Well, here is the list of the best games for Hardcore gamers from 2010. The list is not in any particular order. These are the games that gamers WANT to own and all would make excellent Holiday gifts.

#1 – Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood - I seriously did not think UBI Soft could top Assassin’s Creed 2, my favorite game of last year. Well kids, Ezio is back and better than ever. Everything that made Ezio cool, as a Master Assassin, is back to allow for more gameplay, and there’s more. You can also play as different character classes, in one of the most graphically detailed and stunningly beautiful virtual worlds to ever be designed. This time, Ezio is fighting as a part of the Brotherhood, as he leads a group against the evil order of the Templar. This battle will take Ezio into the heart of Italy, to Rome, as he vows to take down the Templars and save the guild of Assassins. This takes Assassin’s Creed gameplay to a whole new level, providing endless amounts of fun with brand new Multiplayer Modes where assassin’s compete to be the best. Of course, the Single Player Campaign is just as good, making this one of the hottest titles of the year.

#2 – Medal of Honor - It doesn’t get more realistic than this. In Medal of Honor you’ll step into the middle of combat. This is a reboot of the classic Playstation game of the same name, which takes players into the center of the current day conflict in Afghanistan. While the single player mode is decent, the graphics aren’t always flawless. However, the best part about this game is the Multiplayer. If you are a fan of shooters you can really get in on playing this game. There may have been controversy about getting to play the role of the “Taliban”, but whatever you call it, you still get the chance to play as an Opposing Force. In Single Player, you’ll play through the same campaign U.S. soldiers fought while in Afghanistan, while the multiplayer allows for gameplay as a Rifleman, Special Ops, or Sniper. Whatever mode of play you choose, FPS action encapsulates the whole of gameplay, making it worth the purchase for hardcore shooter fans.

#3 – Fallout: New Vegas - The place to be after nuclear fallout is Las Vegas, which was not directly hit by any nuclear attack. Four years proceeding the successful Fallout 3, players are taken into the wastelands of the post-apocalyptic Mojave Desert and nearby New Vegas. Traversing through parts of Nevada and California, the player is essentially in another part of the states, in the same world of the last title. There seems to be no major link between Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas. The world is the same, but instead of being in the Capital Wasteland, you’ll traverse across the familiar landmarks of Las Vegas. This game is as wicked as its predecessors, with throwbacks to both Fallout 3 and Fallout 2, such as the New California Republic (NCR) from the later. There have been vast improvements in the gameplay of this title, with a massive land to explore, expanded quests, and obsessively entertaining encounters with a plethora of hostile enemies. While the graphics may be slightly off, this is a sequel worthy of purchase by fans of the Fallout series, and post-apocalyptic shooters.

#4 – Fable III - Okay, so this game isn’t all blood and guts like some of the other titles on this list. However, Fable III expands upon the past two Fable titles while still maintaining its RPG adventure core. Playing as the son of the hero from Fable II, you set out to lead a rebellion against the tyrannical king, who just happens to be your own brother. If you are successful, you take over the kingdom and rule it as you see fit. Along the way you can marry various women (and men), have a slew of kids, get STDs from the town prostitutes, make yourself look like a fool while dancing, and choose between being heroic and wicked to earn you the favor (or hatred) of the people who lived in the once great Albion. What makes this game so much fun is the ability to play at your own pace. There are an endless number of side quests, and a variety of ways to interact with people, allowing you to gain extra favor from the citizens (which comes in handy when buying upgrades) and keep you from the straight and narrow path your mission leads you on.

#5 – Shaun White Skateboarding - When I saw this at E3 I knew I would enjoy this game. I am not usually one into the skateboarding games, but for the hardcore sports fan, Shaun White is the authority at making a decent, realistic boarding game. The element I found to be the most interesting was the coloring/repairing of the world, as you skate through it. If I could skate, I would totally want to skate up and down buildings, along bridge edges, and up and down railings. This game takes it to the ultimate. You spend the majority of the time skating as the character you create, which I prefer, but by the end of the game, you can unlock the ability to free skateboard through the world as Shaun White. Really, I picked this for the wicked color scheme and ability to skate around the world, and I have not been disappointed.

