Can you believe it? Another year is nearly in the books. We hope you’ve managed to squeeze some gaming time into your busy schedule to dive into our final TA Playlist game of 2024, Psychonauts 2. But now, it’s time to shift gears and cast your vote for the very first featured game of the new year.
For us in the northern hemisphere, January lands us right in the heart of winter, which means we’re gearing up for some frosty weather in the coming months. Fittingly, January 2025’s TA Playlist will explore games set in wintry landscapes. So, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, sip on some hot chocolate, and get ready to vote for the Game of the Month!
Frostpunk
When you think of snow and cold, Frostpunk: Console Edition is a natural pick. Developed by 11 bit studios, this survival simulation and management game tasks you with building and sustaining a city amidst a creeping ice age. The Windows version launched in April 2018, with the Console Edition following in October 2019.
The game’s allure lies in its strategic complexity and gripping narrative, which reimagines the 19th-century industrial revolution as the world faces a mysterious freeze. You’re in charge of the last frontier of society, tasked with building shelters, discovering new technologies, exploring icy terrains, and, crucially, maintaining order to ensure survival in a relentless environment. Your leadership style—be it benevolent or dictatorial—shapes this world where choices weigh heavily, and the cost of power is steep.
While Frostpunk’s console and Windows versions have been played by over 40,000 gamers, only a handful—70 on consoles and fewer than 50 on Windows—have tackled all its achievements. With a solid TA user rating of 4.35 for Windows and 4.36 for consoles, this game is available on PC Game Pass and Game Pass Standard.
Metro: Last Light
Next, we journey to the cold, post-apocalyptic world of Metro: Last Light, crafted by 4A Games and published by Deep Silver. Having previously featured Metro 2033 and Metro Exodus, it’s the perfect time to revisit the middle chapter of this gripping trilogy. Originally hitting the Xbox 360 in May 2013, it was later remastered for Xbox One in 2014 as Metro: Last Light Redux and packaged in the Metro Redux bundle.
Set in 2034, the game’s backdrop is a shattered Moscow, where the Metro’s tunnels hide the remains of humanity from feral mutants and toxic air. Instead of uniting, the Metro’s factions are caught in a deadly race for a military superweapon, with a civil war brewing that might obliterate mankind. As Artyom, you’re humanity’s last hope in this dire situation.
With a TA user rating between 4.19 and 4.4, depending on the version, more than 250,000 gamers have explored at least one rendition of this saga. Though the original game’s no longer in the Microsoft store, Metro: Last Light Redux offers a hearty playthrough, completed by over 6,500 players with 5% completion of its achievements. All versions, be it the original, Japanese stack, or Redux bundle, count towards your Playlist participation.
Celeste
Let’s ascend the chilling heights of Celeste next, a creation by Maddy Makes Games. This 2018 hit rose to fame for its demanding platforming, inclusive features, and soul-searching storylines.
As Madeline, you’ll confront personal demons on your quest to scale Celeste Mountain in this tightly-crafted platformer from the masterminds behind TowerFall. Though simple in controls—jump, air-dash, climb—the game offers profound mastery and each failure becomes a learning experience. Quick respawns encourage continued exploration of the mountain’s mystical secrets.
Nearly 110,000 players have taken on Celeste, with over 8,000 netting all of its 30 achievements. An 8-10 hour completion estimate likely includes using assist features like invincibility to shorten playtime. Celeste is currently rated 4.1 by TA users and is available on Game Pass Core and Standard.
Kona
Finally, we venture into the icy expanse of northern Quebec with Kona, crafted by Canadian developer Parabole and published by Ravenscourt. This 2017 release blends a supernatural detective story with survival mechanics for a distinct chill.
Set in 1970s Northern Canada, an odd blizzard besieges Atamipek Lake. Wealthy industrialist W. Hamilton reports ongoing property vandalism, prompting detective Carl Faubert’s involvement. As players navigate this eerie village, they’ll unravel bizarre mysteries while confronting nature’s harsh elements.
Kona has enticed over 46,000 gamers, with more than 3,400 achieving complete mastery, estimated around an 8-10 hour playtime. With a TA rating of 3.38, Kona recently rejoined Xbox Game Pass Standard after a hiatus.
Which of these frosty adventures will you choose to launch the new year? Cast your vote and share your thoughts in the comments. If you have suggestions for future games or themes, drop them in the TA Playlist Game Suggestion Thread. Remember, a meaningful comment in this month’s threads earns you a TA Playlist badge!
