This holiday season don’t get sucked into a fruitcake-induced coma. Instead, splash some water on your face and level up your online gaming stats with our ultimate game guide! Whether you’re a thrill-seeking FPS fiend, a Pokémon master trainer, or a strategy savant, we’ve got the perfect playground for you. Keep on reading to find the perfect game or games that will keep your adrenalin going and your thumbs sore from gaming. If you’re in need of a new keyboard or headset, make sure you check out our extensive Holiday gear guide located here. Now let the gaming party start and keep on reading!
ACTIVISION
CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 3
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 dropped this November and many didn’t know what to expect since it seemed to be an identical copy of the already released and beloved MW2. Well I’m here to tell you that it is definitely a different game with even more faster paced action than the older MW2.
MULTIPLAYER:
Brace yourself for a heart-pounding return to the iconic battlefields of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer, remastered for 2023. This isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s an adrenaline-fueled injection of fresh intensity into the timeless formula that captivated FPS fans back in 2011. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh recruit, MW3 multiplayer in 2023 has something for everyone. Dive into the familiar thrill of classic modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and the nerve-wracking Search & Destroy, each polished to a high shine with modern enhancements. But the action doesn’t stop there. Go beyond the traditional 6v6 with massive 32-player Ground War matches, where sprawling maps like “Boneyard” and “Quarry” become your tactical playground. Squad up, unleash hell from vehicles, and adapt to ever-shifting battle lines – this is warfare redefined.
Beyond the bullets, MW3 multiplayer celebrates teamwork and strategy. Masterfully crafted maps offer flanking routes, strategic chokepoints, and environmental hazards that reward tactical thinking. Whether you’re a lone wolf or a coordinated squad, there’s a role for everyone on the battlefield. So, grab your weapons, choose your squad, and prepare to step into the heart of a global conflict. Remember, the true victory lies not just in your K/D ratio, but in the collective triumph of your team. Welcome back to MW3 multiplayer – where legends are made, and in 2023, they’re reborn.
ZOMBIES: OPERATION DEADBOLT
If you love Call of Duty Zombies, then you’re in for a treat with this year’s MW3 release. Taking a page from last year’s DMZ mode, Zombies is now an open world map that is littered with various challenges, epic loot crates and Easter eggs to complete, all within a 45 minute timer that begins to count down as soon as you hit the ground running. The map itself is massive with three tiers that gradually get harder as you head inward towards the center where all the best loot resides and also where the 3x Pack-A-Punch machine is. To add to the zombie blitzkrieg, there are also tons of AI mercenaries that are DEADLY ACCURATE, similar to DMZ and they can take you out pretty quick if you aren’t behind cover or shielded up. Some of these mercenaries drive around in armored caravans so keeping your head on a swivel is imperative.
In this season, the objective is to complete all of the necessary challenges to unlock hidden exfil zones which take you to final exfil stages that you need to systematically complete within the “Operation Deadbolt” storyline. I’m still grinding through the first act so I’ve got a ways to go. Something to note, this storyline cannot be completed in just one or 20 sessions and the deadly quick spreading Aether Storm stops for no one once the time runs out, so remember to get all the best gear, guns and triple plate carriers and exfil with all of your loot so you can come back to continue objectives fully equipped or else you’ll return with nothing, which makes it that much harder.
WARZONE:
Craving a battle royale experience that throws adrenaline into overdrive while relying on your quick thinking strategy to drive you close to the win? Look no further, MW3: Warzone is here! What better way to get the blood pumping than to drop into the fray amidst 149 blood thirsty operators, all gunning for that final victory screen. This isn’t just about shooting your way to the top, it’s about outsmarting, outmaneuvering, and adapting to every situation that comes your way. Strap up, soldier, because Warzone is ready to test your mettle. The real question is, do you have what it takes to be victorious?
Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox X|S, Xbox One & PC
CRASH TEAM RUMBLE:
Crash Team Rumble is a vibrant, team-based online multiplayer game that throws the iconic heroes and villains of the Crash Bandicoot universe into a 4v4 arena battle, where the ultimate goal is simple: collect more Wumpa fruit than the opposing team! Each character, from Crash himself to the mischievous Neo Cortex, boasts unique abilities and playstyles. Strategically work together with your teammates to gather Wumpa Fruit, defend your Wumpa bank, and capture key points on the map. The action is frantic and chaotic, with power-ups, explosive crates, and zany Crash contraptions adding to the mayhem. If you’re a fan of Crash Bandicoot’s zany charm and enjoy the competitive spirit of online brawlers, Crash Team Rumble is definitely worth checking out.
