Shopping Guide - Franchise games and sequels dominate store shelves this holiday season

Just in time for the holiday season, here is my video game shopping guide.

My editor added "Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe" so I take not claim in that.

Also, be on the look out for the official VGF game guide in a couple of weeks:

Featuring a breadth of killer titles, the lineup of triple-A holiday games also features a breadth of subtitles.

High-profile franchise games and heavily-anticipated sequels dominate the store shelves, with few original titles getting a heavy holiday push.

For those shopping for a gift for a video game-crazed loved one, the following games may include the perfect one - or the perfect "2."



"Call of Duty: World at War" (PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS)

Following one of last year's greatest games, "Call of Duty: World at War" returns to the roots of the series: World War II.

Although widely criticized for looking a little too much like its predecessor, "World at War" focuses on the Pacific Campaign as you play as American, British and Russian soldiers. Look for "World at War" to feature the industry's premier online multiplayer experience for a game that is sure to be a must-have for first-person shooter fans.



"Gears of War 2" (Xbox 360)

This Microsoft Xbox 360 exclusive is claimed to look, play and sound very close to its predecessor - which is fantastic when it is the sequel to one of the most widely acclaimed games in recent years.

In "Gears of War 2" you reprise your role as the hardened killing machine of a man named Marcus Fenix, who, with the help of his Delta Squad soldiers, takes the war with the "Locust Hoard" deep into the Earth.

"Gears of War 2" adds new weapons, new environments and new multiplayer features to culminate in a package that is easily equal to the 2006 classic. Xbox 360 fans will not want to miss the opportunity to play this gem of a game.



"Resistance 2" (PS3)

"Resistance 2" is another sequel that is bigger and better than its predecessor.

"Resistance: Fall of Man" was an original and notable launch title for the Sony Playstation 3 because of its stellar visuals and engaging environments. The original game had you play as Sergeant Nathan Hale as you battle through Britain after an invasion by an alien race called the "Chimera."

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