Christmas (Wishlist) In July!

It’s hard to think of the holidays during the hot and busy summer, but there are quite a few games to keep an eye on when you’re thinking of things to put on your Christmas or holiday Wishlist. Here’s a list of 7 standouts that will be sure to entertain during that holiday break or might make a great excuse to sneak time away from visiting family!

STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R - November 2nd

The second installment is here! This science fantasy RPG mixes 2D pixel characters and 3D environments together to make a truly unique remake with added unique elements. Start playing as either Claude or Rena and make choices throughout the game that will affect the allies you can recruit. Get to know members with the unique Private Actions system, grow relationships, and unlock various endings. Enjoy fast-paced combat, a rearranged soundtrack by Motoi Sakuraba, and new character illustrations by created by long-term series artist Yukihiro Kajimoto.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden - November 6th

Don’t Nod, a French studio that brought you Life is Strange and Vampyr, has been working hard to develop a new action RPG called Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. The game is set in New Eden in 1695 and follows two lovers, Antea Duarte and Red mac Raith, who are also Banishers. These Banishers protect the living from ghosts and specters. When a mission goes awry, Antea is fatally wounded and becomes a spirit. “How much will you compromise your ghost-hunting vow for the sake of your lover who became one of such spirits?”

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name - November 8th

Kazuma Kiryu, once a legendary Yakuza, faked his own death and abandoned his name for the sake of protecting his family. Now a mysterious figure is attempting to force him out of hiding. Now operating under the codename “Joryu,” Kiryu uses two fighting styles to defeat his enemies. The Yakuza style utilized wildly aggressive moves with strength and flair, and the Agent style delivers your moves with speed and precision. You’ll also have high-tech gadgets like electrified bond wire to stun enemies. Adapt to the situation to come out victorious.

Persona 5 Tactica  - November 17th

The Phantom Thieves lead an uprising of the heart in this unique take on a Persona game. Still set in the same universe, this game is a bit different like Fire Emblem. You’ll fight with your team with a focus on strategy as well as chibi renditions of your favorite Persona 5 characters. If you’re looking to mix it up a bit but still want that familiar Persona 5 world, this might be the one for you!

Super Mario RPG - November 17th

Team up with the beloved characters in an unlikely alliance of Mario, Bowser, and Peach and original characters Mallo and Geno. Revisit this colorful world first introduced in 1996 and enter turn-based battles in teams of three. Pressing the button at the right time will give you a boost of power or a helpful guard. With reportedly charming writing and fun and interactive gameplay, this looks like a game anyone can enjoy.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince - December 1st (Switch)

Play as Psaro, who is cursed and cannot harm anything with monster blood but who must become a Monster Wrangler to create an army for battle. You’ll journey through Nadiria and its unique environments, with lava rivers, mysterious ancient ruins, and soaring towers of cake. During the adventure, Psaro meets a companion elf, Rose, who joins him on his journey. Psaro's key to success is synthesis: the ability to combine two monsters and create a stronger offspring. Help Psaro fulfill his dreams of being the master of mankind!

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora - December 7th

You’ll play as a Na’vi that was captured and trained by humans to use their weapons. After waking up from a 15-year cryosleep with the humans that captured you gone, you are reunited with your Na’vi culture and seemingly re-learn what you have missed. The trailer shows opportunities for cooking, shooting human weapons, using Na’vi weapons like a bow and arrow, and riding and interacting with the flora and fauna on Pandora. If you’re a big fan of the world of Avatar, you wont want to miss this opportunity to see a new setting within the world. 

Which game peaked your interest the most? Let me know!