Here is my list of must-have games this holiday season. There is a game sure to please.
A recent brief issued by market analysts DFC Intelligence sums up the situation in gaming industry circles this holiday season nicely, stating simply: ?There really is no single standout must-have product.?
We concur? Instead, you?ll simply have to settle for a glut of top-notch titles in diverse genres. But while few individual items are likely to move huge numbers ? at least, not in a sector where, like the recording business, 500,000 copies sold means breaking even ? it?s largely irrelevant.
Although there will surely be massive confusion at the register this year (you try making sense of the dozens of equally intriguing, yet under-the-radar titles which ship each week), gamers are the clear-cut winners. Think of it this way: Choosing the right piece of software won?t be easy. However, the upside is that across the board, quality is improving, and no matter one?s interests, there?s a perfect match just waiting to be discovered.
Rather than bother comparing apples and oranges, we?ve taken the liberty of assembling a shopping list full of smash hits for children and grown-ups alike. So no matter who you?re shopping for, nobody has to come home empty-handed (or disappointed) as Christmas carols and Chanukah hymns start a-ringing:
Note: Looking for great gaming gear? Be sure and check out last week?s installment of our holiday gift guide as well!
FOR ADULTS
Burnout Revenge
From: Electronic Arts
For: PlayStation 2, Xbox
Racing games typically require that you avoid crashing into opponents ? this one actually encourages it. Run rivals off the road at paint-peeling speeds to produce stunning collisions, or slam into Sunday drivers from behind for time/turbo boosts in the all-new Traffic Attack mode. Just beware; intelligent adversaries develop road rage too.
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Call of Duty 2
From: Activision
For: PC, Xbox 360
World War II as it was meant to be experienced: through the fear-haunted eyes of American, British and Russian troops. Blast through Hitler?s henchmen, but beware ? atmospheric audiovisuals (check those snow and smoke effects) and crafty enemies will have you quaking in your uniform. Not for the faint of heart?
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Star Wars: Battlefront II
From: LucasArts
For: PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox
Atrocious as Lucas? latest films are, fighting their most memorable air/land battles ? plus original trilogy encounters as well ? won?t disappoint. Up to 64 (PC version) can compete from on-foot or within an X-Wing, TIE Fighter or AT-RT walker. Playable heroes like Darth Vader and Yoda only further satisfy your Jedi jones?
Peter Jackson?s King Kong
From: UbiSoft
For: GameCube, PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360
A ten-ton gorilla of a game, this epic adventure (inspired by the 1933 film) is a joint collaboration between The Lord of the Rings? director and Rayman creator Michel Ancel. Playing hero Jack Driscoll, evade rampaging T. Rexes from a first-person perspective. As the mammoth monkey, enjoy third-person dinosaur duels instead.
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Age of Empires III
From: Microsoft
For: PC
The ultimate historical real-time strategy challenge? Choose a European power, then conquer the New World. Set from 1500-1850, the game charges you with constructing settlements, building trade routes, researching technological advancements and allying with or exploiting Native Americans. Incredible visuals (bodies burn, sunlight shimmers) make it a sight to behold.
Tony Hawk?s American Wasteland
From: Activision
For: GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360
Back to the daily grind you?ll go in this clever skateboarding simulation, spread across Los Angeles? sprawling streets. Some good news, though: No load times interrupt the action, you?re free to accept or decline missions, and BMX bikes are also available for play. Skate or die? You know our choice.
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
From: UbiSoft
For: GameCube, PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox
The number one name in Arabian adventures returns? only now, with even more acrobatic excitement. Commanding a sword-swinging aristocrat ? able to control time and instantly kill enemies by sneaking up on them ? or his chain-equipped, evil alter-ego, escape from Babylon. Tired of leaping between rooftops? Chill out with chariot races.
Shadow of the Colossus
From: Sony
For: PlayStation 2
You?re a nameless fantasy hero equipped with sword, bow and noble steed. Slay 16 super-sized beasts (stone giants, winged serpents), each so huge it?s literally the size of a mountain, to recover your love?s lost spirit. Label it yet another masterpiece from the team who brought you the award-winning Ico.
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The Movies
From: Activision
For: GameCube, PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox
Congratulations, you control the studio system. Recruit talent, deal with actors? egos and addictions, build sound stages, pander to critics, and otherwise run a thriving motion picture production company. Added bonus: aspiring directors can actually create their own horror, western, or sci-fi film shorts, then upload creations onto the Web.
