Looking for cool games? Here’s a few you can’t miss! These recommendations are based on what we’ve played during the year or currently playing. Whatever the game you choose, we think that your money will be well spent.

We hope it helps you!

Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition

Publisher: Bethesda Softworks

Developer: Bethesda Softworks

This "Game of the Year" edition includes the acclaimed Fallout 3 game as well as its five downloadable expansions: The Pitt, Operation: Anchorage, Broken Steel, Point Lookout and Mothership Zeta. Do we need to say more?

Publisher: Valve Software

Developer: Valve Software

Whether they’ve played the original or this is their first forray into the zombie filled world of Left 4 Dead, there’s absolutely no reason not to get L4D2. It’s got more of everything that made the first game such a blast to play, and actually manages to make the experience remarkably better. By far the best co-op on the Xbox 360, with the competitive modes showing they’re no slouches, either, making this a must have for any hardcore gamer on your list this holiday season.

Publisher: Eidos Interactive

Developer: Rocksteady Studios

Batman: Easily comparable to classic games such as Eternal Darkness and Bioshock. A game that no one expected to be good and turned out to be one the most impressive, immersive and breathtaking games ever released. The grim set-up mixed with incredible voice-over work and great storytelling makes of Batman: Arkham Asylum, not only the best Batman game ever published but also the best comic-book/superhero videogame so far and a very serious “Game of the Year” contender. Another "must-have" for the mature gamer on your shopping list.

Publisher: Activision

Developer: Infinity Ward

Though MW2 suffers from some of the same faults as its other ‘modern’ predecessor, it’s still a well made package that shows how although no game is perfect, a developer can still put out great work. If you like shooters at all, Modern Warfare 2 is the piece of work this year that you should be playing – like, right now.

Ghostbusters: The Videogame

Publisher: Atari

Developer: Terminal Reality

If the gamers on your list is a fan of the Ghostbusters, this is a no brainer. The story, characters and action are all Ghostbusters through and through and make an excellent addition to the series canon. For those unfamiliar with the Ghostbusters, I implore you to give this game a try; it really is an innovative, fun and funny as hell experience and really manages to differentiate itself from the pack of 3rd person shooter games.
 

Publisher: THQ 

Developer: Volition

Bringing the Red Faction franchise to next-generation consoles might have took three years but the final result is astounding. There’s no doubt that THQ and Volition have put all their knowledge, energies and hearts into this project not only to please Red Faction fans who were disappointed by Red Faction II but also to captivate a whole new audience looking for the next great game. By delivering a solid campaign mode, an incredibly vast open world, destructible environments and addictive multiplayer modes, THQ and Volition brings you a high quality game that you can’t miss.

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Developer: Bungie

There’s no doubt that Halo 3: ODST is a good action game. Fans of the series will be given a look at the Halo universe from a very different perspective, fighting the fight as a Rookie, rather than as the Master Chief himself. The spin is definitely a compelling reason to pick up the game for anyone on your list who loves all things Halo.

Publisher: 2K Games

Developer: Gearbox Software

One hell of a game that absolutely sings, and is definitely best enjoyed with friends. If the gamer on your list has an abundance of patience, Borderlands truly hits on a gaming hunger pang they may not have known they had. Fans of RPG’s or shooters should definitely enjoy unwrapping this incredibly title this holiday season.

DJ Hero

Publishers: Activision 

Developers: Freestyle Games

Compared to Activision’s other music game franchise, DJ Hero isn’t for everyone since it targets a small specific group of people/gamers: those who have a disc jockey background or those who always dreamt to be one. Regardless of this, we have to applaud Activision’s willingness and audaciousness to introduce a new product.

Publisher: Rockstar Games

Developer: Rockstar North

Rockstar manages to give you so much for such a little price that seeing past the little nuisances won’t be a difficult task. Both The Ballad of Gay Tony and the standalone disc Episodes from Liberty City are great expansions and we can’t do otherwise than recommend. The GTA series is always a lock when it comes to quality titles, so if you have a mature gamer that loved the original games in the series, these lengthy side stories should keep them satisfied well into next holiday season.

Game available at retail and as a download via the Xbox Live Marketplace (download requires GTA IV disk while the retail disc is a standalone game)

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Developer: Ensemble Studios

Yes, there were in fact two Halo games released this year, but the difference between one another is night and day. While ODST will satisfy the shooter on you list, Halo Wars is considered a real time strategy game, or RTS. This is a far cry from the other Halo games, so while its appeal may not be as wide spread on all fronts, those who like a little more tactical control are definitely going to love getting this one, this holiday.

Publisher: Ubisoft

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

Delve deeper into the secret society of assassins with the sequel to the blockbuster action-adventure game. Assassin’s Creed 2 is an epic story of family, vengeance and conspiracy set in the pristine, yet brutal, backdrop of a Renaissance Italy. Ezio befriends Leonardo da Vinci, takes on Florence’s most powerful families and ventures throughout the canals of Venice where he learns to become a master assassin. AC2 retains the core gameplay experience that made the first opus a resounding success and features new experiences that will surprise and challenge players.

