Oh the holidays, you bring us such joy every year! It's the final week leading up to Christmas with only a few days left pick up those last-minute gifts. So, if you're looking for that killer app or that popular title for your friend, child or sibling, we've got the solution for you.
Here is Game Rant's 2009 holiday gift guide for any gamer you may have on your Christmas list and maybe even a couple of things you want yourself.
So sit back, sip on some cocoa and prepare yourself for the ultimate guide to a great gamer X-Mas!
Nintendo DS Lite
Price: $129.99
The older version of the DS may lack a camera, but it does have a GBA slot, which you will need to play GBA games and Guitar Hero for DS as well.
Nintendo DSi Bundle
Price: $169.99
The Nintendo DSi is $40 more than the DS Lite, but it features a digital camera, a mobile web browser, and a DSi Store with exclusive games. These DSi bundles are around only for the holiday and come preloaded with 5 different DSiWares. Sounds like a good deal to me!
- Scribblenauts
Price: $29.99
Scribblenauts is the revolutionary game from the developers at 5th Cell. You can create literally thousands of different things to solve puzzles with, or you can completely just go off and do your own thing (Albert Einstein vs. God? Yup!). The game is a must-own for any gamer who has a Nintendo DS.
- Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
Price: $29.99
The highly anticipated sequel to Phantom Hourglass is finally here and just in time for the holidays! The game plays on the formula that the series has become known for, but with one major addition, you can control Zelda! This game is great and and Zelda fan will appreciate it.
- Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
Price: $29.99
Fawful is baaack and he is meaner than ever! Fawful has returned to take over the Mushroom Kingdom and the only people who can save it are Mario, Luigi and... Bowser?! You jump back and fourth between the duo of Mario & Luigi, and Bowser. This game finally allows players to control Bowser and realize how much of a bas-ass he really is!
Nintendo Wii
Price: $199.99
The Nintendo Wii is one of the most popular consoles of all-time. With its intuitive motion controls and family oriented titles (with the exception of course to Madworld and No More Heroes) it is really a video game console for the whole family to enjoy.
- New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Price: $49.99
The old school Mario formula gets a much needed update in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. The game features brand new levels, new power ups, and for the first time ever 4-player co-op! Check out the Game Rant review for New Super Mario Bros. Wii for a more in depth look at this great game.
- Wii Sports Resort
Price: $49.99
Wii Sports Resort takes the Wii's motion controls to a whole new level. The game includes a Wii Remote add-on called the WiiMotion Plus. This add-on makes the Wii motion controls 1:1, allowing for swords fights, archery, and air-plane flying... sounds fun!
Xbox 360 Arcade
Price: $199.99
Xbox 360 is Microsoft's gaming console and is the only gaming console to get games like Halo, Gears of War and Fable. The Arcade is a nice little unit, but lacks a hard drive and games for those eager to get started.
Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle
Price: $299.99
The Xbox 360 Elite is the console that the gamer on your list will want. It includes a 120GB hard drive along with 2 games, Pure and Lego Batman. It's a better deal than the arcade if you plan on downloading games, movies, television shows, and music from Xbox Live.
- Halo 3: ODST
Price: $59.99
This game leaves behind Master Chief and follows an ODST named "The Rookie". You awaken after a failed landing attempt to find that your crew has vanished and it's your job to find clues as to what happened to them and if they are still alive. Sherlock Holmes has never looked this bad-ass before! For a little more information on Halo 3: ODST check out our review.
- Batman Arkham Asylum
Price: $59.99
This game is fantastic. It is every comic book nerd's wet dream. It is a comic book game that actually does not suck and the voice acting if phenomenal with an all-star cast (including Mark Hamill as Joker and Kevin Conroy as Batman). Any comic book fan, or even a fan of good games will find joy in this title. Check out Game Rant's review of Batman Arkham Asylum!
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Price: $59.99
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is one of the fastest/highest selling games of all-time, and you don't gain sales like that by sucking ass. If you own an Xbox 360 (or PS3) you probably own this game, but if you are one of the few who have yet to purchase it then this is a must have. If you are still boycotting the game however, then you should ask Santa for some form of cure for your... illness. Check out our review of Modern Warfare 2 to look a little deeper into the game and why you should have it.
