Gamerrazzi Gift Giving Guide: The Top 25 Video Games this Holiday

20. Sonic Unleashed – Sonic has been around since the early days of gaming. I remember my first experience with Sonic, when I visited my cousin’s house near daily in the summer. Their house had a Sega system and we only had the NES and SNES. So, we only had the chance to  play Sega when we visited and stayed at my uncle’s house. In the summertime, that meant I was over there quite a bit, and I had the chance to play the Sega all the time. This, of course, meant I had unlimited opportunities to play the original Sonic the Hedgehog. While, at the time, I much preferred the Nintendo systems to Sega, Sonic was the shining point for this alternate system.

Sonic Unleashed is also known as Sonic World Adventure. In the game, Sonic must restore the world, which has been smashed into pieces by his nemesis, Doctor Eggman. At the same time, Sonic must deal with his darker, duel identity, Sonic the Werehog. Sonic transforms into his Were-self in the evening hours with two, distinctly specific types of gameplay that make the game unique to all other Sonic titles.

You can purchase Sonic Unleashed for PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and other systems for  under $50.

19. Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts – I was interested in this title from the moment I heard about it at E3, merely because it is one of those family friendly games. I remember playing other Banjo Kazooie (and the similarly named Crash Bandicoot) games with my son, when he was younger and we had a Nintendo 64. The family titles are always great because they create excellent bonding opportunities for parents and their children. Rated E for Everyone, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts is sure to be a hit in any household.

This game takes place not quite ten years after the events of Banjo Tooie. Developed exclusively for Xbox 360, the game brings back together Banjo and Kazooie for another exciting adventure. This time, the two must take on one another. While they are initially not fit, and have gotten overweight, when Banjo and Kazooie must take on one another or face toiling away for L.O.G. (Lord of Games) in a video game forever, their plans to battle one another are interrupted by none other than a headless Grunty, who now has a makeshift body. Banjo Kazooie features fun levels, new moves, and an interesting story. This is the family friendly game I most recommend for Everyone, this holiday season.

You can pick up a copy of Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts at Amazon for $26.67.

18. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Bundle – I’ve never really gotten into the Guitar Hero craze, but I have many friends who are absolutely obsessed with the game. The Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Bundle does look pretty cool. If anything could get me into the Guitar Hero craze it’d be this game.

The vast majority of the 70 tracks available on this game, are actual Master tracks. This is the Legends of Rock edition so there are some great songs featured, including Barracuda, School’s Out, Cult of Personality, Rock and Roll All Nite, One, Talk Dirty to Me, Miss Murder, Raining Blood and Paint it Black. The wireless controller is a welcome addition and the Wii has extra features that include using rumble and an internal speaker.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is available for PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, and Playstation 2. You can pick up a copy of the game bundle at Amazon for $99.

17. Tomb Raider: Underworld – There is something attractive and mysterious about Lara Croft. This game actually continues after the ending of Tomb Raider: Legend. Elements of past Lara Croft adventures are explored in this game and it has a linear place in the Tomb Raider game series.

The eighth title to feature Lara and her sleek bodied, tomb raidering ways is a hit with new and old fans alike. Receiving generally positive reviews means this title has found a place midway through the top 25 must have video games this holiday.

The game has Lara trying to find Avalon, believed to be the resting place of the mystical King Arthur; a place she believes her mother is at. After discovering Niflheim, believed to be the resting place of the dead by the Norse people, Lara soon believes that Niflheim and Avalon have much in common. In fact, they may just be the same place. With adventure, danger and plenty of Lara Croft-esque gun-fights, the older crowd is going to want this for the holidays.

You can pick this up at Amazon for $56.99. The game is available for PS3, Xbox 360 and there is a cheaper version for Nintendo DS, which costs around $30.

16. LittleBigPlanet – I’ve been obsessed with the game LittleBigPlanet ever since I saw the preview for it at E3. This game is a rockin’ family offering with puzzles, platform based action and control of avatar Sackboys. This title is specifically for the PS3, and it is one of those titles the entire family can enjoy.

Part of the appeal of this game is that you can create your own levels, content and then upload and share it with other people in the LittleBigPlanet community. This customizable aspect also allows for the downloading of other, custom-created content, making the entire gaming experience unique to every single player who plays. Developed by Sony Entertainment, LittleBigPlanet has received massive critical praise from gamers, game reviewers and game developers alike.

You can purchase a copy of LittleBigPlanet for the Sony PS3 for $59.99.

Check out More Games on our Countdown on Page Three

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Written by Dominick - Visit Website
Dominick is in his late 20s. Having been born in the 80s gave him a unique advantage to experience the development of gaming into the massive industry it has become today. From the days of Atari to the purchase of his very first NES (before his 10th birthday), Dominick has been involved in gaming. Initially, a huge fan of Nintendo, he's delved more into the exciting world of Xbox 360, and everything Microsoft in recent years. His favorite games are Action/Adventure, Shooters (especially WWII or Historical based games) and racing games. Of course, some days he enjoys playing an old fashioned game featuring his original gaming heroes, Mario and Zelda. In a wheelchair since age 16, Dominick has the unique perspective of gaming with limited mobility. When not gaming, he is a human rights activist, a creative mind, and he enjoys spending time with his family.