Games For Christmas page 2

21 Dec 2009 at 17:46:57 by

We've all played Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort is the follow-up game to what some might argue was a major contributing factor to the Wii's market success. And by golly it doesn't disappoint.

With the addition of Wii Motion Plus, all the mini-games have been given a whole new dimension, literally, and it's probably the best use of the Motion Plus controls on any game currently available.

In addition to the more accurate controls, players have the opportunity to explore a whole world of sporting events, ranging from the much loved bowling, to flying and exploration. Events such as archery and table tennis offer some competitive and exciting gameplay, while games like frisbee and golf are more relaxed and fun.

The success of Wii Sports was always in its simplicity, and now Wii Sports Resort has built on the success of the simplistic gameplay but added an extremely competitive edge with the variety of game modes now available and the accuracy of the Wii Motion Plus. It's great fun for all the family and, like the Boom Blox series, will have you coming back to either break your own personal bests, or to settle an argument by taking up controls. A great Christmas game too with short and intuitive games.

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising

If you've played all your first person shooters this Christmas before your holiday period, then you might find yourself in a bit of a quandary. With games like Modern Warfare 2, Borderlands and Wolfenstien already out, some of you may be wondering where to get your next fix. If you are, then Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is your game.

Although not a conventional FPS, the realism of this game makes you a much better player when you do go back and play your preferred game. There is no health regeneration here, weapons are hard to come by and sometimes it takes a lot of time for you to infiltrate your objective. You have to painstakingly watch your enemies movement and protect your fire squad at all times, especially with AI as impressive as the enemy on this game.

Operation Flashpoint will offer you a fulfilling campaign, and it's set in probably one of the most beautifully accurate gaming environments there is. You can play through the whole campaign with up to four players in your squad, or you can do it by yourself; giving orders to your bitches along the way.

Multiplayer modes are available too and with the latest DLC released on Xbox LIVE today there is plenty to do.

Bear this in mind though, you cannot play this like a normal FPS...you need to take your time. Not a bad thing at Christmas...!

Batman: Arkham Asylum

This game is definitely one of the highlights of this year. Not only is it a Batman game which successfully depicts the macabre atmosphere Batman finds himself in, but it's also supported by incredible voice acting talent, a brilliant story and some very fluid gameplay mechanics.

We know this is a single player game, but it's more than a game. This is an experience, and for the first time in a Batman game, you feel like you're playing Batman, and not some superhero who's got more power than the national grid. This human element makes Batman vulnerable, precious and as you move through the story you can see and hear the subtle changes in your protagonist.

The gaming world is big, but not too big, and your missions are short. Your gear is relevant and useful, and with a little bit of thought you can overcome any of the obstacles you face. If anyone has ever wanted to play as Batman, then this is the game you must buy and play over Christmas, and one of only two in this list that is good enough to play on your own without ever wanted to share your gaming experience with anyone else. And it's a good job it is, because you won't want to play this with anyone else.

Uncharted 2

Probably the best game of this year. Why?  Because it does everything. And it doesn't just do everything, it does everything brilliantly.

This game is an example of how sequels should be made. Not only is the gaming environment absolutely beautiful, but the game itself holds up too. The narrative is engaging, the levels are well thought out, and probably the main reason why this game is in this list is because it's a game that can be watched. Like a Hollywood movie. And it's not boring.

As far as action adventure games go this is the one to now beat. The cut scenes flow seamlessly to game, and vice-versa, while all the running, shooting and just being in the game world feels natural, like you're walking around the house of your childhood.

So, not really a family game, but something you would probably quite happily loose yourself in, and the best part? It has multiplayer elements too, so although you can't play the whole campaign co-operatively, you can play through your favourite levels again.

Assassin's Creed II

One of the most anticipated games this year, Assassin's Creed II really didn't disappoint, even though I thought it would.

Assassin's Creed II did exactly what it was meant to do, and build on the success of the first title. Repetitive elements were addressed, weapons were addressed, a more populated world with no twatting beggars knocking you down were addressed, more variety in assassinations address and no more flag chasing...addressed.

The story too is impressive and the people you meet, in the time period in which you find yourself in, is also rather charming. With so much to do it's hard to persist on a certain mission without being distracted. The animation in the cut scenes aren't brilliant, and the story of Desmond himself; although a lot more interesting, still doesn't engage you, but the transformation of a nobleman to an assassin is fascinating to watch.

Now before you say anything, I know this isn't a family game, but it's a game for you guys. Yeah, you know I'm talking to you. You guys that don't want to spend time with the boring old family. This game was made for you. It's perfect, it's the right length of time (meaning you can avoid all contact with family) and you can play it in whatever way you want. This is really the game that'll keep you happy while your hibernating your Christmas holiday away.

No multiplayer or co-op, but who cares? It's Assassin's Creed...!

Comment