BY DEB SCHLEEDE
Video games have become much more mainstream
over the past few years. In fact, according to the Entertainment Software
Association, by 2010 more than 67 percent of American households owned at least
one video-game console. Video games can make great gifts for all age ranges.
Many great games have come out this year, and in order to fit as many
recommendations as possible we’re focusing strictly on
titles released since August. When shopping for games, be sure to keep an eye
on the ratings, so you don’t inadvertently buy little Tommy a title rated M
(for ages 17 and up). There are a host of games that will make great gifts this
season, so here’s the low-down on some of the best game titles to hit shelves
for the holiday.
Shoot ’em up
For the casual-gaming crowd, shooters are a popular choice
and are abundant this year. One of the bigger multi-player shooter games, “Battlefield
3″ (available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC), is a super-realistic
military title that will blow your mind graphically, but most people pick it up
for the multi-player mode that rivals the industry-dominating “Call of Duty”
series. Less realistic and more sci-fi is “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” (Xbox 360 only). This is a beautiful remake celebrates 10 years for the series
and allows fans to replay the original campaign in high-definition, or at any
point swap back to the old graphics. (Online play has also been upgraded.) Last
of the big shooters is “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” (available on
all systems). The “Duty” franchise has blown up in the past few years and saw
one of the largest media launches in history. If you have a gamer on your list who likes shooters and doesn’t already own this game, they
probably want it.
Role play
For the non-shooter crowd there are some great adventure
games this year. Anyone who enjoys a good superhero story will like “Batman:
ArkhamCity“ (360/PS3/PC). This game has fun gameplay and a great story, playing much like
the Batman movies, and is regarded as one of the best action-adventure games
currently on the shelves. Similar to Batman, “Uncharted 3” (PS3) is
another thrilling title. You get to play as Nathan Drake as he hunts for 16th
century treasure while also trying to avoid being offed by an occult
organization after the same loot. Think modern Indiana Jones and slap him into a game series and you’ll get “Uncharted.” Outside
of the action-adventure genre there is “Professor Layton and the Last
Spector” (Nintendo DS). Here you play as a Sherlock Holmes-esque professor solving murderous mysteries. The game plays
like an interactive book but with lots of puzzles that test your brain. In
addition to the main story this game has a 100-hour role-playing quest, so you
get two games in one. (Geek moment: old-school gamers will
recognize elements of the RPG to be very similar to “Earthbound,” a popular
1995 title, as it’s made by the same team.)
For serious gamers
There are some good options for the more hard-core gamers on
your list. A personal favorite, and game-industry legend for being insanely
difficult, is “Dark Souls” (360/PS3). Players are thrown into an open
world with no real objectives other than to explore and stay alive. You’ll go
up against countless skeletons, demons, and monsters of all types. This game is
definitely a challenge but is incredibly rewarding, and is a solid title for
any gamers willing to give it a shot. Another industry legend is “Ico” and “The Shadow of the Colossus” Collection (PS3).
This game is actually two completely separate games bundled together. Both were
cult hits when they originally came out on the PlayStation 2 in the early 00’s.
Nearly everyone who picked up these titles fell in love with them for their
unique game play and iconic stories. Lastly, Link is back for one last quest on
the Nintendo Wii with “Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword” (Wii). This title
helps celebrate the 25th anniversary of the hugely popular franchise. The game
takes place in heaven-like skies as players take control of Link as he once
again comes to the rescue of Princess Zelda and the land
of Hyrule.
The game brings some new additions to the series and a beautiful graphical
boost. There is also a sweet collector’s bundle that comes with a 25th
anniversary soundtrack and a golden, Zelda edition Wii controller — a great
steal, if you can find it.
Kid stuff
For the kids — or adults who are still kids at heart — there
are some fun titles in stores this season. Also celebrating a 25th anniversary
is Sega’s mascot Sonic, celebrated with “Sonic Generations” (360/PS3/3DS). This title features two parts: part one is side-scroller akin to the original Sonic
games, part two is modern Sonic style with a more mobile camera and traditional
platforming. It’s pays
service to old fans of Sonic and it does a great job of sucking in new fans as
well. After many years of bad Sonic games this one is almost perfect. “Kirby:
Return to Dreamland” (Wii) is the first traditional Kirby game since the
90’s. It has simple side-scrolling gameplay and an added multi-player aspect
that allows up to four players to join in. This game has a lower difficulty
level along with a fun story and fanciful stage designs, making it a good
choice for younger gamers. A big title focused on having fun with friends is “Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure” (available on all systems). This title comes as a bundle with the game, a
“Portal of Power” peripheral, and three playable character toys. The unique
aspect of this game is that you play as the toy you choose to place on the
portal, and run around saving the world from and evil mastermind. Each toy
character has their own abilities, features, and upgrades, and they are
playable in any game on any system, making collecting, trading, and sharing
them an objective for kids. I’ll admit that I’m addicted to this game and
collecting and upgrading the toys. Outside of the three characters that come in
the bundle, dozens more are available for purchase in stores, which makes for
even more gift options.
SIDEBAR:
Honorable game mentions:
“Gears of War 3” (360)
“Elder Scrolls: Skyrim”
(360/PS3/PC)
“Assassins Creed: Revelations” (360/PS3)
“Sims 3 Pets” (All systems)
“Just Dance 3” (360/PS3/Wii)
“Disney Universe” (360/PS3/PC/Wii)
“DeadIsland”
(360/PS3)
“JurassicPark”
(360/PS3/PC)
“Kirby Mass Attack” (DS)
“Super Mario Land 3D” (3DS)
This article appears in Nov 22-22, 2011.
