Celebrate the Holidays With Final Fantasy and More on Apple Arcade

The holidays are upon us, and it’s getting chilly outside. That means it’s the perfect time to stay inside and play a game by the fire. Luckily, Apple Arcade is set to add over a dozen games to the service, including three Final Fantasy games.

Apple Arcade is filled with familiar and classic games, alongside exclusive titles, that you can play for $7 per month (£7, AU$10). You can find many of these games in the App Store, but they have paywalls and ads that might hinder your gaming experience. Using an Apple Arcade subscription, you can play each game without paywalls and ads, a feature usually denoted by “Plus” in the game’s name.

Here are all the games coming to Apple Arcade in December and January.

Arriving on Dec. 5

Talking Tom Blast Park

Developer: Outfit7

The adventurous cat Talking Tom is back, and this time he has to save Blast Park. The mischievous Rakoonz are out to trash the park, so it’s up to you and your friends to blast them away with quirky guns — like the Duckinator — to save the day.

Pac-Man 256 Plus

Developer: Bandai Namco and Hipster Whale

Pac-Man is back in this new twist on an old classic. You still have to collect dots while evading ghosts in the familiar maze, but the maze doesn’t end. There are also new powerups, new ghosts — named Sue, Funky and Spunky — and a new super villain called the Glitch. Otherwise, you’re out to get the highest score possible, just like the old days.

Other games coming to Apple Arcade then

Boggle: Arcade Edition by Zynga
Hot Wheels: Race Off Plus by Hutch Games
Barbie Color Creations Plus by StoryToys

Arriving on Dec. 9

Final Fantasy 4 (3D Remake) Plus

Developer: Square Enix

This early entry in the iconic Final Fantasy series has been revived with updated graphics, improved gameplay and voice acting in event scenes. You play as the dark knight Cecil as he tries to stop the sorcerer Golbez from destroying the world. Throughout your travels you’ll meet new allies, uncover secrets and see who your true friends are. 

Final Fantasy 4: The After Years Plus

Developer: Square Enix

If you enjoyed Final Fantasy 4, give this sequel a try next. This game is set years after the events of the original and introduces new characters and villains. Another moon has appeared over your home planet and unchanging crystals from the first game have begun to glow. You have to discover what’s causing these changes and how to set things right.

Arriving on Jan. 9

Final Fantasy Plus

Developer: Square Enix

This is the game that started it all. Join the Warriors of Light on a journey to restore power to the Crystals and save their home world. The remastered version of this game brings improved gameplay features, like auto-battle and more to your fingers.

Skate City: New York

Developer: Snowman and Agens

The Skate City franchise takes on the Big Apple in this installment of the skateboarding series. Skate real-world areas, like New York’s subways and waterfronts, while you master different tricks. You can face new challenges with each run or relax in the Free Skate mode while listening to an original soundtrack.

Other games coming to Apple Arcade then

Three Kingdoms Heroes by Koei Tecmo
Trials of Mana Plus by Square Enix
Rodeo Stampede Plus by Featherweight Games
It’s Literally Just Mowing Plus by Protostar

You can access these games in Apple Arcade in December and January, but there are plenty of other games to play on the service now for $7 per month or $50 annually. You can also try Apple Arcade for free for one month with your first sign-up, or you can get a three-month free trial when you buy a new Apple device. To access Apple Arcade, open the App Store on your iOS or iPadOS device and tap the joystick in the menu bar.