Publisher: EA

Developer: Bioware

Hardcore RPG fans, your best choice for the holiday season is here. Bioware is a company that know how to make RPG’s, and make them right. Challenging, rewarding, with an in-depth stats, weapons and items system, there’s enough here to keep you busy for weeks on end. With DLC support on the way, this could in fact be the gift that keeps on giving.

Publisher: THQ

Developer: Rainbow Studios

hardcore riders won’t want to miss the rendez-vous but newcomers (and those who have heard of the game but are still unsure if its worth it) should definitely keep it firmly in mind for the MX or ATV fans on their holiday list.. Great online or off, this is a title that will kick off the New Year with an ear-shattering, eye-popping bang!

Publisher: EA

Developer: Slightly Mad Studios

The Need for Speed franchise has grown up. Dropping the street racing concept and moving to be a legit racing "simulation" was a good move. The people who bought the first 3-4 very popular games, aren’t 17 years old anymore, they are in their mid-late 20’s and wanting something more from their racing games. Need for Speed is moving with its player base and it is a move for the better.

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Developer: Turn 10

If that special someone your shopping for is a racing game fan then this is where to spend your money when it comes amount of content and community aspects. Even just the average single player gamer who enjoys racing will find hundreds of hours of enjoyment here with this game and its huge potential for future growth.
 

Publisher: THQ

Developer: Yukes Media Creations

Got someone on your list who’s a fan of the WWE? Does that someone want nothing more than to control all aspects of the WWE programming, from entrances to characters and all the way down to the storylines? Smackdown 2010 is definitely the game to grab then. An incredibly immersive and surprisingly deep customization system not only lets them design the characters the way they want, it also allows them to create entire stories and share them over the internet. Not feeling overly creative? Check out what others are uploading, or compete in the various other modes available.

Publisher: EA Sports

Developer: EA Canada

Fight Night Round 4 can easily be described as “the most accessible and yet challenging boxing game ever created”. The fighting mechanics have been revamped and refined to please hardcore boxing gamers but EA Canada has also found a great way to make the game incredibly less frustrating to newcomers as well. Yes, the online matchmaking world remains a daunting place to be however what the game has to offer besides that makes up for it. If you grew tired of FN Round 3, this new chapter in the Fight Night series is definitely worth the upgrade.

UFC 2009 Undisputed

Publisher: THQ

Developer: Yukes Media Creations

If you’re an MMA fan, UFC 2009 Undisputed is a great game that wonderfully captures the nuances and multi-faceted aspects of MMA combat. Those who aren’t familiar with the UFC will still enjoy the game as well; the game engine is well-crafted and offers a great simulation of hand to hand combat. It would have been easy to create a simple button masher and slap the UFC label on it. Instead THQ has created a detailed fighting engine that not only is a blast to play but gives you wonderful insight into MMA combat. It looks like UFC 2009 Undisputed will be the reigning champ off MMA games for a long time to come.

Publisher: MTV Games/Electronic Arts

Developer: Harmonix

If the Rock Band franchise managed to interest non-gaming adult audiences into buying music/rhythm games, The Beatles: Rock Band will not only do the same but it will also reach out to the very last folks who up until now did not care about playing with plastic instruments in front of a television. If games like Pong and Super Mario Bros. managed to pike the interest of mom and dad to play with their kids in the living room, there’s no doubt that The Beatles: Rock Band will make the rest of the family join in and have a great time.

Publisher: Activision

Developer: Vicarious Visions

A great track list for that’s more family friendly, and one that offers the same great gameplay as Guitar Hero 5. Perfect for those who’ve not given the riff heavy Guitar Hero games a shot, and prefer a more pop-friendly setting.

Publisher: Activision

Developer: Neversoft

New features, new gameplay modes and with the possibility to expand your Guitar Hero library through downloadable content and disc ripping options with World Tour & Smash Hits, Guitar Hero 5 is certainly a must have if you are a fan of music rhythm games.
 

Publisher: Warner Games

Developer: Travellers Tales

Players will become rockers as they embark on a journey to stardom that the whole family can enjoy as they work their way through local venues, stadiums and fantasy locations on Earth and beyond that mimic the imaginative settings that the LEGO world offers. Also continuing the LEGO “build-and-play” gaming experience, players will be able to create their own LEGO Rock Band style as they customize their minifigure avatars, band and entourage, including roadies, managers and crew.

Publisher: EA Games

Developer: EA Games

While Scene It? & Buzz! have delivered the first taste of serious trivia games on consoles, Trivial Pursuit pushes the whole concept further by offering the most complete and challenging videogame based of a board game on the market as of now. Yes, even if the game doesn’t support online play, it remains a great game. The cool thing is that through downloadable content, Electronic Arts won’t feel the need to deliver a new Trivial Pursuit 2 right away. That’s said, Trivial Pursuit is a must have in your collection.

Posted by Zach R. (BornOfAsh)

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