Holiday Gift Guide

Christmas is just around the corner and the holiday season is already in full swing.

Along with the flock of panicked consumers showering the isle ways of major retail chains, so are the year’s biggest games.

But what to buy?

Here is a list of the biggest games this season for each console that would make a fine addition under the tree this year:

Xbox 360

Halo 3

Who would have seen this one coming? Microsoft’s uber-hit series “Halo” returned yet again this past Fall for Master Chief’s third installment in “Halo 3.” More than 4 million copies of the Sci-Fi shooter have been sold to date, so if you don’t already own it you need to pick it up. For info on “Halo 3” click HERE.

BioShock

The lush environments of this ocean shooter are enough to make any Xbox 360 owner happy with glee this holiday season. The storyline is engaging and the gameplay is intuitive. Be sure to pick up this Xbox 360 and PC exclusive.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare – Also available on the PS3 and PC

This photo-realistic squeal takes the series in a whole new direction with combat in the current era. The realism of this title is nearly unmatched by any game in the genre. Simply a must have.

Playstation 3

Assassin’s Creed – Also available on the Xbox 360

Imagine scaling a chapel in ancient Jerusalem only to take a “Leap of Faith” into a bed of hay followed by the perfect kill as you assassinate your enemies in this unique gameplay experience. An interesting plot and beautiful visuals make “Assassin’s Creed” a standalone instant classic. For
a full review click HERE.

Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

The “Ratchet and Clank” series has been Sony’s closest thing to a “Mario” figure for the past few years. Therefore, “Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction” is a great choice for a well polished platform present. Despite the game’s cartoon-like visuals, everything in the game looks, feels, and sounds amazing.

Heavenly Sword

Although this game suffers from a quick story and some choppy visuals, “Heavenly Sword” is an amazing slasher exclusively for the PS3. If you can’t wait for a new “God of War” for Sony’s behemoth of a console, this is the closet thing you’ll ever get. The combat engine is comprehensive and easy to use and the game utilizes some of the best functionality of the SIXAXIS controller to date. For a full review click HERE.

Wii

Super Mario Galaxy

Touted as possibly the best platformer of all time, “Super Mario Galaxy” is certainly the game to own on the Wii. Join Mario across the universe in this beautiful addition to the series that really proves what the Wii is truly capable of.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

This third of the “Metroid Prime” series returns on the Wii. The clever controls of the Wii are utilized fantastically to provide a fluid experience for Wii owners everywhere. Samus is back and is a beautiful as ever.

Guitar Hero III – Also available for Xbox 360, PS3, PS2

“Guitar Hero” finally makes its way to a Nintendo console and the game/guitar bundle is $10 less than everywhere else, except maybe the PS2. The series continues with more songs, new battle modes, and new online modes. Rockers rejoice.

Other mentions across the consoles

Madden 08 – Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, DS, PSP
Rock Band – Xbox 360, PS3, PS2
The Orange Box – PC, Xbox 360
Crysis – PC
Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass – DS
Brain Age 2 - DS
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions – PSP
Crush – PSP

Happy Holiday Hunting!!!