The video game calendar will come to an end yet again in December 2021, so we've compiled a list of all the titles that are worth questioning Santa for this year. With the biggest game of the last 12 months still to come out, there are still a lot of games to play before the new year starts!
Candy canes and cinnamon fill the chilly winter air, bringing with them the aroma of the holidays. Everywhere you look, there's a festive spirit in the air, and cafés have busted out the red cups to celebrate the season of peace in The world and goodness to all. Now, here's a list of games that feature interminable conflicts, ruined landscapes, teenagers who are compelled to murder one another, and planet-sucking black holes as central themes. Oh, and Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition is also a must-see. Thank goodness, at the very least, we have that.
In truth, games frequently allow us to explore the darker aspects of our personalities, but in a secure atmosphere where we can turn off our computers whenever we choose and often save the day and bring about positive change on our own. So far from being gloomy, the releases in December serve as a tribute to our power to effect positive change, no matter how difficult the conditions or how impossible the probabilities may appear.
However, while many AAA titles were released in November, December's video game releases include a number of highly awaited games such as Halo Infinite and the long-awaited Xbox adaptation of The Last of Us (The Walking Dead). As a result of the ongoing COVID epidemic, several game creators were forced to postpone projects since they could not work from their offices due to chip shortages and other unforeseeable problems. Fortunately, the subsequent release dates ensured that many popular series would not have to wait for much longer to be released. Before the year 2021 comes to a close, various titles on the PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch platforms could become the new 'must have' games for gamers.
Most AAA titles were released into the highly competitive environment before December in order to qualify for a slot on the 2021 Game Awards ballot. However, many developers delayed their releases until December 2021, January 2022, or even later to qualify. Before their release dates, any games announced may undergo delays, and players have no assurance that the current launch dates will remain unchanged. It is recommended that all interested players check each game's official websites and other online pages to confirm that the release information has not changed. A year filled with challenges for the game business will certainly result in more developers delaying their projects until 2022, either for quality assurance purposes or to avoid placing their teams under unreasonably tight deadlines.
Halo Infinite (Xbox Series X/S, XBOX, PC) is an action-adventure video game.
Release Date: Thursday, December 9, 2009
If you ask Xbox fans about video games in December 2021, they will tell you that Halo Infinite is a massive deal. It's also the most anticipated release of the entire year, if not the entire decade.
While the multiplayer component of Infinite is now available (and free! ), the game's single-player campaign continues the storey of the iconic Master Chief. As is always the case, humanity's fate hangs in the balance, so prepare to face the most ruthless opponent you've ever encountered with a massive amount of firepower.
According to the company, the Nintendo Switch will launch with a slew of new ports and original titles in December. While Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl have already been released, Pokémon Legends Arceus is set for release in 2022. A number of other popular series, including Yu-Gi-Oh!, will find their way to the handheld in early December, including hack and slash titles like Firegirl 2. Furthermore, while AAA PlayStation exclusives such as God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Zero Dawn are scheduled to release in 2022, each system has a slew of other games in development.
Anvil: Vault Breakers will be released in Early Access on Steam on December 2.
Although its console versions were launched in June of 2021, Anvil: Vault Breakers is one of the first PC games released in December of this year on PC systems. Top-down, roguelike sci-fi adventure where players take on the role of extraterrestrial treasure hunters is available now. Randomly generated stages loaded with extraterrestrial foes stand in the way of reaching the game's 'Vaults,' which serve as a cradle of power and a treasure trove of intergalactic treasure. As players go through the game, their characters get additional skills that allow them to tackle challenges in other universes. Working as a team is essential, and those interested should be prepared for collaborative multiplayer to make a huge difference in their gaming experience. Anvil: Vault Breakers is a fantastic game that players should not miss out on, especially in a release window that includes many AAA titles.
Like other modern games, Anvil: Vault Breakers is expanding its horizons and bringing in new gamers with the release of a PC version. Because of this, several developers have begun to adopt a PC-centric attitude in order to increase player numbers and revenue. However, the recent chip shortage and the hardship of many players to obtain bits for their PCs may have an impact on the numbers. Additionally, compared to other games that came out around the same time as Anvil: Vault Breakers, such as Halo or Final Fantasy, Anvil: Vault Breakers is likely to fall short. Twenty-first-century video games have faced numerous challenges, with many titles releasing prematurely or being plagued by a variety of issues. Hopefully, Anvil: Vault Breakers will provide gamers with a more seamless experience in a less-than-ideal business.
The Halo Infinite Campaign will be released for Xbox One and PC on December 8.
In December 2021, Halo Infinite, the next chapter in Master Chief's sci-fi adventure, may be the most-anticipated game to come out. Halo Infinite, which was first unveiled at the E3 2018 conference, has been delayed significantly due to the epidemic and other unforeseeable circumstances. Its intended publication date has been moved back a whole year, resulting in a release date of December 2021 instead. After receiving negative feedback owing to the slow change, limited game modes, and heavily monetized customization, 343 Industries surprised the patient community with an early release of Halo Infinite's free multiplayer component. It is currently unknown whether or not a multiplayer update will be released on December 8. Still, gamers that purchase the campaign will be granted access to unique customization and multiplayer goods.
