Games Released in December 2009

678 new games debuted in December 2009, with PC being the most active platform. December 17 was the busiest day, with 53 releases. Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors was the most popular release of the month.

Which days had the most releases?

December 17 saw the most activity with 53 releases.

53 releases

December 17

48 releases

December 3

45 releases

December 10

33 releases

December 4

How did each week compare?

The first week of December was the busiest with 146 releases.

Week 1 (December 1–7)

146 releases

Most popular release in Week 1

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is the second Zelda game for the Nintendo DS. The art direction is still cel-shading, but the game have notable changes from Phantom Hourglass with more puzzles and a new mode of transportation by train. You have to draw your route to the next area on the map and then let the train run its course. While the train is moving, caution will be needed to avoid obstacles, animals and enemies on the tracks. In certain dungeons, both Link and Zelda will be playable as they will need to work together to solve puzzles.

Week 2 (December 8–14)

126 releases

Most popular release in Week 2

Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors

The game is a murder mystery visual novel with a heavy story focus that requires multiple playthroughs to figure out and involves puzzle rooms used to progress through the story with dialogue choices to be made inbetween them.

Week 3 (December 15–21)

134 releases

Most popular release in Week 3

Final Fantasy XIII

Final Fantasy XIII is a single-player Japanese role-playing game and the thirteenth main entry in the Final Fantasy series. Combat uses a real-time variant of the series' Active Time Battle system, in which the player directs one lead character while the Paradigm system lets the party switch between combat roles such as attacker, healer, and support. Character growth is handled through the Crystarium, a grid-based progression system that unlocks abilities and stat bonuses. Set across the floating world of Cocoon and the wilderness of Gran Pulse, the game combines science fiction and fantasy elements with series staples like summoned creatures and airships. It was followed by two sequels, Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.

Week 4 (December 22–28)

99 releases

Most popular release in Week 4

Metal Slug XX

Metal Slug XX is an entry in the long-running series of side-scrolling shooters. It is a revised version of Metal Slug 7. The Peregrine Falcons, Marco, Eri, Clark, Tarma, Fio and Ralf, are once again running-and-gunning in colorfully hand-drawn levels, throwing grenades, driving vehicles and slashing enemies. Metal Slug XX includes various single-player features in the form of a Combat School that lets players return to previously completed missions while executing various objectives; a POW List that shows how many POWs were rescued in each level; and single-player Rankings. Players can also cooperate in Ad-Hoc while gunning down hordes of humorous foes using familiar weapons in seven distinct levels that will see our heroes traverse deserts, mountains, caves and lava pits to finally put an end to their longtime enemy. This revised version includes additional content including co-op multiplayer and downloadable content, as well as the character Leona Heidern.

Week 5 (December 29–31)

32 releases

Most popular release in Week 5

Urban Rivals World

Roll up your sleeves and lay down your cards! Urban Rival is a truly original, free, collectible card game. It is a game of skill and strategy that allows you to create your own gang and challenge other players in fast and furious fighting. The games are simple but intense and in just a few minutes you can control the whole of Clint City by putting your Pillz, Fury and bluffing skills to good use!

Which platforms saw the most releases?

PC received 106 new titles in December 2009. The runner up was Wii with 75 new titles.

PC106 releases

Wii75 releases

PlayStation 368 releases

Nintendo DS57 releases

iOS56 releases

PlayStation Portable49 releases

Web browser43 releases

Nintendo DSi38 releases

Xbox 36028 releases

Mac11 releases

What genres were most popular?

Adventure was the dominant genre in December 2009 with 106 titles. Puzzle followed closely with 95.

Adventure106

Puzzle95

Simulator71

Strategy62

Arcade52

Shooter49

Platform44

Role-playing42

Indie38

Sport33

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