Hottest Holiday Gifts - Gift ideas for the gamer
Shopping for the gamer on your list? If you aren’t into video games yourself, finding the right game to buy can be tough when you don’t know what’s hot. Here is a list to help you find some of the hottest video games for Christmas 2008. This list is sorted by gaming platform, so just click on the links below to go directly to the system that your gamer owns. Currently only a few sections of this page have any content, please bookmark this page (using the bookmark tool at the bottom of the page) and check back later for updates on the other sections!
Nintendo Wii | Sony Playstation 3 | Microsoft Xbox 360 | PC | Nintendo DS | Sony PSPNintendo Wii Gift Ideas
The Nintendo Wii is the hottest selling console in the history of video games. Released in 2006 and is still selling like hotcakes today in 2008. Nintendo has increased production for the 2008 holiday season, so Wiis will be easier to find this year. If you haven’t been able to pick one up yet, you may get lucky this year! If you’re lucky enough to grab one of these best selling systems, be sure to pick up these games and accessories to go with it.
Wii Remote and Wii Nunchuk controllers – While the Nintendo Wii comes with one remote and one nunchuk controller, that’s not enough if you plan on playing with more than one player. These are a must have for multiplayer games on the Nintendo Wii. Pick up 3 of each for some 4-player action! Wii Remotes come complete with a jacket for better grip and protection in case it is accidentally dropped.
Animal Crossing: City Folk – One of Nintendo’s newest releases and a sequel to the previous two Animal Crossing games for the Nintendo GameCube and the Nintendo DS, Animal Crossing: City Folk for the Nintendo Wii is a definite must have for fans who have enjoyed the series. Enjoy every day life in Animal Crossing – go fishing, catch bugs, dig up Gyroids and fossils, visit the city for a variety of activities – such as bidding on auctions, shopping, getting a makeover, and more! Watch the video for some clips of Animal Crossing: City Folk in action (click to show/hide the video).
Boom Blox – This is a fun party game that makes excellent use of the Nintendo Wii’s motion controls. Have a blast blowing things up, and playing either cooperatively or competitively (the latter being more fun). Create and destroy your own levels. Boom Blox makes an excellent holiday gift and provides endless amounts of fun. Click here to show/hide the Boom Blox video.
Guitar Hero World Tour – This newest version of Guitar Hero adds something new to the Guitar Hero series of games – drums and vocals. Now you can enjoy the whole band experience with World Tour. Click here to show/hide the Guitar Hero World Tour video.
de Blob – de Blob is a 3D platformer where players use the Wii Remote/Nunchuck combo to maneuver their hero, de Blob. Battle against massive tank battalions, speedy I.N.K.T. racers and elite Inky soldiers on your quest to free the citizens of Chroma City. Click to show/hide the video for de Blob.
Okami – Originally for the PlayStation 2, Okami has been brought to life on the Nintendo Wii utilizing its motion sensing controls. Okami is one of the most visually appealing games of its time and has excellent gameplay to match its stunning graphics. Play as Amaterasu as you battle it out against Orochi to save the world. Click here to show/hide the Okami for Wii video.
Super Smash Bros Brawl – This game brings your favorite Nintendo characters to duke it out in an all out Brawl. Play as Mario, Luigi, Pikachu, Link, Zelda, Samus, and much more – Brawl has a total of 35 characters to choose from. And for the first time ever, play online with other players using Nintendo’s Wi-Fi Connection. Click here to show/hide the Smash Bros Brawl video.
Wario Land: Shake It! – Using Wii Remote controller turned sideways like an old-school controller, players jump and smash their way through hectic side-scrolling stages. Shake the Wii Remote to help Wario take down his enemies, empty bags of treasure or cause earthquakes. There are plenty of stages each offering multiple missions to keep players coming back again and again to unlock everything, collect more coins or just improve their best times. Click here to show/hide the video for Wario Land: Shake It!
Wii Fit – Nintendo’s Wii Fit and Balance Board make fitness fun! Choose from yoga, strength training, aerobics, balance games. The balance board senses even the tiniest movements while the in-game personal trainers give you real time feedback. Click here to show/hide the Wii Fit video.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 All-Play – This game evens the playing fields for all players no matter their skill level. With improved swing mechanics, an all-new controller system, and coaching from Hank Haney, play your way to the top of the leaderboard with Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 All-Play.
Click here to show/hide the video for Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 All-Play.
