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75 Must Have Games for the Holidays

• By GamePro Staff
• December 19, 2008 16:42 PM PST
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Sony Playstation 3

2008 was the year that Sony' monolithic console finally saw some titles worthy of the horsepower lurking underneath its shiny hood. Konami's epic Metal Gear Solid IV tops the list but there are plenty of games that prove the PS3 isn't just a glorified Blu-ray player.

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Metal Gear Solid IV

Hideo Kojima's epic Metal Gear Solid IV was one of the first titles to truly push the PS3 to its limits. Even the massive Blu-ray disc was a hurdle that had to be overcome-there was much discussion as to whether or not the game would have to be shipped on multiple discs. But there's no denying the end result-Hideo Kojima and his team delivered what is, without a doubt, the PS3's masterpiece, it's Mona Lisa. Cutting edge graphics, amazing action, thrilling gameplay and the most badass superspy in all of gaming equals a ginormous win for Sony fans. Sure, the story was insanely unwieldy and often-times nonsensical but you'll be too busy marveling at the ridiculous production values to notice. Seriously, owning a PS3 and not purchasing MGSIV is like buying a Ferrari and never taking it out on the freeway: it's damn near criminal (but obey traffic laws, plz).

Resistance 2

Bigger, badder and better than the first, Resistance 2 improves upon the formula set by its predecessor in almost every way. Unfortunately, a handful of minor issues, such as less than stellar graphics, keep this game from reaching the high bar set by competing titles like Call of Duty 4 and Gears of War 2. Still, with its interesting single-player campaign and robust online component, Resistance 2 has plenty to offer any PS3 owner looking for a quick and easy shooter fix.

LittleBigPlanet

LBP has been rated by GamePro to be effective in the treatment of boredom. LBP may induce a medical condition known as "smiling." Side effects may occur but are all beneficial; upon playing LBP, gamers reported feeling a sense of joy as well as a general sense of well-being. Gamers will also experience fun and may feel inspired after playing LBP. LBP is for everyone and no prescription is needed. Buy it today!

Gran Turismo 5: Prologue

Eye-popping graphics: check. Ridiculously realistic gameplay: uh huh. Super tight controls: yep. One of the best racing sims available on home consoles: you betcha. An incredibly tasty appetizer to whet your appetite for the upcoming Gran Turismo 5: hell yes. If you like racing games, GT5 is one you should definitely own.

Mirror's Edge

Reviews Editor Tae K. Kim says: "It's innovative, it offers a unique experience unlike anything I've ever experienced before, and it's fun. The combat sucks and the story leaves you scratching your head but the combination of free-running and urban gymnastics coupled with the intensely intimate first-person view is a relevation. When the game is at its best, it's one of the most thrilling games you'll ever experience; it's just too bad that it isn't at its best all the time. However, a sequel is sure to come out soon which will hopefully address all of the complaints. In the meantime, do yourself a favor and play the game-you're guaranteed to experience some "Holy Crap!" moments that are worth savoring. Best of all, the PS3 is getting some sweet DLC consisting of time-trials and levels that put the emphasis squarely on the game's selling point: sweet, sweet free-running action."

Dead Space

One of the best survival horror games ever made, period. EA proves that Capcom isn't the only company capable of producing a great action horror title. Go play it already; just keep the lights on when you do.

MotoGP 08

At its best, Moto GP 08 is a realistic, stripped down racer that constantly challenges you to take a few seconds off you lap time. At its worst, it is a frustrating game with few milestones with which to track your achievements. Either way, Moto GP is a blast from the moment you step on the gas and pass the starting line!

Valkyria Chronicles

As the flames of the war spread across the continent of Europa, the peaceful country of Gallia is pulled directly into conflict when large deposits of Ragnite -- a mineral more valuable than gold, as well as the catalyst for the Second Eurpoan War -- is discovered beneath the neutral Gallian landscape. As the fascist Empire forms a hostile invasion on the Gallian frontier, it's up to the country's citizens to form a militia and defend what is rightfully theirs. Enter Welkin Gunther, nature lover, aspiring teacher and son of legendary war hero Lieutenant Gunther. On a trip back to the peaceful Gallian city of Bruhl, Welkin is caught in the midst of the Empire's first march against Gallia. Drafted by hot-headed Alicia Melchiott, head of Bruhl's town watch, it's only a matter of time before Gunther finds himself in charge of the Gallian Militia's 7th Squad.

Motorstorm Pacific Rift

This follow up to last year's MotorStorm delivers in a big way. Set in a tropical backdrop, Pacific Rift offers some of the most intense off-road racing I've ever seen. Races are divided up into the four basic elements; water, fire, earth and wind. Tracks from each of these categories are dominated by the elements they represent. Fire has you racing alongside volcanoes and jumping over streams of lava while tracks in the air circuit are up in the mountains and so on. Each category has more than enough tracks to keep you interested and every one has its own unique challenges

BioShock

PS3 fans waited a long time to get their hands on this fantastic FPS title but the wait was more than worth it. BioShock was nothing short of a revelation and much like Half-Life, it raised the bar for what could be done with the first-person shooter in terms of storytelling. Charged with venturing deep into the ruined underwater paradise known as Rapture, gamers were treated to a thrilling, spine-tingling experience that really drew you into the world. With tons of action, a fully realized world and intelligent storytelling, BioShock deserves to occupy a spot in every gamer's library. And good news for PS3 owners: you guys get access to exclusive DLC content!

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