Available on: PS5 & PS4, Xbox X|S & Xbox One
BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT
DIABLO IV:
Lilith, the angel-demon daughter of Diablo, has plunged Sanctuary into darkness. 50 years after Diablo III, only the bravest heroes can stand against the chaos. Choose your path as a Druid, Rogue, Sorcerer, Barbarian, or Necromancer in this action-packed RPG.
Explore a vast, open world teeming with demons, dungeons, and secrets. Team up with friends (up to 4 players!) across platforms (PC, Xbox, PlayStation) and conquer over 120 dungeons across five regions. Unleash devastating attacks, customize your skills, and grow in power as you battle World Bosses and cleanse corrupted Strongholds.
The adventure never ends. Dive into challenging end-game activities like the Helltide and Nightmare Dungeons. Test your mettle in PvP Fields of Hatred, and conquer ever-evolving Seasons with fresh challenges and legendary loot.
Key features:
- Five playable classes: Each with unique abilities and playstyles
- Open world exploration: A vast, shared world to explore with friends
- Fast-paced combat: Unleash powerful attacks and combos
- Deep loot system: Find tons of items to customize your character
- Solo or co-op play: Play solo or team up with friends
- PvP mode: Test your skills against other players
- Regular updates: New Seasons, quests, characters, and challenges
Diablo IV is a dark, gritty, and action-packed ARPG that will keep you hooked for hours on end. If you’re a fan of the Diablo series or ARPGs in general, then this is a game you won’t want to miss.
Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox X|S, One & PC
WARCRAFT RUMBLE:
Welcome to Warcraft Rumble, a mobile action-strategy game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment, where miniature heroes come to life in frenzied battles. Set in the Warcraft universe, players collect and battle chibi-style figurines of iconic heroes and villains in fast-paced, real-time skirmishes.
Collect over 65 iconic Warcraft figures, from stoic Paladins to fire-breathing Dragons, and build your dream team. Strategize like a master and unleash powerful skills to crush your opponents in:
- Thrilling PvE campaigns: Battle through challenging maps and conquer epic dungeons, facing legendary foes and collecting loot. ️
- Intense PvP showdowns: Test your mettle against real players in fast-paced skirmishes. Outsmart your rivals and climb the leaderboards for ultimate glory!
- Constant progression: Level up your Minis, unlock new abilities, and customize your playstyle to become an unstoppable force.
Warcraft Rumble is more than just a mobile game; it’s a gateway addiction to be had into the beloved Warcraft universe in bite sized, action packed bursts. Dive in and claim your victory! ️
Available on: iOS & Android
GEARBOX PUBLISHING
RISK OF RAIN:
Crash landed on a hostile alien planet, you must battle your way to the surface in this action-packed 2D side scroller game. Risk of Rain Returns is back, bigger and better than ever, with:
- 15 unique Survivors: Master their diverse abilities, from Chef’s culinary carnage to Acrid’s toxic sludge trails. Two brand new faces, including the resourceful Drifter, join the fray!
- Solo or co-op: Team up with three friends online or on the couch to tackle the alien hordes, or go it alone and test your mettle.
- Potent pickups: Discover hundreds of items that boost your speed, firepower, and more. Explosive chain lightning? Electrifying ukulele attacks? The possibilities are endless!
- Unravel the mysteries: Explore the vibrant, alien world of Petrichor V, teeming with diverse creatures and hidden secrets.
- Rule-bending Artifacts: Spice up your runs with over 10 Artifacts that alter gameplay, like spawning Imp invasions or randomizing equipment.
Risk of Rain Returns is a masterclass in roguelike mayhem. Every run is a fresh challenge, packed with intense action, rewarding loot, and endless re-playability. So grab your favorite Survivor, recruit a crew (or fly solo!), and prepare to face the dangers of Petrichor V!
Available on: PC & Switch
PARADOX INTERACTIVE
AGE OF WONDERS 4
Age of Wonders 4 is the latest entry in the acclaimed turn-based 4X strategy series, whisking players away to fantastical realms brimming with magic, adventure, and conquest.
