Weekly PS5 Outlook: Zemuria Goes to Space While 2026 Stays in Low Gear
The Bottom Line Up Front: The mid-January slate is a desert for general audiences, but a goldmine for JRPG diehards. The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon is the only "must-play" here, marking a massive lore pivot for the franchise as it finally leaves the ground. If you aren't caught up on the 20-year Zemurian saga, it’s a quiet week to clear your backlog.
We’ve seen our fair share of slow Januarys, but 2026 is taking its time to find its rhythm. While the AAA heavy hitters are still holding their breath for Q2, the next seven days on the PlayStation Store are defined by niche appeal and one massive, lore-heavy behemoth from Nihon Falcom.
The Mid-January Release Schedule
| Game Title | Release Date | Platform | Our Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon | Jan 15 | PS5 | The main event. High-stakes JRPG closure. |
| God Bless, or Goddess | Jan 15 | PS5 | Fanservice-heavy action. Likely a niche skip for most. |
| BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW | Jan 16 | PS5 | Psychological indie horror. High potential for "stream-bait." |
Why "Trails beyond the Horizon" Matters
For those of us who have been following the Zemurian arc since Trails in the Sky debuted in the West, this isn't just another JRPG. This is a "collision course" event. Seeing Van Arkride (the Daybreak protagonist), Rean Schwarzer (the Ashen Chevalier), and the long-absent Father Kevin Graham in a single room is Falcom's version of the Avengers.
Our Analysis: This title represents a massive technical shift for the series. Moving from political intrigue and ground-warfare to "humanity's first foray into space" signals that we are entering the true endgame of the Legend of Heroes franchise. Expect a heavy reliance on the tactical combat refinements we saw in Daybreak, likely with even more emphasis on the "S-Craft" spectacle. If you haven't played the previous ten games, don't jump in here—the barrier to entry for the lore is now a literal mountain.
The Indie Perspective: Psychological Social Horror
BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW is trying to capture the zeitgeist of social media anxiety. We’ve seen many indie horror titles attempt this (think Martha Is Dead or Don’t Feed the Monkeys), but UNFOLLOW focuses on the trauma of bullying through a surrealist lens. While it risks being "preachy," the psychological horror genre often thrives in these mid-January gaps when players are looking for a short, 4-6 hour atmospheric experience.
The Veteran’s Verdict
We believe this week is a wash for anyone who isn't a Falcom loyalist. God Bless, or Goddess looks like a typical mid-tier fanservice romp that won't move the needle for the PS5's library. Our recommendation? If you aren't ready to sink 80 hours into the new Trails, use this week to mop up your 2025 Game of the Year contenders. The "quiet" before the February storm won't last much longer.
- Must Play: Trails beyond the Horizon (If you're a series veteran).
- Wait for Sale: BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW.
- Hard Pass: God Bless, or Goddess (Unless you’re specifically hunting for that brand of "hardship").
Will you be committing to the Zemurian grind, or is your PS5 staying off until the bigger hitters arrive? Let us know in the comments below.