Rock Band 2 – Rock Band is back with improved instruments and gameplay. The instruments for Rock Band 2 Wii are completely wireless. Rock out without wires! Currently available for preorder, but sure to be a hot seller this holiday season! If they already have the original Rock Band, pick up the game only version of Rock Band 2. If they don’t already have either of them, get the Rock Band 2 Special Edition Bundle for the improved instruments. Please note that the release date for this game is December 22nd and may not show up in time for Christmas unless you order with expedited shippiing. Click here to show/hide the Rock Band 2 Wii video.
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Back to topSony Playstation 3 Gift Ideas
Sony’s Playstation 3 is a powerful gaming console. With built-in Blu Ray capabilities, built-in wi-fi, and a spacious hard drive. PS3 games look stunning and your console & Blu Ray player will automatically be kept up-to-date via the PlayStation Network. Here are some of the best titles available for the PS3 in 2008:
LittleBigPlanet – If there’s only one game you’re going to give this year for the PS3, LittleBigPlanet is the game to give. This innovative game lets the player be creative, cooperate with others online, and is an absolute blast to play. Download new levels online over the PlayStation Network and play online multiplayer too. LittleBigPlanet is the must have game for the PS3 this season. Click here to show/hide the video for LittleBigPlanet.
Rock Band 2 – This is a must have title no matter which console you get it for. It is a definite hit and a fun party game. Play guitar, bass, drums, or vocals. Rock Band 2 has over 100 new on disc songs and plenty of downloadable content available on PlayStation Network. Available as a complete bundle with instruments or game only for people who already have the instruments from the original Rock Band. Click here to show/hide the video for Rock Band 2.
Dead Space – This game makes a great gift for survival horror fans. Dead Space is a terrifying, deeply personal thriller. A single-player game, Dead Space delivers the chilling, claustrophobic feeling of being isolated in a dark environment — all the while being stalked by some truly horrific enemies!
Fallout 3 – A singleplayer action role-playing game (RPG) set in a post-apocalyptic Washington DC. Fallout 3 will satisfy both players familiar with the popular first two games in its series as well as those who are completely new to the Fallout series.
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue – The newest addition to the popular Gran Turismo series, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is available exclusively on the PS3. This racing game features over 60 stunning cars – including vehicles by Lotus, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Ferrari for you to race on seriously realistic, real-life tracks: including the Eiger Nordwand, the London City Track and Suzuka – all rendered in incredible High Definition graphics. Click here to show/hide the video for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.
Grand Theft Auto IV – The 11th game in the popular Grand Theft Auto series. This game is a solid contender with its compelling plot and exciting dialogue. Carry on the Grand Theft Auto tradition playing through the single player campaign as Niko Bellic. Get cars and other modes of transportation. The game also offers multiplayer challenges ranging from cover matches to shoot-outs. Click here to show/hide the video for Grand Theft Auto IV.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots – This game is a must have for fans of the Metal Gear Solid series. Metal Gear Solid 4 is the final chapter in the saga of Solid Snake that sends him around the world in pursuit of his arch nemesis, Liquid Ocelot. Armed with new gadgets and abilities, Solid Snake must shift the tides of war into his favor, using the chaos of the battlefield to infiltrate deep into enemy territory. Click here to show/hide the video for Metal Gear Solid 4.
Prince of Persia – Experience the new fantasy world of ancient Persia. Masterful storytelling and sprawling environments deliver a brand new adventure that re-opens the Prince of Persia saga. Players have the freedom to decide how the game evolves in this non-linear adventure. Determine how the storyline unfolds by choosing your path in the open-ended world. Click here to show/hide the video for Prince of Persia.
Resistance 2 – A PS3 exclusive, Resistance 2 is an alternate-history, first-person shooter that puts you in the heroic role of Sgt. Nathan Hale as he struggles against overwhelming odds to defend humankind from an insurmountable Chimera. Available in both standard and collector’s editions. Collector’s Edition includes an exclusive 5.5-inch Chimera Hybrid action figure, art book, DVD, and more. Click here to show/hide the video for Resistance 2.
Valkyria Chronicles – Another PS3 exclusive, Valkyria Chronicles offers stunning visuals, innovative strategic gameplay, and is one of the best tactical strategy games of the year. Click here to show/hide the video for Valkyria Chronicles.