#6 – Call of Duty: Black Ops - This has to be the most anticipated title of the holidays. Following the success of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 earlier this year, Call of Duty: Black Ops had tough shoes to fill, and fill it did, surpassing sales records and maintaining a positive image for the Call of Duty franchise. Though this game is a sequel to World at War, Black Ops is far better than its predecessor. The game offers an engrossing campaign for single players as well as a fast-paced Multi-Player element. All modes of gameplay are entertaining, though there is a level of difficulty associated that keeps the game fresh. In single-player mode, you are a part of a CIA Black Ops team during the 1960s Cold War. This game combines stealth with kick buttery, taking warfare to a whole new level. Next to Halo Reach, Call of Duty: Black Ops is the best, most hardcore shooter you WILL buy this holiday season.

#7 – Halo Reach - As much as I love the latest release in the Halo franchise, it also pisses me off. This game is HARD. Gameplay is challenging, no matter the level, and I have played on all of them. The game will appeal to long term Halo fans, because it follows the typical structure for a Halo game. There are many familiar elements, from the missions to the stylistic design of enemies. However, the developers were not kidding when they said they were working on making harder enemies and developing a more compelling world for the characters of Halo Reach. You play as a replacement for a wounded member of Noble Team, who discover the Covenants is involved in nefarious things. It is your goal to take down the Covenant, though the ultimate sacrifice you’ll make is for the greater good of Reach. Multiplayer offers the chance to take on another player locally or online, as well as through Xbox live and a variety of modes, like the Slayer and Stockpile. Whatever mode you play, Halo Reach is the most solid FPS on this list, which makes it worthy for purchase this holiday season.

#8 – James Bond 007 – Bloodstone - Yeah, so this game is not quite as hardcore as the shooters I typically play, but I absolutely love playing as James Bond. Continuing on with a gaming structure similar to Quantum of Solace, Daniel Craig returns as the world’s most famous spy. The story, for me, is irrelevant. I prefer going from scene to scene and taking down a slew of bad guys. To do this, players can do silent takedowns, where they stealthily take out enemies. I have always been one to prefer to use my guns, especially ones with silencers, but there is something ultra satisfying about waiting around a corner, ready to choke hold an enemy into submission. This has the feel off a big budget, action flick, where you get to be the bad ass, kicking butt while taking no prisoners. Though some of the harder gamers may scoff at this title, this provides more than a few hours of mindless, James Bond inspired fun.

#9 – Alan Wake - There aren’t very many authentic, hardcore, psychologically thrilling games out there. Alan Wake is one of them and the game psychologically thrills quite well. The stunning graphics compliment the hardy world of Bright Falls. You’ll feel like you are in a movie, playing the central character of Alan Wake. Alan loses consciousness, after attempting to save his wife Alice, who has been dragged into a lake. Upon awakening, Alan enters a deluded world of darkness and horrors too terrifying to see the light of day. What makes this work as a game is its episodic nature. The story is compelling and builds upon itself, until it reaches the ultimate climax. The thing is, instead of being the spectator, as you would when watching a movie, in this game, you are the star who must go through the experience to see the story played out until the very end.

#10 – God of War III - The ultimate adventure of Olympian proportions, God of War III returns to the time of the Ancients. Though I am not fond of the idea of storming Mount Olympus to kill Zeus (my own personal preference) it does seem fun to have Kratos and the Titans take on the famed Gods of Olympus. The gameplay is more brilliant than the graphics. That is saying a lot because God of War III looks absolutely stunning. I have always felt the games for PS3 were graphically superior to those on other systems and this title boasts what I am talking about. It is a dream come true to see the Gods personified, and they are done so well in this game. This is the final chapter in the fate of Kratos, but this action adventure story is worthy of comparison to any of the Greek legends that have been told over time.

All of these games I’ve had a chance to check out personally, and can say, without a shadow of a doubt, they ROCK!

Honorable Mention

Here are a few mentions of games we think would be great for hardcore gamers, but cannot recommend with first hand/knowledge or experience. Buy at your own risk!

Mafia II - Having played through the Mafia II demo for Xbox 360 I can honestly say if the game is anything like the demo, it’s pretty hardcore. Who doesn’t want to step into the shoes of a mobster, at least in a video game? The glitz and glamor that made a generation clamor for The Sopranos is encapsulated within this game, which features music and a backdrop straight out of America’s Golden Era. Featuring a brand new, 2K Czech game Engine, play in this gorgeously designed virtual world is smooth and precise with gun fights, explosions, rifle targeting and even hand to hand combat working seamlessly. With the amount of violence you’ll endure in Mafia II, 2K offers this title as an M for Mature game, and if you’re mature enough to handle it, this game is bound to reward you with all its cool new features, an upgrade from the original Mafia title.

Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare - What’s more fun than some wild, wild west shootin’ fun? How’s about adding in zombies to the mix? I never thought I’d see the day when the undead would infest the old west, but here Rockstar Games has done just that. More of a set of DLC packs, that add on to the original Wild West, 3rd person shooter game, this set includes the Undead Nightmare Pack, the Liars and Cheats Pack and the Legends and Killers Pack. While all of these sound pretty cool, I think I’ll stick with the zombies. There’s nothing like dueling with someone already dead, with nothing to lose in such a fight. This set includes a complete overhaul of the original game, with John Marston fighting to find a cure to the zombie infestation, with new weapons and a new world design. While all that made Red Dead Redemption worthy of play remains, these packs appear to add the right amount of zing to freshen up this old title.

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Music Games

Singstar Dance - You can dance and sing, in this amazingly fun game. Play alone or with a group to songs by the Backstreet Boys, Lady Gaga, La Roux, and New Kids on the Block. The game features the entire SingStar library of downloadable content, with many songs starting to be available with both dance and singing. Singstar Dance requires the Playstation Move Controller. The game is absolutely addicting in the amount of fun you can and will have. You can play with adults, kids or a mix of both. It does not matter who you play with, because when Singstar Dance is involved it’s time to get the party started! This is the game you need to have under your tree this year. It’s the one game your whole family can enjoy together, regardless of age!

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock - The party continues with the latest release from the Guitar Hero team. With a brand new, included guitar, in the bundle, you and your friends/family can rock your way through a selection of songs. From Queen to Muse, Def Leppard to Linkin Park, some of the hottest rock tunes are included. There is also the ability to tap into the vast, Guitar Hero library of songs, while a variety of bands continue to add their music to it, to offer the ultimate rocking experience for Guitar Hero fans. This game may appeal to the whole family, but it is recommended for older kids, due to the complexity of playing the various instruments (which may be frustrating for young children). You’ll at least need a Guitar, but you can play other instruments like Bass, Drums, and a Mic to sing. The game offers the ability to play in Story Mode or Quickplay Mode, which just lets you pick whatever songs you want, and from there you can jam. For families with older kids, teens or college students, this is one of the presents you’ll want to get the family, this year.

DJ Hero 2 - Get your turntables ready! The sequel to the popular DJ Hero is doper, more challenging and full of crazy mixes that will make anyone who plays successfully the ultimate DJ Hero. The bundle we received came with two turntables, a microphone, and the game. This is pretty much all you need to start spinnin’. We must confess that it is really hard to use the mic and sing/rap these mixes easily. They are confusing and overlapping, but that is not the real gem of the game. The best part is spinning wicked mixes and performing “tricks” that make each mix sound dope and unique. This game can take you head to head with your friends both online and off in the ultimate DJ battles. Fun for parties or playing on your own, DJ Hero 2 is unique from other music games because it puts you in control, in the driver’s seat, at the club, and really who wouldn’t want to experience that? This game is recommended for older kids, especially teens, if you are getting it for the family.

Just Dance 2: We liked Just Dance, so we were sure we’d like the sequel, especially since it features a bunch of new songs. Just Dance was the game that started the dancing craze in gaming. It was the first to offer such dancified motion. Available only for the Wii, up to four players can boogie down to songs by Beyonce Knowles, Blondie, Madonna, Donna Summer, Fatboy Slim, The Jackson 5, Ike and Tina, Benny Benassi, Qunicy Jones, and Cher. This is no different than the original. It just features new music, and new dances. Dance games are all the rage right now. It’s time to go back to the roots of dancing video games by picking up a copy of Just Dance 2.

Michael Jackson: The Experience: The Wii, PSP and Nintendo DS versions are available in time for the holidays. Jackson fans with PS3′s and Xbox’s will have to wait until early next year to receive their copies. The game is a dance game based on the dances, songs, and music of the legend of pop, Michael Jackson. There are multiple modes of play (mostly following avatars of Michael Jackson as he dances). The game features all of his best songs including Bad, Thriller, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal and Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough, as well as his The Girl is Mine duet with Paul McCartney. If you love music, then you need to own this game. However, it may not be available for you this holiday. Just keep that in mind before purchasing the Wii version or the PSP/Nintendo DS versions, which feature less songs.

