These are the game highlights in December
Competition for Battlefield, Diablo and a contender for the hero shooter throne are on the programme in December. And, last but not least, a whip-wielding archaeologist wants to prove he’s not old news yet.
Looking back, one sad story looking back on December ten years ago was The Crew. Why? Well, Ubisoft shut down the servers for the racing game just a year ago, making it unplayable. Hopefully, the following games will fare better.
Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age – four fists of fury
Instead of the usual 1v1 battles, this fighting game pits two players against two others. This promises a different tactical approach than in classic genre representatives such as Street Fighter or Tekken. The diesel punk world with its hand-drawn backgrounds and characters also looks unusual.
When: 3 December
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Multiplayer: online PvP
The Edge of Allegoria – Hardcore Pokémon
Fellow editor Domagoj Belancic has already raved several times about this love letter to old Game Boy Pokémon games. The monster battles are apparently much more tactical and tricky than in Nintendo’s games. The scope also promises to be gigantic, with over 80 skills and 150 items of equipment. The official description even states: «This ain’t no f@#%ing kid’s game».
When: 4 December
Where: PC
Multiplayer: no
Delta Force – when Battlefield can’t get its act together
If you’re looking for epic multiplayer military action involving vehicles, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve already tried an early beta of Delta Force, flashing back to the best moments of Battlefield. Chaotic massive battles where helicopters and tanks fight each other, plus a current eight classes with their own special abilities. There’s still no campaign in the December open beta, but otherwise there should be quite a lot in already there, and progress will be maintained. By the way, it’s free to play.
When: 5 December open beta for PC, others Q1 2025
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Multiplayer: online for up to 64 people
Infinity Nikki – time for a makeover
Part five of a series I’ve never heard of. The colourful and imaginative world is impressively polished thanks to Unreal Engine 5, arousing even my interest. Together with her feline companion Momo, titular character Nikki explores a fairytale kingdom in a mix of platform game and puzzle fun. The focus is also on countless outfits. Fashion fans should get their money’s worth.
When: 5 December
Where: PC, PS4, PS5 Switch, Android, iOS
Multiplayer: no
Stranger Things VR – changing sides
The next season of the Netflix series won’t be released until 2025. Meanwhile, you can pass the time with this VR release, showing the story from from the villain’s perspective. As Vecna, you enter the dreams and memories of the show’s characters and use telekinetic powers to take possession of ghosts. As VR games are rarely visually impressive, I’m very excited about the unusual style, coming off as pleasantly surreal in the trailers. It might actually be worth a look.
When: 5 December for PlayStation, others undisclosed
Where: PC-VR, PS VR2 Quest
Multiplayer: no
Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop – a chronically stressed spaceship mechanic
Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop is a roguelite spaceship workshop simulator. What do you mean you don’t understand? All right, here’s the lowdown: in an extremely weird sci-fi world, you run a workshop where you complete all kinds of strange mini-games to repair things. Read the accompanying instructions carefully! You use your earnings to improve your workshop and pay rent on time to your tyrannical boss. If you miss it, you’ll die a quick death and the fun starts all over again.
When: 5 December for PlayStation, others TBD
Where: PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox Series S/X, Switch
Multiplayer: no
Skydance’s Behemoth – this is going to be huge
The wintry fantasy world looks incredible in the trailers. I’m curious to see how much of it will be retained in VR. As Wren the Hunter, you protect your village from the supposedly invincible and monstrous Behemoths. The gameplay promises to be action-packed, having you intercept arrows from the air and shoot them back with your own bow. Even with sword and shield, the combat is powerful and dynamic. It’s all made by the same studio behind The Walking Dead Saints & Sinners.
When: 5 December
Where: Quest, PS VR2, PCVR
Multiplayer: no
Path of Exile 2 – infinite possibilities
Diablo IV isn’t complex enough for you? Then try Path of Exile 2. The predecessor is already known for its almost endless combinations of skills, weapons and more. Part 2 follows suit in every respect. The free-to-play action role-playing game will first be released in Early Access. However, this should already be extremely extensive. A three-act campaign, extensive endgame, 50 bosses and around 400 enemy types await you. Your progress will be retained in the final game.
