Gaming
The festive season has arrived, and with the majority of triple-A titles having been released throughout September, October and November, now is the perfect time to examine what will be filling gamers' stockings this year. Digital Spy takes a look at each of the consoles on offer, the best exclusive titles as well as the finest multi-format games that should be making the journey down the chimney and onto your screens.
Xbox 360
Price: £129.99 upwards.
Online: Yearly subscription at a cost of £39.99; isn't wireless out of the box.
Why buy it: The 360 is often touted as the console of choice for the hardcore gamer. The online aspect can be expensive, but it has a wide user base and has the expertise of Microsoft behind it. The 360 is now the cheapest piece of hardware on the market and so it won't break the bank. However, the console itself can be unreliable and has a history of breaking down.
Exclusive Titles
Gears Of War 2: The jewel in Microsoft's crown, Gears Of War 2 has received universal praise for taking the winning formula of blood, guts, guns and gore and making it even better. It's possibly the best looking game of all time and provides hours of vicious, violent, joy - both on and offline.
Fable 2: Never before has a game offered so much in terms of lifestyle choices. Fable 2 puts the player in charge of their destiny and while game-changing decisions are few and far between, the ability to subtly influence your surroundings makes Fable 2 an essential 360 title.
Lips: The Xbox 360 version of Singstar is an enjoyable party game, featuring 40-odd songs and a decent microphone peripheral. Two microphones equals even more fun, and belting out the duets provides essential entertainment around a traditional log fire.
Best Of The Rest
Call Of Duty: World At War: Perhaps the odds-on favourite to be crowned the Christmas number one, World At War takes the series back to WWII, but with the gaming finesse that was prevalent in Modern Warfare. Numerous explosive set-pieces and hours of online multiplayer modes await those who make the purchase. It's also available on the PS3 and PC.
Rock Band 2: For the time being Rock Band 2 is a 360 exclusive, so why not take the opportunity to rock out with this rhythm action title before everybody else can? With the new peripherals an improvement on the old and the ability to use Guitar Hero instruments, Rock Band 2 is a superb addition to group gaming sessions.
PS3
Price: Most outlets sell a PS3 with a game for under £300, but it pays to shop around.
Online: Wireless out of the box, with a download network that sports some impressive titles at a reasonable price.
Why buy it: Although a bit more expensive than its competitors, the PS3 is technically the most powerful console on the market and has a built-in Blu-ray DVD drive.
Exclusive Titles
Resistance 2: The first title was decent without ever being essential. Resistance 2 on the other hand is commanding rave reviews and looks like being a serious contender to Microsoft's Gears Of War in the exclusive shooter category. With quality online modes and impressive level design, Resistance 2 should be near the top of anyone's Christmas wish list.
LittleBigPlanet: If ever there was a title that could put a smile on a gamer's face it's this one. With simple and addictive gameplay, multiplayer that's both team-based and competitive, plus the ability to create your own levels and share them online, LittleBigPlanet has it all and is one of the purest gaming titles of the year.
Motorstorm: Pacific Rift: Much like Resistance, Motorstorm launched with the PS3 and impressed gamers without really blowing them away. Pacific Rift adds a great deal to the original title. For a start it has double the number of courses and much more variety to boot. Pacific Rift can be a tactical affair that rewards experimentation. The only downside is that it's so fast and furious that you won't be able to fully appreciate the rich and vibrant scenery.
Best Of The Rest
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009: Despite improvements to FIFA 09, Pro Evolution Soccer is still the finest football title available. Anybody who grew up playing the PS2 incarnations will feel right at home with the PS3 joypad, making this version the one to recommend. Much improved on last year's effort, with no frame rate issues and improved game modes, both on and offline. It's also available on the PS2, PSP, PC and 360.
Dead Space: Christmas should be about joy and festivity, but you won't find any of that here. Dead Space takes full advantage of the power of the next-generation consoles and delivers a creepy, claustrophobic title that will scare you until next Christmas. Dead Space can also be purchased for the 360 and PC.
Nintendo Wii
Price: Retails at £179.99, many stores now offer a free game in addition to Wii Sports.
Online: Wireless out of the box, with a great online store that sells classic retro games. A friend code is needed to play online, which slightly restricts the experience.
Why buy it: Extremely user-friendly and innovative. Anybody can play the Wii and it has attracted a user-base far beyond the core gamer demographic. 2008 hasn't done much to appease the hardcore gamer, with criticisms that there are too many party, family and non-games, although this makes it ideal for youngsters.
