Author: Greg Loano
February has rolled around and there are a list of new games that are releasing for this month, but I also would like to highlight incredible co-op games that you can play with a friend or S/O. Many of these games have been out for sometime, but it does not make them any less amazing. So, before we get into our games of the month, here are a top 5 of games in no particular order that I recommend as a fun couch engagement.
The Top 5 For Me This Month
It Takes Two (PS4/5, PC, XSX/S, Xbox One, Switch) – At no surprise at all comes It takes Two. The winner of the Game Awards GotY back in 2021, it’s no surprise why so many people loved this title. A story of two broken adults that get entangled in a strange adventure where they have to learn to not only trust one another again, but also learn the importance of team efforts and why communication is important. If you haven’t played this yet, I will be giving a tiny, non-gameplay altering spoiler for this little bit: the parents that you play as are honestly not the best people, especially to themselves or their child, but this journey helps them become a bit better, and as a game, it’s honestly fun to engage in banter and playful communication to help each other achieve progression through the story.
Cadence of Hyrule (Switch) – The fun rhythm game that was Crypt of the Necrodancer came with a sequel that has a Zelda garb on and is co-op. Seeing your partner’s skill increase as the game continues is such a satisfying rush, and merging that with a beloved franchise is a recipe for a great time. Honestly, this was a go-to game because it just felt fun. While challenges did exist and even bosses could be challenging, the overall enjoyment of just moving to the rhythm was nothing shy of pure enjoyment.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Switch) – It’s really difficult to go wrong when playing a Mario Game, as they’re usually always fun with a group, but this time around it somehow feels less chaotic with the removal of the timer and the ability to go at one’s own pace. Sure there is a very high chance that there is an impatient player, but that isn’t always the case and this side scrolling mario game is far more enjoyable than all titles since Super Mario World, and that wasn’t even a co-op game at the same play time.
Path of Exile 2 (PC, PS5, XSX) – This game is still in early access and will quite possibly turn to a free to play model in the future, but right now, even 30 dollars isn’t a steep asking price. Mind you, this title does allow for 2 player couch co-op which turns any ARPG into a much more enjoyable experience when a person gets to share it with another. If Diablo style games are something of a calling, then this is definitely something worth checking out. It plays different enough from the first title that makes it well worth the anticipation of each new update.
Portal 2 (Practically on everything) – If you haven’t played this game, this is your calling to do so now. With Couch co-op a feature in many versions. I’ve built friendships with this game with random streamers and fans, and honestly, it created friendships in ways I would never want to lose. This game, not only is humorous, but also thought provoking in ways that really get people to work together. If I can find a reason to play this with someone, I will. It’s just that good. And while the single player campaign is nothing short of fantastic, it isn’t nearly as good as the experience I had while playing co-op.
Now, with those freshly in your mind of what you can play when you get the chance to sit with another human on the same couch, here are the games that will be releasing in February.
PC
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – February 4
Genre: Western RPG / Single Player / Price: 59.99
Recommended to play the original to get a greater depth of the characters and the world around. Can be very unforgiving but ultimately allows a player to choose the agency of how they want to play.
Rift of the NecroDancer – February 5
Genre: Rhythm / Single Player / Demo Available
Take one part Guitar Hero, one part Rhythm Heaven, and one part Punch Out and you have yourself a neat little bundle of rhythm mayhem. Many reviewers have hailed this game and we praised one of their other titles in this article just earlier so do yourself a favor and check this one out.
Civilization 7 – February 11
Genre: World building and simulation / Allows for Cross-play / Price: 69.99 – 129.99
Not praised compared to the previous titles due to the cross-platform simplicity. Due to the simplicity, it feels like they’re stripped as there isn’t information in the game as it had been in the previous titles. It is good for people who have never played a Civ game, but if you’re coming from a previous game, you may not like it.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2 – February 14
Genre: Japanese RPG / Single Player / Price: 59.99 – 99.99
A direct sequel to a critically acclaimed RPG that was released back in 2022. I’ve honestly been looking for an RPG series and this very well may be on my next play.
Tomb Raider IV-V-VI Remastered – February 14
Genre: Action and Adventure / Single Player / Price 29.99
One cannot get mad at a price tag of 30 dollars, especially when it comes in the form of 3 games. If you’re a fan of the series, or just want to collect the remasters of the originals, this is a good way to see what previous generations were playing during their earlier console days.
Lost Records: Bloom and Rage (Tape 1) – February 18
Genre: Narrative Adventure / Single Player / Price 39.99
Animation looks a little on the clunky side and considering that there are going to be more “tapes” that release through the year, the price seems rather steep for a portion of a narrative adventure. However, regardless of all of that, this is the same studio that brought Life is Strange which is an incredible narrative led game, so if that is something to your enjoyment, there is a good chance Lost Records may be one of your enjoyments as well.
