Unveiling the Top New Games of December 2020: Your Ultimate Gaming Guide
Are you wondering what new games are hitting shelves and digital storefronts this December 2020? As the video above expertly highlights, this month ushered in a flurry of highly anticipated titles across various genres and platforms. From immersive virtual reality experiences to expansive open-world adventures and intense strategy games, there was truly something for every kind of gamer. This deep dive into the most exciting game releases of December 2020 will help you navigate the rich landscape of new gaming content, offering a closer look at what makes each title stand out.
Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond – A VR Return to World War II
It had been quite some time since players saw a new entry in the iconic *Medal of Honor* series, with the last major title, *Medal of Honor: Warfighter*, launching way back in 2012. However, December 2020 marked a significant resurgence for the franchise with *Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond*. This wasn’t just any new installment; it was a groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) experience designed exclusively for Oculus Rift and SteamVR. The leap into VR offered a fresh perspective on the historical shooter genre, immersing players directly into the harrowing battlefields of World War II.
Unlike earlier VR shooters that sometimes struggled with the platform’s limitations, *Above and Beyond* aimed to deliver a polished and realistic VR world. Developers focused on a cinematic narrative, allowing players to join the French Resistance and engage in crucial missions. Interestingly, the Oculus team noted this title was likely one of the most expensive VR games ever developed, a testament to its ambitious scope and the detailed world it promised to create. This level of investment underscored a commitment to pushing the boundaries of VR gaming, offering a rich, story-driven experience rather than simple wave-based combat.
Drawing immediate comparisons to the beloved *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*, *Immortals Fenyx Rising* was one of December 2020’s most anticipated new games. Initially unveiled as *Gods & Monsters* at E3 2019, this vibrant open-world adventure brought Greek mythology to life in a way few games had before. Developed by Ubisoft Quebec, the same talented team behind *Assassin’s Creed Odyssey*, the game inherited a knack for crafting vast, engaging landscapes brimming with secrets and challenges.
Players took on the role of Fenyx, a winged demigod on a quest to save the Greek gods and their home from a dark curse. Much like exploring a colossal ancient fresco, the world of *Immortals Fenyx Rising* was packed with mythical creatures, intricate puzzles, and breathtaking vistas. The game allowed for extensive character customization, letting players tailor their hero to their unique playstyle. Accompanied by Phosphor, a loyal bird companion reminiscent of *Assassin’s Creed*’s eagle scouts, Fenyx’s journey combined discovery with robust RPG elements, promising hundreds of hours of exploration. It landed on an impressive array of platforms including Windows, Switch, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and S, as well as Amazon Luna.
Override 2: Super Mech League – Skyscraper-Sized Robot Brawls
For those who enjoy colossal clashes, *Override 2: Super Mech League* delivered exactly what its title promised. This sequel to *Override Mech City Brawl* amplified the 3D mech brawling experience, placing players in the cockpit of skyscraper-sized robots engaged in epic city-destroying battles. Each mech came with its own unique set of skills, advantages, and combat ranges, turning every skirmish into a strategic dance of destruction. It was like watching a wrestling match between titans, with the entire cityscape serving as the arena.
The original *Override* earned praise for its satisfying combat, and the sequel built upon that foundation by introducing enhanced competitive modes and, crucially, four-player co-op. This meant gamers could team up with friends, either online or locally, to take on the robotic threat together. The vibrancy and scale of the battles, combined with the detailed robot designs, made *Override 2* a visual spectacle. It offered a refreshing dose of over-the-top action across PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Twin Mirror: Lost on Arrival – A Mind-Bending Investigative Adventure
From Dontnod Entertainment, the acclaimed studio behind narrative-rich games like *Life Is Strange* and *Vampyr*, came *Twin Mirror: Lost on Arrival*. This adventure game was designed as the first of three episodic installments, immediately setting a tone for a deep, unfolding mystery. Players stepped into the shoes of an investigative journalist navigating not only the real world but also his intricate “Mind Palace.” This unique mechanic allowed him to reconstruct events and deduce clues, much like a detective piecing together fragmented memories.
The story began with a lost phone, spiraling into a complex mystery where the line between reality and illusion blurred. While the game indulged in supernatural imagery, it was the psychological intrigue that truly captivated. Dontnod is renowned for crafting compelling narratives driven by player choice, and *Twin Mirror* was no exception. It offered a refreshing take on the adventure genre, blending psychological thriller elements with a compelling whodunit, and launched on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Windows.
MXGP 2020 – The Official Motocross Challenge, Upgraded
For fans of high-octane racing, *MXGP 2020* was the official Motocross video game that promised an enhanced experience over its predecessor. While last year’s title was lauded for its stunning single-player graphics and robust map editor, its multiplayer component left something to be desired. Recognizing this, the developers poured efforts into significantly upgrading the online experience for the 2020 iteration, introducing new dedicated servers to ensure smoother, more reliable competitive play. The game’s Steam page even cheekily declared “no more excuses,” signaling a clear commitment to fixing past issues.
Players could expect a gorgeously rendered motocross experience, complete with authentic tracks and riders. The single-player continued to impress with its realism and depth, allowing players to hone their skills across various terrains. But the true highlight was the revitalized multiplayer, which aimed to deliver the thrilling, head-to-head races that fans craved. It launched on PS4, Xbox One, and PC in December, with the PS5 version arriving in January 2021, giving next-gen console owners something exciting to look forward to.
