December is the first month since this past summer that we can all finally take a breather. The video game release schedule is actually manageable for the first time in months. That’s a relief, even though it also means there’s not a ton of new games to choose from. At least we’ll be able to start catching up on our backlog! Or make some tiny dent, in any case.

Doom VFR by id Software, Bethesda Softworks – December 1st

Set shortly after the demonic invasion of the UAC’s Martian research facility, you are the last known human survivor– until your death. Under a top-secret UAC operational contingency protocol, your consciousness is transferred to an artificial brain matrix. Your designated purpose restore operational stability and use any means necessary to stop the onslaught of demons. Immerse yourself in the UAC facility on Mars and the depths of Hell, as your skills are put to the test through intense combat and challenging puzzle-solving.

Platform: PS4, Vive

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 by Monolith Soft, Nintendo – December 1st

An open-world action role-playing game where you play as Rex in search of the ultimate paradise, Elysium, with your companion, Pyra. Explore an endless ocean of clouds, where the last remnants of civilization live on the backs of colossal beasts called Titans. Experience the story of Rex and his new friend, Pyra, a mysterious being known as a Blade who grants him tremendous power. Together, search for Pyras long lost home Elysium, the ultimate paradise for all of humanity.

Platform: Switch

Dead Rising 4: Frank’s Big Package by Capcom, Microsoft Studios – December 5th

Dead Rising 4 takes place sixteen years after the events of Dead Rising. The Willamette Memorial Megaplex mall and surrounding town are overrun with deadly predators. Frank West returns to uncover the government conspiracy behind the outbreak. Explore a vast, open world survival horror sandbox with classic hallmarks of the ground-breaking series. Dead Rising 4: Frank’s Big Package includes all previously released game content in one package. Additionally featuring an all-new mode called ‘Capcom Heroes‘.

Platform: PS4

Bravo Team by Supermassive Games – December 5th

It’s all or nothing in a heart-pumping firefight of intense combat and split-second tactical decision making. Trapped in hostile territory, you and your teammate are totally surrounded. Only cool thinking in the heat of battle will see you through to the end of your mission – so take up variety of shotguns, pistols and automatic weapons, duck into cover and make every shot count.

Platform: PSVR

Hello Neighbor by Dynamic Pixels, TinyBuild – December 8th

Hello Neighbor is a stealth horror game about sneaking into your neighbor’s house and figuring out what he’s hiding in the basement. The game is a first-person stealth sandbox game where you take on the role of a nosy neighbor. Your goal: to discover just what is making all those strange noises coming from the basement across the street. As you play through Hello Neighbor, your titular nemesis will learn from your mistakes. Get caught after sneaking through the back door and he’ll start laying traps there. However creepy you think this home invasion game will be, it’s even creepier than that.

Platform: Xbox One, PC, Mac

Fallout 4 VR by Bethesda Game Studios – December 12th

https://youtu.be/jspdtha3t1k

One of the most anticipated VR games, Bethesda sticks the world of Fallout 4 in virtual reality. Launched at this year’s E3 conference Fallout fans who have played the game, and are obsessed with the series and its post-apocalyptic society, the game offers the opportunity to look around like you’re there in that visceral way that conventional games cannot convey. Get up and personal with a deathclaw or watch the visceral action of a bloodbug. Fallout 4 will be coming to the HTC Vive.

Platform: PC

Okami HD by Clover Studio, CAPCOM – December 12th

https://youtu.be/AE–gR_sfUQ

One of my favourite games from the PS2 if you haven’t played Okami you really should and now you can with the HD remake. It’s a stunningly gorgeous and unique masterpiece that effortlessly blends art and storytelling with puzzles and amusement. In Okami, the legendary monster Orochi has come back to life and turned the world into a veritable wasteland. Players must assume the role of a wolf, an embodiment of the sun god Amaterasu, which is capable of wielding unimaginable power. Fight ominous beings with the stroke of your brush and reclaim the earth from the curse that plagues it.

Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds by Bluehole Studio Inc., PUBG Corporation – December 12th

https://youtu.be/SjKKbFe61GQ

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is a last-man-standing shooter being developed in a multiplayer online battle royale game. Players must fight to locate weapons and supplies in a massive 8×8 km island to be the lone survivor. The game was first released for PC in Steam’s Early Access in March 2017.  By the end of the year, it had sold over twenty million copies and held a peak concurrent player count of over two million. The game finally launches officially this December.

Platform: Xbox One

Resident Evil 7: End of Zoe and Not A Hero by CAPCOM – December 12th

Two new DLC packs are on the way to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard in December with optional VR support. The Not a Hero DLC brings series regular Chris Redfield into the mix. It’s set after the base game’s campaign and sees Redfield looking for Lucas Baker; in the process, he happens upon BSAA agents sent after Baker who ended up as prisoners.  End of Zoe introduces mysterious outdoorsman Joe who lives along the bank of the marshes and has a chance encounter with Zoe.

Platform: PS4, PSVR, Xbox One, PC

Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ignis by Square Enix – December 13th

Surprisingly Episode Ignis has nothing to do with new recipes but instead has Ignis fighting Noctis. As the city of Altissia is being devastated by the rampaging Leviathan, Ignis worries for the safety of Prince Noctis. While fighting through the streets, he encounters the high commander of the Niflheim Empire, Ravus Nox Fleuret, who is searching for his sister Lunafreya. The two decide to temporarily put their allegiances aside and team up so they can ensure the safety of Noctis and Luna.

Platform: PS4, Xbox One