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Back to topXbox 360 Gift Ideas
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 was the first of this generation’s consoles to launch and is still going strong. The Fall 2008 dashboard update gives new life to an already excellent dashboard adding avatars, Netflix streaming, improved guide button functionality, and much more. Below is a handful of the Xbox 360’s best games for the 2008 holiday season:
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts – Rare Ware’s bird and bear duo are back in an all new adventure exclusively on the Xbox 360. Play solo or go online for some multiplayer co-op, build clever contraptions with a vast array of parts. Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts is a fun, family-friendly game to have for the holidays. Click here to show/hide the video for Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts.
Fable II – Fable 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the original Fable game for Xbox. Set 500 years after the original, Fable 2 for the Xbox 360 offers an epic storyline, innovative gameplay, freedom of choice – but beware, every choice has its consequences! This game offers truly unique experiences for all players. Click here to show/hide the video for Fable II.
Fallout 3 – The third installment in the popular Fallout series. Lifelike AI, great HD graphics, and more await you in this amazing action RPG.
Gears of War 2 – This game won many awards at E3 2008, including Best Action Game, Best Overall Shooting Game, Best Graphics Technology. This game is sure to impress and a must have for fans of the original game. Play on Xbox LIVE in both competitive and cooperative modes.
Battlefield: Bad Company – This game offers a deep single player experience – play through a campaign loaded with attitude. Follow a wayward band of ordinary soldiers who risk it all on a quest for personal gain. Online multiplayer offers support for up to 24 people. Click here to show/hide the video for Battlefield: Bad Company.
Grand Theft Auto IV – From Rockstar Games comes the 11th installment in the Grand Theft Auto series. GTA IV offers a compelling plot and exciting dialogue. Carry on the Grand Theft Auto tradition playing through the single player campaign as Niko Bellic. Get cars and other modes of transportation by any means necessary. The game also offers multiplayer challenges ranging from cover matches to shoot-outs. Click here to show/hide the video for Grand Theft Auto IV.
Rock Band 2 – Create a band and play with friends in person or online. Rock Band 2 has over 100 new songs on disc with plenty of downloadable content available on Xbox Live. Rock Band 2 is available as both a complete bundle or as a game only for Rock Band owners who already have the instruments, but the new instruments are a worthy upgrade over the original. Click here to show/hide the video for Rock Band 2.
Prince of Persia – The same great gameplay as the previous Prince of Persia games – use the Prince’s familiar skills, along with a whole new combat system, to battle Ahriman’s corrupted lieutenants to heal the land from the dark Corruption and restore the light. Click here to show/hide the Prince of Persia video.
Grid – GRID will take players to beautifully realised and dramatic race locations over three continents to compete in an unprecedented variety of racing events. The game contains some of the most powerful race cars – new and classic, circuit and drift – players will compete to conquer the most prestigious official race tracks and championships and then go beyond to compete in challenging city-based competitions, through to road events and urban street races. Click here to show/hide the video for Grid.
NHL 09 – This game is for people new to hockey and hockey fans alike. Become the first great name in videogame hockey with NHL 09. Jump into the EA SPORTS Hockey League and become part of the first console sports MMO. NHL 09 features a physics-based checking and fighting engine with more than 300 new animations to bring a higher-level of intensity to the game. Click here to show/hide the video for NHL 09.
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Back to topPC Gift Ideas
Crysis Warhead – Players take the role of Sergeant “Psycho” Sykes in a new parallel story taking place during the events of the original Crysis. Psycho’s secret mission takes him to the other side of the island on a pursuit of a North Korean general hell-bent on obtaining powerful technology. Sykes will do whatever it takes to carry out his top-secret objective using the versatile powers of his Nanosuit and an arsenal of fully customizable weapons & vehicles at his disposal. Click here to show/hide the video for Crysis Warhead.
Fallout 3 – Fight for survival against terrors of the outside world, radiation, and mutants after nuclear fallout. Fallout 3 is an expansive world in modern super-deluxe HD graphics that are sure to please fans of the Fallout series.
Far Cry 2 – Roam the beautifully detailed jungles and savannah of Africa. Far Cry 2 features open-ended gameplay that allows you to play the game how you choose, with the choices you make affecting where the game leads you.
Left 4 Dead – Set in a modern day survival-horror universe, the co-operative gameplay of Left 4 Dead casts four “Survivors” in an epic struggle against hordes of swarming zombies and terrifying “Boss Infected” mutants.
Mass Effect – Enjoy stunning high resolution graphics, optimized GUI and controls for PC gamers as you take the role of Commander Shepard starship Normandy, the last hope for all life in the Galaxy. Saren, a rogue member of the elite and untouchable Spectre agents, has discovered the secret to unleashing an apocalyptic force upon the galaxy, and only you stand in his way. Click here to show/hide the video for Mass Effect.
