December Release] Last of the Year! 9 new PS5, PS4 & Switch games recommended by our editorial team to buy!

December 2023 release

Dodonpachi Daioujou: Rinne Tensei

• Supported platforms: PS4/Switch
• Release date: 12/7/2023
• Genre: Shooter
• Price: 7,480 yen (tax included)
• Maker: Cave

Power-up version based on "Dodonpachi Daioujou" released in 2002. It is a sequel to the "Dodonpachi" series, which established the "barrage shooter" genre, and is packed with a variety of elements, including a screen-filling barrage, strategic use of shots and lasers, and combos that count when enemies are defeated in succession.

In addition to the "Dodonpachi Daioujou" (White Version) that was available in arcades, this title also includes the "Dodonpachi Daioujou Black Label" (Black Version) with balance adjustments, allowing players to enjoy two "Dodonpachi Daioujou" games in one title.

Gnosia

• Supported platforms: PS5/PS4/Switch/Xbox Series X|S/Xbox One/PC (Windows/Steam*) Steam version already released
• Release date: 12/14/2023
• Genre: Adventure
• Price: 5,280 yen (including tax) *Downloadable version: 2,750 yen (including tax)
• Manufacturer: Petit Depot

A port of the adventure game "Gnosia," which was released for PS Vita in 2019 and Switch in 2020, for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Microsoft Store versions respectively.

The game is based on the theme of "werewolves," and players can choose to play either on the side of humanity, which seeks to find Gnosia, an unknown enemy that has infiltrated a spaceship, or on the side of Gnosia, which seeks to eliminate humanity. The game is designed so that players can enjoy discussions with the characters and the story through repeated play, which takes about 15 minutes each time.

Gimmick! Special Edition

• Supported platforms: PS4/Switch
• Release date: 2023/12/7
• Genre: Action
• Price: 3,980 yen (tax included)
• Manufacturer: SUPERDELUXE GAMES

Remastered version of the classic action game "Gimmick!" released by Sunsoft in 1992. Players control "Yumetaro" and use his power to summon stars to embark on adventures and conquer various stages.

The remastered version of the game features "Quick Save & Quick Load," which allows players to save and load at any time, as well as a rewind function, online ranking, a gallery, and various other new elements. Not only is the game easier to play, but it also features a "Speed Run Mode" that allows players to time-attack, making it a game that will satisfy even the most demanding gamer.

YAMANOSUME Next Summit -Another Mountain, Again

• Supported platforms: PS4/Switch
• Release date: 2023/12/7
• Genre: Adventure
• Price: 8,778 yen (including tax) *Downloadable version: 8,360 yen (including tax)
• Maker: Entergram

An adventure game based on Shiro's original work "Yamanosume," which has also been well received in anime and manga. The player aims to climb a number of mountains by developing the main character, Aoi. The game is divided into three parts: the story part, in which the characters' conversations are the main focus; the preparation part, in which Aoi decides on her climbing clothes and sack; and the climbing part, in which she climbs mountains of her choice.

The mountain climbing part is a game of "suguroku," in which players advance as many times as the number of moves they make by turning a roulette wheel. As you move around, your energy and water will decrease, so it is important to use the rest squares and use portable items to restore your energy and water as needed. The story is an original story that has been newly drawn up, and the story that unfolds with the mountain climbing is also noteworthy.

Dragon Quest Monsters 3: Prince of the Demons and the Journey of the Elves

• Supported platform: Switch
• Release date: 2023/12/1
• Genre: RPG
• Price: Normal edition 7,678 yen (including tax), Masters edition 11,198 yen (including tax)
• Publisher: Square Enix

A spin-off work featuring Pizarro, a character from "Dragon Quest IV". Pizarro, cursed by his father, the Demon King, to be unable to attack demons, aims to become a Monster Master who collects and trains monsters to defeat his father.

In this title, Pizarro can make friends with more than 500 different kinds of monsters. New monsters such as the Slime Coronet and the Furai Slime, as well as characters and monsters from "Dragon Quest XI: The Last Time I Chose" such as "Homer, Commander of the Demon Army" and "Lieslet" also make appearances. The main attraction of the game is that you can freely collect monsters and create your own party.

Trigger Heart Exelica

• Compatible platform: Switch
• Release date: 2023/12/14
• Genre: Shooter
• Price: 5,280 yen (including tax)
• Manufacturer: Cosmo Machia Inc.

A port of "Trigger Heart Exelica," which appeared as an arcade game in 2006. The core elements of the original game, in which players control a mecha girl to fight enemies, have been retained, but this version includes a new Arrange Mode and Training Mode. The game also supports portrait mode and Internet ranking mode, making it a hearty and rich title that is sure to appeal to shooting game fans.

Batman: Arkham Trilogy

• Supported platforms: Switch
• Release date: 12/1/2023
• Genre: Action Adventure
• Price: 8,228 yen (including tax)
• Publisher: WB Games

Batman: Arkham Asylum", "Batman: Arkham City", and "Batman: Arkham Knight" are all part of the "Batman: Arkham" series. Players will control Batman as he battles villains infesting Gotham City. In addition, this title includes all of the downloadable content that has been released for each of the previous titles. With this one title, you can fully enjoy the battle between Batman and the villains.

Fit Boxing Presents HOP! STEP! DANCE!

• Supported platform: Switch
• Release date: 2023/12/21
• Genre: Sports
• Price: 5,800 yen (including tax)
• Maker: Imagineer

A dance lesson game based on the concept of "even beginners can learn to dance," players simply hold the Joy-Cons in both hands and dance to the instructor's instructions to learn both basic and advanced dance moves. The main lesson mode consists of 30 steps to learn actions such as "down," "up," and "wave," making it easy to play even for beginners.

In addition, the camera angle can be changed horizontally while dancing, and the calories burned while dancing can be viewed as data. In addition to providing a quick change of pace, the game is also designed to allow users to check their progress through data and stamps that can be attached to completed lessons, so that they can continue dancing for as long as possible.

Taito LD Game Collection

• Compatible platform: Switch
• Release date: 2023/12/14
• Genre: Action
• Price: 9,680 yen (tax included)
• Manufacturer: Taito Corporation

This title includes HD remastered versions of "Time Gal," "Ninja Hayate," and "Space Battleship Yamato" from the "LD game" genre that was played in game arcades in the mid-1980s. This was the first port of "Space Battleship Yamato" for home video games.
The special edition of this title includes "Time Gal Reverse. This is a new adventure game based on "Time Gal," in which the main character, Luna, goes on a great adventure through various eras. Featuring the voice talents of Mai Sato and Kenta Miyake, the game depicts a new story of "Time Gal" after a lapse of nearly 40 years.