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PlayStation 3 Holiday Buyer's Guide 2009
Cat breaks down all of the must-own games for the holiday season as well as some stocking stuffers and accesories for Sony's all-in-one machine.
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Games
Uncharted 2 - Naughty Dog
Because we like stating the obvious.
ESRB Rating - Teen
MSRP - $59.99
Admittedly, chances are slim that any gamer on your list hasn't picked up this Game of the Year. If, however, you happen to know a gamer so bereft or terribly misguided to not own this slice of gaming greatness, please pick this up. You can practically write it off as a charitable contribution to the greater gaming good. Excellent storytelling, voice-acting, graphics and gameplay combine to make Among Thieves the best action adventure experience to date - and when the single player campaign is done and all those treasures are discovered, there's still multi-player to explore.
ZTGD Score - 10 (Classic)
inFAMOUS - Sucker Punch
For your favorite postman.
ESRB Rating - Teen
MSRP - $39.99
What humble messenger doesn't dream of greatness, for better or worse? From the makers of Sly Cooper, inFAMOUS arrived with a bang. With some of the best free-climbing open world gameplay and enough karmic decisions to warrant two play-throughs this post-apocalyptic microcosm delivers hours of fun. Perfect for the Trophy whore on your list, inFAMOUS is an engrossing game that prizes fun above all. Best of all, since the game released earlier this year the explosive action in this sandbox can be yours for just $39.99.
ZTGD Score - 10 (Classic)
Demon's Souls - From Software
For the RPG lover - with masochistic tendencies.
ESRB Rating - Mature
MSRP - $59.99
Back in the day, games challenged us to make an extra quarter at the arcade. These days, we expect our console titles to sate our graphical and narrative cravings, and let's face it, we're at critical risk of get soft as marshmallow in this casual world. Not so with Demon's Souls, an RPG both immersive and hardcore in the trappings of a graphical powerhouse. Difficult by design, lives will be lost for Demon's Souls, but this Sisyphean wonder is an RPG lover's dream - and ferocious nightmare. Epic boss battles in spectacular environments, pick up Demon's Souls for the gamer you aspire to be, the hardest of hardcore.
ZTGD Score - 9.2 (Excellent)
Killzone 2 - Guerilla Games
For the gun-slinging graphics whore that appreciates the power of teh c3ll.
ESRB Rating - Mature
MSRP - $59.99
A long time in the making, Killzone 2 was worth the wait. If there's an FPS fan on your list this year that hasn't treated themselves to this allstar, it would be downright Grinch-y of you not to put this under the tree. Remarkable immersion marks Killzone 2 as one of the most realistically weighty shooters to date. Gorgeous graphics and gunplay combine in a campaign that once over will leave you well equipped to enjoy the robust multi-player.
ZTGD Score - 9.5 (Excellent)
Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time - Insomniac Games
Mr. Zurkon doesn't need your Buyer's Guide to survive. Mr. Zurkon lives on fear.
ESRB Rating - Everyone 10+
MSRP - $59.99
Ratchet games are for Ratchet fans, but with the glut of exceptional titles this fall there's a good chance that there's a Ratchet fan on your list that just couldn't afford to spring for the last entry in the Future series. Adhering to all the wacky rules of the Ratchet-verse, a Crack in Time delivers everything fans expect from an action platformer and then some with the addition of open world elements and time-bending puzzles. A game for the agile of humor and young at heart, the adventure in this well-realized sci-fi universe belongs under the tree, for young and old alike.
ZTGD Score - 9 (Excellent)
Rock Band: The Beatles - Harmonix
For the music lover - you know, the one that thinks he's better than you.
ESRB Rating - Teen
MSRP - $59.99 (Software only)
And if he or she likes The Beatles in the face of your inexplicable scorn, they are better than you. Harmonix created Rock Band, arguably one of the best rhythm game experiences since the genre's inception, and bringing one of the most influential bands to the hardware is a wondrous climax. Flawless in its presentation, the song selection is a natural fit for both the storytelling and the instruments. Forget those Wii party games, this is a title to bring the family together for the holidays.
ZTGD Score: 9.1 (Excellent)
Borderlands - Gearbox Software
We got your loot right here, fratty.
ESRB Rating - Mature
MSRP - $59.99
Christmas is about loot, and no other title delivers the same quantity of loot like Borderlands. An FPS that combines the best parts of RPGs, loot gathering and shooters this genre in a blender is one of the most addictive releases of 2009. As perfect for the gamer on your list craving a satisfying but unique single player as the gamer that loves their co-op experiences, no other title delivers blurred lines like Borderlands. The co-op is one of the most rewarding aspects of the game, making it perfect for all those fratty gamers.
ZTGD Score - 9 (Excellent)
Batman Arkham Asylum - Rocksteady Studios
For the gamer that always knew that one day there would be a quality licensed game.
ESRB Rating - Teen
MSRP - $59.99
There's a Batman fanboy on your list, we know it. Chances are it's our own ZeroTolerance, but if it happens to be a gamer infatuated with the Bat that doubts the words "quality" and "licensed game" can coexist, buy them Arkham Asylum. Once their minds have been blown, they'll appreciate the care that's been put into the combat, puzzles and narrative. That the PS3 version has the Joker content makes it the version to own.
ZTGD Score - 10 (Classic)
Street Fighter IV - Capcom
For the gamer that rocked the arcades in 1999.
ESRB Rating - Teen
MSRP - $29.99
It's simple: if you know a fan of Street Fighter, they need to have this game. The first numbered release in a decade, this iteration is the best fighter since 1999. Perfect for those that whiled away hours and ten times as many quarters at the arcade, the classic gameplay, incredible art style and undisputed awesomeness of multplayer make Street Fighter IV a must-buy.
ZTGD Score - 10 (Classic)
MLB 09 The Show - SCEA San Diego
For the gamer with a field of dreams.
ESRB Rating - Everyone
MSRP - $59.99
Sony's MLB The Show series is the MVP of baseball simulations, and 2009 is no exception. Delivering a stunning performance, SCE San Diego has refined the basics making this years' The Show a nearly perfect outing. Road to the Show is addictive, and there's just not a better playing or looking baseball game out there. No better tribute to America's past-time, this one earns a spot in the PS3 exclusive Hall of Fame.
ZTGD Score - 9.2 (Excellent)
Accessories & Stocking Stuffers
PlayStation Eye
MSRP - $39.99
With early 2010 promising the release of the family-friendly EyePet, the prospect of head tracking in Gran Turismo 5 and the Sony motion-control wand on the horizon it's a good time to get an Eye.
Logitech PlayStation 3 Driving Force GT Racing Wheel
MSRP - $149.99
No, it's not cheap, but for the racing sim lover in your life a wheel is a must have accessory - and with Gran Turismo 5 due out in 2010 it's about time they had one, wouldn't you agree? Putting this under the tree this Christmas will give them a chance at GT Academy!
God of War Collection
ESRB Rating - Mature
MSRP - $39.99
You can pick this up on Amazon for less than $40 - with both the first and second God of War remastered at 720p and 60 fps, this is the perfect so-new-it-can't-be-retro gift for a gamer looking to experience these great games before diving into God of War III.
PSN Card
MSRP - $20-$50
Now available at major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy and Barnes & Noble the PSN card can redeemed online for PS3 (and PSP) content. A versatile gift for the PS3 owner on your list, it also imbues you with the power of recommendation. In other words, you get to buy a present and then assert your superiority by pointing out the great tiles your inferior friend failed to purchase and play on PSN this year. Might we suggest Flower?
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 - $54.99
Replete with all the wiggle its wired counterpart 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.
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