Rule your own fantasy empire: Craft unique factions, from cannibal halflings to mystic moon elves. Morph your armies with enchanted tomes, transforming them into angels or chaos champions!
Master deep strategy & RPG choices: Every decision unlocks new tactics and advantages. Command epic turn-based battles, from monster skirmishes to massive sieges!
Craft your own story: A dynamic event system shapes the world. Rise through brutal wars, cunning alliances, or ultimate arcane knowledge. Your creations become legends in future games!
Explore endless worlds: Discover new realms or forge your own. Conquer icy wastelands, delve into dragon-infested ruins, and experience endless re-playability.
Age of Wonders 4: Forge your empire. Unravel destiny. Rule forever.
In Age of Wonders 4, legends aren’t born, they are forged. Will you be the ruler whispered through ages, your name etched on every battlefield? Or will your reign crumble to dust, a footnote in the ever-shifting tapestry of power? The choice, and the glory, is yours. So rise, Wizard King, and claim your dominion. The realms await.
Available on: PS5, Xbox X|S & PC
CITIES: SKYLINES II
City builders, rejoice! Cities: Skylines II is here, and it’s bigger and better than ever before. ️Imagine being the mastermind behind a sprawling metropolis, watching it evolve from a humble town to a bustling urban giant. Cities: Skylines II gives you the power to design and manage every aspect of your city, from roads and zoning to public transportation and infrastructure. ️But this isn’t just about buildings. Your choices have real consequences, impacting the lives of your citizens and the environment. Will you create a sustainable eco-city or a smog-choked megalopolis? The decision is yours.
Features:
Epic scale: Build across a map five times larger than the original game, reaching for the sky with towering skyscrapers. ️
Deep simulation: Your choices have real consequences, from traffic congestion to pollution levels.
Living cities: Each citizen has a unique life, with jobs, homes, families, and even emotions. Watch your city come alive as people go about their day.
Dynamic world: Choose a map and contend with real-world challenges like weather and climate change. ⛈️☀️
Endless possibilities: There’s no right or wrong way to build your city. Experiment, combine systems, and create the urban masterpiece you’ve always dreamed of. ️
So, what are you waiting for? Build your dream city today! Cities: Skylines II is an excellent city-building game that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. The game’s large maps, improved graphics, deeper simulation, and new features make it a significant improvement over its predecessor. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding city-building game, Cities: Skylines II is definitely worth checking out.
Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, & PC
THE LAMPLIGHTERS LEAGUE:
The Lamplighters League is a turn-based tactics video game set in an alternate 1930s universe where a tyrannical cult called the Banished Court is on the cusp of world domination. Players take on the role of the leader of the titular Lamplighters League, and are tasked with assembling a ragtag team of bank-robbing gunslingers, mind-bending assassins, and more to stop the Banished Court from conquering the alternate 1930s!
- Build your crew: Recruit outlaws and misfits from across the globe, each with unique skills and stories.
- Play it your way: Sneak through missions, pick off enemies, or go in guns blazing with tactical turn-based combat.
- Thrilling world: Explore diverse locations like dockyards, jungles, and deserts, no two missions are the same.
- Dynamic difficulty: Adapt your strategy as the game adjusts to your choices, raising the stakes with every heist.
- Retro atmosphere: Immerse yourself in a pulp adventure brought to life by a captivating soundtrack.
- Re-playability: Experiment with different Agent combinations and uncover new strategies with each playthrough.
The Lamplighters League is a fun and challenging turn-based tactics game with a unique setting and a memorable cast of characters. If you’re looking for a game that will keep you hooked for hours this holiday, The Lamplighters League is definitely worth checking out. Become a Lamplighter and save the world, one heist at a time!
Available on: PC, Xbox Series X|S
STAR TREK: INFINITE:
Star Trek: Infinite is a new sci-fi strategy game set in the Star Trek universe, after the events of Star Trek: Picard where players take control of one of four major factions: the United Federation of Planets, the Klingon Empire, the Romulan Star Empire, or the Cardassian Union. Each faction has its own unique goals, ships, and technologies. Captain your own starship as you make complex choices that will shape the fate of the galaxy. Will you forge alliances, engage in daring diplomacy, or conquer your enemies through sheer force? The decision is yours!