Spore – The makers of The Sims present SPORE. Create your unique creature and guide it on an epic journey through a universe of your own creations. Play any way you choose in the five evolutionary phases of Spore: Cell, Creature, Tribe, Civilization, and Space. How you play and what you do with your universe is entirely up to you. Spore gives you a variety of powerful yet easy-to-use creation tools so you can create every aspect of your universe: creatures, vehicles, buildings, and even starships. Click here to show/hide the video for Spore.
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning – Based on Games Workshop’s popular Warhammer fantasy world. Dominated by force of arms and magic, this world provides a rich setting for hundreds of thousands of players to experience the epic nature of war and the glory of battle. Click here to show/hide the video for Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.
World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King – In this latest WoW expansion, something is afoot in the cold, harsh northlands. The Lich King Arthas has set in motion events that could lead to the extinction of all life on Azeroth. The necromantic power of the plague and legions of undead armies threaten to sweep across the land. Only the mightiest heroes can oppose the Lich King and end his reign of terror. A must have gift for any WoW gamer. Click here to show/hide the video for World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King.
Galactic Civilizations II Gold – Galactic Civilizations II Gold gives you the chance to fight for humanity. The reckless humans have formed an alliance, for their mutual defense against the rising power of the evil Drengin Empire. Meanwhile, the Drengins gather an alliance of their own and begin exploring the furthest corners of the galaxy for ancient weapons. As both sides look for an upper hand, a deadly threat is waiting in the darkness. Make strategic use of planets, asteroid fields and other interstellar objects State of the art 3D engine with vastly improved graphics and visual effects than the original.
Sins of a Solar Empire – Take command of 1 of 3 space-faring races as you work to establish domination of the galaxy. Use your mastery of phase-space manipulation, gravity and nanotechnology to quickly eliminate any local resistance and acquire the necessary resources to fuel the next segment of your continuing exodus. Click here to show/hide the video for Sins of a Solar Empire.
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Back to topNintendo DS Gift Ideas
The DS Lite is Nintendo’s hottest little handheld with built-in wifi, dual screens, touch screen controls, and microphone. The DS Lite not only plays DS games, but is also backwards compatible with Game Boy Advance (GBA) games. It comes in many colors from white, pink, blue, black, red, silver, and many special limited editions. The Nintendo DS is home to some really great portable games. Here are some that would make some excellent gifts.
Chrono Trigger – The hit RPG for the Super Nintendo and the PS1 has been remade for the Nintendo DS! Travel through the past, present, and future to save the planet! Some say this is the greatest RPG ever made. If you’ve missed out on it for the SNES and PS1, now’s your chance to see what makes this game such a classic. If you’ve played it before, experience it in a whole new way on the DS. Click here to show/hide the video for Chrono Trigger.
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia – Castlevania returns to the Nintendo DS. Play as a member of the Ecclesia, an organization formed to defeat the evil forces of Dracula. Use the brand new Glyph attack system which has more than 100 different combinations to battle Dracula and his minions throughout 20 explorable areas. Take part in side quests and collect items to power up your character in the next great Castlevania game produced by Koji Igarashi.
The World Ends With You – From the creators of Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts comes a revolutionary, modern action-RPG title for a new generation of gamers. The World Ends With You is a trendy & vibrant gaming experience developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS. Featuring an intuitive combat system and exciting multiplayer mode, The World Ends With You is set to immerse gamers into the modern-day culture of Japan.Click here to show/hide the video for The World Ends With You.
Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise – This popular pinata game makes its way to the Nintendo DS. Do you have what it takes to become a master pinata collector? Attract, romance, and trade pinatas & items with other players via DS wireless connections. Click here to show/hide the video for Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise.
Disgaea DS – This game has been completely remade to take advantage of Nintendo DS. Disgaea offers a deep strategy RPG experience with an exceptional story, a fantastic script, and a host of loveable characters and settings. An all-new story focus means a completely different experience for players, not to mention a brand new ending.Click here to show/hide the video for Disgaea DS.
Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift – Explore the world of Ivalice and join forces with famous heroes from FINAL FANTASY XII. Polished game mechanics, new jobs, new classes, and a new clan system enrich the Ivalice experience for fans and newcomers alike. Control characters in battle and navigate through menus all with a tap of the stylus. Increased replay value with up to 400 available quests, allowing you to immerse yourself in a multi-faceted storyline.
