6 Hottest Games of December 2022

If you thought the December game release schedule was due to be a quiet one after the fast-paced November line-up, you’d be wrong. To wrap up the year, we have the return of a racing veteran, a new horrifying adventure on a distant moon, and some superhero action, among other things.

Here are the biggest games arriving in December 2022:

Need for Speed: Unbound

Release date: 2 December 2022 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | PC)

The Need for Speed franchise is back with Unbound, which is a stylish, reenvisioning for the series, adding in a huge dose of animated style that blends into some gorgeous visuals that the NFS games are known for. Customisation will be key to the experience, allowing you to tune up your car’s looks, performance, and even the graffiti effects generated by your racing. Of course, cops will always play a role in any mainline NFS game, and you’ll have to keep the heat off your back while working your way up the ranks.

The Callisto Protocol

Release date: 2 December 2022 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Xbox One | PS4 | PC)

While the Dead Space remake is on its way, gamers will get another sci-fi horror adventure with The Callisto Protocol, which has been developed by Striking Distance Studios, founded by Glen Schofield, who had previously co-created the Dead Space series. The third-person narrative-driven horror is set in 2320 on one of Jupiter’s moons, Callisto. The game revolves around horrific creatures and a conspiracy unfolding on Callisto’s dingy and dangerous Black Iron Prison. Dismemberment and environmental hazards also play a role here, which should make for an interesting (and terrifying) experience.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns

Release date: 2 December 2022 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Xbox One | PS4 | PC | Switch)

For Marvel and X-COM fans, this is a match made in heaven. Marvel’s Midnight Suns is a turn-based tactical action RPG developed by Firaxis (the studio behind the beloved X-COM series), allowing you to take control of your own superhero team, featuring the likes of Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider, Wolverine, Blade, and more, in order to save the world. Marvel’s Midnight Suns also tells an all-new story in the Marvel universe, with specifically designed characters for this game.

High on Life

Release date: 2 December 2022 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Xbox One | PS4 | PC | Switch)

High on Life is a whacky, fun, and interesting-looking first-person shooter with a twist. It’s made by Justin Roiland, the guy behind Rick and Morty, who injects his bizarre and dark sense of humour into a colourful shooter where your guns are their own characters, being able to talk to you and comment on your actions. It’s described by its designer as “Blade Runner meets The Muppets“, so, we’re intrigued.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII – Reunion

Release date: 13 December 2022 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Xbox One | PS4 | Switch)

One of the most overlooked Final Fantasy titles is Crisis Core, which was released on the PSP back in 2007. Like the Final Fantasy 7 remake, the game has been given a second-life in the form of a full remaster, bringing the game up to speed for modern consoles. The graphics have been converted to HD, including new 3D models for all elements, along with a newly-arranged soundtrack and full voice acting for all dialogue. While much of the story will remain the same from the original version, Reunion is part of the larger Final Fantasy VII Remake project, being considered a prequel to the three-part remake series.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Next-Gen upgrade

Release date: 14 December 2022 (Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Already on: Xbox One | PS4 | PC)

Recommending The Witcher 3 at this point is superfluous. The game has won every award under the sun and is one of the best games of all time; but, if there is some reason you haven’t played it, it’s now arriving on Series X/S and PS5 with some new ‘next-gen’ enhancements. The upgrade is free for those who bought the game previously. Upgrades include sharper visuals, camera improvements, ray tracing, a photo mode, new equipment based on the Netflix series’ designs, and a brand new quest, with full voice acting and everything.

Which games are you most looking forward to in December and into 2023? Let us know by tweeting @MenStuffZA, posting on our Facebook page, or commenting below.