The 6 most outstanding video games of this December
We've reached the end of the year with surprises right up to the last minute, although the launch of 'Metroid Prime 4: Beyond' is grabbing most of the attention.
This December isn't as packed with new releases as in previous years, but it still offers variety and options for everyone, especially in the first two weeks before the holiday season kicks off. From a new installment in one of Nintendo's flagship franchises to highly creative indie titles and retro-inspired games, this month's releases cap off a fantastic year and prove once again that the video game calendar always has surprises in store right up until the very last minute.
December 1 | PC, Switch 2, Switch, PS5, PS4, XSeries, XOne | Ages 12+
![1 Marvel Cosmic Invasion](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1 1"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The month starts strong with Marvel Cosmic Invasiona game of the genre beat 'em up (also known in Catalan as a brawler) inspired by the superhero universe like Iron Man and Captain America. The proposal has a retro inspiration both in genre and in its pixel artand is developed by Tribute Games, who made their debut a few years ago with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's RevengeA similar game, but set within the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe. With its polished gameplay and action-packed action, the title evokes the nostalgia of arcade machines and also appeals to fans of the Marvel superheroesFurthermore, it's published by Dotemu and will be available on Game Pass from day one.
December 4 | Switch 2, Switch | Ages 12+
This is one of the most anticipated sequels in one of Nintendo's iconic franchises, and that's no exaggeration, given that it was first announced in 2019 and has had a long and troubled development. The science fiction saga MetroidStarring Samus Aran, the series launches a new title in the sub-saga PrimeThe game focuses on exploration and action with a first-person camera. Its release begins a new narrative arc within the series' overarching storyline, making it an entry point for new players, not just for die-hard fans. MetroidDeveloped by Retro Studios, this is a cross-generational title, as it's available on both of Nintendo's current consoles, and it's not only the most outstanding title of the month but also... one of the Japanese brand's biggest bets of the year.
December 4 | PC, Switch 2, Switch, PS5, PS4, XSeries, XOne | Ages 12+
Square Enix continues its tradition with HD-2D graphics to present a prequel to the beloved Octopath Traveler (2018), with gameplay in the purest JRPG (Japanese role-playing game) style. New heroes, interconnected stories, a very complex turn-based combat system, and many hours of content make it a perfect choice for fans of this type of game. The art direction adds a retro-modern layer that blends very well with a thrilling soundtrack, but it's worth noting that, due to the large amount of text, it won't be translated into all languages: keep that in mind.
December 4 | PC, XSeries, XOne | Ages 16+
Developed over a decade by Lunar Software, a three-person studio based in England, comes a new survival horror title set on the Moon. Now published by Raw Fury, the game tells the story of an unnamed protagonist investigating the mysterious crash that left a lunar base in ruins. Played in first-person, the game features visual filters that give the images an old-video look (like a VHS tape), enhancing the terrifying experience and reinforcing the retro-futuristic setting.
December 8 | PC, Switch 2, Switch, PS5, PS4, XSeries, XOne | Ages 7+
A highly original and eccentric indie title where the player embodies a demon made of crystal and pain, skateboarding through the underworld in search of the moon. This shocking offering from solo developer Sam Eng, born in New York, also boasts a psychedelic aesthetic and an electrifying soundtrack that have won over... publisher Devolver Digital is handling the release. The skateboarding game is a good example of how more experimental independent projects can also find a place in this medium.
December 9 | PC, PS5, XSeries | Ages 16+
Unbeatable is a fast-paced adventure game developed by D-CELL GAMES and published by Playstack, a publisher of indie hits. BalatroThe game presents the journey of self-discovery of protagonist Beat and her bandmates in a world where music has been banned, though this won't stop them from spreading their songs far and wide, forming the title's 100% original soundtrack. The project was initially funded through a crowdfunding campaign in under 15 hours, with its hand-drawn, anime-inspired art style, and is a highly anticipated release for many fans.