- Choose Your Story: There’s no right or wrong way to play Star Trek: Infinite. Whether you’re a cunning diplomat, a ruthless conqueror, or something in between, you can achieve victory on your own terms.
- Command Iconic Characters: Recruit famous Star Trek captains and officers like Picard, Janeway, Sisko, and Data to your cause. Each faction has its own unique roster of heroes to enlist.
- Build Your Starship Fleet: Command a variety of starships from across the Star Trek universe, from the Federation’s trusty Enterprise to the Klingon’s fearsome Bird-of-Prey.
Star Trek: Infinite is more than just a game; it’s an invitation to live your own Star Trek adventure. So grab your phaser, raise the shields, beam aboard your starship and “make it so number 1!”
Available on: PC & macOS
RIOT FORGE
CONVERGENCE: A LEAGUE OF LEGENDS STORY
Jump into the neon-drenched depths of Zaun as Ekko, a young time-bending inventor, in Convergence: A League of Legends Story. This Metroidvania adventure sees you rewind mistakes, outsmart enemies, and unravel a vast conspiracy threatening your home city. Craft gadgets, unlock abilities, and master dynamic combat as you navigate treacherous sewers, vibrant rooftops, and hidden labs. Encounter familiar champions like Jinx and Heimerdinger in unexpected roles, facing thrilling battles and forming uneasy alliances. The future is in your hands – or shall we say, your Zero Drive? Can you prevent a looming cataclysm and forge a brighter future for Zaun? Time will only tell.
Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Switch
SONG OF NUNU: A LEAGUE OF LEGENDS STORY
Explore the enchanting world of Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story, a single-player adventure that whisks you away to the frozen wilds of the Freljord. Play as Nunu, a spirited young boy, and his cuddly yet ferocious yeti companion, Willump. Together, they embark on a captivating quest to find Nunu’s lost mother, unraveling mysteries and facing icy perils along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned League of Legends fan or simply seeking a heartwarming adventure, Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy long after the credits roll. So, bundle up and prepare to be captivated by the magic of the Freljord!
Available on: PC & Switch (currently), PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One (available Jan. 31, 2024)
THE MAGESEEKER: A LEAGUE OF LEGENDS STORY
In Demacia, where magic is feared and controlled, Sylas, a spell-stealing mage, breaks free from the oppressive Mageseekers. Wielding the very chains that bound him, he unleashes a rebellion to liberate his magic-wielding kin. As Sylas, in The Mageseeker, you’ll combine brutal melee attacks with stolen magic, building a diverse arsenal from Demacia’s finest and most feared. Unravel Demacia’s dark secrets, forge alliances with unlikely heroes, and rewrite the kingdom’s destiny, one stolen spell at a time. But remember, freedom in Demacia comes at a steep price, and the true cost of wielding forbidden magic remains to be seen. This action RPG plunges you into the heart of Runeterra’s political turmoil, forcing you to question where the line between liberator and tyrant truly lies. Will you be the hero Demacia needs, or its ultimate destroyer?
Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Switch
SEGA
COMPANY OF HEROES 3
From the sun-scorched sands of North Africa to the sun-drenched hills of Italy, command iconic factions like the cunning British Desert Rats and the tenacious German Afrika Korps in a desperate struggle for control. In Company of Heroes 3, you are tasked with unleashing tactical ingenuity with paratroopers and naval barrages while adapting to dynamic environments where every decision carries the weight of history. Choose your path: liberate Italy as the Allied forces or carve a path of conquest with the Afrika Korps. Only the boldest strategists will claim victory under the unforgiving Mediterranean sun.
- Command two iconic campaigns: Liberate Italy with the Allies or lead the Afrika Korps in a desperate desert scramble.
- Master four distinct factions: From the tenacious British Desert Rats to the cunning Italian forces, each plays with unique tactics and units.
- Think tactically, fight smarter: Deploy cunning paratroopers, unleash devastating naval barrages, and maneuver mobile artillery to outwit your foes.
- Immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes: From sun baked dunes to lush Italian hills, every battlefield feels alive and treacherous.
- Challenge friends or unite as allies: Test your mettle in multiplayer head-to-head battles or team up in thrilling co-op challenges.
Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a new recruit, Company of Heroes 3 offers a deep, rewarding experience. So, prepare to deploy your troops and carve your path to victory in the sun-scorched sands and verdant hills of the Mediterranean!
