Navigating the Next-Gen Frontier: Essential PS5 Games for December 2020

The exhilarating launch of the PlayStation 5 brought with it a wave of excitement, but as the initial fervor settles, many gamers face a common dilemma: what new experiences await on this powerful new console? The initial launch titles have captivated us, yet the hunger for fresh, innovative gameplay persists. Fear not, for as explored in the accompanying video, December 2020 offers a compelling roster of PlayStation 5 games, promising to keep your new system humming with adventure and intrigue well into the new year.

While the first few months post-console launch often experience a relative calm in terms of blockbuster releases, December carves out its own niche with a mix of ambitious new IPs, beloved indie gems, and next-gen upgrades. From sweeping open-world RPGs to unique narrative adventures and competitive online experiences, these upcoming PS5 games provide diverse options for every type of player.

Immortals Fenyx Rising: A Mythological Odyssey on PS5

Ubisoft, a titan in the open-world genre, continues its prolific output with Immortals Fenyx Rising, a vibrant new IP set to debut on December 3rd. Following closely on the heels of major releases like Watch Dogs Legion and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, this title brings a distinct mythological flavor to the PS5. Players step into the winged sandals of Fenyx, a demigod on a quest to rescue the Greek gods from the clutches of the deadliest Titan, Typhon.

This game thrives on its grand mythological adventure, where you’ll confront legendary beasts such as Cyclops, Medusa, and the Minotaur. Combat is a dynamic blend of fast-paced aerial maneuvers and grounded melee attacks, leveraging a potent arsenal of god-given abilities and weapons. While some early impressions, as discussed in the video, drew comparisons to mobile titles due to its colorful aesthetic and UI, a deeper look reveals a robust open-world experience more akin to genre benchmarks like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or even Genshin Impact.

The decision to rename the game from “Gods & Monsters” to “Immortals Fenyx Rising” sparked conversation, but ultimately, a title’s resonance pales in comparison to the game’s intrinsic quality. For any new IP to truly succeed, particularly in an era saturated with established franchises, it must deliver a high-quality, engaging experience. The market is more attuned than ever to authentic quality, allowing well-crafted games to find their audience through strong word-of-mouth, regardless of initial hype. Hopefully, Immortals Fenyx Rising will rise to this challenge and become a staple among future PS5 games.

Haven: A Poetic RPG of Love and Rebellion

Also arriving on December 3rd is Haven, a title from The Game Bakers, the acclaimed developers behind the intense boss-rush game, Furi. This new RPG adventure takes a decidedly different approach, weaving a captivating narrative about two lovers, Yu and Kay, who abandon everything to escape to a forgotten, lost planet. Their story is a beautiful exploration of love, rebellion, and the quest for freedom against a world trying to tear them apart.

Haven’s striking art style is its immediate calling card, creating a beautifully eerie and fragmented world that is visually captivating. Gameplay centers around exploration, where Yu and Kay glide through mysterious landscapes, scavenging for parts and materials to repair their ship and transform it into a cozy home. This exploration is interspersed with intimate moments of everyday life, highlighting their relatable relationship through cooking and crafting.

Combat in Haven is unique, requiring players to synchronize actions and master timing while controlling both characters simultaneously to keep their relationship – and themselves – alive. This mechanical innovation underscores the game’s core theme of partnership. With a solo mode and a shared/split-screen cooperative option, Haven offers flexibility. The game is further elevated by the thrilling soundtrack from renowned musician Danger, promising an immersive auditory experience that complements its narrative depth. For those seeking a compelling story-driven RPG, Haven looks to be one of the more unique PS5 games this December.

Spirit of the North: Enhanced Edition: A Silent, Sublime Journey

Beginning December 1st, PlayStation 5 owners can immerse themselves in Spirit of the North: Enhanced Edition. This single-player third-person adventure game, originally released on PC in May 2020 and later on PS4, has garnered significant praise, with 88% positive feedback from 540 Steam user reviews. It’s a game that might have flown under the radar for some, but its unique charm and visual splendor make it a noteworthy addition to the early PS5 lineup.

