The early winter months of any year are typically devoid of major entertainment releases — but someone must have forgotten to tell the video game industry about that. This month is absolutely packed with major new releases to begin another mammoth year for gaming, featuring the returns of beloved studios and series alike. Here are six of the most notable games dropping next month. 

“Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League”

Following a nine-year hiatus, Rocksteady Studios — the creators of the legendary “Batman: Arkham” series — are back and badder than ever. Rather than follow the heroes of the DC Universe, the studio has opted to explore its villains in its latest AAA project, “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.”

The game follows its four anti-heroes — Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang and King Shark — as they begrudgingly attempt to save Metropolis from a league of mind-controlled heroes. Under the threat of explosive decapitation, the squad takes up arms against the likes of Superman and Batman in a story promised to follow the previously established “Arkhamverse.” “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” swings onto PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC on Feb. 2.

“Persona 3 Reload”

After nearly 20 years, a classic role-playing game from acclaimed developer ATLUS will finally return to consoles with a makeover befitting its electrifying style.

However, this remake has received its fair share of skepticism since its original announcement. ATLUS decided to remake the 2006 original without including elements from its 2009 portable remaster, including its game-ending epilogue and the wildly popular option to play as a female protagonist. Early previews also warned of the game’s potential to maintain the original game’s repetitive games, especially when compared to the innovations that arrived in later entries such as “Persona 5.” Still, all eyes will be on “Persona 3 Reload” when it drops on Feb. 2 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One and PC.

“Foamstars”

The elevator pitch from “Foamstars” is a little strange. Longtime publisher Square Enix presents a multiplayer shooter game starring a bunch of foamy bubble guns. Believe it or not, this foam serves as the foundation for the entirety of the gameplay. Players use the foam to defeat other players, as is typical of the genre, but the foam is also used as a means of defense and traversal throughout the world’s weirdest battle arena.

This new title also promises a suite of unique twists on its own concept, including a sudden-death survival mode and a capture-the-flag mode centered around a … rubber duck DJ? It’s clear that “Foamstars” will feature plenty of wackiness to enjoy when it slips and slides onto PS5 and PS4 on Feb. 6.

“Mario vs. Donkey Kong”

The latest battle in one of video games’s longest rivalries is actually a remake of the 2004 game that originally began this series of puzzle platformers. This game combines traditional Mario running and jumping with methodical puzzling strategy to rescue the cutesy mini -Mario toys that Donkey Kong has tragically stolen.

But don’t mistake this game for a simple retread — Nintendo has revealed that this game will feature brand-new levels as well as a co-op mode for some multiplayer action. The visuals and music have also gotten a strong facelift so this retro adventure can fit right in as a modern-day release. “Mario vs. Donkey Kong” jumps onto Nintendo Switch on Feb. 16.

“Skull & Bones”

After many delays, the long-awaited pirate simulator from gaming giant Ubisoft is finally setting sail for consoles. “Skull & Bones” centers around naval combat on your fully customizable pirate ship, complete with unlockable animals and decorations.

But it’s not just about the oceanic battles in this new action game. “Skull & Bones” is stuffed with settlements and outposts that bring in elements of trading and a so-called “infamy” system, incentivizing rebellious players to become their pirate selves through more bold conquests and pillagings. “Skull & Bones” boards PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC on Feb. 16.

“FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH”

How do you remake one of the most beloved games of all time? In the case of developer Square Enix, the answer was to chop their classic “FINAL FANTASY VII” into thirds. The second installment in this audacious project, “FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH,” arrives this month and looks to expand even further on the foundation laid by 2020’s “FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE.”

But don’t be fooled by the title — “FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH” has been described by Square Enix as a “standalone adventure for fans and newcomers” and promises a unique and subversive retelling of the original game’s now-iconic story. “FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH” releases for PS5 on Feb. 29.