8bitfix 2011 Video Game Holiday Gift Guide

With the holidays around the corner and with so many games to choose from, you want to make sure you give the perfect game to that perfect someone.

I have compiled a list of top video game releases for the year and included a brief description to make your holiday shopping a little easier. The ESRB rating is also indicated, to assist in making sure the game is age appropriate. For help deciphering the ESRB ratings, see the image at the bottom of this Holiday Gift Guide for a detailed image.


TOP PICKS FOR ALL CONSOLE GAMING:

Portal 2 : Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Rating: ESRB: E10+
8bitfix Review Score: 9.5/10 Click for full review PC: 9.5/10 Click for full PC review.
Bottom Line: Portal 2 is a great puzzle game that the entire family can enjoy. It offers both single-player and on and offline mutliplayer options to allow for a friend to jump in and assist with the tests and trials provided by the game's antagonist, GLaDOS.


The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim : Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Rating: ESRB: M
Bottom Line: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an action-packed role-playing video game that is the latest installment of the Elder Scrolls franchise. The player must defeat Nordic dragon god, Alduin, and provides the player many hours of open world gameplay.



Batman: Arkham City : Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, PC
Rating: ESRB: T
8bitfix Review Ratings: PS3 version 10/10 Click for full review. Xbox 360 version 10/10 Click for full review.
Bottom Line: The best comic book video game...period. So good that I wouldn't be surprised if it were to take game of the year. It brings tons of fan service with so many characters. The story is amazing. Everything about the game is awesome, from the cast, to the gameplay, to the graphics - you name it.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution : Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, PC
Rating: ESRB: M
8bitfix Review Rating: 9.0/10 Click for full review.
Bottom Line: Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a great example of an FPS/stealth action RPG providing a rich experience that can appeal to fans of each genre simultaneously, without sacrificing substance. Any person who loves futuristic cyber-punk environments, cover-based shooters, stealth espionage action, loads of side quests, customizable talents, or truly immersive story telling will not want to be without this highly praised game.

Sonic Generations: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo 3DS, PC
Rating: ESRB: E
8bitfix Review Ratings: Xbox 360 8.5/10 Click for full Xbox 360 review. PS3 9/10 Click for full PS3 review.
Bottom Line: Sonic is back! This is the Sonic game that fans of all ages have been awaiting. Playable as Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic, the game offers a variety of tracks along with remastered songs from the original soundtracks we know and love. The game takes us on a nostalgic trip of Sonic's evolution over the years.

Dark Souls : Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Rating: ESRB: M
8bitfix Review Rating: 9.5/10 Click for the full review.
Bottom Line: Dark Souls is for the sadistic gamer looking for an action-adventure role-playing game that adds the factor of extreme difficulty into the mix. Escape the Undead Asylum, as you play a character that is now in their life after death as you roam across relentlessly unsympathetic environments.


Saints Row The Third : Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Rating: ESRB: M
Bottom Line: Take the role of the leader of the Third Street Saints in this unconventional action-adventure and be prepared for then wildest video game experience of the year.



Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 : Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PC
Rating: ESRB: M
8bitfix Review Score: 8.5/10 Click for full review.
Bottom Line: The number one military first-person shooter is back with the latest addition to the franchise. Generating almost $1 million in sales since its November 8th release date, this is a must own for every first-person shooter fan.

Assassin's Creed: Revelations : PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Rating: ESRB: M
Bottom Line: Assassin's Creed: Revelations brings both of our favorite assassins, Altair and Ezio, along with Desmond for another title in the series. Fight against the Templars as they attempt to take over districts in the open-world. The game will offer many hours of gameplay with the single-player campaign and multiplayer experience.

Battlefield 3 : PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Rating: ESRB: M
Bottom Line: Selling 5 million copies in its first week of release, this is another must-have for the first-person military shooter. Cooperative and multiplayer modes offer the game a lasting appeal.



Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 : PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Rating: ESRB: T
Bottom Line: This is Capcom's latest annexation of the Marvel vs franchise. It presents 48 characters to give a variety of fighting action. A must-own for any fighter.



