It's anime franchise tie-in time as "Digimon World: Next Order" and "Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 - Road to Boruto" release the same last week of January and first week of February 2017, a week which also welcomes retro punch-up "Double Dragon IV," mobile debut "Fire Emblem: Heroes," cute yarn "Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World" and semi-historical tactical adventure "Dynasty Warriors: Godseekers."
Double Dragon IV
Dates: January 29 PlayStation, January 30 Windows PC
Systems: PlayStation 4, Windows PC
It's the 30th anniversary of the arcade classic "Double Dragon" this year but rather than wait until July, this very retro-looking return is out in January. Arc System Works of the solid "Guilty Gear" and "BlazBlue" franchises handles the eagerly anticipated homage.
Digimon World: Next Order
Dates: January 27 (Europe,) January 31 (North America,) February 26 (Japan)
System: PlayStation 4
With many long-time fans hoping for a return to the approach of 1999's first "Digimon World" game, "Next Order" should give it to them; even the plot is about a lapsed Digimon fan coming back to the franchise. Players raise and train monster pets while exploring a digital world.
Dynasty Warriors: Godseekers
Dates: January 31 (NA,) February 1 (EU,) since August in Japan
Systems: PS4, Vita
Expanding the reach of traditional, frenetic action franchise "Dynasty Warriors" with a turn-based tactical entry, maintaining the series' customary semi-historical Chinese setting in terms of costume, characters, fantastical armory and super powers. Well received upon its Japanese debut.
Fire Emblem Heroes
Date: February 2
Systems: Android, iOS
More tactical adventures, this time on mobile and smart devices -- and Android's first Nintendo game -- as the Japanese-made, European-flavored "Fire Emblem" franchise gets a debut mobile outing. Free with in-app purchases.
Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World
Date: February 3
System: Nintendo 3DS
With the adorable, yarn-textured "Yoshi's Woolly World" well appreciated on Wii U, this version brings the jump & run adventure onto the Nintendo handheld, more or less intact, with an even more assistive Mellow Mode, a new auto-runner mode called Poochy Dash, a Craft Yoshi customization feature linked to game progress, 30 daily stop-motion clips, and a new Amiibo figurine modelled after Yoshi's dog friend Poochy.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 - Road to Boruto
Date: February 3
Systems: PS4, Xbox One, Windows PC
It's a person, not a city -- Boruto, son of anime hero Naruto -- and this expansion to 2016's "Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4" will be available either as digital add-on for existing owners or a compilation pack at retail.
