Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Must-have Games for Xbox One, PS4, PC, Wii U, 3DS

The force is strong with these games

Pre-orders

 

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End – PS4 Pre-order

uncharted 4 a thief's end

Several years after his last adventure, retired fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, is forced back into the world of thieves. With the stakes much more personal, Drake embarks on a globe-trotting journey in pursuit of a historical conspiracy behind a fabled pirate treasure. His greatest adventure will test his physical limits, his resolve, and ultimately what he's willing to sacrifice to save the ones he loves. 

Street Fighter 5 – PS4, PC Pre-order

street fighter v

The legendary fighting franchise returns with STREET FIGHTER® V! Stunning visuals depict the next generation of World Warriors in unprecedented detail, while exciting and accessible battle mechanics deliver endless fighting fun that both beginners and veterans can enjoy.

Lego Marvel Avengers – PS4, Xbox One, Wii U, PS3, Xbox 360, PC Pre-order

lego marvel avengers

Avengers Assemble! Experience the first console videogame featuring characters and storylines from the blockbuster film Marvel's The Avengers and the much anticipated sequel Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron, and more. Play as the most powerful Super Heroes in their quest to save humanity.

XCOM 2 – PC Pre-order

xcom 2

Twenty years have passed since world leaders offered an unconditional surrender to alien forces and XCOM, the planet’s last line of defense, was left decimated and scattered. Now the aliens rule Earth, building shining cities that promise a brilliant future for humanity on the surface, while concealing a sinister agenda below and eliminating all who dissent from their new order. Only those who live at the edges of the world have a margin of freedom. Here, a force gathers once again to stand up for humanity. Always on the run, the remnant XCOM forces must find a way to rise from the ashes, expose the insidious truth behind the occupation, and eliminate the alien threat once and for all.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – PS4, Xbox One, PC Pre-order

deus ex mankind divided

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided directly follows the aftermath of the Aug Incident, a day when mechanically augmented citizens all over the world were stripped of control over their minds and bodies, resulting in the deaths of millions of innocents. The year is now 2029, and the golden era of augmentations is over. Mechanically augmented humans have been deemed outcasts and segregated from the rest of society. Crime and acts of terror serve as a thin veil to cover up an overarching conspiracy aimed at controlling the future of mankind.

Far Cry Primal – PS4, Xbox One, PC Pre-order

far cry primal

Welcome to the Stone Age, a time of omnipresent danger and limitless adventure, where giant woolly mammoths and saber-toothed tigers rule the Earth, and humanity is at the bottom of the food chain. As the last survivor of your tribe, you will learn to craft a deadly arsenal, fend off fierce predators, and outsmart enemies to conquer Oros and save mankind.

Hitman – PS4, Xbox One, PC Pre-order

hitman 2016

Welcome to the World of Assassination. You are Agent 47, the world's ultimate assassin. Backed by your long term handler, Diana Burnwood and the power of the International Contract Agency you operate on all continents across the globe to unravel a conspiracy originating from the highest echelons of the world's power elite.

The Division – PS4, Xbox One, PC Pre-order

the division

Tom Clancy’s The Division is a revolutionary next-gen experience that brings the RPG into a modern military setting for the first time. In the wake of a devastating pandemic that sweeps through New York City, basic services fail one by one, and without access to food or water, the city quickly descends into chaos. As an agent of The Division, you’ll specialize, modify, and level up your gear, weapons, and skills to take back New York on your own terms.

Overwatch – PS4, Xbox One, PC Pre-order

overwatch

Clash on the battlefields of tomorrow and choose your hero from a diverse cast of soldiers, scientists, adventurers, and oddities. Bend time, defy physics, and unleash an array of extraordinary powers and weapons. Engage your enemies in iconic locations from around the globe in the ultimate team-based shooter. Take your place in Overwatch. The world needs heroes. 

Quantum Break – Xbox One Pre-order

quantum break

From the creators of Max Payne and Alan Wake, comes Quantum Break, a revolutionary entertainment experience that blurs the lines between television and gaming. With Quantum Break, Remedy Games delivers an action-packed, fast paced game in which you bend and shape time in order to survive. Master unique powers, bending and warping time to outmaneuver and outwit the enemy. Epic moments of destruction, captured in time, become your playground.

