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| Video Game News |
| Best of 2005 Part 2: Holiday Gift Guide |
| by Sean Rhodes |
Alright, so you didn’t get that XBOX360. Yeah, you keep thinking you’ll get it for Christmas. You can hope I guess, but seeing as how that’s the most popular item on the gaming market, I wouldn’t count on it. But just because you couldn’t invest in that XBOX360 doesn’t mean your holidays are doomed.
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The holidays are to video games what summertime is for to movies. The holidays is when the gaming market gets big and popular. And just because something came out as early as February doesn’t mean you have to neglect it. The holidays is not only a time to reflect on just October, November and December in the gaming world, but to reflect on the entire year. Couldn’t pick up Resident Evil 4 on the Gamecube when it came out early in January? No worries, the holidays are made for asking for this kind of stuff. All the time. So let’s break it down. You do, of course, want to find suitable items for your special someone. First let’s break it down by system, and then we’ll worry about the age group you might want to look at. These items are also in no particular order. Some items mentioned here are in reviews. And at the end I’ll tell you what to avoid getting this holiday season (or ever). Playstation 2Well, the Playstation 2 had one fine run this year, didn’t it? OK, not as good as in previous years, but there’s still some good stuff. Final Fantasy XII and Kingdom Hearts 2 got pushed back ‘til 2006, but in the mean time there are other games you might want to consider that’ll keep you busy.
Resident Evil 4: Not to mention this would be a crime. It is, by far, the best in the Resident Evil series. The criminally underplayed game (because not very many people have a Gamecube) made its way to the PS2, and is now available with a new game called Separate Ways. If you’ve got the Gamecube version, I’m not sure that’ll cause you to want the PS2 version, but consider it.
Soul Calibur III: This one is exclusive to the PS2. If Soul Calibur II was up your alley, then I shouldn’t have to tell you to buy this. Definitely for anyone who loves fighting games. And if Soul Calibur III doesn’t work you might want to try…
Tekken 5: Perhaps one of the best fighters out there, but don’t take my word for it, just know that it is.
Dragon Quest VIII: Come on now, must I put this here? This game is already sweeping the nation! Buy this for any RPGer. It’s got a great storyline, it’s fun, and it’s simple.
God of War: Perhaps the best action/adventure game out there right now. Very bloody and gory, but if you’re looking for the definition of epic, here it is!
Wild Arms Alter Code F: For those RPGers who loved the original Wild Arms, you should be picking this up for them even if they didn’t ask. Trust me, any fan of Wild Arms will be absolutely stunned by this game!
Socom 3: Hey, it’s a military game, and they’re getting pretty popular right now. You might want to get this for your military guy—although as you can imagine anything World War II based is fine as well. XBOXThe XBOX may have had a few better items come out than the PS2. For your convenience, I’ll list a few you might want to think about.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: Don’t start talking to me about violence and all that crap in video games. I think any parent knows if his or her child is mature enough for this title. The PS2 cult classic is on the XBOX now, and is by far one of the most popular titles out there.
Far Cry Instincts: For the first person juggernauts. And it is a worthwhile first person shooter. Perfect gift for any first person shooter.
Ninja Gaiden Black: Come on now, if you’re a Ninja Gaiden fan it should be a national law that you own this game!
Brother in Arms Earned in Blood: War games, as I said, are pretty popular. World War II games lead ‘em all the way. And since there’s no Medal of Honor game out right now, Brother in Arms will have to do.
Unreal Championship 2 The Liandri Conflict: That blasted Unreal, which is one of the most addictive first person shooters around. Unreal fans… this is a must! GamecubeUnfortunately, while the year looked pretty good for the other two consoles, Gamecube didn’t really get a whole lot. If you own a Gamecube, there really isn’t a whole lot I can recommend for you this year. But let’s start with what I can suggest.
Resident Evil 4: By far the best Gamecube title ever. Beautiful game. Visually more striking than the PS2 version. If you’ve got a Gamecube, get Resident Evil 4! Stephen King couldn’t even come with some of the horrific things that happen in this title.
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance: Fire Emblem, which was first introduced to the states through Super Smash Brothers Melee, or emulators. Yes, this is the perfect title for your strategy gamer.
Mario Power Tennis: Yes, this Mario Game is worthwhile. And you can suggest for just about anyone! It’s just all out fun!
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones: It’s on all three systems, but since the Gamecube doesn’t have much going for it, I’m going to suggest it here. It is a nice conclusion to an already stellar series. The Nintendo DSI will tell you right now, the Nintendo DS is actually 100% worth it this year! Last year it was plagued by having nothing but Super Mario 64DS. Well, there’s more, and it all came out just in time for the Holidays.
