Holiday Game Guide

Hello readers,

Hello? (echos). Ok, so I'll openly admit that very few people probably read this blog, but in the spirit of the holidays let's go over some of the hottest games for this year's gift giving season. I figure the best way to do this is to recommend hardware first (consoles, accessories) and then a game I'd personally love to receive as a gift. Sound good? (crickets)...EXCELLENT. Here goes:

Hardware
If you're new to the console market there are several great bundles available this season. Microsoft has a great deal currently on the Xbox 360 Elite. You get the system, with its upgraded 120gb hard drive, 2 games, wireless controller, headset for online play and HD cables all for $299.99 at Gamestop.

If you're a Sony fan the PS3 has a newly slimmed down version of the PS3 for sale that comes in a variety of bundles. While the price on these can get rather high depending on the options, a "basic" pack of the system and one wireless control can be obtained from Target for $299.99. I've found plenty of online sites that post ads for console bundles, but they routinely top almost $400.00, so be careful if you're on a budget with the PS3. The 80gb model might be a better buy. Here's an example of a smaller bundle with a game and blu ray from Walmart. Keep in mind that while the PS3 has a higher price it has free online network play, AND a built in blu ray player, in addition to playing DVD's (like the xbox 360). It does NOT come with HD cables though, and those can run you up to $100.

The Nintendo Wii has long been considered a party only console. And while it is more fun in multi player settings, there are plenty of great games and accessories to consider. The Wii is the cheapest next gen console, with this holiday bundle tipping the scales at just $249.99 (if you can find it in stock). As has been the problem with the Wii since its launch, Nintendo keeps the supply low, and with the standard console selling for just $199.99 don't expect your local store to simply have them lying around in bulk quantities.
Games:
Let's start with the Wii. The one game that has really captured a lot of attention this holiday season is the NEW Mario Bros Wii game (reviewed on this blog). I was so excited about this game I went out and bought it right away, rather than waiting for x-mas. It has new multi player functions which allow up to 4 players to play AT THE SAME TIME in a side scrolling adventure. This game packs a serious punch for $49.99 or less, depending on where you buy it.

The Xbox 360 has a plethora of new games out. Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and Halo ODST are two highly popular games. While the new Halo game has been out for several months now, its popularity has meant the price has no fallen very far, if at all, from the $60.00 price tag at release. The good news for thrifty shoppers is that used copies are now surfacing at used re-sellers like Gamestop. Both these games are first person shooters with fabulous graphics, deep story lines and TONS of replay value due to online combat. If you're a shooter fan, this is the way to go for certain on the 360.

The PS3 is system that has struggled to find an iconic game that brands the console as a signature game. At this time the hottest selling games are CoD Modern Warfare 2 (see above) and re-makes of classic PS2 games, the God of War series. These games have been re-made to have HD graphics on the new console, and are a stand in for the long awaited GOW III, due out in April of 2010. The PS3 has a lot going for it in the home entertainment arena, in addition to games, and certainly all the best multi-platform games can be found on this system as well. Infamous, and Uncharted 2 are two highly touted titles from 2009 that if you don't already own them, they might be worth a look.

So those are major highlights for this year's holiday buying season. If there are games you feel shoul have been mentioned please leave a comment so you can help others find great deals. Happy holidays, and don't forget rechargeable batteries. Those wireless controls can drain regular batteries pretty quickly...