Metal Gear Solid HD Collection : PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Rating: ESRB: M
Bottom Line: This is an HD collection of three popular titles in the Metal Gear franchise, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. An important feature was implemented on the PS3 version of the game to allow players to use the same file of the game to take it on the go on their portable systems. The stealth action titles emphasize on the story of the games with massive cut scenes and intense fighting. For those who didn't play the titles previously, or are fans of the series, will definitely want Metal Gear Solid HD Collection.

Rayman Origins : PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo 3DS
Rating: ESRB: E10+
Bottom Line: Rayman is back. This time, the game offers four-player co-op. Unlock new attacks or moves as you play through the game, that will assist you in your voyage. The game offers some traditional side-scrolling action that can be enjoyed by the entire family.







Top Picks for PlayStation 3:

PlayStation 3D Display
Click to read review on PlayStation 3D Display
Specs: The 3D TV display features 2 HDMI and 1 component HD inputs, full HD 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080), Edge LED technology for vivid contrast, an extra slim and sleek design, and a 240 Hz refresh rate.
Inclusions: 3D Display, stand, neck, AC Power Cord, HDMI Cable, 1 set of 3D glasses (including pouch, micro-USB cable to charge the glasses), instruction manual, and a copy of MotorStorm Apocalypse for only $499.99
Bottom Line: The PlayStation 3D Display is the ultimate intimate gaming rig. Enough said!

Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection
Rating: ESRB: T
Bottom Line: Two PlayStation 2 classics are remastering to offer HD gaming on the PlayStation 3 of both titles. Ico presents us with a boy that was born with horns and locked away. As he escapes he finds a girl that was also locked away, Yorda. See the bond formed between the two as they both try to escape. Shadow of the Colossus features Wander, who has to defeat 16 colossi to revive a woman named Mono. Both games can also be played in stereoscopic 3D.

Resistance 3
Rating: ESRB: M
Bottom Line: The latest installment in the Resistance franchise is the first to support 3D and PlayStation Move. The sci-fi first-person shooter brings on the Chimera who are taking out the human race. Trying to survive the Chimera is only one of their worries as they are now facing a blast that can wipe everything out by a Terraformer. With new weapons making their way in, Resistance 3 will offer a lasting appeal with the multiplayer experience.

Killzone 3
Rating: ESRB: M
8bitfix Review Rating: 8.5/10 Click for complete review.
Bottom Line: Killzone 3 allows the player to take on the Helghast forces by using the PS3 controller or the Move functionality, giving a variety to first-person shooter gameplay. Not only can the player take the game online with friends, but it also offers offline split-screen co-op for two players in the same house to play the campaign together.

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Rating: ESRB: T
8bitfix Review Rating: 10/10 Click for complete review.
Bottom Line: The Uncharted series is known for its intense storylines and action packed gameplay sequences. Winning game of the year for Uncharted 2, the consuming storyline and return of the mulitplayer is a must own for any PlayStation 3 owners.

Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One
Rating: ESRB: E10+
8bitfix Review Rating: 8/10 Click for complete review.
Bottom Line: This game offers good clean family gameplay for all ages. I have played it with my husband and sons, ages 5, 10, & 13 and we all had a lot of laughs and enjoyed the game and characters. This is the first game in the Ratchet & Clank franchise to allow 4 players and allows players to jump in and out without interrupting gameplay. Play alone, with 3 more players in the same home, or online.


God of War: Origins Collection
Rating: ESRB: M
Bottom Line: This collection offers a bundle price. For those who do not have a PSP, that are wanting to finish the God of War story, here's a perfect way to do so, and to save some money, in the process.



inFAMOUS 2
Rating: ESRB: T
8bitfix Review Rating: 9/10 Click for complete review.
Bottom Line: A great change up from the games on the market, with a character, Cole, who has the ability to control electricity. Cole can use the open environment to either save humanity or assist in its destruction. The player can assume the "good" or "bad" role.




Top Picks for Xbox 360:

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
Rating: ESRB: M
Bottom Line: Combat Evolved Anniversary grabs the first Halo in the series, the game that revolutionized first-person gaming. It utilized Kinect features and a classic mode, which allows the player to see the game the way it was released back on the original Xbox. Plus, it offers a fully remastered version of the game and put in on the Halo: Reach engine.

