The end of the year is always a busy time for video game releases, as publishers roll out their best and brightest for the gift-giving season. September, October, and November are usually particularly busy, but this year the industry seems to have concentrated a lot of its attention into this weekend in particular.
The games flood phenomenon appears at least partially caused by the planet-aligning coincidence of several major releases like Link’s Awakening occurring right next to the launch of Apple’s new Arcade subscription service. Several indie games have been planned for release across multiple platforms including iOS. But being Arcade-exclusive and part of Apple’s launch plans mean that many of them are shooting for the exact same launch date across all of their planned platforms. On top of that, the Apple Arcade announcement revealed several new games we didn’t even know about, like a new Chu Chu Rocket or a new RPG from the Bravely Default team.
Even if your wallet can handle all the offerings on tap going into the next few days, the physical constraints of time will prevent you from playing absolutely everything. It’s an embarrassment of riches. Here’s a wrap-up of just some of the games dropping.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
The Game Boy classic returns on Nintendo Switch with overhauled graphics, control tweaks, and a dungeon-maker feature. In GameSpot’s review, Peter Brown said, “Remakes are a dime a dozen nowadays and often easy to overlook. Don’t make that mistake with Link’s Awakening.”
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Beta
Though Call of Duty: Modern Warfare already ran a limited beta on PS4, it expands this weekend to PC and Xbox One. The beta test is open to pre-orders on Xbox One or PC, or all PS4 players regardless of pre-order. All Xbox and PC players can jump in starting Friday. You can pre-load now to be ready to jump in and test the new Ground War new mode.
Genesis/Mega Drive Mini
For retro fans, Sega enters the micro-console market with a Genesis Mini. The little retro console sports a look just like you remember from the 16-bit heyday, and comes packed with dozens of games including some rarities. According to Gamespot’s review, “Genesis fans have waited a long time for a system like this, and for once, we’re happy to say that the latest official Genesis console is one worth buying.”
Untitled Goose Game
The wacky Untitled Goose Game is coming to PC and Switch, putting you in role of a mischievous goose who terrorizes the townsfolk across several settings. It’s a bizarre concept, right down to its winking title, and it looks like it’s just brimming with personality. Goose personality.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered
The Level-5 RPG Ni No Kuni from 2010 is coming back as a remastered version with improved visuals on PlayStation 4, letting you experience it with a new generation or on the go with a Nintendo Switch port. The standout art style is inspired by Studio Ghibli, and its battle mechanics are something akin to Pokemon as you catch and battle magical creatures.
Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns
Between Link’s Awakening, Ni No Kuni, and Puzzle Quest, it’s not just a big week for games, but for remakes of games. Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns compiles both the original Challenge of the Warlords and its Revenge of the Plague Lord expansion on Switch. It also includes 100 new quests, five new job classes, and remastered graphics.
Overland
The post-apocalyptic tactics game Overland hits PC, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and iOS. You’re a band of survivors trying to make a cross-country road trip while managing supplies and fending off hordes of monsters.
Sayonara Wild Hearts
A stylish rhythm action game, Sayonara Wild Hearts has you ride motorcycles and skateboards, dance-battle your way through enemies, and break a few hearts along the way. It’s coming to PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and iOS.
Card of Darkness
The latest from TypeShift developer Zach Gage is a card battling strategy game with a fantastical setting and a quirky sense of humor. It’s hitting iOS through Apple Arcade.
Even More Apple Arcade
Tons more games are debuting on Apple Arcade, and we’ll be recommending more as we experience them for ourselves. Check out all of our recommendations on Apple Arcade so far. The Arcade service is a $5 subscription with a one-month free trial.