BY CHARLES BATTERSBY | Video games are ubiquitous during the holidays — but gamers frequently have to feign delight when they receive the dreaded “wrong game” from a well-meaning, but ill-informed, relative. With dozens of seemingly interchangeable games on the market, it can be difficult to keep up with which game is the killer app for that new console under the tree. These recommendations will arm you with the knowledge to pick the right gift for the gamer in your life.
Console Concerns
Hardcore gamers will argue about the minute technical differences between a PlayStation 4 and an Xbox One. For many consumers, though, the choice of which console to buy comes down to which games are available for that system only. When the holidays roll around, gamers will often want these exclusive titles.
The first “Halo” game was the sole reason why many people bought the original Xbox back in 2001. This science fiction shooter series is known for its multi-player experience as well as the ongoing story that is continued from game to game.
“Halo 5” is the first in the series to debut on the new Xbox One. People who are upgrading from an Xbox 360 are likely to have already played the previous games in the series, so “Halo 5” is the best choice for them. If this is someone’s first Xbox system, “Halo: The Master Chief Collection” is the way to go. This is a compilation of the previous games in the series, updated for the Xbox One.
Action Without Arms
For people who don’t like shooters, there is another exclusive on the Xbox this season: “Rise of the Tomb Raider.”
“Tomb Raider” has been around for two decades, but the series has had a resurgence in popularity lately. “Rise of the Tomb Raider” will eventually come to PlayStation and PC, but for now it’s one of the best ways to make people jealous of your new Xbox One. It’s also available for the old Xbox 360, for those who haven’t joined the current generation yet.
“Tomb Raider” inspired another big franchise, “Uncharted.” Instead of Lara Croft, “Uncharted” features a male protagonist named Nathan Drake, who raids tombs in exotic locations all over the world. This series was one of the PlayStation 3’s best exclusives, and a new “Uncharted” game is coming to PlayStation 4 next year. In the meantime, the newly released “Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection” brings the original three games to Sony’s newest console. Players who have a PlayStation 4 but never played the old “Uncharted” games will find this to be a must-have.
Exclusives
A major exclusive for the PlayStation 4 is “Bloodborne.” This came out earlier in the year and might slip under the radar during the holidays. Gift-givers should take care in who receives this game, though, because “Bloodborne” is for hardcore gamers only. From the developers of the notoriously difficult “Souls” series, “Bloodborne” has a merciless difficulty level that will be appreciated by players who pride themselves on their skill and dedication.
The Nintendo 3DS has been around for four years, but Nintendo keeps updating its hardware with slight revisions. The latest is the New Nintendo 3DS, which is fully compatible with all of the games for the previous versions (and most games for the original Nintendo DS).
While there are some newer, flashier games for this platform, “Animal Crossing: New Leaf” is the ideal gift for both kids and adults with their first 3DS. It is a cute, whimsical “life simulator” that is intended to be played a little bit every day — for years on end. Many other games can be “beaten” after a few hours, but “Animal Crossing” is a gift for the long run. But players who are dying to have something that takes advantage of the special features of the New 3DS will appreciate “Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.”
Most games are not exclusive to any particular platform, though. “Fallout 4” was released last month, and is currently the big new game on both consoles and on the PC. It’s a free-roaming adventure through a post-apocalyptic wasteland, and players can spend hundreds of hours exploring it. Despite the post-nuclear setting, there is a heaping dose of humor to this game. Older teens and adults will enjoy the dark comedy, although its use of gore and drugs means that it’s not suitable for younger players.
Keeping Up With The Downloads
Many of the best games from the past year aren’t actually available as physical gifts. Consoles, handheld platforms, and desktop computers can all download games without needing a physical disc. Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Nintendo’s eShop, and the popular PC digital distributor Steam all sell physical gift cards that can be put under the tree or in stockings.
One notable game that can only be downloaded is “Life Is Strange,” which goes against some of the stereotypes about video games. There are no zombies or space marines — rather, it is a thoughtful and emotional story about a teenage girl who mysteriously gains the ability to rewind time. She uses her new power to address the countless “what if” situations that people encounter every day. Eventually the story tackles more serious fare, like teen suicide, sexual assault, and euthanasia. It is highly recommended for teens, as well as adults.
PC Plenty
Many people still play their games on PCs, and serious PC gamers will appreciate a mouse built specifically for their favorite game. Razer makes special mice with additional buttons intended for certain genres. The Razer Naga is designed for MMOs (massively multiplayer online games) like “World of Warcraft,” while the Hex is for MOBAs (multiplayer online battle arenas) like “League of Legends.” They’re a fun extravagance for someone who already has the game they want.
Always Accessorize
Finally, for those who are stumped about what to get the gamer who already has everything, consider accessories for their existing controllers. KontrolFreek thumbsticks clip onto controllers to add functionality and flair.
They come with logos of popular games like “Call of Duty,” and are designed to enhance performance of specific kinds of games, like shooters. Grip-iTs offer similar features, but at a stocking stuffer price point.
