December 2023 Video Game Releases: 15 Must-Play Titles

As we reflect on the gaming landscape of 2023, it’s clear that December closed what many critics have dubbed one of the most remarkable years in gaming history. After an incredible 11 months filled with blockbuster titles and indie gems, December 2023 delivered a final wave of outstanding games that deserve your attention. Whether you’re a fan of expansive open-world adventures, tactical RPGs or quirky indie experiences, the December 2023 video game releases offered something for everyone.

Today, we’re exploring the most noteworthy games that launched during this period, examining what made them special and why they might deserve a spot in your collection. From the lush alien landscapes of Pandora to the tactical depths of the Warhammer universe, these final releases of 2023 provided a fitting epilogue to an extraordinary year in gaming.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Released on 7th December, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora stands as one of the most visually stunning games of the year. Developed by Massive Entertainment and published by Ubisoft, this open-world adventure takes players to the Western Frontier of Pandora, a previously unseen region of the alien moon.

As a Na’vi raised by humans, players must reconnect with their lost heritage while pushing back against the exploitative Resources Development Administration (RDA). The game features breathtaking environments that showcase the unique flora and fauna of Pandora, all rendered with exceptional detail on current-gen hardware.

What makes Frontiers of Pandora particularly impressive is how it builds upon Ubisoft’s open-world formula with meaningful innovations. The haptic feedback on PS5 creates hundreds of distinct sensations that make exploring this alien world incredibly immersive. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora offers more than just visual spectacle; it delivers a compelling gameplay experience that fans of the franchise and newcomers alike can appreciate.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader launched on 7th December for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, bringing a fresh perspective to the grimdark universe. Developed by Owlcat Games, this isometric turn-based RPG puts players in the role of a Rogue Trader, a unique position within the Imperium of Man that grants exceptional freedom and authority.

The game offers a refreshing departure from the typical Warhammer 40K focus on frontline combat, instead exploring the political and commercial aspects of the universe. As players travel aboard their personal voidship, they’ll navigate uncharted sections of the galaxy, gather allies and manage their dynasty’s finances while serving the God-Emperor.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader features deep character customisation, tactical combat and complex story choices that affect your standing with various factions. For fans of turn-based RPGs or the Warhammer 40K universe, this game provides dozens of hours of strategic gameplay and narrative depth.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince

Released on 1st December exclusively for Nintendo Switch, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince continues the beloved monster-collecting spin-off series with a fresh story and improved mechanics. The game follows Psaro, a character familiar to fans of Dragon Quest IV, as he embarks on a journey of revenge and redemption, accompanied by an ever-growing collection of monsters.

The monster synthesis system has been expanded, allowing players to combine creatures in increasingly complex ways to create powerful allies. With over 500 monsters to collect, synthesise and train, the game offers tremendous depth for collectors and strategists alike.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince maintains the charming art style and whimsical tone the series is known for, while incorporating quality-of-life improvements that make monster management more streamlined than ever. The game provides a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation for long-time fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.

SteamWorld Build

Launching across multiple platforms on 1st December, SteamWorld Build represents an exciting new direction for the SteamWorld franchise. Developed by The Station and published by Thunderful Games, this city-building simulation combines the charming steampunk aesthetic of the SteamWorld series with engaging resource management and construction gameplay.

Players must build and manage a mining town on the surface while simultaneously exploring an ancient underground facility filled with valuable technology and dangerous hazards. This dual-layer approach creates a unique gameplay loop that keeps the experience fresh for hours.

SteamWorld Build stands out in the city-building genre with its accessible yet deep mechanics, distinctive art style and the clever integration of mining and exploration elements. The game successfully translates the SteamWorld charm into a completely new genre, proving the versatility of this beloved indie franchise.

The Indigo Disk DLC (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

On 14th December, the second half of the expansion pass for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet arrived with The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero: The Indigo Disk. This DLC takes trainers to Blueberry Academy, an underwater research facility filled with new Pokémon to discover, trainers to battle, and mysteries to solve.