A faraway installation known as Zeta Halo, which is overrun with Covenant forces and a Halo Wars faction known as The Banished, is the setting for Halo Infinite. While Master Chief is attempting to defeat the alien menace, he is attempting to track down Cortana and halt her schemes. He accomplishes this by tracking down a strange artificial intelligence known as The Weapon, for whom the identity and objectives are unknown at the time. In contrast to previous Halo games, players have access to a far wider area of the planet and aren't bound to a single level, which is a welcome change. It is common for players to return to a crashed Pelican, where they are joined by Marine AI, whose programming has considerably improved from the previous games in the series. While several content creators have already begun working on Halo Infinite's campaign, the general public will be able to participate on December 8. Unfortunately, the Forge and Co-op modes will not be available until 2022.
After a long wait, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker will be released on December 7.
Although it was originally intended to launch in late November, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker has been delayed at the last minute to ensure a seamless launch. After a decade on the MMO market, users should be able to take comfort in the fact that creators continue to invest in the product. While Yoshi-decision P's to postpone the update was difficult to make, it was met with widespread apologies from gamers who had sought time off to help finish the product. However, given the year's slew of botched launches and glitches, its postponement is likely to have allowed for greater quality control. However, while Endwalker keeps a substantial amount of the game's normal gameplay in new quests and PvP situations, it offers a new Island Sanctuary mode that is not present in the original game. Island Sanctuary is a respite from the relentless battle and adventurous exploration of Final Fantasy XIV, and it offers players a more serene alternative. Players can manage to their gardens in the same way as Genshin Impact did and engage with a few of their many creatures. The biggest expansion to the Final Fantasy XIV MMO, Endwalker, means players may expect a long grind to reach the maximum level and improve their equipment. While this should be an exciting announcement for long-time players, new players can take advantage of the opportunity to get into the gameplay. In contrast, long-time players are preoccupied with the game's new feature.
The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Among Us will be released on December 14.
During the pandemic, content creators used the game to draw attention to themselves and their channels on the internet. Despite the initial flood of gamers, hackers, and other intruders, InnerSloth made every effort to release updates on time and fix faults as quickly as possible. However, while the game's popularity has waned in some corners of the web, servers are still up and running, and they are brimming with players eager to deceive and control their friends. Following the game's rousing success, InnerSloth issued a roadmap that promised interesting upgrades to the game that would extend the game's existence and increase the number of players. One of the most significant additions to the game is the release of the console versions, which will take place in the second full week of December.
Many popular video game franchises have begun to embrace limited exclusivity in order to promote sales and the number of players in their respective communities. In a similar vein to God of War and Horizon Zero Dawn's move from exclusive PlayStation releases to a shared PC title, The Last of Us will be ported to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on December 14. Although some players have switched to other games, the Injustice: Gods Among Us console versions and updates are expected to increase player numbers in time for the holiday season. Even though many families are still unable to gather for the holidays, they can at the very least blow each other out of their airlocks by using the appropriate consoles and servers.
Chorus (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC) Scheduled for release on Friday, December 3
If you've been craving some space-based antics since ending up with Star Wars Squadrons, Chorus may be well worth your time to check out.
You'll take control of Nara, a ruthless warrior who has become a wanted fugitive on a mission to eliminate the dark sect that shaped her character. This is a fast-paced, furious action game that evolves the spirit of traditional space shooters while also introducing some new elements.
Solar Ash (PS5, PS4, PC) is released on Friday, December 3.
Solar Ash, the second game from the critically acclaimed indie game Hyper Light Drifter, is visually breathtaking. Although the game's specifics are being kept under wraps, the developers have stated that you will "travel through a strange, vibrant and highly styled environment filled with mystery, wild high-speed navigation, charming characters, and enormous opponent engagements."
Those who own an Xbox should put this game at the top of their must-do list because it's sure to be a wicked good time.
The Gunk (Xbox Series X/S, XBO, PC) will be released on Thursday, December 16.
The Gunk is an interesting way to cap out the year, as it follows two grungy space hauliers striving to make a living. However, when they discover the long-buried secrets of a long-dead civilization, they must also contend with the curse of a deadly goo parasite, all the while being entangled in a vicious cycle of distrust and betrayal. After all, it's just another day at the office. This unique action-adventure title is one to keep an eye on in the future.
Spellforce Reforced will be available on December 3 on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Achieving a harmonious balance between RPG and RTS aspects in the same game is not an easy feat. A decent leafy scenery and a dragon are two things that they both enjoy—but combining the tale and characterization of one with the unit balance and resource hoarding of the other needs a skilled hand, as demonstrated by Spellforce 3.
In addition to enhancements across the board, such as tweaks to its ability trees and unit balancing, this new Reforced Edition of the 2017 genre mashup provides an update to the game's visuals, making it look more in keeping with the year 2021.
Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker will be released on December 7 for Mac, PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
Although it has been more than a decade since Final Fantasy originally delved into MMO terrain, Final Fantasy XIV is constantly growing. The game's most recent chapter, Endwalker, introduces the Sage and Reaper professions and a new race in the shape of male Viera and several large new locations, including Labyrinthos, Thavnair Garlemald, and Mare Lamentorum, among others. Thank god for the absence of voice-activated travel.
The level cap has been raised from 80 to 90, and a new raid called Pandemonium has been added to test those max level muscles. Veteran players will be delighted to learn that their grinding can resume with the introduction of a level cap increase from 80 to 90 and the introduction of Pandemonium.
Life is Strange: True Colors will be released on the Nintendo Switch on December 7 (it is already available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Stadia).
Cyndi Lauper lovers are in for some sad news. The new episode of Life is Strange follows Alex Chen, a super-powered empath who has the ability to take other people's emotions and flip them. It has completely nothing to do with the 1980s pop star's 1986 hit single but everything to do with unraveling the mystery surrounding Alex's brother Gabe's death. Considering the pros and cons, that is arguably a better basis for a videogame.
With its mature humanist perspective on adventure gaming, Life is Strange has been refined from its original hella cringe language. Its soundtracks continue to be a favorite of Pitchfork readers.
Keo will be available in early access on December 9 on PC.
In games journalism school, you're taught not to label a game as a hybrid of two different games, but sometimes you have to call a spade a spade, and Rocket League Borderlands – also known as KEO – is one of those instances.
Although the planet is a wasteland of dunes and jump pads, and the only indications of life left are weaponized buggies, we can't help but smile at the thought of a team-based automobile deathmatch game.
The following is a detailed list of all big December releases for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Anvil: Vault Breakers will be released on December 2 (PC)
December 2 is Solar Ash Day (PC, PS4, PS5)
December 2 is Archvale Day (Switch, PC)
Hot Wheels Unleashed: Hot Wheels Pass Vol. 1 Batman (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC) will be released on December 2.
Warhammer 40,000 Battlesector (PS4, PS5, XBO, XBX/S) will be released on December 2.
The Kids We Were: The Complete Edition will be released on December 2 (Switch, PC)
6Souls on December 3 (Switch, PC)
The Big Brain Academy will host a Brain versus. Brain competition on December 3. (Switch)
Chorus (PS4, PS5, PC, XBO, XBX/S, Stadia) will be released on December 3.
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc - Anniversary Edition will be released on December 3 (Switch)
Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair Anniversary Edition will be released on December 3 (Switch)
Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony - Anniversary Edition will be released on December 3 (Switch)
Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition opens on December 3 (Switch)
Happy's Humble Burger Farm (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch) launches on December 3.
December 3: The Word Goes Forward (Switch)
Spellforce Reforced (PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, XBX/S) launches on December 3.
9-Ball Pocket on December 7 (Switch)
December 7 is "Ever Forward" (PS5, PS4, Switch)
Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker will be released on December 7 (PC, PS4, PS5)
– Physical release on December 7 for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, XBX/S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. – Digital release on December 7 for the Xbox One, Switch, and PC.
LOVE 3 will be released on December 7 (Switch)
December 7 is twelve minutes (Switch)
Yu-Gi-Oh! on December 7th! Rush Duel: Saikyou Battle Royale (Saikyou Battle Royale) (Switch)
Halo Infinite (PC, XBO, XBX/S) will be released on December 8.
Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space Remastered will be released on December 8 (XBO, Switch, PC)
Transient: Extended Edition will be released on December 8 (PS4, XBO, Switch, PC)
blasphemous: The Wounds of Eventide on December 9 (PS4, XBO, Switch, PC)
Kubinashi remembrance day is December 9 (Switch)
December 9: Monopoly Madness (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox One S, XBO, Switch, PC)
Monster Rancher will be released on December 9 (Switch)
Monster Rancher 2 will be released on December 9 (Switch)
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX will be released on December 9 (Switch)
December 9 is Sol Cresta (PS4, Switch, PC)
The Super Impossible Road opens on December 9 (Switch)
Wytchwood (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC) will be released on December 9.
Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon will be released on December 13 (PS4, Switch)
On December 14, Among Us (PS4, PS5, XBO, XBX/S) will be released.
Asteroids: Recharged (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC) will be released on December 14.
Firegirl: Hack' n Splash Rescue (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC) will be released on December 14.
Aeterna Noctis (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC) will be released on December 15.
The Letter: A Horror Visual Novel will be released on December 15 (Switch)
Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC) will be released on December 16.
Appendix A: Hashihime of the Old Book Town (December 16) (Switch)
Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth (PS5, PS4, XBX/S, XBO, Switch, PC) is released on December 16.
HIM & HER 3 will premiere on December 17 (Switch)
December 23 is the day of doom (Switch)
December 25 is dedicated to American Man (Switch)