The 10 best video games releasing in December 2022

Despite a shorter release window, December 2022 is full of great new games

December is usually a shorter month when it comes to game releases, as studios put out all their new games in the first half, before the holidays. Nevertheless, this month is quite packed with exciting new titles.

We are in for a great start as three big titles are launching on December 2 - a highly-anticipated survival horror game, a superhero tactical RPG, and a new entry to one of the longest-running racing series of all time.

More Final Fantasy 7 material is ushered into the current gen with a remaster, the Dragon Quest series adds a newbie-friendly adventure, and The Witcher 3 is getting a next-gen facelift.

That's not all,  so let’s have a closer look at the best video games releasing in December 2022.

The Callisto Protocol

The Callisto Protocol's protagonist Jacob Lee must survive the horrors of Black Iron Prison

The Callisto Protocol is coming just a month before the remake of the first Dead Space game, so the pressure to outperform its spiritual predecessor is high.

The new game from Dead Space co-creator Glen Schofield puts you in a prison on Jupiter's Callisto moon, where you encounter too many sick prisoners who want to kill you as you make your way out.

We had a deep dive into the gore systems of the game which lets you cut off your foes' limbs and decapitate them as you're fighting for your life.

The Callisto Protocol releases December 2 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC.

Marvel's Midnight Suns

In Marvel's Midnight Suns, you guide your superhero squads to victory through turn-based card combat

Marvel's Midnight Suns is quite different from your usual action-adventure superhero game, as it features turn-based XCOM-like mechanics and is set in the darker side of the Marvel universe.

You take the role of The Hunter, a superhero made especially for the game, who is highly customizable.

Initially slated for October 2022, the game was delayed to its current release date, and previous-gen platforms are getting it at a later unannounced date. 

Marvel's Midnight Suns releases December 2 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Need for Speed Unbound

NFS Unbound will feature hundreds of cosmetics to customize your ride

Need for Speed Unbound comes just two months after its initial announcement and fans of the series should definitely pick it up.

We spoke with the game's creative director Kieran Crimmins about the new features players should expect from Unbound and the decision to reveal it so late.

The new game takes place in Lakeshore City, based on Chicago, features an open world, and focuses on street racing and outsmarting cops.

The heat system is back,  so the more you race, the more pressure you get from the cops, with more decisions to make about how best to avoid or face them.

Need For Speed Unbound arrives December 2 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Hello Neighbor 2

Uncover secrets in a town where everyone is hiding something

In Hello Neighbor 2 you take the role of a local reporter named Quentin, who is investigating several disappearances in a gated community.

It's a family-friendly sandbox game, a journalist simulator in which you uncover your neighbors’ dark secrets while solving puzzles.

Hello Neighbor 2's improved AI learns as you play, and hopefully, the second game will be free of the bugs that mired the original's release.

Hello Neighbor 2 is coming December 6 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.

Choo-Choo Charles

Machine guns come in handy when you face Charles

In Choo-Choo Charles you explore an island on an old rusty train as you're hunted by a bloodthirsty sentient spider-train called Charles.

When you’re not fighting with evil train, you move around the island to find materials to upgrade your ride and abilities.

You also help the locals to get more high-powered weapons, but Charles remains a constant threat throughout your journeys.

Choo-Choo Charles releases December 9 for PC.

Dragon Quest Treasures

A spin-off in the Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest Treasures is a prequel to Dragon Quest 11, featuring younger versions of Erik and Mia.

Designed to ease newcomers into the series, Treasures focuses on exploration, treasure hunting, and monster taming. The game’s action-based combat lets you control one of the two characters who is helped by three monsters battling against foes.

Fans of the series will surely pick this one up, but Treasures’ fresh art style and gameplay also make for a perfect entry point if you're new to Dragon Quest.

Dragon Quest Treasures releases December 9 on the Nintendo Switch.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion

Square Enix

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion is a remaster of the 2007 FF7 prequel Crisis Core, which launched only on the PSP back in the day.

The release is part of the ongoing series of Final Fantasy 7 reimaginings for modern platforms, following Final Fantasy 7 Remake.

Crisis Core tells the story of Cloud and Zac before the events of FF7, and if you’ve already picked up the remake, you’ll surely want to play this one too. You can learn more in our Crisis Core: FF7 Reunion preview.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion arrives on December 13 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Switch.

High on Life

High on Life features guns with personality

High on Life is a space game and looks similar to No Man’s Sky and The Outer Worlds. You travel to remote planets, fight enemies and collect loot as a deadly intergalactic bounty hunter.

The game's talking guns boast unique skills and a fourth-wall-breaking sense of humor. High on Life offers quite a few challenges to complete, weird and fun characters to meet, and collectibles to grab.

High On Life arrives December 13 on Xbox Series X|S, and PC

The Witcher 3 Next-Gen Update

Geralt's quest to find Ciri and deal with the Wild Hunt is getting a facelift / CD Projekt RED, Bandai Namco

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains as one of the best open-world action RPGs more than seven years after its release. Now, a free next-gen update will bring enhanced visuals and improved performance to current-gen consoles and high-end PCs.

Expect better graphics, ray tracing, faster load times, 60fps mode on the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, advanced upscaling, and more.

New content based on the Netflix series, including a new quest that rewards you with a special outfit for Geralt.

All next-gen features will be available for free to owners of previous versions of the games, and the new version will also be released as a digital purchase together with all DLC and the two major expansions.

The Witcher 3’s next-gen update arrives December 14 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Aka

Aka invites you to find a peaceful life on small picturesque islands

In Aka you play as the titular retired red panda soldier, who settles on a small island after a war 

This small open-world adventure is all about growing plants, building a shelter, crafting tools, doing story quests and playing mini-games. 

Aka’s world consists of several islands, inspired by different parts of our real world offering many relaxing activities to engage in.

Aka is coming on December 15 for PC and Switch.