The expansion introduces over 230 returning Pokémon that weren’t available in the base games, dramatically expanding collection options for dedicated trainers. New features include the Terarium, a massive biodome with distinct environmental zones, and the Blueberry Team Tournament, which offers challenging multi-battle competitions.

The Indigo Disk also brings significant quality-of-life improvements and performance enhancements to the base game, addressing some of the technical issues that plagued the original release. For Pokémon fans, this expansion provides a substantial amount of new content and a fitting conclusion to the Scarlet and Violet generation.

Sonic Dream Team

Released exclusively on Apple Arcade on 5th December, Sonic Dream Team brings the iconic blue hedgehog to mobile platforms in a fully-featured 3D adventure. Developed by SEGA’s Hardlight studio, the game follows Sonic and his friends as they navigate the dreamscape created by a mysterious new villain.

Players can control six different characters – Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy Rose, Rouge and Cream – each with unique abilities that change how they traverse the vibrant, surreal levels. The game’s dream setting allows for creative level design that bends the rules of physics and reality in entertaining ways.

Sonic Dream Team showcases impressive visuals for a mobile title, with smooth performance even during the most chaotic sequences. The game’s exclusive availability on Apple Arcade makes it an attractive addition to the subscription service, offering a premium Sonic experience without microtransactions or advertisements.

Disney Dreamlight Valley

After a successful early access period, Disney Dreamlight Valley officially launched on 5th December across all major platforms. Developed by Gameloft, this life simulation game combines elements of Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley with the magical world of Disney and Pixar characters.

Players are tasked with restoring a once-idyllic valley that has been devastated by an event called “The Forgetting.” By completing quests for iconic characters like Mickey Mouse, Moana and WALL-E, players gradually rebuild the community while customising their avatar and home to their liking.

The full release of Disney Dreamlight Valley includes all content from the early access period plus new realms, characters and features. The game’s relaxing gameplay loop, combined with the nostalgia of interacting with beloved Disney characters, creates an engaging experience for players of all ages.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising

Fighting game enthusiasts received a treat on 14th December with the release of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising for PS5, PS4 and PC. This expanded and improved version of the original Granblue Fantasy Versus features an expanded roster, new gameplay mechanics and enhanced online features.

The game stands out with its beginner-friendly control scheme that allows newcomers to perform impressive combos with simple button inputs, while still offering depth for competitive players. Beyond the fighting game core, Rising includes a substantial single-player story mode and an online lobby filled with mini-games and social activities.

Perhaps most significantly, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising adopts a free-to-play model for its base version, lowering the barrier to entry for players curious about the franchise. With its stunning anime-influenced visuals, accessible gameplay and robust netcode, the game represents one of the most polished fighting game experiences of the year.

Cookie Cutter

Launching on 14th December for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, Cookie Cutter combines the exploration of metroidvania games with the stylish brutality of character action titles. Developed by Subcult Joint, this hand-drawn 2D action game follows Cheery, a violent android determined to save her creator by any means necessary.

The game’s distinctive visual style draws influence from Japanese manga, Lovecraftian horror and grindhouse cinema, creating a unique aesthetic unlike anything else released in 2023. Combat is satisfyingly visceral, with Cheery wielding chainsaws and other deadly weapons against hordes of enemies in spectacularly bloody encounters.

Cookie Cutter’s intricate level design encourages exploration and backtracking as new abilities are unlocked, while the challenging combat system rewards precision and creativity. For fans of metroidvania games looking for something with a sharper edge, Cookie Cutter delivers a memorable experience packed with personality.

Resident Evil 4 (iOS/Mac Version)

On 20th December, Capcom brought one of the year’s most acclaimed titles to new platforms with the release of Resident Evil 4 Remake for iPhone 15 Pro, iPads and Macs with M1 chipsets or better. This version brings the complete remake experience to Apple devices, showcasing the increasing power of mobile hardware.

The port retains all the tension and horror of the console and PC versions, with only minimal visual compromises to accommodate the mobile platform. The implementation of touch controls is thoughtful, though players can also connect controllers for a more traditional experience.

This release of Resident Evil 4 represents a significant step forward for mobile gaming, demonstrating that current-generation console experiences can be successfully translated to high-end phones and tablets. For Apple device owners, it offers one of the most polished survival horror experiences available on the platform, which is why we’ve featured it in our list of top 15 December 2023 video game releases.