Worms Rumble – Real-Time Mayhem in the Arena
The *Worms* franchise is legendary for its unique brand of turn-based, anarchic combat, but *Worms Rumble* ventured into uncharted territory. This December 2020 release marked a significant departure, embracing real-time, arena-based 32-player cross-platform combat. Picture the classic *Worms* humor, the outlandish weapons, and the environmental destruction, but supercharged into a fast-paced, Battle Royale-like experience. Modes such as Deathmatch and Last Worm Standing were at the forefront, challenging players to adapt to a constantly shifting battlefield.
This radical shift from turn-based to real-time was a bold move, and it offered a fresh, high-energy interpretation of the beloved series. Instead of carefully planning each shot, players had to react instantly, making quick decisions while dodging bazooka fire and super sheep. It was a fascinating experiment that blended the familiar charm of *Worms* with the exhilarating pace of modern competitive multiplayer, inviting both long-time fans and newcomers to dive into the chaotic fun on PS4, PS5, and Microsoft Windows.
Chronos: Before the Ashes – A Unique Take on RPG Aging
*Chronos: Before the Ashes* presented itself as an atmospheric RPG with a truly unique mechanic: aging. Drawing inspiration from the deep lore of titles like *Skyrim* and the challenging combat of *Dark Souls*, while retaining the sense of adventure found in *Zelda*, this game offered a fresh perspective on character progression. Every time the player died, their character aged a year, fundamentally altering their abilities and strategic approach.
In a clever twist, youth meant speed and agility, while old age brought wisdom and stronger magical abilities. This meant players had to adapt their combat strategies as their character physically evolved throughout their journey. It wasn’t just a cosmetic change; it was a core gameplay loop that forced players to think differently about death and growth. This innovative aging system made *Chronos: Before the Ashes* a standout in the December 2020 lineup, promising a deeply personal and evolving RPG experience on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, and Google Stadia.
Empire of Sin – Prohibition-Era Crime Strategy
Step into the seedy underbelly of 1920s Prohibition-era Chicago with *Empire of Sin*, a strategy game that combined turn-based combat with deep management mechanics. Players assumed the role of a crime boss, with the ultimate goal of seizing control of the entire city. The setting itself was a brilliant choice for a strategy game, as alcohol became a central form of currency and a resource to be managed, reminiscent of city-building simulators like *Tropico* but with a darker edge.
The combat system drew clear inspiration from the tactical, grid-based battles of *XCOM*, challenging players to strategically position their gang members and utilize their unique skills to outmaneuver rivals. But *Empire of Sin* was more than just tactical fights; it also incorporated roguelike elements, ensuring that each playthrough offered a fresh experience with randomly generated events and scenarios. Expanding your territory meant recruiting more gang members, building a formidable criminal empire one illicit speakeasy and turf war at a time. It offered a compelling blend of strategy and narrative on Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch.
Call of the Sea – Lovecraftian Mystery, Not Horror
For adventure game enthusiasts, *Call of the Sea* offered a refreshing and intriguing narrative set in the 1930s. Players followed Nora, a woman searching for her lost husband on a mysterious South Pacific island. While the game was notably inspired by the cosmic horror of H.P. Lovecraft, it bravely forged its own path by not being a horror game in the traditional sense. Instead, it focused on a journey towards sanity, rather than the descent into madness often associated with Lovecraftian tales.
This unique interpretation of Lovecraftian themes was a breath of fresh air, challenging expectations and offering a narrative that explored the unknown with wonder and resilience. The game emphasized exploration, puzzle-solving, and unraveling a compelling story, inviting players to uncover ancient secrets and confront the inexplicable. *Call of the Sea* delivered a beautiful, thought-provoking adventure that stood out in December 2020 for its originality and captivating atmosphere, arriving on Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X and S.
Cyberpunk 2077 – The Most Anticipated Blockbuster
No discussion of December 2020’s new games would be complete without the juggernaut that was *Cyberpunk 2077*. Despite a series of high-profile delays, the sheer anticipation for this title was palpable, reaching a fever pitch by its release. Hailing from CD Projekt Red, the revered developers of *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt*, expectations were astronomically high for an action RPG that promised unparalleled immersion and scale. It was a first-person shooter with deep RPG mechanics, drawing comparisons to the open-world freedom of *Grand Theft Auto* but set in a breathtaking dystopian future.
*Cyberpunk 2077* plunged players into Night City, a sprawling metropolis where cybernetic enhancements and corporate power ruled supreme. The game boasted semi-destructible environments, a richly detailed world, and the unforgettable presence of Hollywood star Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand. It was envisioned as a genre-bending experience that redefined narrative and player agency, allowing for countless ways to navigate its intricate story and side quests. The excitement to finally play this monumental release, after years of anticipation, was immense, making it the undeniable highlight of the new games December 2020 roster across Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X and S.
Bonus Game: Temtem – A Pokémon-Inspired MMO Adventure
As a delightful bonus, December 2020 also saw the PlayStation 5 release of *Temtem*, a massively multiplayer online RPG (MMORPG) that wore its *Pokémon* inspiration proudly on its sleeve. Visually, the resemblance was striking, featuring charming creature designs and a vibrant world. Partially funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign, *Temtem* offered a promising alternative for fans of monster-catching games who craved an online, persistent world experience.
While already available in early access on PC, its arrival on PS5 expanded its reach, bringing a new generation of trainers into the Airborne Archipelago. The game offered cooperative play, allowing players to adventure alongside friends, catch unique “Temtems,” battle other trainers, and customize their characters and homes. The potential for *Temtem* to evolve beyond simply being a clone and truly bring something fresh to the creature-collecting genre was a point of keen interest, offering a compelling online journey for dedicated players.
December 2020 was undeniably a packed month for gaming, delivering a diverse range of experiences that appealed to every type of player. From epic open-world adventures to innovative VR titles and highly anticipated blockbusters, these new games offered countless hours of entertainment.