The DS Itself: Last year getting one of these things was just not worthwhile. Clear in April the system still had few good games. Everyone got to Super Mario 64, but the good stuff didn’t come out until much later in the year.
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow: Being the best in the series since Symphony of the Night means you best get this title. It is by far one of the best titles. Intricate and innovative gameplay. The best title out there.
Advance Wars: Duel Strike: Yes, without this game you’ll be a loser. At least if you’re into the whole strategy tactical game.
Mario Kart DS: Yes, if you enjoy racing, you’ll love this game. Especially with Wi-fi connection. It’s totally worthwhile. Mario fans, this is a must. Racing fans, this is also a must. Being able to challenge people online makes it even better.
Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time: Sequel to the classic 2003 smash hit, Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga. By far the best of the best this holiday season. If you thought the last one was hilarious and original… this one will blow your mind!
Animal Crossing: Wild World: Animal Crossing is fun, but I really think you’ll have much more fun with the handheld version rather than the one floating around on Gamecube. It’s better there, anyway, especially with what Nintendo could really do with this thing!
Nintendogs: You ain’t cool, unless you have a nintendog. There’s something so unusually fascinating about having a nintendog, and if you don’t have one, you better plan on getting one this holiday season!
Super Mario 64DS: I know this came out last year, but since I’m afraid the DS wasn’t popular until earlier this year, I must recommend it now. If you’re going to buy the DS for someone, make sure it comes with THIS game! Not some crap like Harry Potter, actually THIS game. The Sony PSPLet’s not get carried away with the DS. Yes, there are some really good games coming out for the DS, but the PSP has some good stuff too. While I still think you should wait for a price drop, the PSP is one powerful as hell system. Although, it didn’t have nearly as many good games come out as the DS, it’s good a lot of style.
The PSP Itself: Yes, both the DS and PSP are worth it! Let’s not babble about which one is better, during the holidays war doesn’t exist, only games and merchandise!
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty Stories: Really, did you think this wasn’t going to be here? Well it is, and it’s hot. Really hot. And it’s a really fun game too, so grab it. As with San Andreas, who cares about the violence? If you’re a good parent I’m sure you’ll know if this is appropriate for your child. But as a suggestion, don’t give to someone who is like… ten, okay?
Lumines: A fantastic puzzler. You’ll be up for hours just playing this game. This is Tetris for the new millennium!
X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocolypse: No, seriously, it’s good. If you like beat ‘em up Superhero games, yeah you’ll get a kick out of this!
Tony Hawk’s Underground 2 Remix: This is a fairly good title as well. Four new levels in addition to what you already get on the console ain’t bad. And hey, you get to take it everywhere! Gameboy AdvanceThere are only two titles I can highly recommend for anyone who has a GBA. Since the GBA is just about dead, I don’t feel any shame in only having two titles for you. They are:
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap: It’s Zelda. Enough said.
Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stone: Tactical games have found a pretty comfortable stable on the GBA, and this by far the best one since Advance Wars. It’s long too, so you’ll enjoy it for a long time.
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Now you didn’t expect it to be that easy, did you? Well, if you totally know the gamer you’re dealing with, I can divide it like that too. From those RPGers to the Military Men, we can break down. So if you’re looking specifically for the genre, here’s what I suggest. Please note, I don’t give explanations here. The trade off here is that you know the gamer you’re shopping for. If I’m telling you why you must get it… then you obviously don’t know the gamer. Although, for some of these you can just look up top. And don’t be surprised if some games are listed in more than one category. It means both will enjoy it. Anyway!
Action/Adventure
Ninja Gaiden Black
Resident Evil 4
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto Liberty Stories
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
God of War
F.E.A.R
Racers
Mario Kart DS
Burnout Revenge
Gran Turismo 4
Forza Motorsport
RPG (Role Playing Games)
Dragon Quest VIII
Wild Arms Alter Code
F Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stone
Sports Games
Madden NFL 2006
Mario Tennis
MVP Baseball 2005
FIFA 2006
Logic/Puzzle Games
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stone
Lumines
Meteos
Indigo Prophecy
Advance Wars: Duel Strike
Millitary Games
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Mercenaries
Brother and Arms: Earned in Blood
Call of Duty 2
Socom 3
Advance Wars: Duel Strike
Looking for Something for the Kids?
Nintendogs
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Kirby: Canvas Curse Meteos Lumines
(guide continues on next page below with games to avoid) |
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