PlayStation 3
This holiday season is going to be overshadowed by the release of the next generation of consoles (the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One), but this is a great time to jump on board with the PS3. The console itself is less costly now than it ever was and there are seven years worth of games to choose from (many of them at a deep discount). Most of the new games being released in the next few years will also be released on the PS3. If your family is looking for a console, but isn’t looking to be on the “cutting edge” of technology, then this is a great choice.
Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus
Ratchet and Clank has been in almost a dozen games at this point and the formula never seems to get old. They run around beautifully crafted levels and take on countless aliens using bizarre and over the top weapons. My personal favorite is the Winterizer, a weapon that turns enemies into snowmen.
Sly Cooper: Thieves in time was largely drowned in the wave of games that came out this spring, but this is a game that families should not miss. The animation is beautiful, the characters are interesting, and the game is challenging enough to keep everyone interested without becoming too frustrated.
Honorable mention should be given to the Sly Cooper Collection which can be purchased for a song.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
LEGO branded games have been the surprise hit of this console generation and LEGO Marvel Super Heroes looks like it is one of the best. It is lower priced than other games on the market ($50) and is loaded with super heroes. Your child favorite is all but guaranteed to be playable. This is an excellent gift for the Marvel fan on your list!
Rayman is a game mascot that was left forgotten by gamers for years until he was resurrected by Ubisoft with the surprise hit Rayman Origins.
Rayman Legends improves on virtually every aspect of its predecessor. The hand drawn art and animations are a joy to look at and the use of licensed music makes this game a treat.
It is on the challenging side, so you should make sure you know your child’s skill level before you buy it. But, this is an excellent gift.for children who love platforming games.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
This was another game that ended up being overshadowed by other releases this past Spring. Lara, one of our staff writers, reviewed the game for us at its launch.
It is a charming game, and the best part about it is the price. It was elevated to “Greatest Hits” status and sports a $19.99 price tag!
Castle of Illusion: starring Mickey Mouse
The title might sound familiar to anyone who played a lot of Sega Genesis games back in the day. This is a spiritual remake of the Genesis title that takes all of the themes from the original game and gives them a more modern look.
The animation is gorgeous. Mickey Mouse is among the most well loved characters ever. The price is low. I recommend grabbing this download only title right away.
Ducktales for the NES is considered one of the best platform games ever made. It was incredibly challenging, but it was one of the first games to allow players to tackle challenges in any order.
Anyone with fond memories of the cartoon will want to take a look here. The developers managed to secure the entire original cast of the series so it will be nonstop nostalgia the whole way through!
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