Available on: PC, PS5 & Xbox Series X|S
ENDLESS DUNGEON:
In Endless Dungeon you and your ragtag squad find yourselves trapped on a spooky space station known as the “Keep,” overrun by monstrous Dustlings hordes. Your mission is to protect the station’s core, a fragile crystal known as the “Core Keeper” and escape the endless labyrinth depths of the Keep. This rogue-lite shooter blends action, tactics, and tower defense with a Space Western twist, letting you customize your heroes, blast enemies with turrets and squad up with friends for chaotic co-op.
Features:
- Unique blend of action: Shoot, build, and strategize! It’s a rogue-lite fiesta with twin-stick shooting and tower defense twists.
- Co-op chaos: Team up with friends or AI partners for shared glory (or shared death).
- Die and learn: Death is your teacher. Each run unlocks secrets, upgrades, and new ways to customize your next stand.
- Space Western vibes: Immerse yourself in a gritty, musical setting with tunes from Lera Lynn and Arnaud Roy.
- Endless replay: Every run uncovers more of the station’s mysteries, loot, and challenges. Dive in, blast away, and see how long you survive!
Endless Dungeon is a thrilling blend of roguelite action, tactical tower defense, and frantic twin-stick shooting. It’s a game that demands quick thinking, strategic planning, and tight teamwork to overcome its ever-increasing challenges. If you’re looking for a game that will keep you hooked for run after run, Endless Dungeon is definitely worth checking out.
Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One
FOOTBALL MANAGER 2024:
Football Manager 2024 is the latest installment in the long-running fan-favorite Football Manager series from Sega that gives enthusiasts a chance to step onto the hallowed turf of Wembley or the newly added sun-drenched pitches of Japan’s J.League. Feel the deafening roar of the virtual crowd as you orchestrate your team’s symphony of passes, tackles, and goals as you lead them to World Cup victory in this team management simulation game.
New Features:
- Master the J.League: Lead a Japanese team to glory, navigating a brand new league with unique tactics and rising stars.
- Matchday Magic: Witness stunning visuals and tactical depth as the revamped match engine brings every goal to life.
- Craft Your Masterpiece: Design cunning set pieces and build cohesive squads under new transfer restrictions and financial realities.
- Shape Your Players: Forge bonds, mentor, and motivate your team to push their limits and achieve greatness.
- Command the World: Over 2,500 leagues, 500,000 players, and a dynamic world react to your decisions.
Football Manager 2024 tops this on-going series with the addition of the J.League, which opens up a new world of game play. If you’re looking for a deep and challenging football management simulation, then this is the only game for you.
Available on: PC, macOS, Linux, PS5 & PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS devices
TOTAL WAR: PHARAOH:
In Total War: Pharaoh, players can rewrite history in this epic strategy game set in the turbulent Bronze Age collapse. Choose your path as the leader of one of three great cultures: Egyptians, Hittites or Canaanites and guide your civilization through diplomacy, economic might, and epic real-time battles across a stunning recreation of ancient Egypt.
- Witness history unfold: From Pharaoh Merneptah’s fall to Bronze Age turmoil, guide your people through epic events.
- Explore vibrant Egypt: From Nile’s bounty to Sinai’s sands, conquer a breathtaking world brought to life.
- Craft your destiny: Wage war, charm courts, or unleash chaos – forge your empire’s unique path.
- Conquer the Bronze Age: Expand across Egypt, Canaan, and Anatolia, claiming your throne as Pharaoh or Great King.
- Endless possibilities: Customize campaigns with random starts, resource tweaks, natural disasters, and more.
- Adapt to the elements: Master dynamic weather, where storms and sandstorms can turn the tide of battle.
- Seek divine favor: Choose from 19 deities and earn gameplay blessings through devotion.
- Newcomer-friendly: Learn the ropes with a comprehensive tutorial and engaging narrative.
- And much more: Emulate past Pharaohs, customize your guard, lay siege to cities, manipulate courts, and repel the mysterious Sea Peoples!
Whether you’re a seasoned Total War gaming veteran or a newcomer to the series, Pharaoh offers a tapestry of choices and consequences that will shape your empire’s destiny. Will you forge alliances, conquer rivals or appease the gods? Every decision ripples through the sands of time, leaving an indelible mark on your legacy. Claim your throne and rewrite history in Total War: Pharaoh.
