Ask any gamer out there what the biggest problem with the holiday season is and most of them will say, "There's too many games to choose from!" While this isn't exactly the worst problem for gamers to have, it does make writing the ol' Christmas wish list a bit harder to prioritize. So to kick off December on the right foot, here are five video games that are guaranteed to be at the top of that nerdy friend of yours wish list:
Assassin's Creed: Revelations (PS3, 360, PC)
International game developer Ubisoft has had major success with the Assassin's Creed franchise, and the latest installment proves no different. Revelations tells the final chapters of assassin Ezio Auditore through the genetic memories of his 21st century descendent Desmond Miles as Ezio travels to Constantinople in the 16th century to continue the fight against the Templar order. The blend of science-fiction elements and historical background has led to one of the most compelling stories told by video games in the past several years, and Revelations delivers a finer experience than any of its predecessors.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (PS3, 360, PC)
For those first-person shooter fans out there, just mentioning the Call of Duty brand is guaranteed to elicit a reaction, be it positive or negative. No matter the response, Modern Warfare 3 brings the shooter-genre adrenaline like never before with break-neck action and explosive set pieces to make Michael Bay blush. Like previous Modern Warfare entries, the single-player campaign is disappointingly short, but the addictive multiplayer options are enough to keep fans trigger-happy for months.
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Nintendo Wii)
There's no argument that the video game industry wouldn't be where it is today without the Legend of Zelda series. Twenty-five years ago, creator Shigeru Miyamoto started a legacy with green-garbed hero Link rescuing Princess Zelda from the clutches of evil. This November saw the release of Skyward Sword, which many reviewers labeled as the greatest Zelda entry ever made. Whether you're a seasoned Zelda fan desperately wanting to know the origins of the Master Sword, or just a fan of great adventure brimming with classic fantasy elements, Skyward Sword is a must-have.
Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (PS3, 360, PC)
The Elder Scrolls games are known for the giant worlds that have consistently lived up to the definition "immersive," and Bethesda Game Studios has become one of the industry's leading experts on it. Elder Scrolls V takes us to the kingdom of Skyrim where its citizens are plagued by political unrest, civil war, and the return of dragons. Overflowing with side stories, dungeons, quests, and factions to take sides with, Skyrim packs nearly 300 hours of gameplay and is the perfect game to lose yourself (and your social life) exploring every nook and cranny.
Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC)
Blizzard Entertainment better start looking over their shoulder; World of Warcraft might have some serious competition on its hands. Taking the world of Star Wars into the massively multiplayer online game genre, The Old Republic seeks to marry the MMO experience with top-notch storytelling and gameplay usually reserved for console games. There will be a monthly subscription fee tied to this title, but with constant updates and patches adding new content, The Old Republic is sure to be around for years to come.
