Digital Trends

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Grab that joystick and get in the spirit, Sparky, because the holidays are almost upon us, and I've got good news to share. Semantics aside – indeed, serious journalists shouldn't be quoting Santa and most long-awaited blockbusters like Spore, God of War II, Gran Turismo HD and BioShock aren't coming till 2007 – it's still a great season for gamers.

Lack of revolutionary releases notwithstanding (seriously, the wait for Assassin's Creed, Supreme Commander and Crysis is killing me), come that one special day or eight crazy nights, we'll all have plenty to celebrate. The next few weeks, especially around Black Friday (November 24th, the day immediately following Thanksgiving and the start of the year-end shopping rush), bring hundreds of high-profile software launches. So if you haven't already snagged white-hot releases in every gaming category such as role-playing regent Neverwinter Nights 2, button-masher Every Extend Extra or superhero gem Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, now's the time.

Even those without hundreds to spend can still squeak by effortlessly. Thank online providers (e.g. PopCap, Big Fish and Zylom), digital distribution outlets (see: Valve's Steam and Turner's GameTap) and episodic content pioneers like Telltale and Ritual, who offer amazing interactive experiences at budget-conscious prices. Heck, you've actually got the choice to score an awesome stocking stuffer for pennies courtesy of online trading outfits like Goozex and GameSwapZone. And when you just can't settle on a single interactive outing to buy a friend or loved one, remember – a subscription to a Netflix-style rental service like GameFly or GamezNFlix makes the perfect solution.

Anyhow, for readers with cash to burn or a pressing desire to lay hands on the latest whiz-bang consoles (both Nintendo and Sony are introducing new models), here's a handy shopping list. Consider the following selections, laid out as a simple cheat sheet to the best and brightest games and gear shipping before December 31st, my gift to you. Note that the following selections are entirely subjective as well. You're fully encouraged to breeze by local retailers or online outlets, where a little hunting will reveal hundreds of alternative bargains for the casual or diehard electronic enthusiast:

GAMES

Gears of War
From: Microsoft
For: Xbox 360
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Had it up to here with Halo? Try an even more visceral sci-fi shooting experience, which demands you carve through bloodthirsty humanoids and oversized bugs using machinegun-mounted chainsaws and blistering barrages of lead. Ridiculously atmospheric, the title's riveting solo campaign and trash-talking multiplayer component will have you sweating adrenaline alike.

Gears of War

Bully
From: Rockstar Games
For: PlayStation 2
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Just what the world needed: More comedic (and unduly controversial) free-roaming action from the makers of Grand Theft Auto. As 15 year-old hooligan Jimmy Hopkins, survive life at Bullworth Academy by running errands, romancing girls, beating up punks and playing pranks on deserving peers using slingshots, marbles and itching powder.

Bully

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
From: Nintendo
For: GameCube, Wii
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Famed swordsman Link takes to arms again when evil, shadowy entities threaten the medieval realm of Hyrule. Your goal: Guide him through stinking ruins and bustling villages while slaying beasts, solving riddles and conversing with colorful characters. Best experienced on the Wii, where waggling the motion-sensitive remote prompts blade-swinging assaults.