Avowed – February 18
Genre: Western RPG / Single Player / Price: 69.99 – 89.99
For those familiar with Obsidian know that their games are heavily constructed with narrative and choice in mind, and while the games may not be as open as compared to the company they are often compared to (Bethesda), their games have fewer bugs and tend to be far more enjoyable to play, at least for me anyway. Don’t expect a Skyrim level of open world with this one, but expect a world beyond what you could expect based on your choices.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii – February 21
Genre: Action RPG / Single Player / Price: 59.99 – 89.99
The Yakuza series transformed from zany action games to action RPG and eventually rebranded the name to “Like a Dragon”. I don’t exactly know how to explain these games, but they’re fun to say the least. If you want to play an RPG with a large sense of laughter and feel good, you’re in the right place. I mean heck, when was the last time we’ve been given a good pirate ship battle? Ubisoft clearly couldn’t deliver on that front with Skulls and Bones.
PGA Tour 2K25 – February 28 (Feb 21 for early access)
Genre: Sports Simulation / Single Player, Multiplayer, Online PvP / Price 69.99 – 119.99
It’s difficult for me to give unbiased opinions on sports simulation titles that come out annually. My recommendation, don’t buy it, but ultimately it’s up to you, and if you like playing golf on a controller rather than IRL, well then enjoy your birdie or boogie in digital format.
Monster Hunter Wilds – February 28
Genre: Team Looter / Multiplayer Up to 4 online / Price 69.99
MH games are fun for those that enjoy these kinds of games. There is a lot of depth that goes into these games from where you can damage enemies to the types of drops one gets from attacking certain parts, to community building with friends and organizing hunts. This is one of those games people can easily spend hundreds of hours on and not realize it when gaming with friends.
PlayStation
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – February 4
Genre: Western RPG / Single Player / Price: 69.99
Recommended to play the original to get a greater depth of the characters and the world around. Can be very unforgiving but ultimately allows a player to choose the agency of how they want to play.
Civilization 7 – February 11
Genre: World building and simulation / Allows for Cross-play / Price: 69.99 – 129.99
Not praised compared to the previous titles due to the cross-platform simplicity. Due to the simplicity, it feels like they’re stripped as there isn’t information in the game as it had been in the previous titles. It is good for people who have never played a Civ game, but if you’re coming from a previous game, you may not like it.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2 – February 14
Genre: Japanese RPG / Single Player / Price: 59.99 – 99.99
A direct sequel to a critically acclaimed RPG that was released back in 2022. I’ve honestly been looking for an RPG series and this very well may be on my next play.
Tomb Raider IV-V-VI Remastered – February 14
Genre: Action and Adventure / Single Player / Price 29.99
One cannot get mad at a price tag of 30 dollars, especially when it comes in the form of 3 games. If you’re a fan of the series, or just want to collect the remasters of the originals, this is a good way to see what previous generations were playing during their earlier console days.
Lost Records: Bloom and Rage (Tape 1) – February 18
Genre: Narrative Adventure / Single Player / Price 39.99
Animation looks a little on the clunky side and considering that there are going to be more “tapes” that release through the year, the price seems rather steep for a portion of a narrative adventure. However, regardless of all of that, this is the same studio that brought Life is Strange which is an incredible narrative led game, so if that is something to your enjoyment, there is a good chance Lost Records may be one of your enjoyments as well.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii – February 21
Genre: Action RPG / Single Player / Price: 59.99 – 89.99
The Yakuza series transformed from zany action games to action RPG and eventually rebranded the name to “Like a Dragon”. I don’t exactly know how to explain these games, but they’re fun to say the least. If you want to play an RPG with a large sense of laughter and feel good, you’re in the right place. I mean heck, when was the last time we’ve been given a good pirate ship battle? Ubisoft clearly couldn’t deliver on that front with Skulls and Bones.
PGA Tour 2K25 – February 28 (Feb 21 for early access)
Genre: Sports Simulation / Single Player, Multiplayer, Online PvP / Price 69.99 – 119.99
It’s difficult for me to give unbiased opinions on sports simulation titles that come out annually. My recommendation, don’t buy it, but ultimately it’s up to you, and if you like playing golf on a controller rather than IRL, well then enjoy your birdie or boogie in digital format.
Monster Hunter Wilds – February 28
Genre: Team Looter / Multiplayer Up to 4 online / Price 69.99
MH games are fun for those that enjoy these kinds of games. There is a lot of depth that goes into these games from where you can damage enemies to the types of drops one gets from attacking certain parts, to community building with friends and organizing hunts. This is one of those games people can easily spend hundreds of hours on and not realize it when gaming with friends.