Multi-platform (Xbox, PS4, PC)

 

Fallout 4 – $59.99 Amazon / Steam

fallout 4

If you've played Fallout 3 or New Vegas, you'll be right at home in Fallout 4. There are differences, but mostly for the good. If you're new to the franchise, there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you get past that the game really opens up. Fallout 4 does not hold your hand. It's all about discovering the post-nuclear wasteland on your own. And you're going to have a blast doing so. Continue to Review

Need for Speed – $59.99 Amazon / Origin

need for speed

This year's Need for Speed, which EA claims to be a reboot of sorts, feels a lot like Underground 2. From the night-time only racing, the similarities between Bayview and Ventura Bay, the interactions between other racers with your phone, to the various types of races you'll partake in. Continue to Review

Just Cause 3 – $59.99 Amazon / Steam

just cause 3

Set in the sun-drenched Mediterranean island republic of Medici, a land crumbling under the ruthless rule of General Di Ravello, you take control of series’ hero Rico Rodriguez, a man on a mission to liberate his homeland and the people of Medici…by any means necessary. With over 400 square miles of complete freedom from sky to seabed and a huge arsenal of weaponry, gadgets and vehicles, prepare to unleash chaos in the most creative and explosive ways you can imagine. 

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 – $59.99 Amazon / Steam

call of duty black ops 3

If you love Call of Duty multiplayer, get Black Ops 3, because the controls and shooting is solid, even if the game as a whole does little to advance the franchise. If you love zombies, get it, as it has the best zombies mode the franchise has see yet. Continue to Review

Life Is Strange – Up to $19.99 PS4 / Xbox / Steam

life is strange

Max Caulfield has been absent from Arcadia Bay, Oregon for five years now. Upon returning home she discovers that Rachel Amber, a fellow senior at school, has disappeared under mysterious and rather uncomfortable circumstances. While trying to uncover the truth Max reunites with an old friend, Chloe, and makes a startling discovery: Max has the power to rewind time.  Continue to Review

Assassin's Creed Syndicate – $59.99 Amazon / Steam

assassin's creed syndicate

Amazing setting, entertaining protagonists, well-written dialogue and some truly fun new gameplay mechanics make Syndicate shine above the rest. It may not match the excitement of being a pirate assassin on the open seas of the Caribbean, but Syndicate proves that perhaps this eight year old franchise still has some new tricks up its sleeve. Continue to Review

NBA 2K16 – Up to $59.99 Amazon / Steam

nba 2k16

The NBA 2K franchise is back with the most true-to-life NBA experience to date with NBA 2K16. Guide your MyPLAYER through the complete NBA journey, take control of an entire NBA franchise, or hone your skills online competing against gamers from around the world. With animations that provide smoother movement and more realistic articulation, it's certain to be the most authentic NBA gaming experience yet.  

FIFA 16 – Up to $59.99 Amazon / Origin

fifa 16

FIFA 16 has developed many of its previous game modes, building new features into career mode and the likes, but the introduction of FIFA Ultimate Team Draft is the REAL exciting feature this year. Continue to Review

NHL 16 – $39.99 Amazon

nhl 16

EA's NHL 16 is an improvement in every way over NHL 15. But there was really only room to go upwards. Some people will love the gameplay, others won't. It's really something you have to play and tweak. It has a strong number of modes and ways to play, is fun when playing with others, and it looks great. Continue to Review

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain – Up to $59.99 Amazon / Steam

metal gear solid 5: the phantom pain

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is a game that needs to be played not just by fans of the series, but fans of stealth games in general. It might have some rough edges, but those are just slight, easily overlooked blemishes on an otherwise pristine diamond. Continue to Review

Star Wars Battlefront – $59.99 Amazon / Origin

star wars battlefront

Star Wars Battlefront is a great multiplayer game — both visually and mechanically. It offers a robust suite of multiplayer modes that are fun for the most part and will keep you busy for hours on end — or at least until the first expansion arrives. Continue to Review

Game of Thrones – A Telltale Games Series – Up to $29.99 Amazon / Steam

telltale game of thrones

Based on HBO’s award-winning television drama, Game of Thrones – A Telltale Games Series tells the story of House Forrester, a noble house from the north of Westeros. Caught up in the events of The War of the Five Kings, they are placed in a precarious position where members of the household must do everything they can to prevent the house from meeting its doom. Continue to Review

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – $37.89-59.99 Amazon / Steam

the witcher 3 wild hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a huge world filled with life, adventure, and ultimately combat. The world, characters and story comes to live in CD Projekt Red's conclusion to The Witcher Trilogy. A few minor bugs can't ruin what is otherwise a masterful game.  Continue to Review