Available on: PC & macOS
SNK
THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIII GLOBAL MATCH:
The King of Fighters XIII: Global Match has risen and it’s time to heed the call to battle! Step into a world where fire clashes with ice, where lightning dances with the fury of a dragon, and where every pixel thrums with the pulse of epic combat. This isn’t just a re-release, it’s a reinvention, a phoenix rising from the ashes old tech into a firey responsive beast from the new.
Features:
- Lag-Free Fury: Engage in smooth online battles free of lag jitters, thanks to the rollback netcode.
- Warriors’ Hub: Bustling lobbies thrum with the energy of epic clashes. Spectate, strategize, forge alliances, and find your next glorious battle in this thriving online arena.
- 36 Legendary Fighters: Master diverse fighting styles from all 36 fighters like fiery Kusanagi and chilling Kula Diamond. Conquer them all and climb the ranks to the top.
- Enhanced Training Mode: Hone your skills in the revamped training mode. Analyze opponents, practice combos, and craft your ultimate strategy for the arena’s glory.
- Unforgettable Soundtrack: Iconic KOF music fuels every clash, immersing you in the electrifying fighting spirit. Let the soundtrack ignite your inner champion.
- Customize Your Battleground: Tweak visuals, sound effects, and controls to create your perfect fighting experience.
- Fair Play for All: From veteran warriors to eager rookies, all are welcome in this inclusive community. Fair play, forged friendships, and endless glory await.
The King of Fighters XIII Global Match is a welcome upgrade for both veteran players seeking a smoother online experience and newcomers eager to jump into the timeless iconic KOF XIII action. With its improved netcode, expanded online features, and classic gameplay, KOF XIII GM breathes new life into a beloved fighting game while remaining accessible to a new generation of players. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, competitive fighting game with excellent online play and a diverse roster of characters, The King of Fighters XIII Global Match is worth checking out.
Available on: PS4 & Switch
SQUARE ENIX
FORSPOKEN:
Forspoken is a 2023 action role-playing game that whisks you away to the magic filled and perilous world of Athia. Step into the shoes of Frey Holland, a young modern day New Yorker thrust into an out this world realm as she learns and masters her parkour prowess and newly acquired spellbinding powers as she works towards unraveling the mysteries of Athia, with the hopes of returning home one day.
- A Broken World, a Broken Hero: Navigate a landscape corrupted by the Break, a malevolent force twisting Athia’s beauty into monstrous forms. As Frey, uncover the secrets of this blight and confront the Tantas, powerful matriarchs wielding twisted magic. This journey isn’t just about Athia’s salvation, it’s about Frey’s own, pushing her to discover a strength she never knew she possessed.
- A Magical Arsenal at Your Fingertips: Forspoken’s combat is a mesmerizing dance of fire, water, earth and gravity magic. Weave these elements into devastating combos, unleashing explosive bolts, gravity wells and emerald tendrils that whip your enemies into oblivion.
- Parkour Paradise: Athia isn’t just a backdrop, it’s your playground. Scale towering cliffs with acrobatic finesse, glide across sun-drenched meadows, and zip through crumbling ruins with parkour precision. Every inch of this vibrant world begs to be explored, and Frey’s agility makes it a joy to traverse.
- Cuff: Your Witty Weapon: Forget about guns and swords, Frey’s got Cuff, a sentient bracelet that doubles as her magical arsenal and sassy companion. Cuff isn’t just a tool, he’s Frey’s confidante, cracking jokes, offering strategic advice, and keeping the adventure light even as the stakes rise, kind of like if C3-P0 was made into a functioning bracelet.
Forspoken is a visually stunning and action-packed adventure with unique integrations of magic and parkour-infused movement. I found myself enthralled for hours scaling walls and battling various challenging monsters. If you seek an open world game, filled with magical attacks and unique player involvement, then embrace the magical might of this game.
Available on: PS5 & PC
WARNER BROS. GAMES
HOGWARTS LEGACY:
Calling all witches and wizards across the land. Dust off your wands, polish your broomsticks and get ready for the ultimate spellbinding escapade. Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world action RPG from Warner Bros. Games that whisks you away to a bygone era of magic and wonder, set centuries before the beloved Harry Potter stories.