Colorful Kidfare

Plants vs. Zombies: Ok, as a hardcore kind of gamer, I (we) rarely ever fall for the puzzle style games. That is, unless they are a game like Plants vs. Zombies. We really enjoyed this game when it became available for the PC. Now that it has been released on the Xbox, we’re giddy in our excitement. Who wouldn’t want to play any game with zombies? Further, who wouldn’t want to counter attack the zombies with plants? You know, if we’re ever in the zombie apocalypse, we know the best defense is shooting plants, of course! This game is incredibly addicting. The kids love it almost more than we do. The concept is really simple. Zombies are trying to get to your house and your only line of defense is shooting, eating and sun spitting plants, exploding cherries, and big hunks of rock. It is your job to set up a defense before they breech the perimeter. You’ll have fun doing this with or without the kids, so get this game right away!

Raving Rabbids: Travel in Time: These crazy little rabbids are fun and the kids love them. In the latest adventure, they travel in a washing machine looking time machine through various periods of history. Their goal is to go back in time and change history. You’ll play through a selection of minigames, taking advantage of the Wii MotionPlus capabilities. The thing we like about games like this is it inspires the kids to want to learn more about actual history. As the rabbids travel through prehistoric times where cavemen are attempting to make fire, and as they explore the histories of the Mona Lisa, the Titanic and the Pony Express, your children are learning about unique historical concepts without setting foot in a classroom AND they are having fun while doing it.

Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 - It’s the cast of Harry Potter, in Lego form. You’ll explore scenes from the first four books/movies of the popular Harry Potter series, all while playing as a Lego! This game is fun. You often do not know what you’re doing exactly, but since there is so much world to explore, you can get away with just fooling around and still have fun. This game is addictive, even if you are not a Harry Potter fan (but c’mon who has kids and isn’t at least entertained by the films?!). It excites the inner child within you. I do not know a child who did not or does not play with Legos, at some point in their lives. Some of us adults still play with Legos. This game gives adults an excuse to play games with their kids, and trust us, the kids will be as into it as the adults. This is a MUST HAVE game this season, because if you do not own it, you’re just not cool!

Golden Sun: Dark Dawn: We are huge fans of the original titles in the Golden Sun series. Though we miss the old characters, such as Isaac, Garet, Felix, Sheba and Jenna, a few of those oldies make an appearance here. This is a new generation of adepts, who are the children of the original two games. While the difficulty of the game isn’t extreme (it is a game both kids and adults can play), the look of the graphics and the overall feel of Golden Sun: Dark Dawn will both give the tingles of nostalgia to old fans of the series and inspire a generation of new fans. This is a new adventure in an age-old story of good vs. evil. While the DS isn’t the best gaming system out there, it is certainly the right platform for the next chapter in one of our very favorite gaming series’.

Sonic Colors: Sonic fans rejoice. Though this is a more modern take with cooler graphics than the old school Sega games we used to play, there are so many elements of the old games that reach out to those who miss these earlier titles. You are still Sonic. You are still running around like a crazy hedgehog in order to get gold rings and finish in record time. You also return to fight Dr. Eggman, and save an alien race known as the Wisps, who he is using in his intergalactic amusement park, in his latest attempt to take over the world. Sonic Colors is a great way to introduce a new generation of young gamers to one of the legendary characters in early gaming history, and have fun while doing so as you indulge in playing the latest Sonic adventure.

Disney’s Epic Mickey: We wanted to play this game ever since it was announced and debuted at E3. The colorful world and the introduction of Mickey in a more mature game setting seemed irresistible. In Epic Mickey, you’ll be using your paint brush to battle enemies and fix the world created by Yen Sid that Mickey has helped to damage. Using a paint brush and thinner, characters and objects in the environment can be re-envisioned by painting or removed with paint thinner. The in game morality system determines the path your character takes in this open ended game. With the kind of gameplay Epic Mickey offers, kids and parents can enjoy Mickey’s first video game adventure on the Nintendo Wii, together. With familiar friends and faces, this game will be a winner in any holiday stocking this season.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold the Videogame: Any gamer who likes Batman is going to like this title. Initially, we thought it’d be something the kids would enjoy more than us, but apparently we were wrong. While the game is repetitive it also offers some really cool gameplay options. This is a knock em, sock em, beat em up kind of Batman game based on the animated series of the same name. You’ll play co-operatively with another superhero, such as Robin, Blue Beetle, and Bat-mite. The game is available for Wii and Nintendo DS, with up to two different players simultaneously playing in the Wii version. There is no better way to celebrate after the holidays than playing as Batman and Robin with your child, which is why we recommend you pick up a copy of Batman: The Brave and the Bold today.

