It's that special time of year again where we get to take time off of work (or school), fight through holiday traffic waving our one-finger salute and of course giving (and receiving) gifts. Being a gamer this is the toughest time of the year simply because there is just too much to buy and so little money. Let's face it we aren't all loaded with cash so our gaming purchases have to be made with care. This year the fine folks at ZTGD are bringing you a collection of titles for each console that we feel are worth buying (for you or your friends) along with the coolest accessories and even some stocking stuffers for those impulse buys. If you have a gamer on your list or simply want to know what to ask for this holiday season we are here to help.
For the gamer who dreams of game development. LittleBigPlanet - Media Molecule
ESRB Rating - Everyone
MSRP - $59.99
Beautiful and packed with whimsy, LittleBigPlanet is utterly unique and completely captivating. A magnificent 2D platformer with some of the most fun you can have in multi-player, LittleBigPlanet is a raucously fun game - and that is before you even get to the level creation! Tailor-made for any platforming lover, LittleBigPlanet offers limitless user created content and the means to create it making it the perfect title for a gamer with design aspirations.
Cat says: This game is a charmer ideal for anyone looking to lure their friends and family into gaming while gaining a lasting gameplay experience for themselves. For hesitant hardcores, the playful exterior belies the serious fun and imagination inside.
ZTGD Score - 10 (Classic)
For the gamer who won't slow down for anything. Grid - Codemasters
ESRB Rating - Everyone
MSRP - $59.99
Half-sim and half-arcade, Grid is sure delight both casuals and hardcore racing gamers. Players progress across nations picking up cash, respect and sponsorships all with the polish of incredible visuals, a robust career mode and a brand new flashback feature. Advanced AI delivers a satisfying racing experience while a friendly learning curve makes the game accessible for the more casual gamer.
Cat says: An immersive racing experience sure to please the petrol-head on your list.
ZTGD Score – 8.6 (Great)
For the gamer you want to sleep with the lights on well into the new year. Dead Space - EA Games
ESRB Rating - Mature
MSRP - $59.99
More than just a scary game, Dead Space is a horror experience with truly successful game elements. A solid combat and weapons system, an engaging story, complex level design and attention to detail are only the tip of this top-notch iceberg. Taking ambiance to a whole new terrifying level, Dead Space is ideal for the gamer that feeds on fear.
Cats says: Intensely atmospheric, Dead Space is a chilling amalgam of horror conventions that will impress even the most jaded gamer.
ZTGD Score - 9.6 (Excellent)
For the Metal Gear Fan, it's just that simple. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - Konami
ESRB Rating - Mature
MSRP - $49.99
Fans of the series have been waiting (less than patiently) for this addition, and if there is a Metal Gear fan on your list lacking this title it would be positively Grinchy to not buy them Guns of the Patriots. Epic in scale, the game's gorgeous visuals are only hint at the grandiose combat, feature-film story and incresible immersion this game offers.
Cat says: Guns of the Patriots deserves a spot in a gamer's library - and if you don't let it in it will sneak its way in there, hide in a cardboard box and distract you with dirty magazines.
ZTGD Score - 10 (Classic)
For the gamer with a bomb shelter and military aspirations. Resistance 2 - Insomniac Games
ESRB Rating - Mature
MSRP - $59.99
The scale of Resistance 2 from baddies to battles is not to be missed by the FPS lover on your list. In addition to a compelling single-player campaign and epic baddies Resistance 2 offers up multiplayer in unrivaled scale.
Cat says: Deeply engrossing in its bottled desperation, Resistance 2 has a tone of heroic resolve you can't help but imagine your grandfather shared when the Chimera were just Nazi-shaped monsters. You know, if grandpa was infected with a virus that gave him super-strength while simultaneously threatening his life if he missed a dose of inhibitors.
ZTGD Score - 9.0 (Excellent)
For the gamer with friends. You know, real-life ones. Rock Band 2 - Harmonix
ESRB Rating - Teen
MSRP - $189.99 (Special Edition Bundle), $59.99 (Standalone Software)
Round two of the raucous and successful party game, this iteration offers up a robust track list with the option to import all your previous tracks. With so much music at your fingertips you can't go wrong, and the addition of management features and some other nifty perks add some playful depth while remaining accessible.
Cat says: You don't need to spring for the new hardware for this title to be a hit.