Inspired by the breathtaking and mysterious landscapes of Iceland, the game invites players to experience the world through the eyes of an ordinary red fox. The fox’s journey becomes intertwined with that of a female spirit fox, the guardian of the Northern Lights. What truly sets Spirit of the North apart is its deliberate lack of dialogue or narration. The narrative unfolds entirely through environmental storytelling and visual cues, challenging players to breathe in their surroundings and interpret the meaning of a lost ancient civilization. This approach echoes the contemplative style of games like Journey, where discovery and personal interpretation are paramount.

The Enhanced Edition on PS5 is expected to leverage the console’s power to deliver even more stunning visuals, making the already beautiful Icelandic-inspired world shine. With an original PC price point of $19.99, it offers an accessible entry into a uniquely sublime gaming experience. For players who appreciate artistic presentation and a narrative that encourages thoughtful exploration over explicit exposition, Spirit of the North is a gem among December’s PS5 games.

Temtem: The MMO Creature Collection Adventure on PS5

On December 8th, a highly anticipated title that has been in early access on PC for quite some time makes its way to the PS5: Temtem. Published by Humble, a company renowned for its discerning taste in high-quality titles, Temtem directly addresses the desire for a massively multiplayer creature collection adventure. While the comparisons to the behemoth Pokemon are undeniable and thoroughly intentional, Temtem carves out its own identity through its online, persistent world.

Players embark on an adventure across the airborne archipelago of Omniscia, assembling a squad of unique Temtem. The core loop of catching, battling, and trading is deeply reminiscent of its inspiration, but the MMO aspect injects a fresh dynamic. Imagine exploring floating islands, battling other tamers on sandy beaches, and trading with friends in ash-covered fields, all within a vibrant, shared online world. The overarching goal is to defeat the nefarious Clan Belsoto and their plot to dominate the archipelago, culminating in challenges against eight Dojo leaders to become the ultimate Temtem trainer.

Temtem’s success in early access on PC speaks volumes about its solid fundamentals and the appetite for a creature collector with a strong online component. For those who have always dreamed of a truly social monster-catching experience on a console, Temtem offers a compelling answer and stands out as a unique entry in the upcoming PS5 games roster.

Destiny 2: Next-Gen Guardianship

While not a new release, Destiny 2 receives a significant next-gen upgrade on the PlayStation 5, available now. This free-to-play sci-fi shooter from Bungie will see substantial enhancements, making it look and run better than ever on console. The PS5 patch offers a smoother, more visually impressive experience, bringing the console version closer to its PC counterpart in terms of fidelity and performance.

Bungie’s journey with Destiny 2 has been one of resurgence, particularly since separating from Activision. The recent release of the Beyond Light expansion has injected new life into the ongoing narrative and gameplay loop, reinforcing Bungie’s commitment to the franchise as a long-term live-service title. This continuous investment ensures that Guardians have a wealth of content to explore, from new locations and challenges to evolving storylines and gear.

For existing players, the PS5 upgrade means a visually superior and more fluid experience, allowing them to delve deeper into the game’s expansive universe. For new players, the free-to-play model offers an incredibly accessible entry point to one of the most robust online shooters available, making Destiny 2 a powerful draw among the more established PS5 games.

Override 2: Super Mech League: Rampaging Robot Brawling

Closing out the list of highlighted PS5 games for December is Override 2: Super Mech League, launching on December 22nd. This gigantic robot brawler brings a supercharged, over-the-top, and often wacky combat experience to the next-gen console. For fans of colossal robots clashing in arena-style battles, this title promises exhilarating, high-octane fun.

The appeal of mech brawlers often lies in their sheer spectacle and the satisfying weight of their combat. Override 2 leans into this with a colorful cast of mechs, each with unique abilities and playstyles, ensuring varied matchups and chaotic multiplayer action. While it caters to a specific niche, the game’s uninhibited approach to giant robot combat offers a refreshing contrast to more serious titles. Sometimes, the most entertaining experiences come from games that don’t take themselves too seriously, delivering pure, unadulterated fun. This makes Override 2 a potential sleeper hit for those craving some destructive mech mayhem among their upcoming PS5 games.

As the holiday season draws closer, these upcoming PS5 games for December 2020 demonstrate the console’s burgeoning library, even in a relatively quiet post-launch period. While the true deluge of next-gen blockbusters is anticipated to fully arrive in early to mid-2021 and beyond, these titles provide ample reason to keep your PlayStation 5 powered on, ensuring new adventures and challenges are always within reach.