It’s the very first weekly game release round-up of 2012 here on El33tonline, so let’s make it a special occasion with lots of awesome new games, shall we?!

… dang.

So, there aren’t that many new games releasing this week around the world, but the quality is exceptionally high with the sequel to a long-awaited RPG sequel, the adventures of an immortal demon slayer, and an eternally told tale of souls and swords all making their way to retail over the next few days. Plus more!

Let’s look over the list of quality titles releasing this week, like it was the first time:

Releasing in North America: January 31st

• Final Fantasy XIII-2 (PS3, Xbox 360)
• NeverDead (PS3, Xbox 360)
• Soul Calibur V (PS3, Xbox 360)

Releasing in Europe, the UK and South Africa: February 2nd and 3rd

• Final Fantasy XIII-2 (PS3, Xbox 360)
• Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection (PS3, Xbox 360)
• NeverDead (PS3, Xbox 360)
• Soul Calibur V (PS3, Xbox 360)

Downloadable Games

PlayStation Network (PlayStation 3 and PSP)

• Puddle (PS3)

  • Experience a brilliantly designed physics-based puzzle/platform game where you must guide a puddle of fluid to its target destination, not by moving the fluid, but by tilting the game world. The player must work with friction, momentum, and the unique properties of each type of fluid and environment to send as much of each puddle past fires, rifts, potential spills and more.

• Demos

  • Syndicate
  • Twisted Metal

Xbox LIVE (Xbox 360)

• February 1st:

  • Double Fine Happy Action Theatre
  • Rhythm Party

• Add-on Content

  • Dead Island: Ryder White

• Games on Demand

  • Cabela’s Outdoor Adventures
    
  • Section 8
  • First Templar

• Demos

  • Syndicate
  • First Templar

What can we look forward to next week?

• Catherine

• Grand Slam Tennis 2

• Jak & Daxter Collection (US Release)

• Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

• The Darkness II