Xbox 360 Hardware
It’s holiday 2011 and your fat 360 console is looking long in the tooth. What do you do? Buy a new one of course! And you might as well keep the old system around for same-house Xbox Live and system linking sessions. Little Billy could use a console in his room anyway.
Xbox 360 250 GB Holiday Bundle ($299.99)
No Kinect included (aww), but Fable III and Halo Reach are two great co-op pack-in games. Any teen or older gamer would be happy to wake up and play ‘em this Christmas.
Kinect Sensor Holiday Bundle ($149.99)
The Kinect dares to combine gaming with not sitting on one’s bacon, sometimes quite successfully. Now that it’s bundled with Kinect Adventures and two awesome co-op games (The Gunstringer and Fruit Ninja Kinect), can you (and your gut) really afford not to have one?
If you’re hurting for floor space, Nyko’s Zoom lens may be the answer. User reviews are a bit mixed, but for the most part, critics and gamers agree that it enhances Kinect performance in smaller rooms.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Limited Edition Wireless Controller ($59.99)
Gamers (especially those of us who enjoy couch co-op) can always use an extra controller. The official Transforming D-pad controller is the best wireless pad you can get, and it now comes in three varieties: the Call of Duty version (above, packed with a free avatar item), the Gears of War 3 version (which is getting harder to find), and the standard silver version with Play and Charge Kit. Buy the right pad for your gaming loved one.
Xbox 360 Games
Few things warm my heart on Christmas more than giving or receiving just the right game. Giving gifts is like a game of its own.
For the Xbox 360 Loyalist
Probably the year’s biggest 360 exclusive, Gears 3 is the perfect end to a trilogy. It’s got everything shooter fans loved from the previous games, plus much improved writing, and tons of co-op modes - including 4-player campaign co-op! Co-Optimus review
While it may have been overshadowed by the big holiday sequels, this remake of the original Halo still provides ample entertainment. The price certainly helps. Co-Optimus review
For Kinected Kids
Sesame Street Once Upon a Monster ($49.99)
If your kid is still young enough to enjoy Sesame Street (can you ever be too old?), Once Upon a Monster is a must-buy. You’ll have a wonderful time sharing in Cookie Monster and Elmo’s adventures… Except during the poorly-performing trash throwing minigame, but one rotten apple doesn’t spoil the bunch where Muppets are concerned. Co-Optimus review
Kinect Disneyland Adventures ($49.99)
Can’t afford to visit Disneyland during the holidays? This virtual recreation is the next best thing, and you won’t even have to wait in line. Explore the park, interact with dozens of Disney characters, and take on plenty of authentic minigames alone or with a family member.
For the Young at Heart
Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure ($69.99)
Ostensibly Skylanders is a game for the young’uns, but it’s on my Christmas list too. And Skylanders action figures make great stocking stuffers... Co-Optimus review
For the Japanophile
Atlus’ challenging sliding block puzzle game features a unique and mature storyline along with bizarre character designs that could only come from Japan. The unlockable co-op mode is icing on the cake.
Otomedius Excellent ($29.99) or ($49.99)
Whether it’s the scantily-clad female characters or the old-school shoot-em-up gameplay that catches your attention, Otomedius Excellent is worth more than a passing glance. The low-priced standard edition and still fairly affordable Collector’s Edition help it fit into any gift-giving budget. Co-Optimus review
For the Gamer You Don’t Like
Nothing says “I hate you” like the gift of a crappy game … unless it’s coming from an unwitting relative, of course. These are titles I would wish only upon my enemies.
Wait a sec, isn’t Dark Souls a pretty good game? Sure, but it’s so cruel and challenging that you almost need to be a masochist in order to enjoy it. Imagine a mainstream gamer slapping this action RPG into the system, only to die over and over, all the while swearing at the person who bought it for him. Co-Optimus review
Sometimes you get what you pay for… This budget release from Atlus is so rough around the edges, you’ll cut your fingers just putting the disc in the tray.
With a name like Bodycount, it has to be good, right? Right??? And yet somehow Bodycount ended up being one of the worst FPS games in recent memory. A perfect gift for your sister’s thuggish boyfriend, he won’t even resent you for it until after he tries it out. Co-Optimus review
Rabbids: Alive and Kicking ($49.99)
Much as I love the Kinect, it’s home to a fair share of shovelware. Even Ubisoft is guilty of creating motion-controlled beandip with their latest Rabbids title. When a game’s loading times exceed the length of its minigames, it’s time to take it out back for some Old Yeller action. Give it to the noisy brat in your life.
Xbox Live Arcade
While you can’t gift XBLA games directly (unless GameStop carries ‘em), Microsoft Points cards are always a safe present. Treat your loved one to some of 2011’s best downloadable titles:
Crimson Alliance ($15) Dungeon Defenders ($15) Fusion: Genesis ($10) ilomilo ($10) Iron Brigade ($15) Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 ($10) Toy Soldiers: Cold War ($15)That's all for this year. Hope you get every game you wish for this holiday season!