We Love Katamari
From: Namco
For: PlayStation 2
The sequel to last year?s sleeper hit puzzle game Katamari Damacy. Participants must build a ball from everyday objects (doughnuts, pencils, pets, people) while rolling around cities, schools or undersea environments. Just one problem: the bigger spheres grow, the harder controlling them becomes. For laughs, try new two-player co-op options.
50 Cent: Bulletproof
From: Vivendi-Universal
For: PlayStation 2, Xbox
Your chance to finally control America?s hottest MC. With aid from G-Unit homies Lloyd Banks, Young Buck and Tony Yayo, topple New York?s underworld using fists or firearms. Grab human shields, execute enemies with vicious counter-moves or just enjoy exclusive songs and videos. What can we say: it?s dope, yo.
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The Matrix: Path of Neo
From: Atari
For: PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox
An interactive director?s cut of the motion picture franchise. Chase an all-new ending as you shoot or karate chop your way through original scenes and retellings of familiar celluloid scenarios in bullet-time. Look for cameos by Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Ann Moss, and Keanu Reeves (yes, you?ll finally play The One).
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F.E.A.R.
From: Vivendi-Universal
For: PC
Half-Life 2 meets The Ring. As a heavily-armed operative, do battle with supernatural forces and killer commandos alike. Enemies exhibit an unprecedented ability to think on their feet, and scenery rips apart as never before once combat begins. Just make sure you?ve got a powerful PC to run it on.
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The Warriors
From: Rockstar Games
For: PlayStation 2, Xbox
$49.99
A no-holds-barred brawler based on director Walter Hill?s 1979 cult cinematic classic. Alongside fellow thugs ? who can be given simple orders ? punch, kick or bludgeon your way with pipe or baseball bat through the streets of New York. Standing between you and survival is only every gang in the city.
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GUN
From: Activision
For: GameCube, PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360
Welcome to the Wild West. Controlling cowboy Colton White, explore vast plains and valleys, plus sketchy saloons and border towns, at your leisure. Ride horses. Rescue prostitutes. Alternately, just play poker, mine for gold, or scalp foes after obliterating them with slow-mo quick draws. Picture it as Deadwood: The Game.
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Honorable Mention
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
From: Rockstar Games
For: PlayStation Portable
A brand new open-ended 3D criminal adventure for your PSP starring the street-smart Tony Cipriani, voiced by actor Michael Madsen? and the last handheld outing would-be felons will ever need.
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KIDS
Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves
From: Sony
For: PlayStation 2
Forget the optional 3D glasses gimmick ? sprouts will love the raccoon burglar?s animated antics regardless. Running and jumping around international locales, players must don disguises, utilize funky gadgets and interact with a colorful cast of cartoon characters. Superb play and a well-balanced difficulty setting ensure it?s fun for the entire family.
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
From: Electronic Arts
For: GameCube, PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox
Based on the book and movie of the same name, expect an exciting, magic-based brawler that skillfully combines elements of melee combat and puzzle-solving. Harry, Ron and Hermione are all at your disposal (three can join in on the action), and the big-budget presentation simply wows. Nothing short of spellbinding?
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Shrek SuperSlam
From: Activision
For: GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox
Duke it out as one of 20 characters from the silver screen outing (Shrek, Donkey, Fiona) or original scrappers created for the game (Quasimodo, Captain Hook). The goal: Slam your opponents the most times with screen-clearing farts or candy cane-tossing attacks. Four-man multiplayer support and power-ups add to the chaos.
Mario Kart DS
From: Nintendo
For: Nintendo DS
Tear across the Mushroom Kingdom?s roadways as famed videogame mascots like Mario and Luigi, chucking turtle shells or banana peels at rivals. One of your DS system?s screens hosts the high-speed antics, while the other shows your position on a mini-map. Fast, frantic vehicular combat?s the name of the game.
Nintendogs
From: Nintendo
For: Nintendo DS
For everyone who?s ever dreamed of owning a dog, but couldn?t. Start by picking a puppy (numerous breeds from Chihuahuas to Labradors are available) and afterwards raise, train and care for the computerized canine. Pet your pooch with the stylus while saying ?Good boy!? and watch your furry friend?s reaction.
– Scott Steinberg
Showing 7 comments
RSSAs for your mentions, WOW wasn't new for the holidays, tried to keep it fresh. And Civ 4 is great too, but AOE's got more casual appeal, and makes one hell of a PC graphical showpiece. Rest assured there's a special spot reserved for them in Best Of recaps, though...