- Explore a vast open-world: Travel beyond the familiar halls of Hogwarts and discover hidden secrets within the castle, charming villages like Hogsmeade, and the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. Encounter fantastical creatures, brew powerful potions, master spells, and uncover ancient mysteries.
- Live the life of a Hogwarts student: Attend classes, learn spells from iconic professors, hone your skills in dueling clubs, and forge friendships with fellow students. Choose your own path, whether it’s mastering the art of Potions, becoming a skilled beast tamer, or unraveling the secrets of ancient magic.
- Face perilous threats: The wizarding world is far from peaceful. Dark forces and dangerous creatures lurk in the shadows, threatening the very fabric of the magical world. You must stand against them, wielding powerful spells and forging alliances to protect Hogwarts and the wizarding world.
- Unravel an ancient mystery: Embark on a thrilling quest to uncover a long-forgotten secret hidden within the hallowed halls of Hogwarts.
- Customize your experience: Craft your own unique witch or wizard, choose your house (Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin), and personalize your magical abilities to suit your playstyle.
- Explore a living, breathing Hogwarts: From the bustling kitchens to the mysterious Forbidden Forest, every nook and cranny of the iconic castle brims with secrets and surprises.
- Define your legacy: Your choices throughout the game shape the fate of the wizarding world. Will you be a champion of light or succumb to the allure of darkness?
If you are a Harry Potter fan, Hogwarts Legacy is more than just a game, it’s an opportunity to step into this magical world that you’ve always dreamed of. Explore every nook and cranny of Hogwarts, learn spells from beloved characters, and forge your own destiny as a witch or wizard. With amazing visuals and cinematic audio it’s hard to not lose yourself in the reality of this AAA game. Whether you’re a lifelong Harry Potter fan or simply looking for an epic open-world adventure, Hogwarts Legacy is sure to cast a spell on you. So get ready to embark on a magical journey unlike any other!
Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Switch
MORTAL KOMBAT 1:
A brutally gory reimagining of a legendary fighting game, Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) smashes onto your screen, delivering a visceral blend of classic kombatants and a twisted new timeline forged by the fire god Liu Kang. Step into a shattered realm where familiar faces like Scorpion and Sub-Zero grapple with devastating Fatalities in a deadly struggle for supremacy. Master a deep, revamped combat system that rewards both offensive aggression and defensive precision, then unleash a symphony of bone-crunching blood spraying combos and fatalities. Prepare to kombat like never before.
Features:
- Fatalities so brutal, they’ll make your spine shiver: From Scorpion’s kunai-laced heart-ripping to Raiden’s electric lobotomy, prepare to witness the pinnacle of pixelated pain.
- Unleash the fury: Master a brand-new combat system that blends lightning-fast reflexes with strategic depth. Juggle opponents, unleash devastating combos, and unleash your inner beast with brutal finishing moves.
- A roster of Kombatants old and new: Familiar faces like Liu Kang and Johnny Cage clash with fresh blood kombatants like the vampire Nitara and the enigmatic Havik. Master their unique fighting styles and unleash devastating combos.
- Kameo Kombat: Call upon iconic characters from across Mortal Kombat history as your personal “Kameo Fighter,” adding a layer of tactical chaos and unexpected allies to every fight.
- Invade the realms: Embark on a solo odyssey through the Mortal Kombat multiverse in the all-new “Invasions” mode. Conquer challenges, hone your skills, and unlock brutal rewards.
Mortal Kombat 1 isn’t your average punch-out fight fest. It is a next-level adrenaline rush where flesh and bones get a beat down in a breathtaking ballet of brutality. Every bone-crunching combo, every organ-shredding Fatality is a visual graphic masterpiece of gore, pushing the boundaries of what a fighting game can be. But it’s not just about the spectacle. This is a test of your fighting spirit, your reflexes, and maybe even your lunch. Can you handle the heat…”Toasty”… Can you master the intricate dance of death and claim your place as the champion of this unforgiving arena? If you think you got what it takes…”GET OVER HERE!” and get a beating and give a beating in this heart pumping game.
Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Switch
And that wraps it up! We’ve come to the end of this years guide of the hottest releases from 2023, guaranteed to fuel your festive fire from Christmas right through the New Year and into 2024. And with that, I just wanted to say from the whole team here at Magnetic Magazine, we wish you a joyous holiday season brimming with laughter and love and an amazing Happy New Year!
