We still have more than half of December left, but all of the games I’m jazzed about this year are already out. Heck, I’m still deep in the GOTY production hole, but that doesn’t mean I can’t look forward to the new year.

There are some rather notable games, one involving some sort of car theft, scheduled to come out next year, but I’m much more focused on getting my hands on the following:

Mixtape

A coming of age adventure, you say? Hmmm.Well, I don’t mind if I do.

I was slightly sad to see this #aesthetic musical adventure slip into the new year, but I am glad that I don’t have to risk having to place it around “Lost Records” in my GOTY list.

When it comes out, how badly is this soundtrack going to copyright strike us if we stream it? Probably going to be a mess. Right? Ugh.

Dosa Divas

I wrote about how much I loved “Thirsty Suitors” earlier this year, so there’s no way I could possibly pass up this tasty RPG from the same studio.

I have so much affection for Indian cuisine, so this might just be what I need to be inspired to actually learn some new techniques in the kitchen.

Factory 95

You know I’m a sucker for nostalgic UI — it’s the one weird trick that will get me to pay attention to your indie puzzle game. I’m not sure if I’ll really jibe with the core gameplay loop, but I will be gosh darned to heck if they didn’t snag me good.

Paralives

It’s a crime that EA has all but abandoned “The Sims.” The most recent game came out during the Obama administration, man! Take another swing.

But in that vacuum, we’ve found a growing number of life sims trying to meet the clear market demand. Some are leaning into generative AI or hyper realism, but I’m much more interested in this stylish take on the formula.

007 First Light

The folks who made “Hitman” are taking a crack at “James Bond,” and I want to see exactly what they came up with. The hijinks possible in their previous games might seem a bit at odds with the more self-serious “007” brand, but they’ve more than earned the benefit of the doubt.

As long as I still get to dress up as like a life guard or an erotic dancer or whatever before brutally assassinating some chump, I’ll be pleased.

Pragmata

Considering that it took about four years to get any meaningful news about this long-awaited sci-fi action adventure, I’m honestly just glad it didn’t get shoved deep down in the archives of Capcom.

What’s this weird little girl’s deal? I need to know.

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Image credit: “Mixtape,” “007 First Light,” “Factory 95,” “Dosa Divas”