End‑Year Gaming Frenzy: 2022’s Must‑Play Releases
When the Marvel Snap hype meets the grind of collecting all eight cosmic badges in Pokémon Scarlet / Violet, there simply isn’t a single second that’s left unclaimed.
And guess what? December is the blockbuster release month, so you’ll need to budget your vacation days for the ultimate holiday gaming‑marathon.
Top Titles Dropping this Christmas
- Marvel Snap – Keep soaking up the chaotic card‑battling fun.
- Pokémon Scarlet / Violet – Finish the quest for all eight badges and become the ultimate Pokémon master.
- Doom Eternal (PS5/PC) – Dive into the relentless demon‑slaying action.
- Elden Ring – Explore the vast, open world while battling ominous foes.
- Horizon Forbidden West – Ride the tide into the next frontier.
- Fallout 4 Enhanced Edition – Re‑experience the post‑apocalyptic adventure with new graphics and DLC.
Make Your Holiday Planning Bonus
Whether you’re looking for a brand new console in your Christmas stocking or simply craving fresh game titles, better circled those dates now. After all, the real magic lies not just in the gifts, but in the time spent conquering virtual worlds with friends.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Marvel Madness: The Hunter’s Tactical Takeover
Release Snapshot
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series, Nintendo Switch
- Launch Date: December 2
What’s Inside the Game?
Step into the boots of “The Hunter” and custom‑dial your own superpowers—yes, you get to decide whether you’re a lightning‑powered speedster or a boisterous Buster of the Mandelbrot singularities. Once you’re ready, pack up and squad‑up with the dead‑pouncing duo of Spider‑Man and Iron‑Man, alongside Captain America and a hefty roster of beloved MCU legends.
Gameplay Feel
Think XCOM meets “Mario + Rabbids” but with a slightly darker, supernatural vibe. The game throws you into shadowy corners of the Marvel universe—imagine your favourite heroes in a grittier, noir‑inspired world where every turn‑based decision could mean life or death (and maybe a whole lot of pizza).
Need for Speed: Unbound PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S
New Need for Speed Slides onto the Track – Dec 2 Release!
Every time a fresh Need for Speed drops, we all get a little hope it’ll hit as hard as the classic Underground‑to‑Most Wanted thrill. This year’s entry takes it up a notch with a slick, stylised art vibe, but brings back that sweet, old‑school street‑racing pulse and a full‑blown car‑customisation playground.
- Modern Art, Retro Soul – Beautiful, bold visuals that feel like a fresh mixtape.
- Pure Street Racing – Feel the adrenaline of back‑street, midnight, high‑speed escapes.
- Customise to Kill – Paint, parts, mods, you name it – make your ride as crazy as you want.
- Classic Nostalgia – A nod to the golden era, with fresh twists.
Get ready to blaze, modify, and dominate – all on the road that’s all yours!
Hello Neighbor 2 PC, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, X|S, Nintendo Switch
Meet Your New Creepy Roommate
Release Date: December 6
Ever wondered what your neighbour’s midnight gossip is really about? Uncover the mystery by tiptoeing through the hallways and sniffing out the secrets he’s been hiding.
Why It’s a Game Like No Other
- Powered by a neural‑network AI that watches you—and every other player—get into the whacky trickster’s groove.
- Once you catch a pattern, the neighbour will adapt, tweaking his antics to stay one step ahead.
The Big Question
Can you solve the puzzle before he laughs at your grand plans? Dive in, keep your wits sharp, and remember: the more you play, the sharper he becomes. Good luck, detective!
Choo Choo Charles PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Why Everyone’s Talking About the Dec 9 Release
On December 9th you’ll finally get to experience the most bizarre mash‑up this year: a classic Thomas the Tank Engine meets a creepy eight‑legged spider and an evil clown who can’t resist the urge to juggle knives. The developers call it an “open‑world survival horror train simulation game.” And trust me, it’s as thrilling as it is unsettling.
What Makes This Game Unforgettable
- Train‑the‑Engine Engine: You’ll command a locomotive that looks like it could have been pulled straight out of a Victorian cartoon. Steam, whistles, and the taste of burnt biscuits—yes, that’s a feature.
- Spidey‑the‑tentacles: Picture a gigantic spider that can swing from the rails, leaving hair‑raising trails. Every corner you turn might bring a new, ominous curl.
- Evil Clown Chaos: The clown doesn’t just laugh; he laughs in a way that means he results in a rapid increase of game difficulty. He’s the twist you never saw coming.
