PlayStation Classic
Relive some of the most iconic games ever with this special edition release. With the PlayStation Classic, players will be able to play their way through 20 of the most legendary games ever. From the top down action of the original Grand Theft Auto to trying to survive against zombies in the Resident Evil: Directors Cut and the comic capers of Rayman, there will be something for everyone in this 20-game catalogue.
With the instantly recognisable PlayStation One design – just 45% smaller -players will be able to jump right into their chosen games either alone or with a friend as each console comes with two classic controllers. Players will also be able to save their games as they go; without having to manage multiple memory cards as the PlayStation Classic also comes with a built-in virtual memory card.
PlayStation Classic will be available from December 3*
Just Cause 4
A secret from Rico’s past is unearthed in this action-packed sequel. In Just Cause 4, players once again take on the role of Rico Rodriguez as he travels through the country of Solis. Along the way, he discovers a hidden connection between his late father and the ruthless mercenary group Black Hand. With the group on their own way through Solis, Rico must fight his way through their ranks in order to reach their leader, Gabriella Morales, and find out the truth about his family.
Players who pre-order will receive the Neon Racer pack, featuring a specially designed neon themed supercar, wingsuit and parachute for Rico to use. A limited edition Steelbook case is also available for Just Cause 4 through select retailers. The Gold Edition features the Neon Racer DLC, a Golden Gear Pack with custom shotgun, wingsuit and parachute along with a host of other digital content. The Gold Edition will also grant players early access to start their Solis adventure a day early.
Just Cause 4 will be available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC from December 4*
Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales
The world of The Witcher grows even more with this new standalone adventure. In Thronebreaker, players follow the story of Meve, Queen of Lyria and Rivia. This formidable warrior Queen is beloved by her people but is ever wary of what lies beyond her borders. From scheming generals to ambitious kings and untold monsters from uncharted lands, the world of The Witcher series expands like never before as Meve seeks to build her dynasty and protect her people.
This single-player adventure will bring players to a new way of exploring this rich and colourful world. Players looking for a more relaxed Witcher experience will be able to test their skills in Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, which will also be coming to consoles. Players who purchase Thronebreaker may also receive additional digital items – such as a copy of the game’s soundtrack and a digital novel – depending on their platform of choice.
Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales will be available on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 from December 4*
Super Smash Bros Ultimate
The melee fighting icon heads to Switch for the latest release. Super Smash Bros Ultimate features the biggest roster of characters ever included, spanning all of the previous releases in the series and covering all of Nintendo’s most popular franchises and beyond. New for Ultimate will be the World of Light story mode. This new adventure will see players travel to a new world, dominated by Master Hands, to help Kirby free over 70 characters after he is left the sole survivor of a brutal attack.
Players who pre-order Super Smash Bros Ultimate will receive a Piranha Plant fighter as a bonus combatant. Players will also be able to purchase the Limited Edition which will include a copy of the game along with a Nintendo GameCube controller and adapter, so players can relive their classic gameplay experience on Switch. Players will also be able to use any Smash Bros Amiibo figures to level up and customise their characters in game from launch.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate will be available on Nintendo Switch from December 7*
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
The Battle Royale Behemoth comes to PlayStation this month. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds pits players against each other in battle on an ever-shrinking map. Use whatever tools and weapons you can find to be the last one standing and win that coveted “chicken dinner” accolade. As with the other platform releases, the PlayStation release will feature all of the content released so far, with more to come in the coming months to challenge even the most skilled combatants.
With the launch of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds on PlayStation, players who pre-order will receive special PlayStation themed content. First is an outfit from one of PlayStation’s most beloved franchises, Uncharted with an outfit based on Nathan Drake’s Desert outfit and the second item will be Ellie’s backpack from another beloved PlayStation title – The Last of Us. Players will also be able to cross save their games with ease on this new console release.
Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds will be available on PlayStation 4 from December 7*
Kingdom: Two Crowns
Battle for survival in this pixelated platforming adventure. In Kingdom: Two Crowns, players take on the role of a King or Queen as they explore the world around them. Building and expanding their kingdoms piece by piece, players will have to face of not only against the world itself, but also against the forces of the Greed, an invading army which draws ever closer to taking over the world.
While previous instalments of the series had players going it alone, Kingdom: Two Crowns will feature a new co-op system where players will be able to enter and exit each other’s games with ease. Kingdom: Two Crowns will be a whole new experience for players, fans of the series will be able to enjoy a new DLC for the Shogun adventure, with new maps, greed, mounts and other items.
Kingdom: Two Crowns will be available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC from December 11*
Free to Play
Gold Xbox subscribers will have four new titles to download and play for free this month. On Xbox One, Q.U.B.E 2 will be available from December 1-31*, with Never Alone available from December 16 – January 15*. Over on Xbox 360, and Xbox One via Backwards Compatibility, Dragon Age II will be free for subscribers from December 1-15*, followed by Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction from December 16-31*.
Over on PlayStation, active Plus subscribers will have six new games to download and play for free this month. Starting from December 4*, SOMA and Onrush will be available on PS4, with Steredenn and Steins;Gate on PS3, Iconoclasts on PS4 & PS Vita, with Papers, Please on PS Vita rounding out this month’s selection.
Twitch users with a connected Amazon Prime account will be able to download four games to play for free on PC this month via the Twitch Prime platform. Available now until December 31*, SNK Bundle, Hacknet: Complete Edition, Poi and Smoke & Sacrifice are all downloadable and playable for free if claimed through either the Twitch Prime website or desktop app.
Also Released This Month
December 4* – Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden (Xbox One, PS4, PC), Persona Dancing: Endless Night Collection (PS4, PS Vita), Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales (Xbox One, PS4), Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (PS4, PS Vita), Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (PS4, PS Vita), Toki (Switch), Subnautica (PS4), Gods Remastered (Xbox One, PS4), The Council – Complete Edition (Xbox One, PS4), Beholder 2 (PC), Hearthstone – Rastakhan’s Rumble (PC, Mobile), Arca’s Path (Oculus Rift, PSVR, HTC Vive), Override: Mech City Brawl (Xbox One, PS4, PC), Gear Club Unlimited 2 (Switch), Destiny 2: Forsaken – Black Armoury (Xbox One, PS4, PC), Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey – Legacy of The First Blade DLC (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
December 5* – Edge of Eternity (PC – Steam Early Access)
December 6* – The Last Remnant Remastered (PS4), Battle Princess Madelyn (Xbox One, PS4, PC, Switch), Kenshi (PC), Jagged Alliance: Rage (Xbox One, PS4, PC), Sega Mega Drive Classics (Switch)
December 7* – Katamari Damacy Reroll (Switch, PC), Iris.Fall (PC), Hello Neighbour: Hide & Seek (Xbox One, PS4, Switch)
December 10* – Dusk (PC)
December 11* – Earth Defence Force: 5 (PS4), Ancient Frontier: Steel Shadows (PC), Desert Child (Xbox One, PS4, PC, Switch)
December 12* – Insurgency: Sandstorm (PC)
December 13* – Book of Demons (PC), GIRS (PC, Switch), Forza Horizon 4: Fortune Island (Xbox One, PC)
December 14* – My Little Riding Champion (PS4, Switch), Borderlands 2 VR (PSVR), V-Rally 4 (Switch)
December 17* – Nippon Marathon (Xbox One, PS4, PC, Switch)
December 21* – Fitness Boxing (Switch)
December 27* – Dynasty Warriors 8: Extreme Legends Definitive Edition (Switch)
December 31* – Bass Pro Shops: The Strike – Championship Edition (Switch), Cabela’s: The Hunt – Championship Edition (Switch)
*Dates refer to UK release only. International dates may vary and are subject to change. Information correct at time of writing.
Words by Megan Roxburgh