Welcome to the Top Upcoming RPGs of December 2018! In this series we highlight the Top 5 RPGs for the upcoming month. In this edition, we’re going to take a look at each of the titles, talk a little about each, and then explain why we think they deserve to be on the list. So join me now and find a mixture of some hidden gems and old favorites given a shiny new coat of paint.

Top 5 Upcoming RPGs Of December 2018

This year has been chocked full of variations of RPG releases, as we wind down to the end of the year there are still some titles coming to new platforms. We take a look at some unique games that mix new mechanics, diverging from the usual roleplaying recipe. Whether it be action, turn-based strategy or stealth in the cards, there’s plenty of choice for the festive month of December. So without further ado, lets get in the last month of year!

Honourable Mention – Desert Child

Desert Child is set in the world where players take on the role of a young and talented hoverbike racer, who earns his income from taking odds jobs. In order to compete in the race of the universe, he must gather enough money to join the Grand Prix that takes place on the Red Planet.

This indie title features a unique look on the racing genre, bringing hoverbike gameplay with RPG elements, drawing inspiration from animes such as Cowboy Beebop. Desert Child focuses on riding through terrain while shooting at enemies in your path. Players will experience hunting for bounties, delivering pizza and even throwing races to earn that needed cash. When you’re not on the race track, you will explore colourful cities where you can upgrade your bike, dine on some of interplanetary delicacies; take on gangsters, bounty hunters and much more.

The game has a variety of customisation for your bike with guns, amplifiers and even advertising. Choose from a range of cuisine that will give added buffs to help you win. Players will need to master their combat skills and racing mechanics while doing it in your own style. The title also features local multiplayer where you can challenge your friends.

Desert Child is set to release on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Playstation 4 and PC this December.

5. Jagged Alliance: Rage!

A turn-based tactics title with adventure elements, Jagged Alliance: Rage sets out its release this December. A spin-off that takes place 20 years after Jagged Alliance, a road trip that brings   players to the jungle of hell. Putting mind and body to the test, group up with your allies as the you battle against the entire island, that’s been ruled by a drug overlord and his army.

It’s not only the enemies that put a strain on the mercenaries but dehydration, morale and being far away from loved ones really takes its toll. Use strategy and guerrilla tactics to win over the island. There is also a choice to team up in 2 player co-op mode. Use unique Rage skills that only get more powerful throughout the course of battle. Try using experimental drugs to help manipulate your enemies and maybe you’ll win this fight.

Jagged Alliance: Rage! hits PC, Xbox One and PS4 on December 6th.

4. Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales

Described as a standalone RPG game with card game mechanics, Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales comes to console this December. The title brings card battles, world exploration, decision based narrative and puzzles to the mix. Following the well known world of The Witcher series, the game follows the character Meve, who has been left to defend her kingdoms, Lyria and Rivia from the Nilfgaardian invasion.

Players will also get take control of their own War Camp, where they can recruit their troops. Discover supplies and resources from monsters who guard them, which include not only trolls, but necrophages, dragons and more. The battle system follows Gwent’s mechanics, however there are some unique rules that will make for a more interesting challenge for this single-player.

Since this is a narrative-driven game, it’s no surprise that your choices will have consequences. Some decisions can even affect morale of your troops. There will be a few completely new locations to The Witcher franchise. Those who are hoping to see some of the well-known characters of the franchise will not be disappointed, Geralt of Rivia will be making an appearance.

Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales joins Playstation 4 and Xbox One on December 4th 2018.

3.The Last Remnant Remastered

After roughly a decade since its original release, this game finally gets a new version, The Last Remnant Remastered. This time it’s coming exclusively to Playstation 4, with new graphics and engine upgrade. Those who loved the original storyline will be happy to know that this will remain the same.

The story takes place as players fight to save their war-torn country, in a bleak and dark fantasy using a collection of mysterious runes called Remnants. A young man by the name of Rush Sykes is looking for his sister who has gone missing. A turn of events ends up with him encountering the battlefield, being blasted with a giant laser cannon and ending up falling into a cave.

The mechanics of this unique turn-based battle system also involves moral which will effect both allies and enemies. Players can guide a party of up to 25 characters to battle. These are split into groups and share a health bar. You can also venture into dungeons in between combat and encounter enemies if you wish using the world map to locate them.

The Last Remnant Remastered releases on Playstation 4 exclusively on December 6th 2018.

2. Path of Exile

Path of Exile the action-RPG finally makes its way to Playstation 4 in the month of December along with expansion 3.5.0. Those who are fans of Diablo 2 will see some inspiration in this title.

Set in the dark fantasy world of Wraeclast, a harsh continent that has seen many mysterious catastrophes shaped by the past. Various creatures have inhabited the nightmarish land and are ready challenge exiles that dare venture its lands.

Players can choose from a variety of abilities using the skill gem system, which also includes valuable items. These will grant different abilities when combined with equipment. Each character class shares a highly extensive passive skill tree, with seven distinct locations dependent on class and using the Keystone passives can dramatically change the way your character is played meaning tons of versatility.

Path of Exile comes to Playstation 4 along with expansion 3.5.0 which will launch on all platforms.

1. Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden

Inspired by the likes of XCOM, Mutant Year Zero Road to Eden is a turn-based strategy RPG based on the pen and paper roleplaying game of the same name. The title gets it’s own twist with it’s quirky characters that are a cross between humans and animal-like creatures. The main characters Dux a mutated duck and Borman a boar mutation, may look a little strange, but they’ve developed some extraordinary abilities such as damage absorption and even the ability to fly.

The developers The Bearded Ladies take the traditional form of turn-based strategy, mixed in with some unique skills and enhanced headshots. Mutant allows you to hide your characters behind objects to gain cover. Start out each mission exploring the map with free-roaming, use this time to scout your enemies from a distance.

Stealth is depicted in to real-time, giving total control on your sneak attacks, positioning of your mutants and gaining the upper-hand when it comes to the element of surprise. There’s also a chance to unlock up to 30 different mutations which comes with more abilities to choose from.

Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden releases on Playstation 4, Xbox one and PC on December 4th.

That’s a wrap for the Top RPGs of December. Did I miss your favorite December release? What games are you most looking forward to next year? Please let us know in the comments below.

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You can also check out the Top 5 RPGs of November.

So, do you want more? If so, you can find more Top RPGs for 2018 here.