Exclusive Titles
Wii Fit: OK, so it came out in April, but Wii Fit will no doubt be the most sought after title this Christmas. It's not a game in the traditional sense, but it comes bundled with a balance board that will inevitably become part of Nintendo's gaming repertoire. It has been in short supply since it came out, so tracking it via websites such as Wiipreorder.co.uk might be the best way to guarantee a copy.
Wii Music: Not a title that will appease hardcore gamers, but can be enjoyable provided you have enough people playing. The fun you have playing Wii Music may eventually prove short lived, but memories of spending Christmas waving your arms around like lunatics will be priceless.
Warioland: The Shake Dimension: Despite being largely overlooked, Warioland: The Shake Dimension is a classic Nintendo game brought bang up to date. The beautiful hand-drawn visuals and the addictive gameplay is a perfect example of Nintendo doing what they do best. Its only real flaw is that it's over too quickly. Wario's latest offering is definitely one to look out for if you want some old-school fun.
Best Of The Rest
Guitar Hero: World Tour: Possibly the greatest rhythm action title of all time. Guitar Hero: World Tour takes the series to the next level - albeit one that Rock Band beat it to. The instruments are the best around and the tracklist doesn't get any more varied. There's even the ability to create your own masterpieces. World Tour is also available on the PS3, PS2 and 360.
Shaun White Snowboarding: If you're going to purchase Shaun White then do it for the Wii - provided of course you have a balance board. Snowboarding has never been so much fun, and with the balance board under your feet it almost feels like the real thing. This may be the only chance you'll get for a white Christmas so be sure to check it out. Also available (without balance board) on the 360, PS3, PS2, DS, PSP and PC.
PC
Price: Depends on what you want out of it. Expect to pay at least £1,000 for a decent gaming PC.
Online: One of the sole purposes in purchasing a PC is for its online capabilities.
Why buy it: For many people it will simply be a case of upgrading instead of starting from scratch. Constant upgrading means that technologically the PC is constantly evolving and ahead of the pack. The downside is that PC gaming can be an expensive hobby.
Exclusive Titles
Spore: Possibly the most interesting and innovative title of all time, Spore even won recognition from Time magazine for its novel representation of the evolutionary process. What other game takes the player from a single cell organism to a conqueror of time and space?
Football Manager 2009: It may be out on the PSP too, but the reality is that Football Manager 2009 is best enjoyed on the PC. With more players and stats than ever, the latest incarnation of the management sim continues to get better and better.
World Of Warcraft: Wrath Of The Lich King: If you own a PC, chances are you'll be one of the millions of Warcraft subscribers. Wrath Of The Lich King has already broken records and offers fans the chance to enjoy new character classes and battle techniques as well as the ability to up their levels to level 80.
Best Of The Rest
Fallout 3: Post-apocalyptic mayhem from the makers of Oblivion. Fallout 3 is close to gaming perfection and offers a lengthy single player mode with plenty of replay value. Players have lots of opportunities to be naughty or nice, just don't let the big guy in red find out. Can also be purchased on the 360 and PS3.
Left 4 Dead: Squad-based zombie shooter from the makers of Half Life. Left 4 Dead is essential for anybody with a PC and broadband connection. Not only does it capture the Hollywood zombie genre perfectly, but it's also one of the finest multiplayer experiences of all time. It's also available on the 360.
Nintendo DS
Price: £99, usually with at least one game.
Online: Wi-Fi compatible, can be linked with other DS consoles within a short radius.
Why buy it: The most successful of all the current gaming systems, with a massive user-base. Features dual screens, one of which is touch sensitive and boasts many titles that utilise this innovative feature. The DS is very reasonably priced too.
Top Titles
Professor Layton And The Curious Village: Point-and-click style adventuring, featuring lots of inventive puzzles that utilise the DS's capabilities perfectly. It may be viewed as a child's game by some, but give it a chance and you cannot fail to be won over by its charm.
Spore Creatures: The DS version of Spore is an exclusive story-based incarnation of the evolution sim. Players take control of a creature and are required to help it evolve in order to survive and unlock further portions of the game. Spore makes good use of the DS's built in Wi-Fi, as players can share their creations with other users.
Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades: Decades is an impressive title considering the DS's supposed lack of power. The tracklist is decent, the gameplay works well and it's only slightly let down by the poorer sound quality of the DS. Any Guitar Hero that fits into the palm of your hand is worth a look at, but you'll look slightly odd playing it on a bus or train.
PSP
Price: Basic units can be purchased for £100, but it's worth spending a little bit more for increased memory space.
Online: The PSP has a built-in web browser and boasts connectivity with other PSPs and the PS3.
Why buy it: Extremely powerful for a handheld console and is capable of reproducing only slightly inferior PS2 quality graphics. It also contains an impressive range of multimedia features. The PSP isn't as accessible as the DS, but it contains more in the way of hardcore games, less in terms of innovations.
Top Titles
Locoroco 2: The first title had gamers humming for weeks and this sequel looks like it will do the same. Mixing bouncing blobs and music has never been so much fun, and only the stone hearted will fail to smile after hearing the first few beats pumping from the speakers. Perfect handheld gaming that's simple and offers plenty of replay value.
Midnight Club: LA Remix: A perfect example of what the PSP is capable of, with a racer that, while not fully able to reproduce Los Angeles, throws in a bit of Tokyo for good measure. LA Remix is a game that will keep you busy for a long time, with lots of challenging objectives similar to its next-gen counterparts.
Lego Batman: The Videogame: Perfectly suited to the handheld market and the PSP version looks almost as impressive as the 360 and PS3 titles. Lego Batman is simple, funny and can be played in short bursts, making it a great game to play on any journey. With the ability to play co-op with another PSP owner, you have a title that can be enjoyed over and over again.
Price: £129.99 upwards.
Online: Yearly subscription at a cost of £39.99; isn't wireless out of the box.
Why buy it: The 360 is often touted as the console of choice for the hardcore gamer. The online aspect can be expensive, but it has a wide user base and has the expertise of Microsoft behind it. The 360 is now the cheapest piece of hardware on the market and so it won't break the bank. However, the console itself can be unreliable and has a history of breaking down.
Exclusive Titles
Fable 2: Never before has a game offered so much in terms of lifestyle choices. Fable 2 puts the player in charge of their destiny and while game-changing decisions are few and far between, the ability to subtly influence your surroundings makes Fable 2 an essential 360 title.
Lips: The Xbox 360 version of Singstar is an enjoyable party game, featuring 40-odd songs and a decent microphone peripheral. Two microphones equals even more fun, and belting out the duets provides essential entertainment around a traditional log fire.
Best Of The Rest
Rock Band 2: For the time being Rock Band 2 is a 360 exclusive, so why not take the opportunity to rock out with this rhythm action title before everybody else can? With the new peripherals an improvement on the old and the ability to use Guitar Hero instruments, Rock Band 2 is a superb addition to group gaming sessions.
Price: Most outlets sell a PS3 with a game for under £300, but it pays to shop around.
Online: Wireless out of the box, with a download network that sports some impressive titles at a reasonable price.
Why buy it: Although a bit more expensive than its competitors, the PS3 is technically the most powerful console on the market and has a built-in Blu-ray DVD drive.
Exclusive Titles
Resistance 2: The first title was decent without ever being essential. Resistance 2 on the other hand is commanding rave reviews and looks like being a serious contender to Microsoft's Gears Of War in the exclusive shooter category. With quality online modes and impressive level design, Resistance 2 should be near the top of anyone's Christmas wish list.
Motorstorm: Pacific Rift: Much like Resistance, Motorstorm launched with the PS3 and impressed gamers without really blowing them away. Pacific Rift adds a great deal to the original title. For a start it has double the number of courses and much more variety to boot. Pacific Rift can be a tactical affair that rewards experimentation. The only downside is that it's so fast and furious that you won't be able to fully appreciate the rich and vibrant scenery.
Best Of The Rest
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009: Despite improvements to FIFA 09, Pro Evolution Soccer is still the finest football title available. Anybody who grew up playing the PS2 incarnations will feel right at home with the PS3 joypad, making this version the one to recommend. Much improved on last year's effort, with no frame rate issues and improved game modes, both on and offline. It's also available on the PS2, PSP, PC and 360.
Price: Retails at £179.99, many stores now offer a free game in addition to Wii Sports.
Online: Wireless out of the box, with a great online store that sells classic retro games. A friend code is needed to play online, which slightly restricts the experience.
Why buy it: Extremely user-friendly and innovative. Anybody can play the Wii and it has attracted a user-base far beyond the core gamer demographic. 2008 hasn't done much to appease the hardcore gamer, with criticisms that there are too many party, family and non-games, although this makes it ideal for youngsters.
Exclusive Titles
Wii Fit: OK, so it came out in April, but Wii Fit will no doubt be the most sought after title this Christmas. It's not a game in the traditional sense, but it comes bundled with a balance board that will inevitably become part of Nintendo's gaming repertoire. It has been in short supply since it came out, so tracking it via websites such as Wiipreorder.co.uk might be the best way to guarantee a copy.
Warioland: The Shake Dimension: Despite being largely overlooked, Warioland: The Shake Dimension is a classic Nintendo game brought bang up to date. The beautiful hand-drawn visuals and the addictive gameplay is a perfect example of Nintendo doing what they do best. Its only real flaw is that it's over too quickly. Wario's latest offering is definitely one to look out for if you want some old-school fun.
Best Of The Rest
Shaun White Snowboarding: If you're going to purchase Shaun White then do it for the Wii - provided of course you have a balance board. Snowboarding has never been so much fun, and with the balance board under your feet it almost feels like the real thing. This may be the only chance you'll get for a white Christmas so be sure to check it out. Also available (without balance board) on the 360, PS3, PS2, DS, PSP and PC.
Price: Depends on what you want out of it. Expect to pay at least £1,000 for a decent gaming PC.
Online: One of the sole purposes in purchasing a PC is for its online capabilities.
Why buy it: For many people it will simply be a case of upgrading instead of starting from scratch. Constant upgrading means that technologically the PC is constantly evolving and ahead of the pack. The downside is that PC gaming can be an expensive hobby.
Exclusive Titles
Football Manager 2009: It may be out on the PSP too, but the reality is that Football Manager 2009 is best enjoyed on the PC. With more players and stats than ever, the latest incarnation of the management sim continues to get better and better.
World Of Warcraft: Wrath Of The Lich King: If you own a PC, chances are you'll be one of the millions of Warcraft subscribers. Wrath Of The Lich King has already broken records and offers fans the chance to enjoy new character classes and battle techniques as well as the ability to up their levels to level 80.
Best Of The Rest
Left 4 Dead: Squad-based zombie shooter from the makers of Half Life. Left 4 Dead is essential for anybody with a PC and broadband connection. Not only does it capture the Hollywood zombie genre perfectly, but it's also one of the finest multiplayer experiences of all time. It's also available on the 360.
Price: £99, usually with at least one game.
Online: Wi-Fi compatible, can be linked with other DS consoles within a short radius.
Why buy it: The most successful of all the current gaming systems, with a massive user-base. Features dual screens, one of which is touch sensitive and boasts many titles that utilise this innovative feature. The DS is very reasonably priced too.
Top Titles
Spore Creatures: The DS version of Spore is an exclusive story-based incarnation of the evolution sim. Players take control of a creature and are required to help it evolve in order to survive and unlock further portions of the game. Spore makes good use of the DS's built in Wi-Fi, as players can share their creations with other users.
Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades: Decades is an impressive title considering the DS's supposed lack of power. The tracklist is decent, the gameplay works well and it's only slightly let down by the poorer sound quality of the DS. Any Guitar Hero that fits into the palm of your hand is worth a look at, but you'll look slightly odd playing it on a bus or train.
Price: Basic units can be purchased for £100, but it's worth spending a little bit more for increased memory space.
Online: The PSP has a built-in web browser and boasts connectivity with other PSPs and the PS3.
Why buy it: Extremely powerful for a handheld console and is capable of reproducing only slightly inferior PS2 quality graphics. It also contains an impressive range of multimedia features. The PSP isn't as accessible as the DS, but it contains more in the way of hardcore games, less in terms of innovations.
Top Titles
Locoroco 2: The first title had gamers humming for weeks and this sequel looks like it will do the same. Mixing bouncing blobs and music has never been so much fun, and only the stone hearted will fail to smile after hearing the first few beats pumping from the speakers. Perfect handheld gaming that's simple and offers plenty of replay value.
Midnight Club: LA Remix: A perfect example of what the PSP is capable of, with a racer that, while not fully able to reproduce Los Angeles, throws in a bit of Tokyo for good measure. LA Remix is a game that will keep you busy for a long time, with lots of challenging objectives similar to its next-gen counterparts.
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