Mortal Kombat X – Up to $59.99 Amazon / Steam

mortal kombat x

Fast, fluid, bloody, disgusting and yet so beautiful. It's an amazing successor to the 2011 title that one-ups it in nearly every way. Diverse characters, plenty of modes and a robust suite of multiplayer options make it a must for fans of Kombat. Continue to Review

Project CARS – $27-49.99 Amazon / Steam

project cars

Project CARS is a technically impressive, gorgeous, accessible yet challenging, and definitely worth of your gaming collection. It's a passion project with detail, freedom, and amazing dynamic weather that will alter the race track. Continue to Review

PC & Mobile

 

Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns – $49.99 GW2 Store

guild wars 2 heart of thorns

Heart of Thorns —  Guild Wars 2's first expansion — lets you explore new training opportunities for your character beyond level 80 and master abilities like hang gliding in the jungle, tearing the bark off of heavily armored Mordrem, or building new collections that earn precursors to a legendary weapon. Continue to Review

Civilization: Beyond Earth – Rising Tide – $29.99-59.99 Steam

civilization beyond earth rising tide

Beyond Earth extended the Civilization franchise from its historical setting into the possible futures of science fiction. Rising Tide extends Beyond Earth to new frontiers on the planet’s surface and beneath its seas, adding even more choices and diplomatic options as you continue to build “just one more turn” toward a new vision for the future of humanity. Continue to Review

Cities: Skylines – $29.99 Steam

cities skylines

At its core, Cities: Skylines is about the joy of building, and it works. It gives you the freedom to do what you want and build to your heart’s content, without absurd restrictions. For those who just like to build, you can do that. For those who enjoy mastering the finer strategies of managing a city, you can do that too. There’s something for everyone, and if it’s not in the base game, you can probably find it in the Steam Workshop. Continue to Review

Grand Theft Auto 5 PC – $59.99 Steam

gta 5 pc

Rockstar brought their latest and biggest game to Xbox One and PlayStation 4 last year — Grand Theft Auto 5. Earlier this year, the game finally made its way to PC. If you're a PC gamer, GTA V is an entirely different beast, as mods can change the way you play and shake things up. And don't forget about the multiplayer experience, GTA Online. Continue to Review

Pillars of Eternity – $44.99 Steam

pillars of eternity

Recapture the deep sense of exploration, the joy of a pulsating adventure, and the thrill of leading your own band of companions across a new fantasy realm and into the depths of monster-infested dungeons in search of lost treasures and ancient mysteries. Continue to Review

The Talos Principle – $39.99 Steam

the talos principle

The Talos Principle is a first person exploration puzzle game that focuses on philosophy. You must decide what to do, what your purpose is (we play as a robot) and how to progress while making the correct decisions. 

Massive Chalice – $19.99 Steam

massive chalice

The big focus in Massive Chalice is bloodlines and generational gameplay. What that means is your heroes will be able to marry other heroes, produce children and then play as those characters, and continue the bloodline. That also means positive and negative traits will transfer over through your lineage as well.

Lara Croft GO – $4.99 Google Play / iTunes App Store

lara croft go

Lara Croft GO is a turn based puzzle-adventure set in a long-forgotten world. Explore the ruins of an ancient civilization, discover well-kept secrets and face deadly challenges as you uncover the myth of the Queen of Venom.

PlayStation 4

 

Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection – $42.99 Amazon

uncharted: the nathan drake collection

From the groundbreaking storytellers at Naughty Dog, comes the genre-defining epic that revolutionized adventure storytelling with the power of the PS4 system. Experience one of the most revered game series of all time as you follow the perilous journey of Nathan Drake across the globe, from humble beginnings to extraordinary discoveries. Meet an unforgettable cast of characters as Drake puts life and friendship on the line in a race against ruthless enemies to uncover unimaginable treasure.  Continue to Review

Bloodborne – $26.99 Amazon

bloodborne

Bloodborne follows the player character through the decrepit Gothic city of Yharnam, whose inhabitants have been afflicted with an abnormal blood-borne disease. Upon mysteriously awakening in Yharnam during the night of "The Hunt", the Hunter begins to unravel Yharnam's intriguing mysteries while hunting down its many terrifying beasts. Continue to Review

The Talos Principle – $43.50 Amazon

the talos principle

The Talos Principle is a first person exploration puzzle game that focuses on philosophy. You must decide what to do, what your purpose is (we play as a robot) and how to progress while making the correct decisions. 