Super Scribblenauts: Puzzle lovers unite. This is fun, a puzzle game, and a learning tool. It involves thinking as you come up with words and spelling. Kids who have yet to learn to read or write may be frustrating trying to play this without a friend or family member helping them. You play as Maxwell, and unlike its predecessor, Super Scribblenauts allows you to add characteristics to objects you type, creating them in order to help you move through the puzzles. This is one of those learning games that seems to fun to actually be a learning game. If you want the kids to expand their cranium this holiday, this is the video game you’ll want to buy. Learning that is fun; what more can you ask for in a Nintendo DS video game?

MySims SkyHeroes: You’ll have a blast playing and customizing with the kids, as you play the latest MySims title together. This is a game that is available for all the major consoles and the DS. We prefer it on the Xbox, but it is not too different between systems. You will have the chance to customize your character and the planes you fly, as you take to the skies. Gameplay involves racing, shooting down enemies, and a variety of other options. You can earn a variety of bonuses/boosts to help make your missions easier, as you help the good guys take on the evil Morcubus and his group of drones. From Boss Battles to Co-op play, this game has everything in a colorfully designed package, which will appeal as much to its E10 audience, as it will their parents.

Kinectimals: Who doesn’t love adorable animals? This is one of the first titles available for the new, Xbox 360 Kinect system. You (and the kids) will have the chance to interact with animals as though they are your pets. However, these aren’t just any ordinary animals. There are a selection of baby cat cubs, including a Cheetah, Royal Bengal Tiger, Black Panther, African Lion and African Leopard. You’ll have the opportunity to unlock additional cubs, through gameplay, including Bornean Clouded Leopards, Servals and Bobcats. On the Cute-o-Meter this game gets an absolute ten. Of course you should not expect this to be a hardcore game. This fits strictly under the cute and cuddly and it is recommended for parents and their children or animal lovers who want to bond with virtual animals.

Donkey Kong Country Returns: This holiday, give it all to the Kong, Donkey Kong, with Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Nintendo Wii. You’ll play as Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as you navigate through a selection of familiar mine cart levels. As the Kongs you can swing from vine to vine and collect bananas. The story has you collecting stolen bananas, that the animals of DK Island have taken while under the spell of the Tiki Tak Tribe. Fans of Donkey Kong can rejoice. Though the graphics are updated, Donkey Kong Country Returns has the look and feel of previous titles in the Donkey Kong series. Besides, what family member won’t go bananas over this title?

Super Mario Galaxy 2: Mario heads back to space to take on his longtime enemy Bowser, in a new attempt to save Princess Peach. This is quite similar to Super Mario Galaxy, but there are different galaxies to explore. Essentially, this is a continuation of the previous title. If you are a Mario fan then you know the story, you know your mission, and you’ve been waiting for the release of this title since it was announced at E3 over a year ago. You’ll take on familiar looking enemies in unique environments. Mario is always a crowd pleaser in our home, so it’s always going to be a game the entire family enjoys playing. As far as family games go, this is the one to buy this holiday season.

Super Mario All-Stars: Limited Edition: For a limited time, you and the kids will have the chance to re-visit Mario and the old gang. This is a reissue of the Super Mario All-Stars game that was released for the SNES. We both had SNES consoles and we also owned the SNES version. Now, it has been upgraded for play on the Wii. You’ll get to navigate through familiar themes, levels and sounds as you play through Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros. 2 and Super Mario Bros. 3. The game also comes with memorabilia, a 32-page booklet that hardcore Mario fans with appreciate. Mario is the plumber that started an entire generation of gaming, so why not own his most popular games, with support for the Wii? You owe it to yourself and your family to bring a little Mario into your lives this holiday.

More Mature Family Fun

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1: This is going to be a game you buy based on name alone. A lot of the movie to video games aren’t as great, and this one is not spectacular. However, fans of the Potter series will enjoy the familiarity of the elements. Like the movie, this is the first of a two-part video game series. The game is fairly quick for experienced gamers and prevents little challenge. However, it does feature first-person shooter moments and less experienced gamers or older kids who are fans of the series are going to get more out of this title. There is a reason this is on the family guide and not the hardcore gamer guide. Buy this for your family and not for you. It is going to be a game played because it’s Harry Potter, not because it presents awesome, challenging gameplay.

Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions: Play as four different Spidey’s in four different dimensions (with four different voice actors, including the extremely talented Neil Patrick Harris). When the “Tablet of Order and Chaos” is shattered into pieces during an altercation with Mysterio, various dimensions of the Marvel Spidey Universe are affected. You’ll weave your way from web to web, while playing as the Amazing Spidermanr, a 1930′s Spiderman known as Spiderman Noir, the future Spiderman (Spidey 2099), and young Ultimate Spiderman. The game switches between first and third perspectives, and uses an array of acrobatic and combat tactics to help you through a slew of situations on your quest to restore order and balance to the multiple realities. While parents and older kids can really get into this rated T title, it’s best the little ones avoid it until they are old enough to appreciate the storyline.

Madden 11 - Football fans rejoice at the release of a brand new Madden. Honestly, it is not so different from Madden 10, but what differences are there…make all the difference! Featuring a tighter gameplay offense and new play-calling system known as GameFlow, the offensive action is seamless. While defensive play continues to remain weak, it is not so bad that it is going to interfere with playing this game. Plus Madden 11 features the hottest players in the NFL today, including Super Bowl MVP, Drew Brees, who dons the cover of this new Madden game. While Madden 11 has been out for a while, those who haven’t had a chance to pick this up need to. This version of Madden is much friendlier to beginners, thanks to GameFlow, so this would be a great place to start your kids, by introducing them to the fun that is Madden.

NCAA Football 11 - If you love college football, getting a copy of NCAA Football 11 is a no-brainer. This game offers tighter, more realistic play than past versions. We’re Michigan fans. There is no greater sport in the Midwest than college football, and we get our fill here with NCAA 11. You’ll play as your favorite players and top teams. If you’re anything like our family, then you’ve started your kids off on the right track, getting them into your favorite team. Nothing says bonding like a football game played together with parents and kids taking turns on plays and cheering each other on. Pick this up for your favorite football fans and it is bound to be a very Happy Holidays in your house.

ModNation Racers: Developed with the whole family in mind, this crazy, animated kart racing game is a crowd pleaser. The coolest part of ModNation Racers is the “mod” part, as you step into the design and development seat. A central part of the game is the User Generated Content you have the ability to help develop and then share with a network of other gamers around the globe. You and your family will have the chance to develop unique characters, cars and race tracks with track environments in excellent detail. The races become your world, which you make on your own, and then can utilize. Download the content of others and race on your own in this unique game for the Playstation 3. There is also a PSP version, but we think the PS3 one is cooler.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit: It’s time for the family to head to Seacrest County for a fast-paced advneture. It will have you racing through an open course world or online against various other racers. Due to the interactive nature of the game, which now allows friends to race head to head in the new social network developed for Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, we recommend this for families with older kids. Featuring tons of exotic cars, pulse pounding police chases and a selection of race styles and race destinations, its no wonder Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is being named the number one racing game of 2010. This is an exhilarating ride no matter whether you are the one in the driver’s seat or not and is bound to already be on your older child’s must have game list this holiday.

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Just like any other area of gaming, the quest to design the perfect casual game is competitive. This year there were some tough contenders. Here is a list of our ten favorite games in the casual arena. We recommend you pick one (or all) of these up for the casual gamer in your life!

Without further ado:

CSI: Fatal Conspiracy - If you love CSI, which many people do, then you are going to love this game. CSI: Fatal Conspiracy was obviously developed for fans. Those who are not into the show won’t get how cool this game is. The real fault here is in the fact that it is not going to appeal to those who do not like CSI, so all those casual gamers who do not like CSI can stop reading and move on to the next, non-CSI oriented game on this list. This game corresponds with season 10 of the series, so you’ll be playing with the team that is led by Laurence Fishburne. This is shorter than your average video game, like you’d expect a casual games to be, with five primary cases you’ll work through.

The benefit is you’ll get to play with nearly every member of the CSI team, almost as if you were in the show, yourself, and the cases are weirdly interesting (they get better as you go along in the game). You’ll also be led around, as you look for evidence and then head back to the lab to process it. Naturally, you are going to get the best experience playing the PC-version of this game, due to its casual nature, but it is also available for Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3. If you have a CSI fan in the family, pick this up! Or, you may want to check out the latest CSI DS version, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation — Unsolved!

