Christmas Crackers!

Well it's the time of the year that every single Publisher and Developer in the gaming industry relies upon, Christmas. With the global economy still in, or recovering from, a global recession this period is vital to the gaming industry as a whole.

Shoddy re-hashes will not do. Gamers want value and quality for their money these days and the developers will have to rise to the challenge. This attitude can be seen already with some of the bigger titles (Mass Effect 2, Bioshock 2, Aliens vs Predator to name but a few) being delayed until the New Year to allow for them to be completed to the desired quality.

Anyway, onto the games!

Number 1 on almost every gamers list has to be Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. The first instalment was detailed and sexy beyond belief. If the new one is improved, evenly by the slightest amount, in every area then it will be worth every single penny of your money. Take a look:
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Trailer
And let's be honest, the best thing about COD is the online portion. I can't wait!
Available on Xbox 360 and PS3 on the 10/11/2009

Number 2; This is actually going to be a tie between two games. It is totally down to personal choice. Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 or FIFA 10. I have reviewed the previous instalments of these games so lets cut to the chase, the trailers!
Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 Trailer
FIFA 10 Trailer
Now, we all know that Pro Evo is playing catch up, how has it done? Only time will tell. With demos for both games now available on PSN and Xbox Live it's time to pick your winner.
FIFA 10 is released on the 02/10/2009 and Pro Evo fans will have to wait until 23/10/2009 for Pro Evolution Soccer 2010.

Ok so where are we? This next one is a PlayStation 3 only title. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. The original was a bit of a sleeper hit when it was released a few years ago so SCE have a lot to live up to with this follow up. Early reports suggest that it doesn't disappoint, take a look:
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Trailer
Now that looks pretty good!
Uncharted 2 is released on 16/10/2009

Now, every single person over the age of 25 will be drooling over this next one. New Super Mario Bros. Wii! Enough typing, just watch.
Super Mario Bros. Wii Trailer
Now tell me that won't make you feel 10 years old again on your NES. Dripping with retro but looking as nice as next-gen. What more could you ask?
Super Mario Bros. Wii is released on 27/11/2009

And keeping with Nintendo, The Legend of Zelda returns to the DS. After the critical success of The Legend Of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass we now have The Legend Of Zelda: Spirit Tracks.
The Legend Of Zelda: Spirit Tracks Trailer
The last instalment was the first game I ever played on the DS. I couldn't believe how simple yet addictive it was. It used every single function the DS had to offer, from the microphone right down to even closing the DS to perform tasks!
The Legend Of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is released 04/12/2009

Well there are the Christmas Crackers for this year. You know what to buy yourself and/or the kids. Come back very soon and you'll have a list of the Christmas Turkeys! Those to avoid quicker than your old Aunt with the goatee looking for her Christmas kiss.