Dance Central 2
Rating: ESRB: T
8bitfix Review: 9/10 Click for complete review
Bottom Line: Dance Central 2 has introduced the ability for a second player to join the fun and play side-by-side. Not only is the game a great party game, but it is also a great way to get a workout. Dance Central 2 offers a Fitness Mode that allows you to track the calories you have burned, while having fun doing it! Get off the couch and engage in a great dancing video game experience, using Kinect.

Forza Motorsport 4
Rating: ESRB: E
Bottom Line: Forza Motorsport 4 is a racing video game that is the first it the franchise that utilizes the Kinect functionality. It allows you to tweak the customization of your vehicle, including custom paint jobs and so much more. The player can also create car clubs and share cars in their garages with the club.

Gears of War 3
Rating: ESRB: M
8bitfix Review Rating: 9/10 Click for complete review.
Bottom Line: Gears of War 3 was one of the most anticipated games of 2011, receiving over one million pre-orders. The final game of the trilogy brings closure to the story and adds various multiplayer options that will keep you busy for a long while. Not only that, but Epic Games will be bringing in more DLC to offer a lasting gameplay.





Top Picks for Wii:

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Rating: ESRB: E10+
Bottom Line: A perfect Zelda title to celebrate the franchise's 25th anniversary. Utilizing the Wii MotionPlus peripheral adds to accuracy and precision for sword fighting. The game was announced in 2008 and was finally released to anticipated fans on November 20, 2011.




Top Picks for Nintendo 3DS/DSi/DSiXL:

[B]Kirby's Mass Attack : Nintendo DS[B]
Rating: ESRB: E
Bottom Line: Kirby is back on handhelds for some more puzzles in this platform title. The game completely utilizes the stylus functionality as the player touches the screen to perform all of Kirby's moves in the game to ultimately defeat Necrodeus, who has split Kirby into 10 copies of himself, and defeating all but one. A great title for any member of the family of any age.

Camping Mama: Outdoor Adventues : Nintendo DS
Rating: ESRB: E
8bitfix Review Rating: 8/10 Click for full review!
Bottom Line: Take Mama adventures outdoors to roast marshmallows, crafting, and treasure hunting, along with many more outdoor activities. The Mama franchise has sold more than 8.5 million units in North America alone. With more main characters and more activities, this is another perfect title for gamers of any age or gender.

Cooking Mama 4: Magic Kitchen : Nintendo 3DS
Rating: ESRB: E
Bottom Line: Mama makes her debut on the Nintendo 3DS. Cook up some more recipes and play more kitchen activities with Mama as the game utilizes the 3D functionality.



Professor Layton & the Last Spector : Nintendo DS
Rating: ESRB: E10+
Bottom Line: The latest installment in the Professor Layton series brings both Professor Layton and Luke back for some more puzzle solving in the adventure title, Professor Layton and the Last Spectrum. This game shows just how Professor Layton and Luke met, as it is a prequel to the first trilogy.

Super Mario 3D Land : Nintendo 3DS
Rating: ESRB: E
8bitfix Review Rating: 9/10 Click for full review.
Bottom Line: Mario is finally in 3D! The platforming classic that we know and love is now on the Nintendo 3DS allowing players to play as both Mario and Luigi. The Tanooki suit (Mario's raccoon suit) along with other special ability suits make their way into the latest Mario title. All I have to say is, when it comes to gift-giving, who does not like Mario?

Mario Kart 7 : Nintendo 3DS
Rating: ESRB: E
Bottom Line: The upcoming Mario Kart title that will add entirely new elements, tracks, abilities and karts will definitely give the player variety of gameplay to play alone or with friends. It is slated for a release date of December 4th - perfect for the holiday season.



The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D : Nintendo 3DS
Rating: ESRB: E10+
8bitfix Review Score: 9.5/10 Click for full review.
Bottom Line: The classic title makes its way to the Nintendo 3DS. With updated graphics and 3D effects, the classic title is relived in a new splendor as Link fights to stop Ganondorf...again! A must own for any Zelda fan.