Xbox
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 February 4
Genre: Western RPG / Single Player / Price: 69.99
Recommended to play the original to get a greater depth of the characters and the world around. Can be very unforgiving but ultimately allows a player to choose the agency of how they want to play.
Civilization 7 – February 11
Genre: World building and simulation / Allows for Cross-play / Price: 69.99 – 129.99
Not praised compared to the previous titles due to the cross-platform simplicity. Due to the simplicity, it feels like they’re stripped as there isn’t information in the game as it had been in the previous titles. It is good for people who have never played a Civ game, but if you’re coming from a previous game, you may not like it.
Tomb Raider IV-V-VI Remastered – February 14
Genre: Action and Adventure / Single Player / Price 29.99
One cannot get mad at a price tag of 30 dollars, especially when it comes in the form of 3 games. If you’re a fan of the series, or just want to collect the remasters of the originals, this is a good way to see what previous generations were playing during their earlier console days.
Lost Records: Bloom and Rage (Tape 1) – February 18
Genre: Narrative Adventure / Single Player / Price 39.99
Animation looks a little on the clunky side and considering that there are going to be more “tapes” that release through the year, the price seems rather steep for a portion of a narrative adventure. However, regardless of all of that, this is the same studio that brought Life is Strange which is an incredible narrative led game, so if that is something to your enjoyment, there is a good chance Lost Records may be one of your enjoyments as well.
Avowed – February 18
Genre: Western RPG / Single Player / Price: 69.99 – 89.99
For those familiar with Obsidian know that their games are heavily constructed with narrative and choice in mind, and while the games may not be as open as compared to the company they are often compared to (Bethesda), their games have fewer bugs and tend to be far more enjoyable to play, at least for me anyway. Don’t expect a Skyrim level of open world with this one, but expect a world beyond what you could expect based on your choices.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii – February 21
Genre: Action RPG / Single Player / Price: 59.99 – 89.99
The Yakuza series transformed from zany action games to action RPG and eventually rebranded the name to “Like a Dragon”. I don’t exactly know how to explain these games, but they’re fun to say the least. If you want to play an RPG with a large sense of laughter and feel good, you’re in the right place. I mean heck, when was the last time we’ve been given a good pirate ship battle? Ubisoft clearly couldn’t deliver on that front with Skulls and Bones.
PGA Tour 2K25 – February 28 (Feb 21 for early access)
Genre: Sports Simulation / Single Player, Multiplayer, Online PvP / Price 69.99 – 119.99
It’s difficult for me to give unbiased opinions on sports simulation titles that come out annually. My recommendation, don’t buy it, but ultimately it’s up to you, and if you like playing golf on a controller rather than IRL, well then enjoy your birdie or boogie in digital format.
Monster Hunter Wilds – February 28
Genre: Team Looter / Multiplayer Up to 4 online / Price 69.99
MH games are fun for those that enjoy these kinds of games. There is a lot of depth that goes into these games from where you can damage enemies to the types of drops one gets from attacking certain parts, to community building with friends and organizing hunts. This is one of those games people can easily spend hundreds of hours on and not realize it when gaming with friends.
Switch
Civilization 7 – February 11
Genre: World building and simulation / Allows for Cross-play / Price: 69.99 – 129.99
Not praised compared to the previous titles due to the cross-platform simplicity. Due to the simplicity, it feels like they’re stripped as there isn’t information in the game as it had been in the previous titles. It is good for people who have never played a Civ game, but if you’re coming from a previous game, you may not like it.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2 – February 14
Genre: Japanese RPG / Single Player / Price: 59.99 – 99.99
A direct sequel to a critically acclaimed RPG that was released back in 2022. I’ve honestly been looking for an RPG series and this very well may be on my next play.
Tomb Raider IV-V-VI Remastered – February 14
Genre: Action and Adventure / Single Player / Price 29.99
One cannot get mad at a price tag of 30 dollars, especially when it comes in the form of 3 games. If you’re a fan of the series, or just want to collect the remasters of the originals, this is a good way to see what previous generations were playing during their earlier console days.
My Must Plays
If you’ve gotten to this point and are curious as to which games I would pick, than that list has to go to Avowed, Like a Dragon, Rift of the Necrodancer, and Legend of Heroes. More realistically, the games that I will end up playing will be Avowed and Rift of the Necrodancer as I don’t feel I have enough time at the current moment to drop on 3 RPGs in one month, (especially when two come out toward the end of the month). Hope you enjoyed this read. Please let me know which games you plan on playing.