GamePro 2008 Holiday Gift Guide
- December 04, 2008 15:07 PM PST
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Table of Contents
- The Top 5 Must Have Gifts for 2008
- Gifts for the Hardcore Gamer (Page 1)
- Gifts for the Hardcore Gamer (Page 2)
- Gifts for the Casual Gamer
- Must-Have Movie Gifts (Page 1)
- Must-Have Movie Gifts (Page 2)
- Must-Have Movie Gifts (Page 3)
- Must-Have Movie Gifts (Page 4)
- Must-Have Music Gifts
- Gifts for Everyone
- Gifts for Students
- Gifts for Moms
- Gifts for Dads
- Gifts for Under $20
Gifts for the Casual Gamer
Casual gamers get a bad rap but they're a rapidly growing segment of the gaming population; besides which, there are some casual games out there that are more popular than 'real' video games. They're fun, they're easy to pick up and play and they're a perfect bite-sized way to satisfy your gaming jones. Here, we've compiled a list of some awesome products guaranteed to please the casual gamer on your shopping list.
Energizer Power & Play (Wii)
There's a lot to like about the revolutionary Wii Remote-it's helped reshape the way we play video games. The only thing we don't like is having to swap out the batteries; nothing sucks more than having your controller die in the middle of a game. But the Energizer Power & Play charge station eliminates that problem-you plug in rechargable battery packs and dock your Remotes when you're not using them. The charger keeps your Remotes juiced and ready to go at all times. If you play a lot of Wii games, then the Power & Play is a must have accessory.
www.pdp.com/prod_detail.php?sku=PL7528$39.99
Starpex
Do you take your Rock Band and Guitar Hero sessions seriously? If so, then you need to look into getting a Starpex. These sweet controllers are not only compatible with both Rock Band and Guitar Hero but they're also full sized replicas; that means first-rate construction and a sweet rocking look.
www.go-peak.com$179.95
Able Planet Sound Clarity
If we had our way, every electronic device would be wireless, especially headphones. We love being able to put on a pair and immerse ourselves in our music but we hate being tethered by a cord; the Able Planet Sound Clarity headphones solve that problem by eliminating the wire completely. Couple that with its awesome performance and comfortable design and you've got a compelling wireless alternative to the traditional wired headphones.
www.ableplanet.com$179.99
Big Fish Games
Casual games might not get as much love as "real" video games but that doesn't mean they're not just as fun and compelling; we've played some casual games that ate up as much of our time as triple-A console titles. That's why we recommend you check out Big Fish Games-they're a veritable treasure chest of awesome casual games. Download classics like the Mystery Case Files series or addictive time-wasters like Fairway Solitaire and say goodbye to your free time.
www.bigfishgames.com(Price Varies)
iPod Touch
We're not recommending the Touch here because of its music playing capabilities or its big gorgeous screen that's perfect for watching downloaded TV shows and movie clips. Sure, the Touch does all of that well but it's also a fantastic casual gaming device. There are a ton of awesome apps and games out there that you can download and the touchscreen opens up some awesome possibilities. It's not as involved as a DS and a PSP, making it perfect for someone who just wants a way to kill some time here and there.
www.apple.com$229 (8GB); $299 (16GB); $399 (32GB)
Ultimate Game Card
If you regularly play online games like Maple Story and Gunbound, then you need an Ultimate Game Card. They're essentially pre-paid cards that let you purchase content from over 200 games like Maple Story and Gunbound. If you know a gamer who's constantly on their computer playing these kinds of games, then an Ultimate Game Card is a perfect stocking stuffer.
www.ultimategamecard.com(Price Varies)
Guitar Hero World Tour/Rock Band 2
If you have a lot of people over, then you have to get your hands on Rock Band 2 or Guitar Hero World Tour; with two guitars, drums and vocals as well as a stacked line up of popular songs from various eras, both games offer a great party experience. Both games will appeal to hardcore gamers and casual gamers alike; all you have to do is invite your friends over and warn the neighbors that you're about to turn it up to 11.
www.guitarhero.com$189.99 (full bundle)
www.rockband.com$189.99 (full bundle)
SceneIt? Box Office Smash/Buzz! Quiz TV
When you're done rocking out, you can mellow out your party by putting on one of these two awesome trivia games. Both offer a humorous and lighthearted presentation, loads of general knowledge and movie based trivia and four unique controllers that let you buzz in just like in a real game show.
www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/sceneitbos/$59.99
www.buzzthegame.com$59.99
Silent Hill Mobile
Mobile gaming is a rapidly growing market but don't think for a second that they're all just simple time wasters; some big names in the game industry are moving into the mobile space, including industry heavyweights like Konami who are taking established franchises like Castlevania and Silent Hill and creating deep and complex games for your cell phone. The mobile title is an extension of the best-selling survival horror franchise and it's got enough gameplay to keep you entertained for a long time. It's the perfect way to pass the time on the bus or when you're stuck in a waiting room somewhere; just be warned that you might end up screaming out when something scary happens.
www.konamimobile.com(Price varies according to mobile service)
South Park Imaginationland
The iPod Touch and iPhone have slick touchscreens and Imaginationland takes full advantage by offering up a cute puzzler starring everyone's favorite punching bag, Butters. Taking place in the colorful land made famous in the episode of the same name, Imaginationland is an interesting puzzler that's perfect for a few rounds of on-the-go gaming.
www.itunes.com/appstore$4.99
Doghouse Armor ES 4850
Everyone thinks you need a blazing fast computer that costs as much as an automobile to play the latest PC games but that's not always true: there are plenty of mid-tier and entry-level systems that will get you into the game without breaking the bank.
Doghouse Systems is a relative newcomer in the PC gaming market--they made their name configuring workstations and server--but they have plenty of knowledge and know how; their Armor series is proof of that.
They have an ES line that clocks in at a little over $1500 and offers enough performance to get you into the action with games like Call of Duty: World at War, World of Warcraft: Rise of the Lich King and Crysis: Warfare. Armed with a dual core processor clocked at 3GHz, 4GBs of RAM, a half-terabyte of storage and an ATI Radeon HD 4850 video card, it's got everything a casual PC gamer could want in a rig. It's powerful but yet affordable so if you're just looking to log on and play a few rounds of the latest PC games, then take a good long look at the Armor series.
www.doghousesystems.com/v/armor_es.htm(Price Varies)
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Haha. Nice product placement. I also have yet to get a 'next-gen' console.
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Cool list. Though "hardcore gamer" is just another term for someone who has nothing better to do with their life.
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Yeah, nice list. I'm definitely going to get some of these things, such as the iPhone 3G and the DARK Night in FABULOUS Blu-ray
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How rich do you think I am? Awesome list, but a new TV, a car, an iphone? gawd, good thing I don't have to buy them all!
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XBox 360 game list is vastly superior to PS3 and Wii. Lol @ Socom:Confrontation on PS3 list that game was a piece of crap. 60% on metacritic rating. lol
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Nintendo Wii list of games was by far the worst. Lol @ Wii Music worst game out lol. X360>PS3>Wii.
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