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Seasons Greetings. For many gamers, Christmas came early. Back in November as the most anticipated titles for all platforms were released. So were they all Game of The Year material? Well we’ll find out after this month’s worth of round ups.

Sony PlayStation 2

The Sony PS2 kicks off December releases with two platforming titles. Mega Man X8 continues the MegaMan X series and is definitely worthwhile for the fans, but worth a rent for those who’ve missed a few of MegaMan X games. Viewtiful Joe 2 makes its PS2 debut with a solid performance.

Overall, Sony’s PS2 December line up isn’t something to get out of the house for. Most of their big titles were out in November and the ones out now you can wait until they drop down a few dollars for.

Here in North America, Sony has been relatively quiet, but overseas back in Japan, things were bustling with the PSP’s launch being a huge success. For more info on the PSP and its launch, head over here. The portable looks solid and is anticipated to just as well in the Asia market.

Microsoft X-Box

More sequels squeeze their way into 2004 for the X-Box as both Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic II: The Sith Lords and Mech Assault 2: Lone Wolf. If you’re looking for a mech game, but from the Japanese side check out GunGriffin: Allied Strike from GameArts. Sports fans may appreciate EA’s sequel to their NFL Street franchise with NFL Street 2 (Also available on the PS2 and GameCube).

X-Box’s lineup for the month of December is a solid one with more sequels to big titles. They’re definitely worth checking out if you’ve beat the hell out of Halo 2 already.

Nintendo GameCube

Mario Party fans can celebrate “party” early with Mario Party 6, nothing ground breaking here, but still worthwhile if you’re looking for something to do with friends this holiday season. Also worth mentioning is Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2’s debut on the GameCube.

Nothing too drastic for the month of December for the NGC.

Nintendo Game Boy Advance

Square Enix releases two worthwhile RPGs on the GBA this month, Kingdom Hearts: Chains of Memories and Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls. Another worthwhile title, but more action oriented is Metal Slug: Advance from SNK Playmore.

Three solid titles which any GBA owner would love in their stocking this X-mas.

PC

Painkiller: Battle out of Hell continues the rampage of PainKiller released earlier this year. Speaking of expansions, another one hits December by the name of Dark Age of Camelot: Catacombs.

Here are two surprises which originally debuted on the X-Box, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay - Developer's Cut and Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone makes its debut on the PC and a solid one at that. Both definitely worth checking out.

If first person shooters aren’t your thing, maybe Gandalf and the gang can lend you a hand with The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth. A strategy game with great production value and solid gameplay.

A good month for PC gamers with great titles to choose from for those who haven’t found that game for their special PC Gamer on their X-mas list.

Conclusion

Like I stated in the beginning of this round-up, many of the big titles came out last month. However, that is not to say there are some worthy titles this month as well. A great year overall, and I look forward to the 2005 gaming year.

Happy Gaming,

Raymond "No Style" Lim

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