Plants vs. Zombies - To quote Ashtyn, “this is the “FUNNEST” casual game ever.” There is something totally awesome about plants shooting zombies to death, but, you know, they don’t just die. They fall apart before they die. When you get to the roof levels you can beat them with corn. It’s fabulous and it promotes nutrition (ok, maybe not). If anything, it makes you want to start storing up corn in the event of the zombie apocalypse! Either way, this game is fun for adults, fun for kids, and it’s also addictive.

A word of warning for those who choose to play this on the Xbox. It’s harder, so frustration levels may grow for the little ones. Regardless, if we had to rank casual games in order of “you must own this or you suck” this would be listed at number one. Buy yourself this PopCap game right away, for the holidays. Then, go and buy a copy for all your family and friends. You won’t regret the purchase.

Super Scribblenauts – If you have kids, and you worry about them not getting anything out of the games they play then we highly recommend Super Scribblenauts. This is a game of words. It promotes reading, writing (typing) and spelling. You play as Maxwell and the object of the game is to collect Starites by inputting words that are a part of the game’s vocabulary. The game allows the addition of adjectives in front of the objects (i.e. blue frisbee) or you can get even more creative (i.e. teeny weeny polka-dot bikini). Maxwell receives clues about what items to input, so this is a brain-bending puzzle game. The thing is, Super Scribblenauts is actually a LOT of fun. This is a game of imagination and versatility. Available for the DS, your kids won’t want to leave home without it.

Family Feud Decades It’s time for FAMILY FEUD! We’ve both been addicted to the Facebook version of Family Feud. We admit it. Even if the answers are lame, cheesy, and not usually what we expect. Well, we are a glutton for punishment, because Family Feud Decades offers not one, but four different versions of the game everybody secretly hates (due to it’s sometimes lack of realistic answers) yet cannot seem to stop playing.

Family Feud Decades offer over 2,500 different questions and the cool thing is that you get to play with questions and a theme/set that reflects one of four decades; the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s. You get to play in single player or party mode, choose from three levels of difficulty, and you get to customize your look. Dom’s a hippie and Ashtyn is all hardcore and grungy. While this is fun for a bit of time, you won’t want to spend hours upon hours with this game. Still, if you want to find a way to play a fun game with the family this holiday, this is the one for you!

Tetris Party Deluxe - This game is going to succeed on the mere fact that this is Tetris. The old game you know and love has been re-invented for a modern audience. You can play in six different game modes with plenty of enhanced playing options. Customize your game with your Mii to make play a little more personal and play against your friends in fast paced, colorful, multiplayer rounds of Tetris. The fun is in the chance to play Tetris, yes, good old fashioned, classic-style Tetris, with a group of friends. This is fun for groups of adults, groups of kids, families of all shapes and sizes and anyone else who likes Tetris. We recommend you get this as a stocking stuffer or keep it for yourself!

Hollywood Squares - Calling all Hollywood Squares fans! This game falls into the same trap all of the other games shows to video games fall into. Hollywood Squares is fun to play in short spurts or with large groups. It is not going to be something you’ll want to play on your own for days at a time. This one is not quite as cool as Family Feud Decades for the mere fact that questions are limited and easy. However, if you have kids, this game will be fun, because they will be able to participate. That is the point of a game like this!

You’ll pay through 20+ different games with your customized avatar and your squares consist of celebrities like Kathy Griffin and Brad Garrett. The AI for the game isn’t exactly difficult, even when playing on the hardest mode of game play, but if you get a group of kids, they will be all over this like white on rice. We do not recommend this strictly for adults for the mere fact that these questions are bound to get boring, but for the youngsters, this offers some great fun!

Sonic Colors DS - Retro Sonic fans, get your kids! It’s time to introduce them to the buzzing blue hedgehog from your childhood/teen years. Good things come in small packages, so the way to enjoy Sonic in a casual setting is on the DS. You (and your children) have the chance to enjoy Sonic in a whole new adventure (it is also available for Wii, too). Dr. Eggman has returned with a new, diabolical plan that Sonic has to stop, before the evil Eggman can take over the universe.

Disguising his plan under the guise of a brightly colored, amazingly fun, interstellar amusement park that floats above Sonic’s home planet, Dr. Eggman invites Sonic to show him he really is up to nothing nefarious, but looks can be deceiving. When Sonic discovers a race of aliens being held captive at the park that Eggman is using to harness their energy, it is up to him to put an end to it. This is classic Sonic fare, as you travel through loop de loops collecting coins and taking on baddies. With the DS, you can take the game with you anywhere you go, and trust me you are going to want to. When you buy this for the kids this holiday you’ll be sure to want to play Sonic Colors yourself, too!

