Last-Minute Holiday Game Grab

By: Eric M. Martin and Paul Hebert

Monday December 24, 2007

Things to pick up for either this Christmas or Christmas Yet-to-Come!

Greetings Gameshoppers! For those of you who like to do your Christmas shopping at the last minute, I’ve decided to comply by writing this article at the last minute. I figure it’s journalistic irony at its best. But, just in case I’m fired, I hope to go out with a fantastic set of last-minute recommendations for the tree or the stocking. While the actual amount of new releases have died off after the first week of December, this is a chance to pick up some of those earlier 2007 titles without having to wait for back order slips, unless of course you need more Guitar Hero or Rock Band sets or, heaven forbid, a Nintendo Wii.

First and foremost, the fact that not everyone is scrambling to pick up a copy of Bioshock is a great indicator that you should go buy it now before everyone scrambles to pick up a December 24th and/or December 26th sale copy. Heralded as a top contender for many Game of the Year 2007 lists, Bioshock has been a smash hit since the demo release. Look, whenever a demo makes you go crazy with delight, that’s a sure sign. Set in an underwater, anachronistic world; learn why the inhabitants of the “perfect paradise” have gone crazy and dead, not necessarily in that order. Engaging story, comprehensive controls and, of course, genetically-enhanced superpowers. Whether on console or PC, Bioshock offers plenty.

For a more family-oriented Christmas throwdown, take a peek at a recent Sony venture for the PlayStation 2. Buzz! The Mega Quiz! is an all-inclusive package that offers trivia fun for all ages. True, some of the questions are a little “duh” oriented, but the game types offer plenty of variety. Having two Buzz! buzzer sets allow for a grand total of eight players to either participate in or host their own trivia show experience. This is definitely a party game must have.

If it’s first-person shooters you’re after, Gears of War and Resistance: Fall of Man are great additions to a growing next-gen library. Both of these titles put their own unique spins on the wartime tradition. System differences aside, most of this console choice will hinge largely on personal tastes. Do you want to massacre aliens or…aliens? Okay, they’re not that different. However, they do offer something that many people look for in FPSs: great co-op modes.

This one may be more difficult to pick up on the dwindling days before the mass giftings occur, but it may be worth shelling out tons of eBay bucks to acquire. And here, to present a fantastic recommendation with a time-honored tradition is our very own Paul Hebert:

“Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the store, employees stared worriedly at the fans by the door. The gamers stood nestled all grouped in a pack, talking of NiGHTS they saw stored in the back. With the freedom to fly in a world made of dreams, and only released on the Nintendo WII. Desired by fans for many a years, the story involves the land of nightmares. The jock and the artist give rise to the call, and the Joker must battle or else all shall fall. The passing of the hour was marked by the bell, and the gamer’s voice grew to nearly a yell. When what to their maddening eyes should appear, the manager in red and a click sounding clear. To the counter they move, in a tight row, throw down their money for the object below. With game in their hands they run out past the lights, yelling “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good NiGHTS!”

Mix together some egg nog and Mountain Dew to ensure that you will stay awake over the next few weeks. Christmas is coming and so are the new releases for the First Quarter of 2008! Keep your eyes peeled and make sure you give yourself enough time to switch from title to title over your holiday break. Game Trailers

Buzz!