Let's face it: Most of the time you are probably renting games at GameFly for yourself. But with the site's huge library of titles, not to mention the ability to buy games, GameFly is the perfect one-stop-shop for your holiday shopping list. So, in that spirit, here's the ultimate gift guide to titles you might want to consider.
Want to impress your friends? Show them Uncharted 2.
The highly-anticipated Modern Warfare 2 releases this month.
Nintendo returns to its roots with a new 2D Mario Bros. game.
Games for Everyone
Nintendo often says its games appeal to gamers ages 5 - 95, and New Super Mario Bros. Wii is no exception. This new Mario title is a throwback to the classic 2D side-scrolling adventures you played on the NES and Super Nintendo. But here's where it gets really fun: Up to four players can play on the same screen, as you work together to finish levels and have some fun along the way. My favorite moment: getting on Yoshi and swallowing up your teammate, only to spit him out into a pit! This is a very challenging Mario game, but it's a great game to play during the holidays - especially with 3 or 4 family members on the same couch. Another game that seems to appeal to all age groups is Scribblenauts for the Nintendo DS. This puzzle-game comes with a twist that you won't believe until you try it. Simply type any word into the game, and that object will magically appear in the game world. So if you have to rescue a cat in a tree, you can call in a ladder, a dragon, or maybe even a jetpack. With over 20,000 words and objects, half the fun is trying to stump the game.
The Beatles: Rock Band is a gift with universal appeal, and albums like Abbey Road are now available in full as downloads...
Games for Girls
Whether you're shopping for a sister, daughter, or niece, there are a number of new games to consider. For young girls check out titles like EA's Charm Girls Club: Pajama Party - a collection of mini-games for the Wii like pillow fights and speed hair teasing (There's something I never thought I'd write about in this column). Another cool game for girls comes from Ubisoft - Style Lab: Jewelry Design for the DS. After designing in-game jewelry, you can get it made in real-life and shipped to your house for a fee! And, for older girls looking for more of a challenge, you can never go wrong with a game like LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues. It recaps some of the best moments from all four films with simple pick-up-and-play action.
Games for Her
Since it's probably unlikely your Mom or girlfriend owns a PS3, let's look at a few key Wii games to consider. The fitness craze continues this fall with a slew of titles. Nintendo has a new Wii Fit Plus program with new activities for the balance board like the butt bounce. And EA Sports Active, which will give you the best-quality workout, ships its own expansion pack called More Workouts with 35 new activities including ab workouts and cardio. For those who aren't interested in breaking a sweat, Nintendo's Wii Sports Resort splits the difference by keeping you moving but is more focused on fun than calorie burning. Music games are also a good option. The Beatles: Rock Band is a gift with universal appeal, and albums like Abbey Road are now available in full as downloads.
Games for Him
Want to rent something for Dad, a brother, or a boyfriend? Music games also work great, but there are other titles that may be even more up his alley. If he's a fan of racing games, Forza Motorsport 3 for Xbox 360 is getting rave reviews. It features over 400 cars and has a one-button driving option which is perfect for novice players. EA has Need for Speed: Shift, with cars such as the 2009 BMW M3 G2, which is on the cover. For handheld gaming action, Sony's ultra-realistic Gran Turismo has arrived on the PSP, complete with cars from Jay Leno's garage (The new Gran Turismo 5 for PS3 is due in early 2010). If racing isn't your pops' cup of tea, maybe he's a history buff? Assassin's Creed 2 is a high-action game that works for gamers, but its Italian Renaissance backdrop has allowed Ubisoft to insert tons of historical data and real places into the fiction.
Games for Yourself
Once you're done picking games for everyone else, don't forget a few games for your own GameQ. Hardcore gamers will definitely want to check out Uncharted 2: Among Thieves on the PS3. It's the kind of game that will cause friends and relatives to drop their jaws in amazement when they see the real-time action. And, of course, you can't forget the frenetic action of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. With a single-player campaign, co-op Special Ops missions, and multiplayer, MW2 will keep you busy for months and help your wallet recover from the holiday season.
Next month I'll be back with a look at my picks for the best games of the year so far.