Click here to show/hide the video for Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift.
Guitar Hero: On Tour – Now you can take the Guitar Hero action with you with Guitar Hero: On Tour for the Nintendo DS. On Tour uses a guitar grip attachment and special pic stylus to play the game, so playing is a very similar experience to playing it on its console counterparts. A great gift for Guitar Hero fans who want to shred on the go. Click here to show/hide the video for Guitar Hero: On Tour.
Metal Slug 7 – The Metal Slug series is the pinnacle of 2-D action-shooting games. The series has dazzled legions of fans with its simple control mechanics, frantic action and superb game balance, making it a highly addictive experience. Metal Slug 7 is the latest in the series and is a Nintendo DS exclusive title. Click here to show/hide the video for Metal Slug 7.
N+ – You are a ninja in N+. Your god-like speed, dexterity, jumping power, and reflexes are all the result of an amazingly fast metabolism; sadly, so is your natural lifespan of 1.5 minutes.Click here to show/hide the video for N+ DS.
Space Invaders Extreme – The arcade classic is remade and revamped for the Nintendo DS. Classic gameplay unites with new sound and video effects, creating an entirely new and addictive experience. Click here to show/hide the video for Space Invaders Extreme.
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Back to topSony PSP Gift Ideas
Sony’s PSP is more than just a game player, this internet ready, wi-fi capable portable is a complete multimedia device with the ability to play music, videos, and be hooked directly up to a TV. The Sony PSP 2000 and PSP 3000 limited edition bundles are readily available, while the 3000 core pack is currently a pre-order item. Some games to give for the 2008 holiday season are:
Buzz! Master Quiz – The always fun Buzz! Quiz game is now portable on Sony’s PSP. Buzz!: Master Quiz includes all-new round types and over 5,000 questions on topics including celebrities, music, sports, TV, nature, science, movies and more, putting your knowledge to the test at home or on the move. Play different solo quiz challenges, or enjoy the 3 new multiplayer modes(Pass Around, Fastest Finger, or Quiz Master) with your family and friends. Get ready to Buzz!-in today.Click here to show/hide the video for Buzz! Master Quiz.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII – A must have game for fans of the Final Fantasy series Crisis Core on the PSP has the same great experience that one would expect from a Final Fantasy game. Crisis Core offers amazing gameplay, superb graphics, and excellent replay value.
Downstream Panic! – After a gigantic cyclone pulls up all of the fish into Earth’s atmosphere, it is up to the player to guide fish as they descend back into the Ocean. In order to save the fish from land, predators and other obstacles, the player must use a variety of innovative tools. If you like Lemmings, you will enjoy this game. Click here to show/hide the video for Downstream Panic!
FIFA Soccer 09 – Soccer fans will enjoy this PSP game. FIFA Soccer 09 includes new animation sequences, new collision detection system, 32 pro skill moves, enhanced shooting mechanics, and more! Click here to show/hide the video for FIFA Soccer 09.
God of War: Chains of Olympus – Epic Gameplay on the PSP system – Keeping true to the God of War franchise, experience dramatic camera angles and epic set pieces, offering a never-before-seen experience. Fans of the God of War series will truly enjoy this game. Click here to show/hide the video for God of War: Chains of Olympus.
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 – The classic, entertaining golf franchise returns to Sony PSP with new online play, quirky characters, beautiful courses and a huge variety of customizable options that enable you to take your golf game wherever you go. Click here to show/hide the video for Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2.
N+ – N+ is a peerless action-puzzle platformer with more than 300 levels in which to hone your ninja reflexes, plus a built-in level editor for when you’re hungry for more. Click here to show/hide the video for N+.
Patapon – Featuring more than 20 missions in a variety of environments such as swamps, volcanos, gorges and deserts, players will outfit a Patapon army, collect resources, and grow their tribe into a devastating fighting force. Click here to show/hide the video for Patapon.
Space Invaders Extreme – Combining the classic gameplay of the arcade shooter with brand-new music, sound, and visual effects, this is Space Invaders like you¿ve never played it before! New power ups are available to assist in your attempt to be the high sore master, and as the player progresses through the game, new modes are unlocked. Click here to show/hide the video for Space Invaders Extreme.
WipEout Pulse – The ideal sequel to WipEout Pure. Players who enjoyed the original game will absolutely LOVE this game. Pulse has improved gameplay action, enhanced graphics, and faster load times than the original. This game is a must have for WipEout fans.
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