Star Fox 64 3D : Nintendo 3DS
Rating: ESRB: E10+
8bitfix Review Score: 9.5/10 Click for full review.
Bottom Line: Another classic Nintendo title makes its way to the Nintendo 3DS is Star Fox 64 3D. Star Fox is joined with his friends for some single-player and multi-player fun. The remake adds on a 64 Mode and a 3DS Mode, which allows the player to play the game with the classic control feel or control the game by using the 3DS' internal gyroscope sensor.



Top Picks for Family and Children:

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventures : PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo 3DS, PC
Rating: ESRB: E10+
Bottom Line: Spyro is joined by many other playable characters as they travel through mythical settings to save the world from the enemy, Kaos. The game package comes with 3 Skylander figures that are put on the pedestal (that is also included), in which that figure now becomes the playable character in the game. There are 34 action figures that are sold separately. Each character has special abilities and have the ability to be leveled up for upgrades. My entire family has a lot of fun with this game and collect the figures.

Rayman Origins : PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo 3DS
Rating: ESRB: E10+
Bottom Line: Rayman is back. This time, the game offers four-player co-op. Unlock new attacks or moves as you play through the game, that will assist you in your voyage. The game offers some traditional side-scrolling action that can be enjoyed by the entire family.


Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One : PlayStation 3
Rating: ESRB: E10+
Bottom Line: This game offers good clean family gameplay for all ages. I have played it with my husband and sons, ages 5, 10, & 13 and we all had a lot of laughs and enjoyed the game and characters. This is the first game in the Ratchet & Clank franchise to allow 4 players and allows players to jump in and out without interrupting gameplay. Play alone, with 3 more players in the same home, or online.

Kinect Disneyland Adventures : Xbox 360 w/Kinect
Rating: E10+
Bottom Line: Can't make it out to Disneyland right now? Bring the excitement of Disneyland to your living room using your Xbox 360 and Kinect. The theme park attractions are brought to you in the form of mini games. Visit with 40 Disney characters and take photos of your Avatar having a blast at Disneyland on Kinect Disneyland Adventures.

Pokémon Rumble Blast : Nintendo 3DS
Rating: ESRB: E10+
8bitfix Review Rating: 7.5/10 Click for full review.
Bottom Line: Pokémon fans can expect to find a pleasant detour that is definitely fun and packed with gorgeous 3D level design. It is sure to please 3DS owners looking for a simple way to unwind.


Pokémon Black Version : Nintendo DS
Rating: ESRB: E
8bitfix Review Rating: 9.0/10 Click for full review.
Bottom Line: Pokémon Black Version offers up a new story, along with new pokémon. In addition to the battles, there are quite a few of little missions. The battle style that fans know and love returns in Pokémon Black Version, with some new variations.


Pokémon White Version : Nintendo DS
Rating: ESRB: E
8bitfix Review Rating: 9.0/10 Click for full review.
Bottom Line: Complete your Pokédex with 648 different Pokémon available and challenge others locally or through the use of Wi-Fi. With a list of new Pokémon, Pokémon White Version (and Black Version), does not feature any from the previous titles in the series. Fans will be excited to see what new Pokémon are available with Pokémon White Version.



Top Picks for Party Games:

Dance Central 2 : Xbox 360
Rating: ESRB: T
8bitfix Review: 9/10 Click for complete review
Bottom Line: Dance Central 2 has introduced the ability for a second player to join the fun and play side-by-side. Not only is the game a great party game, but it is also a great way to get a workout. Dance Central 2 offers a Fitness Mode that allows you to track the calories you have burned, while having fun doing it! Get off the couch and engage in a great dancing video game experience, using Kinect.



Top Picks for the Perfect Gift When Funds are Tight:

If you are looking for an inexpensive gift that will still satisfy a gamer, don't forget that you can pick up Xbox 360 Live Marketplace Points cards, Playstation Network cards, or Wii Points Cards (which works with Nintendo handhelds). These allow the players to download extra content and even games on their systems.

PlayStation Network Card increments:

• $20
• $50

Xbox 360 Live Marketplace Points card increments:

• 1600 MSP for $19.99
• 4000 MSP for $49.99

Wii Points Card increments:

• 2000 for $19.99

ESRB rating description: