This year, gamers are set to give in record amounts to children in hospitals around the world. Child's Play (childsplaycharity.org) is a charity that helps gamers supply young hospital patients with entertainment for the countless hours of boredom spent in their rooms. Games, DVDs, books - you name it, you can give it.
But what about those generous souls doing all that giving? Surely they wouldn't mind a game or two heading their way. As such, here's a list of grade-A titles for everyone stuck shopping for a gamer this December, along with their ESRB ratings (for the parents who care).
'Assassin's Creed' (Xbox 360, Playstation 3) For the medieval assassin in all of us. Climb, slink and garrote your way through Jerusalem during the Third Crusade in an attempt to prevent the next one.
Gamers who are also history majors will note that 19 additional crusades followed the third, but probably won't care. Rated M for Mature.
'Super Mario Galaxy' (Wii) Mario is back and better than ever. Brilliant level design is complemented by beautiful graphics and a sweeping score. Throw in a cooperative mode for casual and non-gamers and you've got a must-buy for any Wii owner. Rated E for Everyone.
'Zack and Wiki' (Wii) A deviously challenging point-and-click adventure game in an innocent candy coating, Zack and Wiki will provide hours of head-scratching, expletive-yelling, head-slapping fun. A patient demeanor is suggested. Rated E for Everyone.
'The Orange Box' (Xbox 360/PC/Playstation 3) Five excellent games in one, and not in the "as seen on TV, hey wait they're all just Tetris," sense. "The Orange Box" contains the much-vaulted "Half-Life 2" games, along with the addictive "Team Fortress" and the absolutely incredible "Portal." The best bang for your gaming buck this year. Rated M for Mature.
'Mass Effect' (Xbox 360) An epic space adventure that's as deep as you want it to be. Filled with taut drama and wrenching moral decisions such as who to save, who to kill and which race of alien women needs love. Seriously, Kirk never had it this good. Rated M for Mature.
'Rachet and Clank: Tools of Destruction' (Playstation 3) A slightly less murderous outing for the PS3, "Rachet and Clank " is a gorgeous platformer featuring (in layman's terms) a talking cat-thing and his robot friend who try to save the world. Full of inventive weaponry and pretty, pretty visuals. Rated E for Everyone.
'Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker' (Nintendo DS) For the "Pokemon" enthusiast who's caught them all, "Joker" provides a new setting, different monsters and an old-school RPG found at the center of every good "Dragon Quest" game.
A welcome change for anyone tired of Pikachu's marketable little mug. Rated E for Everyone.
'Crush' (Sony PSP) An inventive puzzle game that has you switching between 2-D and 3-D perspectives to change the layout of the game's very levels. Innovative, challenging and tragically overlooked at its release.
On the plus side, it's now available on the cheap. Rated E for Everyone.
Prism: Light the Way' (Nintendo DS) This obscure puzzler challenges you to get beams of light to hit all the right places by moving mirrors, colored gems and, yes, prisms into the correct configuration. Difficulty racks up quickly, but addictive gameplay keeps you coming back for more. Highly addictive and dirt-cheap. Rated E for Everyone.
'Bioshock' (PC/Xbox 360) Gritty, atmospheric, scary, fun. "Bioshock" delivers a simultaneously terrifying and compelling experience deep beneath the ocean's surface. Great for your friend who's always arguing that games are art. Yes, he'll get more fodder for his argument out of it, but he'll be too busy playing to rant. Rated M for Mature.
Remember, when in doubt on what to get your gamer friend, ask!
They will be both surprised and delighted you did.
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