Winter is here, the world becomes colder, and it has probably dawned on you that Christmas is just around the corner, yet you have no money for presents. That’s right, it is nearly December, the best and worst of all the months. While the big games may well be slowing down – apart from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – the indie games don’t take time off, there are plenty of options about to hit the digital store fronts, and we have a few that could be your new favourite to talk about.
Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden
For fans of the XCOM series there are actually a few different options on the horizon; not only do we have Phoenix Point coming at some point, but December sees Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden coming out. Set in a world filled with mutants; this is an interesting mix of real-time stealth and tactical combat. Aside from looking good and having some truly interesting character designs, the game looks like it’ll be an absolute blast to play. Best of all it is out on PC, PS4, and Xbox One December 4th
Earth Defence Force 5
For fans of B-movie horror films and alien invasions, we have the Earth Defence Force series. This is a series that absolutely revels in its absurdity and builds on it continuously. Starting off with boring weapons like assault rifles and taking down giant ants, the games usually ascend to dizzying heights with you calling in towering mechs, cataclysmic air-strikes, and fighting world eating enemies. This entry has a brand-new human like enemy type, and as always feature full co-op to boot. You can start fighting the good fight on PS4 December 11th.
Book of Demons
If you’ve ever wanted to play a roguelike hack-and-slash deckbuilding game then Book of Demons is for you. It has been in early access for some time but is emerging into the world of finished games this month. With visuals that make it look almost like a board game, and a highly addictive gameplay loop, this is sure to satiate fans of games like Diablo and Path of Exile, but with an interesting new twist. The full version is going to be released on PC December 13th.
Gris
Gris has been a long time coming, this frankly bewitching looking game has always been just over the horizon ever since it was announced. This game follows the titular Gris, a young girl lost in her own world, as she journeys through and manifests new abilities in her dress. The visuals are legitimately stunning, the whole thing looks like an art book in motion and if it plays half as well as it looks then this is sure to be one of the best games of the year. It is coming to PC and Switch December 13th.
Nippon Marathon
If you’ve ever watched Takeshi’s Castle then you will feel strangely nostalgic for Nippon Marathon. A party game clearly designed with utter carnage and nonsense in mind, here is a game that looks to be a great addition to any gaming parties you might throw. The goal is simple enough, make it to the end of the level, it’s the process that’ll get you. With random events in each match, a cast of strangely dressed racers, and the occasional Shiba Inu, Nippon Marathon could well be the next multiplayer hit. You can try it for yourself on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch December 17th
Well, that’s that for the moment, it’s hard to believe that we are at the end of the year, but all it really means is more games next month. Next year is already shaping up to have some huge hits, but we will be keeping an eye on the little ones that might pass you by. Enjoy your holidays, and may your days be hangover free.