House Flipper 2

Released on 14th December for PC (with console versions planned for 2024), House Flipper 2 expands upon the surprisingly addictive renovation gameplay of its predecessor. Developed by Frozen District, this simulation game allows players to purchase rundown properties, renovate them from floor to ceiling and sell them for profit.

House Flipper 2 introduces a new sandbox mode called Renovation Mode, giving players complete freedom to design and build their dream homes without budget constraints. The sequel also features significantly improved graphics, more realistic physics and a wider variety of tools and renovation options.

The game’s satisfying progression system and attention to detail make the process of transformation – from gutting a decrepit building to creating a stylish, functional living space – incredibly rewarding. House Flipper 2 proves that sometimes the most engaging gaming experiences come from simulating everyday activities rather than fantastical adventures.

Outer Wilds (Switch Port)

On 7th December, one of the most acclaimed indie games of recent years finally made its way to Nintendo Switch with the release of Outer Wilds. This time-loop adventure places players in the role of an astronaut exploring a miniature solar system, with just 22 minutes before the sun goes supernova and resets the cycle.

The Switch port maintains the wonder and discovery that made the original release so special, with the entire handcrafted solar system and all its secrets intact. While there are some expected visual compromises to accommodate the Switch’s hardware limitations, the core experience remains remarkable.

Outer Wilds’ unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and narrative discovery feels particularly well-suited to the portable nature of the Switch, allowing players to unravel its mysteries in short sessions. For those who haven’t experienced this gem on other platforms, the Switch version offers a perfectly compelling way to do so.

Ready or Not

After an extended early access period, tactical FPS Ready or Not received its full release on 13th December for PC. Developed by VOID Interactive, this intense squad-based shooter focuses on realistic SWAT operations, emphasising careful planning, precise execution and split-second decision-making.

The game distinguishes itself from other tactical shooters with its unprecedented level of detail and commitment to realism. Players must navigate complex scenarios involving hostage rescues, bomb threats and active shooters, all while adhering to proper police procedures and rules of engagement.

Ready or Not’s full release includes a complete campaign mode, expanded multiplayer options and refinements to AI and gameplay mechanics based on community feedback. For fans of thoughtful, methodical shooters that reward patience and strategy over twitch reflexes, Ready or Not offers one of the most authentic tactical experiences available.

Against the Storm

Officially leaving early access on 8th December, Against the Storm presents a unique take on the city-building genre. Developed by Eremite Games, this roguelite city builder is set in a fantasy world where relentless rain threatens to destroy civilisation.

Players take on the role of the Viceroy, tasked with establishing a network of settlements that can withstand the harsh conditions and gather resources for the Smoldering City, the last bastion of humanity. Each settlement features a different combination of species (humans, beavers, lizards and more), each with their own needs and capabilities.

Against the Storm’s roguelite structure means that individual settlement attempts may fail, but progress carries forward to future runs through reputation and unlocks. The game’s challenging resource management, combined with its atmospheric presentation and compelling meta-progression, creates an addictive loop that stands out in the crowded city-builder genre.

December 2023 Video Game Releases: Hidden Gems

While December 2023 may have seen fewer major releases than earlier months in the year, the quality of the games that did launch shouldn’t be overlooked. From ambitious open-world adventures to thoughtful indie titles, these titles added notable entries to an already exceptional year for gaming.

What’s particularly impressive about these December 2023 video game releases is their diversity. Whether you were looking for action, strategy, simulation or something entirely different, the month offered quality options across genres and platforms. These games provided a fitting conclusion to what many consider one of the strongest years in gaming history.

As we move into 2024, it’s worth taking the time to catch up on any of these December releases you might have missed. In a month traditionally overshadowed by the holiday rush and Game of the Year discussions, these titles proved that quality gaming experiences can arrive at any time – even as the calendar year draws to a close.

Which of these December 2023 releases caught your attention? Have you had the chance to play any of them? Share your experiences in the comments below and let us know which games you’re looking forward to in the coming year!