of Praetorian and Commandos, and more. We’ll see you then.
All PC game release dates are for North America.
