75 Must Have Games for the Holidays

Nintendo DS

The DS continues to enjoy its time atop the portable mountain. With a library that numbers in the bajillions-our math might be a little off but we're pretty sure it's close-the DS continues to delight gamers of all ages. A day doesn't go by when we don't spot at least one person on the bus or subway plugging away on a DS Lite. Next year, we'll see the US introduction of the new DSi, but regardless of which model you have, there's no denying that for portable gaming, the DS remains a fantastic choice. The following games may be smaller in scope and size than their big console cousins but they pack just as much fun and gameplay.




Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

Reviews Editor Tae K. Kim says: "While it's not nearly as polished as previous entries in the handheld Castlevania series, Order of Ecclesia is a fantastic title that's deep and satisfying. While there are a couple of design issues-some of the puzzles are poorly laid out and there is a lot of backtracking involved-it's still a worthy addition to the long running franchise. It's a definite must for DS owners who are looking for a challenge. And considering Konami's recent entry into the home consoles was a lackluster fighting game-Castlevania Judgment for the Wii-Order of Ecclsia is the closest we'll come to a true sequel for the classic 2D game, Symphony of the Night."

Chrono Trigger

Previews Editor Andy Burt says: "Square-Enix is known primarily for two things: putting out amazing RPGs, and then milking those RPGs through re-releases until even the most crazed fanboys are sick of them. However, this is not the case with Chrono Trigger, one of the most beloved RPGs of all time, which Square left practically untouched since its last iteration on the PS1, but still maintains all of the magic that made it a classic on the SNES. This time-traveling epic springs to life on the DS, and Square left it up to the gamers to decide if they wanted to utilize any of the DS' touch screen functionality, which works surprisingly well, or play it just as it was when it was released in cartridge form. The anime cutscenes which were added to the PS1 release are intact here, and the memorable soundtrack couldn't sound better. For old fans and new ones, this is an RPG for the ages, and it would be foolish to pass this remake up."

Guitar Hero: On Tour Decades

The rocktastic goodness of Guitar Hero hits the road with this portable title. The controller is innovative, if a little unwieldy, and it does a great job of replicating the Guitar Hero experience. It's perfect for bite-sized sessions of rocking out. Doctor's visits, road trips, waiting rooms, or simple on-the-go rocking!

Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood

Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood is an exciting new action RPG for the Nintendo DS developed by RPG superstar BioWare, the minds behind Knights of The Old Republic and Baldur's Gate. Chronicles gave players the choice between 11 different characters, and with a classic role-playing formula takes full advantage of common RPG elements, such as exploration, combat, and special attacks that are unique for each character.

Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2

Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2 is a surgical simulation game developed for the Nintendo DS and the fourth in the Trauma Center series. The game is a direct sequel to Trauma Center: Under the Knife, also for the Nintendo DS. With the GUILT virus eliminated, it's back to business as usual for Doctor Derek Stiles and his loyal Nurse Angie -- but when a new strain of a killer virus is unleashed against the populous, will Derek's healing touch be enough to stop it?

Comments [45]

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ChokaDaChicken

Man all the games I bought this year I haven't beat any of em. Maybe because I can't get off mgs online.

TravisMoses

hiphophippy27 wrote:

So that's why GamePro gave the 360 the console of the year award.

Because they thought crap like Too Human and Banjo Kazooie were actually good. Um, lol?

Yes, I did enjoy playing Too Human.

htown4life

hiphophippy27 wrote:

So that's why GamePro gave the 360 the console of the year award.

Because they thought crap like Too Human and Banjo Kazooie were actually good. Um, lol?

U wouldn't know what a good game was if it slapped u in the face

DGeneral

I'm surprised you guys put up Resistance 2 over Uncharted: Drakes Fortune for a Ps3 must have title.

neogigames

Uhh...you guys made a mistake. You put Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe under games for the family. It should have been under games for kids. Ha.

eday_2010

Shammon wrote:

Wii music, along with a few others do NOT belong on that list..

Like Animal Crossing. that`s a real snoozefest.

Giant Clank

TravisMoses wrote:

hiphophippy27 wrote:

So that's why GamePro gave the 360 the console of the year award. Because they thought crap like Too Human and Banjo Kazooie were actually good. Um, lol?

Yes, I did enjoy playing Too Human.

I always love when the staff reads the negative ignorant comments.

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