- Open‑World Exploration: Instead of a single level, you wander through sprawling tracks, abandoned stations, and mysterious tunnels. Each location is a fresh horror playground.
Why You’ll Be Grabbing Your Joystick
Stuck in the heart‑warming world of Thomas is never as scary as bringing him into a nightmare. Add a spider that could be the size of your couch and an evil clown who’s plotting your demise, and you’ve turned a wholesome ride into a survival horror epic. Prepare for:
- Heart‑pounding moments where you shoot your train into a spider‑web.
- Laugh‑or‑cry humor when the clown tries juggling, but you’re too busy escaping.
- A deep, atmospheric soundtrack that makes humming along a train track oddly nostalgic.
So when you see the number “Dec 9” on your calendar, don’t just imagine a holiday pick‑up. Picture your eyes watering, cheeks flushed with terror, and your thumbs feeling every time a clown checks your health meter. Get ready for a train ride that’s less about keeping passengers on schedule and more about keeping yourself alive.
Dragon Quest Treasure Nintendo Switch
Unveiling the Dragon Dungeon Adventure
Release Date: December 9th
What’s Waiting Inside?
- Grab those gooey slimes and turn them into your best allies.
- Dig through treasure chests for shiny loot that’s guaranteed to make your little adventurers grin ear‑to‑ear.
- Embark on a quest to uncover the seven legendary dragon stones hidden across the mystical lands of Draconia.
Why It’s a Hit for the Younger Crowd
This game’s design is specifically tailored for newbies. With a relaxed pace and a smoothed‑out system, children can jump straight into the fun without feeling overwhelmed.
A Pocket‑Sized Gateway to Epic Gaming
Think of it as the perfect first step into the grand world of RPGs—simple, engaging, and full of adorable surprises.
Wavetale PC, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, X|S, Nintendo Switch
Mark Your Calendar: December 12th!
Get ready to dive into Wavetale, the once‑exclusive Stadia treasure that’s finally rolling out to everyone.
What’s the Deal?
Wavetale isn’t just another fast‑paced action‑adventure; it’s a gut‑feel story that takes place in a sprawling, ocean‑driven open world. Think surfing the waves, scaling cliffs, and turning every splash into a wild dance of survival.
Unveil Sigrid
Meet Sigrid, the daring girl with a natural surfing instinct. She can glide through water like a pro and swing herself between buildings with a confidence that would make any sailor proud.
Why It Beats Your Average Game
- Pure Speed – Zoom ahead of the sea at warp speed.
- Boss Battles – Face gigantic, jaw‑dropping foes that test every ounce of your skill.
- Save the Island – Help bring life back to the decaying archipelago of Strandville.
Grab your gear, tighten up your console, and surf into a story that’ll tug at your heart while keeping you laughing at the sheer splashy fun of wave‑riding heroism.
Crisis Core: FF VII Reunion PC, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, X|S, Nintendo Switch
Midgar is Back!
Release Date: December 13
Get ready to dive back into the bustling streets of Midgar with the remastered Crisis Core—the prequel that brought Zack Fair’s epic tale to life under the original PSP banner. This fresh edition gives the whole story a modern makeover:
- All‑New 3‑D Models: Crisp, detailed visuals that feel just like the blockbuster Final Fantasy VII Remake.
- Improved Battle System: More dynamic combat that keeps you on your toes.
- Legacy Connection: Follow Zack’s journey and see how he ties into the legendary Cloud Strife.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the series, the remaster promises a smoother, more vibrant experience that’s a must‑play this holiday season.
High in Life PC, Xbox One, X|S
Get Ready to Shoot Yourself into a Whole New Dimension
New comedic FPS is headed your way—if you’re a Rick & Morty fan, it’ll feel like your own little universe is exploding.
Developed and dreamed up by the mastermind behind the show—Justin Roiland!
Picture an alien cartel that’s all about messing up Earth. Their grand plan? Turn every human into a drug—literally make the entire planet a science‑fiction junkie’s playground.
But there’s hope!
You’re equipped with a dream team of talking guns. These aren’t your average metal buddies; they crack jokes, throw snarky comments, and probably have a better sense of humor than your best friend.
Why the Trailer Made Us Go “Whoa.”
- Every weapon is quirky and unexpectedly hilarious.
- The action is fast‑paced, but never forgets to drop a punchline.
- You’ll see a galaxy of skins, weapons, and wizards coming together—just in case you’re into cosmic combo shots.
So if you’ve been itching to ditch your routine adrenaline rush, this game will keep you laughing and shooting simultaneously. Stay tuned—release date in December (TBC). Until then, keep your playlists and guns ready!
