In the game for T

HE first doors on the advent calendars have been opened, and the tasty chocolate hidden behind have been devoured. And as Santa prepares his pre-flight checks, we take a look at the handful of games hitting consoles very early this month.

There’s a fresh Just Cause outing, Hello Neighbor gets a prequel, and Playstation fans can enjoy a wave of nostalgia as the classic console gets a makeover. BATTLE some of the cutest robots you’ve ever seen and ‘mech’ (see what I did there) a name for yourself in this giant brawler. Each 80-second battle takes place in different cities which you can lay waste to as you marmalise your opponent. There’s a roster of 12 mechs, each with their own fighting styles and finishing moves – and you can customise your giant robot to add your own style and flair. Alongside the solo campaign, you can play in local co-op with up to four friends, or go online for more multiplayer fun. With the 3D locations mapped on real cities however, you will get a pang of guilt when you flatten a national landmark.. THIS gorgeous looking indie game follows the journey of young knight in training Madelyn, and her ghostly pet dog Fritzy.

Starting life as a Kickstarter, teaser trailers show the game giving off a serious Ghosts’ N Goblins vibe, as THE evil and mysterious mustachioed neighbour is back in this gruesome, and oddly touching prequel. Hide and Seek looks at the events that happened to the neighbour’s family, that lead to him becoming the sinister recluse we’ve all come to love/hate.

Hello Neighbor was the surprise horror hit of 2017, having gained an almost cult following on its addictive alpha release.

Part The Burbs, Part Rear Window, you have to break into your neighbour’s house to uncover the secret hidden in his basement.

The clever AI means the neighbour modifies his actions based on your gameplay, meaning you have to alter your tactics every time you venture over the road, or end up as a bump in the turf.

Definitely a game to keep your eye on.