Madden 16 – $39.99 Amazon

madden 16

As the third entry on the current console generation, Madden NFL 16 doesn’t feel like a rehash of past years. There are redesigns, quality of life changes, and gameplay alterations that feel like they’ve been in the works for quite some time. Desperately needed changes to the passing game, new controls, all-new animations, a more intuitive UI, and a new scouting system make Madden 16 feel like more than a fresh paint of coat. Continue to Review

Destiny: The Taken King – $47.45 Amazon

destiny the taken king

Destiny’s latest release, The Taken King, radically rearranges nearly every aspect of the game. Archaic fundamentals have been brought up to speed or replaced entirely. The overarching mythos has tighter stitching. The new stuff is in a class of its own but has improved original content with its arrival. This is hardly an expansion, let alone DLC. The Taken King is closer to a reboot, a ground-up overhaul of Bungie’s blue-sky project. Continue to Review

Batman: Arkham Knight – $38.08 Amazon

batman arkham knight

It's been quite some time since I've seen a game so polished, so visceral and so fun. The game also proves that you don't need thousands of square miles to explore just to get your money's worth. What's the bottom line? If you're a Batman fan, chances are you already own it. If you're not a Batman fan but appreciate well designed games with a ton of variety, great story and a visceral combat system, definitely check out Arkham Knight. Continue to Review

Rock Band 4 – $249.99  Amazon

rock band 4

Rock Band 4 is all about you forming the best cover band known to man, creating your caricatured band of misfits, and traveling the world in pursuit of fame and money. This time though, you have a say in your band's destiny. Will you choose to buy a van to help you with traveling to different venues, or do you choose the sleezy band manager who can guarantee you more money. Continue to Review

Guitar Hero Live – $97.99 Amazon

guitar hero live

Guitar Hero Live is easily a reinvention of the entire series. Gone are animated bands and caricatured characters like Lars Umlaut and in their place are pre-recorded FMVs with real people, real instruments, real crowds. Gone are the days of five multi-color buttons in a row and in their place is a far superior three-on-three button placement, that easily makes for some realistic chord action. Continue to Review

Xbox One

 

Rise of the Tomb Raider – $59.96 Amazon

rise of the tomb raider

If you've enjoyed Crystal Dynamics' reboot, then chances are you'll love Rise of the Tomb Raider that much more. Lara's latest adventure is bigger and better in nearly every way. The settings and environments are bigger, the tombs are plentiful, the combat is exciting and Lara herself is once again brought to life thanks to Camilla Luddington's fantastic performance. Continue to Review

Halo 5: Guardians – $58.87 Amazon

halo 5

The story of Master Chief continues in the fifth game in the Halo franchise. There’s certainly still room for 343 to improve upon many of these newly implemented features, but it’s certainly the right step in a promising direction. It's still the same Halo we've grown to love over the years, but better, more evolved. Continue to Review

Forza Motorsport 6 – $48.64 Amazon

forza motorsport 6

If you were among those that felt that Forza 5 was a small step in the wrong direction for the series, Forza 6 seems like the perfect apology letter to its dedicated fans. Everything about it, from presentation to gameplay is refined to maximize fun, and eliminate grind. If you own an Xbox One, considering yourself lucky to be able to play, what is easily the best racing simulator on the market. Continue to Review

Massive Chalice – $19.99 Xbox Store

massive chalice

The big focus in Massive Chalice is bloodlines and generational gameplay. What that means is your heroes will be able to marry other heroes, produce children and then play as those characters, and continue the bloodline. That also means positive and negative traits will transfer over through your lineage as well.

Madden 16 – $39.99 Amazon

madden 16

As the third entry on the current console generation, Madden NFL 16 doesn’t feel like a rehash of past years. There are redesigns, quality of life changes, and gameplay alterations that feel like they’ve been in the works for quite some time. Desperately needed changes to the passing game, new controls, all-new animations, a more intuitive UI, and a new scouting system make Madden 16 feel like more than a fresh paint of coat. Continue to Review

Destiny: The Taken King – $48.97 Amazon

destiny the taken king

Destiny’s latest release, The Taken King, radically rearranges nearly every aspect of the game. Archaic fundamentals have been brought up to speed or replaced entirely. The overarching mythos has tighter stitching. The new stuff is in a class of its own but has improved original content with its arrival. This is hardly an expansion, let alone DLC. The Taken King is closer to a reboot, a ground-up overhaul of Bungie’s blue-sky project. Continue to Review

Batman: Arkham Knight – $37.19 Amazon

batman arkham knight

It's been quite some time since I've seen a game so polished, so visceral and so fun. The game also proves that you don't need thousands of square miles to explore just to get your money's worth. What's the bottom line? If you're a Batman fan, chances are you already own it. If you're not a Batman fan but appreciate well designed games with a ton of variety, great story and a visceral combat system, definitely check out Arkham Knight. Continue to Review

Rock Band 4 – $249.96 Amazon

rock band 4

Rock Band 4 is all about you forming the best cover band known to man, creating your caricatured band of misfits, and traveling the world in pursuit of fame and money. This time though, you have a say in your band's destiny. Will you choose to buy a van to help you with traveling to different venues, or do you choose the sleezy band manager who can guarantee you more money. Continue to Review

Guitar Hero Live – $99 Amazon

guitar hero live

Guitar Hero Live is easily a reinvention of the entire series. Gone are animated bands and caricatured characters like Lars Umlaut and in their place are pre-recorded FMVs with real people, real instruments, real crowds. Gone are the days of five multi-color buttons in a row and in their place is a far superior three-on-three button placement, that easily makes for some realistic chord action. Continue to Review

Nintendo Wii U & 3DS Games

 

Splatoon –  Wii U – $59.97 Amazon

splatoon

A family friendly, quirky shooter that uses ink map coverage mechanics, Splatoon fills a spot in the Wii U line-up of games we didn't know existed. Oddly enough, who needs a Call of Duty on the Wii U when Splatoon is there? Continue to Review

Super Mario Maker – Wii U – $54.97 Amazon

super mario maker wii u

Whether you had previously touted that you could have made Mario levels far more interesting and challenging than Nintendo, or you simply want a buffet of community created levels served to you on a platter, Super Mario Maker satisfies both of those scenarios. Continue to Review

Xenoblade Chronicles X – Wii U – $59.96 Amazon

xenoblade chronicles x

Continue to Review

Yoshi's Woolly World – Wii U – $44.96 Amazon

yoshi's woolly world

Yoshi's Woolly World provides an enjoyable experience for gamers of all skill levels. Mellow Mode and badges can save even the newest of newbies, while going for completion without badges can challenge long time fans of the genre. Yoshi's Woolly World is far and away the best successor to the original Yoshi's Island. Continue to Review

Super Smash Bros. – Wii U – $52.98 Amazon

super smash bros. wii u

Super Smash Bros. has received a steady stream of content since it released, still making it one of the best games to own on the Wii U. The stages might be hit or miss, but Nintendo proves once again that pitting its various mascots and characters against each other is still the best way to spend your way around a crowded TV. Continue to Review

Yo-Kai Watch – 3DS – $39.00 Amazon

yo-kai watch

Yo-kai Watch puts you in the shoes of a girl or boy protagonist who comes across the titular device, which allows them to see Yo-kai, or demons, in the regular world. Turns out these Yo-kai are causing trouble and are often the source of mischief. Sometimes it even causes more pressing issues like having your parents fight. During your adventure, you'll be tasked with dealing with these pesky Yo-kai as well as befriending them to add them to your team. Continue to Review

The Legend of Zelda: TriForce Heroes – 3DS – $36.38 Amazon

triforce heroes

TriForce Heroes is a rock solid multiplayer-only game. (There's a single player option but it is not humanly feasible to beat it.) You'll enjoy an entertaining story, get to dress in tons of so-dumb-they're-funny outfits, and hunt for treasure in your pursuit of the ultimate fashion statement. Continue to Review

Xenoblade Chronicles 3D – 3DS – $35.49 Amazon

xenoblade chronicles 3d

If you already own a New 3DS and have an affinity for JRPGs, it would be a crime to pass Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, especially given its price. Even with the technical limitations, it's astounding that the game in its entirety was able to fit on a 3DS. Continue to Review

Code Name S.T.E.A.M. – 3DS – $18.79 Amazon

code name steam

Code Name S.T.E.A.M. ramps up nicely in difficulty and provides a challenge throughout, but there are times when the enemies can get relentless, become an annoyance, and make you want to start a level all over again despite the fact that you are at the boss. There’s replay value there if you enjoy the challenge, and it’s a charming, enjoyable turn-based strategy game despite the flaws. And even if the game sucked – which it doesn’t – there’s a GIANT ABE LINCOLN STEAMPUNK MECH BATTLING GIANT TENTACLE ALIENS! Continue to Review

wii u / 3ds

xbox one

playstation 4

pc mobile

multiplatform

pre-orders