ZTGD Score - 9.4 (Excellent)
For the RPG lover, a game so pretty you can skip the wrapping. Valkyria Chronicles - Sega
ESRB Rating - Teen
MSRP - $59.99
A cleverly disguised WWII game, Valkyria Chronicles delivers story, strategy and RPG in a beautiful and compelling package. A lengthy title, this one will keep the recipient occupied well into the New Year. This genre-defying title is truly unique, and combining turn-based strategy with real-time combat makes for riveting gameplay.
Cat says: One of the most remarkable games of the year, the depth of this game makes it one not to be missed.
ZTGD Score - 9.0 (Excellent)
For the gamer that knows a little too much. Buzz! Quiz TV - Relentless
ESRB Rating - Teen
MSRP - $59.99
An abundance of questions, some DLC already available and online features combine to make a lasting product. Lighthearted and well-paced, trivia junkies and social gamers just won't find a better fix than Buzz! Quiz TV. Even for the gamer that isn't a trivia buff, Buzz! offers so many categories and so much user-created content there is nearly limitless fun to be had here.
Cat says: A seemingly esoteric party option when compared with the likes of RockBand, Buzz! is very casual friendly and an excellent party game.
ZTGD Score - 8.5 (Great)
For the strategist. Sid Meiers: Civilization Revolution - Firaxis
ESRB Rating - Everyone
MSRP - $59.99
Bringing the classic turn-based strategy title to the console is a gift in itself, and this stream-lined edition is perfect for the strategist on your list that isn't keen on hefty time-commitments. With its concentrated gameplay Civilization Revolution is a perfect way to while away an hour or two.
Cat says: When a game of Risk just isn't enough, Civilization Revolution is sure to satisfy all those world domination hankerings.
ZTGD Score - 9.0 (Excellent)
For the gamer you don't need to see for a few months. Fallout 3 - Bethesda
ESRB Rating - Mature
MSRP - $59.99
A captivating and immersive RPG, Fallout 3 is perfect for the gamer in your life you wouldn't mind seeing less of. Post-apocalyptic D.C. is an open world with endless quests that offers up one of the most infinite gaming experiences to date - in a very polished package.
Cat says: Easily the most fun you can have in a veritable wasteland, you can count on Fallout 3 eating up days at a time.
ZTGD Score - 9.5 (Excellent)
Accessories
SCEA Bluetooth Headset
MSRP - $49.99
Among the first headsets created specifically for use with the PS3, the SCEA Bluetooth is designed for streamlined integration. Outstripping all third-party competition with great clarity, range and a $49.99 price tag, this is the headset to have.
SCEA Blu-ray remote
MSRP - $24.99
Just like the SCEA headset, the remote pairs smoothly with the system and is great for PS3 owners that watch their fair share of movies. Since the PS3 cannot be controlled by a universal remote, this Blu-ray solution will thrill the gamer devoted to their PS3 as a complete entertainment system.
Wireless Keypad
MSRP - $49.99
This handy snap-on peripheral is a must-have for any gamer looking forward to palling around in Home - should they ever tire of dancing. With a full QWERTY keyboard and touchpad to expedite all PS3 related social endeavors, the keypad attaches easily to the controller and connects to the system via Bluetooth and is unobtrusive during gaming.
DualShock 3 Wireless Controller
MSRP - $24.99-$35
Replete with all the wiggle its predecessor lacked, the DualShock 3 brings the vibrate component into this generation of gaming. The motion-sensitive SIXAXIS controller uses Bluetooth to connect to the system and is easily charged with the USB cable. It is also slightly heavier, and I enjoy the feel of this controller.
Stocking Stuffers
PSN Card
MSRP - NA
Now available at major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy and Barnes & Noble the PSN card can redeemed online for PS3 (and PSP) content. This means everything on the network from games like Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty to songs for Rock Band to movies - perfect for the independent gamer you would never dare purchase a game for.
The Dark Knight Blu-Ray
MSRP - $35.99 (standard)
C'mon, it's an awesome movie, and chances are everyone on your list would be thrilled have this to watch over the holidays - especially with enough extras to last into the New Year.
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune - Naughty Dog
ESRB Rating - Teen
Available for $29.95-$59.99
This is quite simply a game not to be missed, so if the gamer in your life has a new PS3 or wasn't lucky enough to get this one last Christmas, this is sure to delight. Beautiful graphics, excellent story and engaging gameplay make Uncharted one of the best titles available for the PS3.
ZTGD Rating - 9.5 (Excellent)
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