When: 6 December
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
Multiplayer: Local and online co-op for up to six people
Marvel Rivals – the ultimate superhero showdown
Concord failed miserably, but hero shooters are far from dead. The next promising candidate is called Marvel Rivals. The game principle is largely the same as in Overwatch and the like. In this case, six superheroes from the Marvel universe face off against each other to win across various game modes. The game is also free to play.
When: 6 December
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
Multiplayer: Online PvP and co-op.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – whip wielder
After two disappointing films, perhaps a game will succeed in putting the famous archaeologist back on the right track. The makers of the Wolfenstein series take us back to 1937. Nazis are once again looking for a supernatural artefact, and Indi has to stop them. He does this using his fists, whip and brains. Puzzles should make up an important part of the game. I’m still not convinced by what I’ve seen, but I’m definitely in the mood for a lively action adventure with snappy quips and a cinematic flair.
When: 6 December for PC and Xbox Series S/X, PS5 in April
Where: PC, (PS5), Xbox Series S/X
Multiplayer: no
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered – looked exactly the same back then
Both action-adventure classics are being re-released for the 25th anniversary. True, the graphics have been significantly enhanced, but the game’s origins on the PlayStation 1 can still be seen. With claws, lightning and a ghostly blade, you hunt down your former vampire brothers in search of revenge. Just good old 90s action.
When: 10 December
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Switch
Multiplayer: no
Monument Valley 3 – activate your grey matter
One of the best puzzle games for smartphones and tablets is getting a third instalment. Master new levels from abstract perspectives that even artist M.C. Escher couldn’t have thought of. You wander through a dreamlike world with your small, purple protagonist.
When: 10 December
Where: Android, iOS, Netflix
Multiplayer: no
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind – team-building exercise
This thing looks like it’s straight out of the 90s. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is a beat ’em up that wears its pixelated nostalgia proudly. Grab one of the five iconic superheroes and fight your way through a colourful hodgepodge of levels to defeat evil robot Rita at the end.
When: 10 December
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Switch
Multiplayer: Local and online co-op for up to five people
On Your Tail – makes me want a holiday
On Your Tail is an interesting mix of detective story, puzzle game and life simulation. Writer Diana is hot on the trail of a thief in a picturesque Italian coastal town with human-like animals. She chats diligently with lots of eccentric villagers, investigates crime scenes and then combines the clues on a kind of board game with cardboard figures. Delayed somewhat, and will now be published in December instead of November as planned.
When: 16 December for PC, February for Switch
Where: PC, Switch
Multiplayer: no
Squid Game: Unleashed – sometimes you win, sometimes you die
Shortly before the successful Netflix series continues with its second season, experience the iconic challenges for yourself in this mobile game. The deadly game is played online against other participants.
When: 17 December
Where: Android, iOS, Netflix
Multiplayer: online PvP
Alien: Rogue Incursion – not for the faint of heart
Playing as ex-colonial marine Zula Hendricks, this VR horror thriller has you sneak through an abandoned research laboratory. However, it isn’t completely abandoned. Slavering xenomorphs have made themselves at home in the station and can sneak up on you at any time and from anywhere. Sounds a lot like Alien Isolation, just with a bit more action. Whether your weapons can noticeably reduce the horror when you’re donning VR goggles remains to be seen.
When: 19 December
Where: Quest, PS VR2, PCVR
Multiplayer: no
Commandos: Origins – do the mole
An exact release date hasn’t yet been set, meaning that a delay can’t be ruled out. In any case, if Commandos: Origins is released in December, we’re in for a promising tactics and stealth game. Like its predecessors, which date back to 1998, the latest instalment also relies on real-time control. Timing and tactics are essential if you want to infiltrate enemy bases. You can now even bury yourself into the ground to avoid enemy eyes.
When: Q4
Where: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
Multiplayer: no
Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.