Co-Optimus 2011 Holiday Buyer's Guide Playstation 3 and Playstation Portable Edition

Sometimes it's tough to come up with games to give your gamer spouse/friend/co-worker/etc. This can be very tricky for some if said gamer is an avid PS3 or PSP user. What, you mean that great co-op 360 game isn't on the PS3? And how the heck are you supposed to know which fresh co-op games are good on the PSP, seeing as you sold yours a couple years ago? Worry not, shopper! We have plenty of recommendations for the PS3 and PSP, in both the Playstation-exclusive variety, and the cross-platform variety! Clicking on the image will bring you to the corresponding Amazon link!

Hardware and Peripherals:

PS3 320 GB Move Bundle ($349.99)

A great deal for folks who want to pick up a PS3 with a hefty harddrive along with the Playstation Move in one fell swoop! That's one lucky gift recepient there. Comes complete with the Playstation Eye, one Move Controller, and Sports Champions.

Playstation Move Sharp Shooter ($39.99)

For FPS fans who want a more unique experience, pick up a Playstation Move Sharp Shooter. We used one for our Killzone 3 co-op review, and really felt that it added to the immersion of the game.

And now, onto the games!

For the FPS Freaks...

Resistance 3 ($59.99) - PS3

Battle the Chimera up close and personal with a variety of weapons in true Insomniac style. Oh, yeah, and it takes place in an alternative 1950's setting. How much better can it get?  Co-Optimus Review

Dead Island ($59.99) - PS3

This may come as a surprise to some of you, but zombie games have been pretty popular for a while now. The latest hit to take zombie-apocalypse go'ers but storm is Dead Island, the game where you can smash, stab, and otherwise dismember the undead to your heart's content! Co-Optimus Review

For the RPG Enthusiasts...

War in the North ($59.99) - PS3

From the people who brought us RPG legends Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance and Champions of Norrath comes an action/RPG hybrid set in Middle Earth. Take on Sauron's baddies as a mini-fellowship of Elf, Dwarf, and Man.  Co-Optimus Review

Patapon 3 ($19.99) - PSP

The third installment in the popular rhythm/RPG game mash-up, lead your little Patapon Heroes to victory (to tunes that get stuck in your head, of course!)

For the Action Game Fans...

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception ($59.99) - PS3

Everyone's favorite treasure hunter with questionable morals is back in the third installment of the hit series. As a co-op experience, you can play Adventure mode or Arena mode with up to three players. Co-Optimus Review

Saints Row: The Third ($59.99) - PS3

Always wanted to be a crimelord so powerful and famous that you're beyond reproach? Saints Row: The Third has you covered with its over-the-top... well, everything, really. Anyone notice the weird amount of "3's" on this list? Co-Optimus Review

God Eater Burst ($39.99) - PSP

Hunt down some monsters with up to three friends in over 100 co-operative missions, each ranging from 5-10 minutes in length. Perfect for the co-op gamer on the go. Co-Optimus Review

For the Platformer and Puzzle Gamers...

Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One ($59.99) - PS3

R&C: All 4 One offers a truly integrated co-operative experience for the platformer fan. Play as Rachet, Clank, Qwark, and Dr. Nefarious as they have to work together to get themselves out of a sticky situation. Ridiculous tools and weapons abound, of course! Co-Optimus Review

LittleBigPlanet 2: Special Edition ($59.99) - PS3

An excellent party game, LittleBigPlanet 2 can appeal to all sorts of gamers at all levels of gaming experience. The Special Edition is packaged with the Move Pack, Toy Story Level Pack, Toy Story Costume Pack, and Pets Costumes, giving you access to a whole lot of new levels and ways to deck out your Sackboys and Sackgirls!
Co-Optimus Review

Portal 2 ($39.99) - PS3

Probably a lot of people's favorite puzzle game of the year, Portal 2 won't disappoint the puzzle gamer on your list. Two players means four portals needed to solve these craaaazy puzzles in the co-op campaign! Co-Optimus Review

For the Gamers with Kids...

Skylanders Spryo's Adventure ($69.99) - PS3

Great for kids, gamers with kids, or gamers who just don't mind playing a damn good kids game. Two players can play this RPG/adventure game locally. The starter pack comes with the game, the Portal of Power, and three Skylander figures. Additional characters can be purchased seperately (and oh yes, you will be wanting more). Co-Optimus Review

And last, but certainly not least:

For the Downloadable Game Fanatic...

Playstation Network Cards ($20 and $50) - PS3 and PSP

For the person on your list that just can't get enough of download-only games, or DLC for their favorite co-op games! If they need any suggestions, point them towards some of these great co-op downloadable titles:

Hope that helps with your shopping, you givers of co-op, you!