The weather outside is frightful. Thankfully, 2018 games have been delightful. We’ve gotten highly anticipated titles like God of War, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Spider-Man all releasing to critical acclaim and commercial success. This onslaught of quality titles may not be over yet, as December seeks to wrap up the quarter nicely with games like Just Cause 4, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and more. Wrap yourself up in a warm blanket and enjoy our list of the hottest upcoming December 2018 games to keep on your radar.
December 2018 Games – Just Cause 4
Just Cause 4 follows in the footsteps of its predecessors by offering fans the ability to roam around an open world environment wreak havoc in a huge sandbox. Players will once again take on the role of mercenary Rico Rodriguez as he travels to a fictional South American country named Solís to uncover a mystery surrounding his late father, the likes of which supposedly worked for a powerful private army called the Black Hand.
The title utilizes an updated form of developer Avalanche’s Apex engine, allowing it to include a wide range of weather hazards like tornadoes, blizzards, and sandstorms. Enemies are designed to be more intelligent than their counterparts in Just Cause 3, responding to Rico’s actions collectively and moving forward as a group. The fourth iteration in this fun free-for-all series may prove to be the perfect way to alleviate stress in between “quality time” with family. We’ve already liked what we’ve played (and seen) and we can see if it keeps up its promise when it comes out for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on December 4.
December 2018 Games – Persona Dancing: Endless Night Collection
As if the Persona series wasn’t smooth as is, December 4 will see the release of both Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, two rhythm games inspired by their respective role-playing entries. Players will be able to take on the role of their favorite characters as they hit notes in tandem with music tracks blaring out of their speakers. The titles will include remixes of familiar in-game melodies and original sounds to freshen up the experience.
Though each spin-off will lack the story mode found in Persona 4: Dancing All Night, visuals have been revamped to give each dancers’ movements a more acrobatic quality. Fever mode returns to throw a partner into the mix, and each routine is choreographed according to a pair’s relationship in the main games. JRPG fans who’ve played either Persona 3 or Persona 5 have reason to be excited for this new glimpse at the series’ stylish cast. However, our review of the game didn’t find the game to be too groovy.
December 2018 Games – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate finally arrives on Nintendo Switch this December 7, packing in every fighter in the series’ history and adding in some new participants for a grand total of 74. Yup, 74. New characters include Metroid‘s Ridley, Castlevania‘s Simon Belmont, and Donkey Kong Country‘s King K. Rool, all of which were requested by fans for years. That isn’t even considering Piranha Plant and the five original DLC characters promised during the latest Nintendo Direct.
Of course, Ultimate isn’t only offering new fighters to play as. A single-player campaign similar in vein to Brawl‘s Subspace Emissary returns and incorporates some elements of the title’s Spirits mode. Eight-player matches and a host of new multiplayer versus modes shake up the formula even further. Ultimate may be a great title to play if you’re expecting guests this holiday season, or just want to settle an old rivalry with that pesky cousin of yours.
December 2018 Games – Earth Defense Force 5
Earth Defense Force 5 is marketing itself as a bit of a joke, which definitely isn’t a bad thing for this series. If you’re unfamiliar with the franchise’s previous entries, each game revolves around an invasion of giant extraterrestrial insects who pretty much just want to eat every human on the planet. This year’s installment adds towering bipedal frogs into the mix because… why not? Sub-par visuals and cheesy voice acting are just icing on this weird cake.
Each of the title’s missions promises to last between 10 and 15 minutes, which is great if you’re expecting friends and just want to have a few quick laughs together. Hearing the screams of your AI companions as they’re torn apart by hulking ants may be the most memorable part of your holiday season. Earth Defense Force 5 is coming out on December 11 for PlayStation 4.
December 2018 Games – Dragon: Marked For Death
Dragon: Marked for Death launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch this December 13 and looks to bring some old-fashioned, 2D side-scrolling goodness to the hybrid console just in time for winter. Players can join three friends either locally or online and choose from four unique classes (Princess, Warrior, Shinobi, or Witch) to complete over 30 main quests and a variety of side missions. Characters will need to work together to exploit enemy weaknesses and topple bosses that lie at the end of every stage.
Perhaps the game’s most alluring feature is its art style, which is reminiscent of Azure Striker Gunvolt, Mega Man ZX, and Mega Man Zero. Hopefully this new indie franchise will uphold the legacy of the great 2D side-scrollers of the past, at least for nostalgia’s sake.
As you anticipate the incoming holiday season, consider the titles above as last minute gift options for the gaming enthusiasts in your life. Just Cause 4 may just be a great digital sandbox for young adults to bulldoze through, while Super Smash Bros. Ultimate may be a great way to introduce veteran fans and gaming newcomers to Nintendo’s vast portfolio of colorful mascots. Check back GameRevolution to read our review of each title above once it releases. Whatever you decide to purchase and play this holiday, remember to pass around the controller every once in a while.
