Holiday shopping can be stressful, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Video games rank high on many holiday wish lists, and that means trouble for shoppers who can’t tell the difference between Mario and Master Chief.
So here’s a cheat sheet to help you find the latest and greatest games for this holiday season. As long as you know what kind of video game system your recipient owns (the big ones are Microsoft’s Xbox 360, Sony’s PlayStation 3, and Nintendo’s Wii and Wii U) this will help guide you to your goal.
For all gamers, young and old (if you can find it):
Wii U
Manufactured by Nintendo
Price: $299.99 basic set / $349.99 deluxe
This new console from Nintendo is the only new system for sale this season (expect new consoles from Microsoft and Sony to be announced next year). But the Wii U is already sold out in most stores. So unless you pre-ordered, are able to pay scalper’s prices, or are willing to camp out in stores, don’t count on getting one. Take note: The Wii U will play games released for its predecessor, the Wii, but it doesn’t work the other way around.
The blockbuster action games:
These violent action games aren’t meant for kids –though they’ll probably want them anyway. They’re big franchise titles and will rank among the biggest sellers this holiday season.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Published by Activision Blizzard
Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Microsoft Windows
Price: $59.99
Halo 4
Published by Microsoft
Platform: Xbox 360
Price: $59.99
Assassin’s Creed III
Published by Ubisoft
Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Windows
Price: $59.99
For diehard sports fans:
The big sports games get updated every year with new team rosters and improved game play and graphics. If you’re buying for someone who is a diehard fan of a particular sport, one of these games is a safe bet.
Madden NFL 13
Published by Electronic Arts
Platform: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360
Price: $59.99
FIFA Soccer 13
Published by Electronic Arts
Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation Portable, Wii U, Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows
Price: $59.99
NBA 2K13
Published by Take-Two Interactive
Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation Portable, Wii U, Wii, Microsoft Windows
Price: $59.99
For the fighting fan:
Sony’s newest title pits characters from all its biggest franchises against each other in a series of arena fighting battles.
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
Published by Sony Computer Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita
Price: $59.99
For the Sims addict:
The latest expansion to the strategic “life simulation” game adds seasonal weather, activities and holidays.
The Sims 3 Seasons
Published by Electronic Arts
Platform: Windows 7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X
Price: $59.99
For gamers who’ve got to move:
The newest game in the Just Dance series has 40 songs to get players off the couch and dancing.
Just Dance 4
Published by Ubisoft
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Wii U
Price: $39.99
For the player on the go:
These are the hottest new titles games for the portable game systems made by Nintendo and Sony.
New Super Mario Bros. 2
Published by Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Price: $39.99
Pokémon Black Version 2 / Pokemon White Version 2
Published by Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS
Price: $34.99
Want to know how a pen-and-paper game helped create the modern video game industry? Pre-order my book, Of Dice and Men: The Story of Dungeons & Dragons and The People Who Play It. You can also follow me on Twitter, Facebook orGoogle +.
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