Playstation 3 120GB
Price: $299.99
Currently the only Blu-Ray gaming console on the market, the Playstation 3 is certainly an all around entertainment system. This model has an internal 120GB hard drive. The PS3 is the only place to get great games like God of War, Ratchet & Clank, and Uncharted.
Playstation 3 250GB
Price: $349.99
This version of the PS3 comes with more memory... and that's about it. If you are going to be downloading A TON of games, movies, music, and TV shows then this is the route to go.
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Price: $59.99
This game is like playing a movie. It's a roller coaster ride I couldn't put down... yes that is probably the lamest thing I have ever said, but dammit it's true! This is a fantastic game that any real gamer will love. Don't believe me? Check out Game Rant's review for Uncharted 2.
- God of War Collection
Price: $39.99
With the highly anticipated God of War III coming soon anyone who never played the first 2 games should certainly take a look at this. The original PS2 games have been remastered and put on a Blu-ray disc for your gaming pleasure. Anyone who enjoys the action and gameplay of the series, or has missed out on the previous titles should check this out.
- Assassin's Creed 2
Price: $59.99
Follow the Italian assassin Ezio as he assassinates his way to the title of master assassin. The sequel brings in a new fighting mechanic, some new weapons, the ability to swim, and you can even utilize the great Leonardo Da Vinci's flying machine and take to the skies. Game Rant did a review for Assassin's Creed 2 too if you want to check it out to help you better understand why you should ask for it for Christmas.
PSP Bundles
Price: $199.99
The PSP has seen several different bundles while on the market, but the Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines PSP and the Gran Turismo PSP bundles are a the newest and most decent ones around for the holidays. The PSP allows you to watch movies, listen to music, and of course play games!
PSP Go!
Price: $249.99
The PSP Go! is a risky, yet revolutionary step that Sony has taken. It is the first game console to focus solely on digital downloads, and as a result has many people torn as to whether or not it's a good thing. The game does not take UMDs, so if you get your gamer this then you will need either a credit card or PSN card and a WiFi connection to buy anything.
- LittleBigPlanet
Price: $39.99
If you liked LittleBigPlanet on the PS3 then there is no way you will dislike it on the PSP. It is amazing how much of the gameplay of the PS3 version has been retained in the portable outing. If you enjoy mad creativity, an unlimited amount of DLC, and the ability to design your very own level than you should check this game out.
- Motorstorm: Arctic Edge
Price: $39.99
One of the best racing games on the portable, Motorstorm: Arctic Edge captures everything that made the PS3 version great! With tons of vehicles, crazy tracks, insane crashes, and an increasing difficulty, this is a game that will have you swearing at your PSP while simultaneously shedding a tear over how awesome this game is.
- Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny
Price: $39.99
Ivy, Cervantes, Kilik, Nightmare and Kratos?! Yes this PSP exclusive includes God of War's Spartan protagonist as a playable character! The game is similar to the other versions (seems to be the trend with portable installments) so if you like solid fighting games and you own a PSP then you should ask for this games attendance under the tree this Christmas.
PC Games
- Left 4 Dead 2
Price: $59.99
Valve is back and they have done it again! Left 4 Dead 2 takes everything that made the first one game great and adds new weapons, zombies and power-ups! If you want a great 4-player co-op game for your comp, or 360 then look no further! Check out Game Rant's review on Left 4 Dead 2 for more info on this unreal game.
- Dragon Age: Origins
Price: $49.99
RPG fan? You'll probably like this game if the answer to that last question is yes. The game is available on the Xbox 360 and PS3, but they feel butchered and a little... boring. That's just my take on it, check out Game Rant's review on Dragon Age for a different take on it!!
- Borderlands
Price: $49.99
Borderlands isn't just a shooter and the second you play this game, you realize that. Borderlands can have up to 4 players online and can be purchased on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360. If you call yourself a gamer, you need to own this game! Check out Game Rant's review of Borderlands for more reasons why it is a must-own.
Thus ends our guide to all that is a Gamer Holiday. We had some laughs and reflected on some of the best games this year has offered us. We here at Game Rant wish all of our readers a very Happy Holidays and look forward to the games coming in the New Year!
What do you think of our list? What game would you have added?