Tis the Season for Video Games

Originally published
Note: This article was published while I was in my early 20s. I was much younger and dumber. Please don't hold it against me. One of the perils of having a 20+ year old website!

ps3When I started playing video games again in September, it was after almost a year of not playing (I’m back on wagon?). In my defense, there was a lot of great video game going-ons this season. Between the tried and true Xbox 360 and their online environment, and the newly priced Ps3, there is a wealth of choices for the video gamer this holiday season. Here is a rundown of what could be some great video game gifts this year.

  • The $299 Playstation 3: I held off for a while on buying the Ps3. I didn’t think the titles were worth the $400+ price tag. However, for $299, you not only get a bunch of good titles on a great gaming machine, you get a bluray player, which until recently cost upwards of $300 themselves. While they’ve come down a bit since then, you still get the killer combo of a gaming machine and bluray player for a fraction of buying both separately.
  • Some great titles for the Ps3: MLB 2009: The Show– I don’t play sports games (not since NBA Jam anyway!) and I loved this game! It’s very realistic and almost makes me feel like I’m managing a real ball team. Uncharted 2– Great graphics, controls, and story line. Gameinformer gave it a 10/10.  Little Big Planet-  For the kid in us; travel around different (somewhat bizzard) worlds collecting artifacts to build your own world with. Lots of fun with 2 or more players…Oh and of-course, Metal Gear Solid 4.
  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II: This game is the stuff. I love the CoD Franchise, and as a guy who played Call of Duty II up until last year, I can honestly say this is the best in the series. The storyline is amazing- it’s like you’re playing a movie. I became emotionally invested in the characters, and always kept wondering what will happen next. And then there is the online experience. My friend and I played spec-ops, coordinating via mics and faired pretty well. Then several of my friends and I got together and played online team death match; admittedly I’m a little rusty, but it was still fun. So….yeah I strongly recommend this game (it’s out for xbox, ps3, and PC).
  • Other worthy 360 titles: Batman: Arkham Asylum (also on Ps3) Halo 3: ODST, Borderlands, and Assassin’s Creed 2

An Xbox Live Gold Subscription  is also always a solid gift for any Xbox gamer!