Saturday I gave you some suggestions for the Xbox 360 owner on your holiday shopping list. Today we look at PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable options.
PLAYSTATION 3
The real must-have PS3 title this season is LittleBigPlanet. This exclusive title offers players the ability to build their own environments and make their own video games, then share their creations on the PlayStation Network. The game’s incredible physics engine, intuitive content-creation tools and seemingly endless number of ways to color, decorate and build environments makes it a sure-fire hit. ($60, rated E)
Resistance 2 is an alternate-history, first-person shooter with expansive environments and huge bosses — you can’t go wrong there. ($60, rated M)
If your gamer wants more action, then he will want to check out Call of Duty: World at War, a first-person shooter that focuses on the waning days of World War II in the Pacific and Eastern European theaters. This fifth entry in the series is more mature and open-ended than its predecessors, and introduces a co-op mode. ($60, rated M)
If they’re not really into shooters, find out whether they have Mirror’s Edge — it’s an innovative and immersive gaming experience in which you play a foot messenger in a world where the government has clamped down on all communication. Weapons are a part of the game, but the real focus is on stealth and strategy. ($60, rated T)
PSP
Shaun White Snowboarding lets you explore mountains in Alaska, Park City, Europe and Japan while performing different tricks on the ground, in the air and on rails. There’s no unlocking — all tricks and actions are available right from the get-go. ($40, rated E10+)
But in my personal opinion? Do them a favor and buy them a Nintendo DS ($130) and Guitar Hero: On Tour ($50), which includes a specialized peripheral.
A word about gamers:
We are an impatient lot. When faced with dwindling funds and a mountain of hot new releases, we will often take advantage of trade-in programs to get credit toward the latest video game. As such, we can be hard to buy for — you’re never sure whether we have a given title.
| Many loved ones resort to gift cards for gamers — and that’s a fine idea. You can find out where they prefer to shop for games and voila! You’re set.
Another option is a gift card specifically for their gaming platform, such as Microsoft Points for Xbox Live users and Wii Points for Nintendo’s Wii Shop Channel. Just make sure your beloved gamer is connected for such activity — if not, there’s your gift idea! Thanks to Scott Kirchhofer and Chris “KeL” Adams for their ideas and contributions! |
What’s hot?
Game Crazy, in a recent press release, lists these as the hot games for kids this season: Guitar Hero World Tour, Rock Band II, Mario Kart Wii and Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party II. They also suggest accessories like battery packs, musical instrument controllers and racing wheels. |
More Gifts for the Geeky:
