STACK #254 December 2025

GAMING PREVIEWS

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WHAT’S OUT THIS MONTH? No matter what style of game is your vibe, there’s sure to be something to get excited about amongst these fresh releases heading to JB this month. Words Amy Flower

EDITOR’S PICK YAKUZA SERIES: 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION RELEASE DATE: Dec 8 GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Have we really been playing the Yakuza – and, more recently, Like a Dragon – games, with their wild mix of action and RPG elements, for 20 years? We have, and we’ve loved every minute! This special commemorative edition brings us the original two PS2 releases in their 2015 and 2016 remastered Kiwami forms, along with the Director’s Cut of the 2015 prequel that let us in on where it all kicked off for series regulars Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima back in the 1980s. The remasters went above and beyond by adding new gameplay features, story elements, and other enhancements, as we headed once more to the fictional Japanese districts of Kamurocho in Tokyo and Sotenbori in Osaka – based heavily on the real-world areas Kabukicho and D ō tonbori. Not only do we now get to experience all three games with the power of the PS5 behind them, but we also get to do it via a highly collectible edition, which includes a steelbook and three stunning art cards that are worthy of framing. Are you ready to delve once again into the Japanese underworld with all its intrigue, violence, and humour? We know we are!

METROID PRIME 4: BEYOND RELEASE DATE: Dec 4 GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Samus Aran is finally back, in a new

MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 24 RELEASE DATE: Dec 8 GENRE: Simulation FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Now you can have the Microsoft Flight

adventure that’s certain to get our puzzling – and, of course, shooting - juices flowing. Long in development, this one’s set to play out in a first-person perspective within a Galactic Federation research facility, as Samus runs, guns, scans, rolls, explores, and more, leaving a trail of wasted Space Pirates – led by notorious bounty hunter Sylux - in her wake.

Simulator experience on PlayStation for the first time ever, with this latest incarnation enhanced with career mode missions including aerial firefighting, air search and rescue, air ambulance, crop dusting, mountain rescue, skydiving, and more. New aircraft also feature, including the massive Airbus Beluga, gliders, hot air balloons, and beyond.

AVATAR: FRONTIERS OF PANDORA - FROM THE ASHES EDITION RELEASE DATE: Dec 5 GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes

FARMING SIMULATOR: SIGNATURE EDITION RELEASE DATE: Dec 9 GENRE: Simulation FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes The smash series hits the Switch 2 with

new crops, animals, machines, and more! Build your agricultural empire across East Asia, North America, and Central Europe, managing over 400 machines from 150-plus top brands. With new production chains, construction missions, and rich open-world farming, this promises budding farmers the most comprehensive Nintendo edition yet.

Director James Cameron’s stunning world of Pandora springs to life in this action adventure set in the Western Frontier. Play as a Na’vi who was kidnapped by the RDA Corporation and moulded into a soldier. Now free, you’re having trouble fitting back into society, so you aim to reconnect with your lost heritage. This updated release includes the From the Ashes expansion, inspired by the Avatar: Fire and Ash movie.

OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 RELEASE DATE: Dec 5 GENRE: RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Embark on an adventure that expands upon the mobile prequel in this latest

GOODNIGHT UNIVERSE RELEASE DATE: Dec 9 GENRE: Adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No The creators of the award-winning Before Your Eyes return to our screens with their

entry in the acclaimed RPG series. Set in the realm of Orsterra, players get to experience an all-new tale of restoration and retribution, create their own protagonist, rebuild their hometown, enjoy strategic battles, and more – and all with the series’ signature blend of classic 2D and modern 3D visuals.

latest adventure. Get a whole new perspective upon life playing as Isaac, a six-month-old baby with mysterious psychic powers. You just want to be loved, but a secretive tech company has other plans for you... This physical edition includes codes for the game’s soundtrack, as well as a digital artbook.

SAMURAI ACADEMY: PAWS OF FURY RELEASE DATE: Dec 5 GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes The world of the movie Paws of Fury: The

MORTAL KOMBAT: LEGACY KOLLECTION RELEASE DATE: Dec 12 GENRE: Fighting FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Relive the legends and celebrate more

Legend of Hank comes alive as players defend Kakamucho from the Shogun’s evil cat armies. Join Hank the dog samurai and his allies as they fight to protect villages, uncover an evil plot, and bring back peace. Master samurai skills, wield wild weapons, set traps, and explore a colourful world bursting with humour, action, and samurai shenanigans for all ages.

than 30 years of fighting with this hot "Kollection", featuring iconic arcade classics, classic console versions, and rare handheld releases that defined an era. Explore MK history through an interactive documentary packed with developer interviews, concept art, and behind-the-scenes secrets. Plus, there’s online play, story timelines, hidden content, and more!

Coming in JANUARY JANUARY ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS - NINTENDO SWITCH 2 EDITION (Jan 15) DINKUM (Jan 30) CODE VEIN II (Jan 30)

Answers: 1. Like a Dragon 2. Aran 3. Acquire 4. Samurai Shodown/Samurai Spirits 5. Microsoft Flight Simulator 6. 2008 7. By blinking 8. Pit-Fighter

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22 DECEMBER 2025 DECEMBER

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