You love your grandma, you really do. But when you unwrap that video game-shaped present from her on Christmahannukwanza morning and find a copy of Charm Girls Club Pajama Party, you’d be forgiven for letting your smile falter a bit. “Um... thanks, grandma. It’s, um, great.”
Gamers buying gifts for other gamers is the best possible scenario, but not everyone knows what’s hot and what’s not as the holiday shopping season gets into full swing. Like Santa’s elves, we try to help as best we can from behind the scenes. With that in mind, here are a few game gift picks that can’t miss.
For: Action aficionados
Game: Modern Warfare 2 ($60, for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC; rated Mature)
One of the most arresting action games of the year, Modern Warfare 2 has already sold millions of copies, so make sure your recipient hasn’t already bought it. Players take on the roles of different soldiers embroiled in a global terrorism plot that could lead to World War III. Lots of Hollywood-style setpiece action sequences.
Before buying: Make sure your giftee is 17 or over – this is an intense, mature-rated experience, with a controversial level involving Russian terrorists storming an airport. Not for the kiddies.
Alternate pick: Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising (Xbox 360, PS3, PC) is a realistic soldier simulation, the polar opposite to Modern Warfare 2’s over-the-top action.
For: Music lovers
Game: DJ Hero ($130 for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii; rated Teen)
Coming out just ahead of a slew of new high-profile releases, DJ Hero got a little bit lost in the shuffle back in October. But “scratching” on a plastic turntable along to original remixes and mash-ups is a lot of fun, even if it’s not quite as social an experience as Guitar Hero World Tour or the Rock Band games.
Heads up: If your giftee is pretty much locked into a musical genre like heavy metal or country, this might not be the best choice for him.
Alternate pick: Band Hero (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii) is a party-friendly, family-approved spinoff of Guitar Hero World Tour with a focus on pop songs.
For: Fantasy fans
Game: Dragon Age: Origins ($70 for Xbox 360 or PS3, $60 for PC; rated Mature)
Made by the role-playing game maestros at Edmonton-based BioWare Corp., Dragon Age is a deep, dark and meaty fantasy adventure, with an epic storyline, dozens of memorable characters and all the collectible goods, upgradeable stats and other staples that make fans of this genre giddy with glee.
Heads up: Completing this game requires dozens upon dozens of hours of playing. Make sure your giftee has lots of free time on her hands.
Alternate pick: Borderlands (Xbox 360, PS3, PC) is an action-oriented, post-apocalyptic RPG that can be played with up to four players working cooperatively. Lots of fun.
For: Nintendophiles
Game: New Super Mario Bros. Wii ($60 for Wii; rated Everyone)
The classic side-scrolling action of New Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo DS now comes to the big screen on the Wii, with the additional perk of being able to play alongside up to three other people at once (although the game plays just fine, if not better, as a solo experience.) Original? Nah. Fun? You bet.
Heads up: This is an especially good choice for new gamers, as the game will let you automatically finish levels if you too die too often.
Alternate pick: The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (Nintendo DS/DSi), a sequel to 2007’s Phantom Hourglass, lands in stores Dec. 7. It looks fantastic.
For: Fitness buffs
Game: Wii Fit Plus ($100 with Wii Fit Balance Board, $25 without; rated Everyone)
The Wii Fit craze might be waning a bit, but for those who are still running, balancing and stretching along with virtual trainers, this sequel is a no-brainer. It’s also got a new and fun set of mini-games, including one that has you flap your arms like a bird to “fly” from one platform to the next.
Heads up: If your potential giftee already has Wii Fit, you only need to buy the software itself, not the whole $100 shebang with the balance board.
Alternate pick: Your Shape Featuring Jenny McCarthy (Wii) uses an included camera peripheral to monitor moves and rate you on how well you do the exercises.
For: Adventurous types
Game: Assassin’s Creed II ($60 for Xbox 360, PS3; rated Mature)
This sequel to the 2007 blockbuster Assassin’s Creed is a better game in every way – a more interesting hero, cooler locations and a much wider variety of things to do and experience. As Ezio Auditore, players become a noble assassin fighting corruption in the highest level of Renaissance Italy’s power structure.
Heads up: In addition to exploring recreations of historical Italy, the game involves lots of bloody assassinations. This is another one that’s not meant for the youngsters.
Alternate pick: Uncharted 2: Drake’s Fortune (PS3) is only listed as an alternate because your PS3 owner should have it already. If they don’t, please get it. Possibly the best game this year.
