With video games more popular this holiday season than ever before, do you know what to buy for the gamer in your life?
There are so many choices about which game system to buy and which games to play, it's becoming hard for the non-gamer to know what to purchase. For the hardcore gamer, an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 would be a perfect fit. If gaming is a casual hobby, then the Wii is probably the right selection. The possibility of handheld systems complicates the situation even more.
The real way to know what system to buy is to know what games the system plays. This guide should be some help on some of the hottest games for this holiday season.
Sony PlayStation 3
• "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune"
This third-person action shooter from Naughty Dog (makers of "Crash Bandicoot" and "Jak" and "Daxter") is a breath of fresh air for PS3 owners. A great story and awesome visuals will make any Tomb Raider fan say, "Laura who?"
• "Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction"
If you love platformers and for some strange reason don't own a Wii, then this title is for you. The team at Insomniac tries to perfect its proven Ratchet and Clank formula and the result is not disappointing. This one is perfect for the young PS3 owner.
Microsoft Xbox 360
• "BioShock" (also for the PC)
There is no shortage of first-person shooters this holiday season (it seems as if every Xbox 360 owner already has multiple copies of "Halo 3"), but "BioShock" seems to differentiate itself from the rest of the pack. Although technically also for the PC, this RPG-style shooter stands out in a crowded Xbox 360 lineup. A freaky story and a wonderful art style make this title a must-own.
• "Mass Effect" (also for the PC)
The team at BioWare has quite a reputation in the role-playing game community. With titles like "Baldur's Gate," "Neverwinter Nights" and "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" under its belt, it's no surprise that the first game for the current generation of consoles is a smashing success. This epic experience will keep any role-playing-game fan entertained through the new year.
Nintendo Wii
• "Super Mario Galaxy"
All kids need to have an experience with Mario, and adults can rediscover what a great game is like. Mario is back and, quite possibly, better than ever. This title claims its seat as the best game for the Wii so far.
• Virtual Console
Nintendo has quite a history, and thanks to the Internet, you can buy and play old Nintendo games from the convenience of your couch. "Super Mario 64," "The Legend of Zelda," "Super Metroid" and "Sonic the Hedgehog" are a few of the games along your trip down memory lane. At an average of ,7, these games make great stocking stuffers for anyone.
Multi-Platform
• "Call of Duty 4" (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
My roommate has dedicated quite some time to this game. The multiplayer component will keep you gaming into the wee hours of the morning. The only problem is that the hardcore gamer probably already owns a copy.
• "The Orange Box" (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
PC gamers are familiar with the "Half-Life" series and have been enjoying the great story and intense first-person shooting action since 1999. With the Orange Box console, all gamers can rejoice in five games for the price of one. "Half Life 2," "Half Life 2" episodes 1 and 2, "Portal," and "Team Fortress 2" will give any first-person-shooter fan a memorable gaming experience.