The Sims 3 - Expanding upon earlier titles, The Sims 3 has already proven its success in its first week of sales. Everything you love about The Sims, the open-ended gameplay, the life simulation structure, and the interactivity with an AI community of Sims is available in The Sims 3. Instead of Wants and Fears, grant your Sims wishes to achieve greater amounts of Lifetime Happiness. Your Sims can experience the life cycle from baby to elder and even face death from old age or through an accident like fire or drowning. The Sims around you have the ability to grow and flourish, as well, thanks to the new story progression option. Either way, The Sims 3 is another great gaming option that will allow you to waste hours upon hours of your life, playing it!

Bejeweled 3 - A PC favorite amongst casual gamers, the latest Bejeweled version, Bejeweled 3, has been released, just in time for the holidays. In this highly anticipated sequel from PopCap games, Bejeweled 3 offers play in four standard modes: classic, zen, quest and lightening, as well as four secret modes: Butterflies, Diamond Mine, Ice Storm, and Poker. There are eight different gem styles in a variety of the different modes and levels, and the combinations of gameplay options allow for endless amounts of gameplay. We know many people already addicted to Bejeweled 2 and the original Bejeweled title. It won’t take long for you and your loved ones to get just as addicted to Bejeweled 3 when you purchase it for them this holiday.

Monopoly Streets - Think of a tripped out version of Monopoly and you have Monopoly Streets. Our Xbox Avatar got to ride on the ship, and it was wicked cool, during some of the games we played. It’s Monopoly in a variety of settings you unlock as you go along. The first one is a 3D version of the classic board, dubbed Monopoly City. You can, of course, also play on the classic board, but what’s the fun in that. You play against a selection of crazy AI characters that act stupid-silly the entire game. The goal is to collect properties and money without going bankrupt. You can do that buy buying houses, building on them, getting cash from the Community Chest and taking a Chance. While this isn’t the coolest game on our list, it definitely provides hours of fun for the whole family.

Technorati Tags: Gamerrazzi, 2010 Holiday, Gift Guide, Top Ten, Casual Games, Video Games, PC Games, Bejeweled 3, Monopoly Streets, Sonic Colors, Hollywood Squares, Tetris Party Deluxe, Family Feud Decades, Super Scribblenauts, Plants vs. Zombies, CSI: Unsolved, CSI: Fatal Conspiracy

With the 2008 holiday season in full swing, the excitement of what to buy your loved ones may lead you to video game websites. I’m not joking when I say 2008 had some great video game releases. So, here’s my list of the top 25 Video Games you have to buy this holiday, and I’ve made sure to list them in order from great to totally awesome (MUST BUY). Truth be told, all of these games are well worth the purchase, so make sure to consider this list when doing your shopping for your favorite video game enthusiast.

25. Rune Factory 2: A Fantasy Harvest Moon – I’ve been a fan of Natsume and the Harvest Moon games for years. While Rune Factory 2 isn’t truly a Harvest Moon title, it’s close enough in its farm oriented play that it will keep Harvest Moon lovers more than satisfied!

In Rune Factory 2, you actually have the chance to play as two different generations in one family. This is unique to this game and allows for additional, extended game play. Unlike the other Harvest Moon titles, and similar to the original Rune Factory, this game has a much darker overtone. Still, it’s the farming that makes this game and really, who doesn’t like to farm?!

You can pick up a copy of Rune Factory 2 at Amazon for around $40.

24. Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe – The first time I heard about this was around the time of E3 2008. The excitement about this title sort of fizzled off again until its release last month and now it’s made this Top 25 list. While the game doesn’t really follow along with either of the game series’, fans of Mortal Kombat or DC Universe (or both) can really get into this one.

As you might have guessed, in this game, the two worlds have merged. The merger has caused a shift in powers and abilities for many of your favorite characters making gameplay much more interesting and unpredictable.

With the two worlds blaming one another for the merging, they must battle in Mortal Kombat until one world is defeated. This is exactly what you’d expect of a title called Mortal Kombat vs. D.C. Universe.

Mortal Kombat vs. D.C. Universe is available for the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3, You can pick this title up in a Collector’s Edition at Amazon for $64.99.

23. Rock Band 2 – I had the chance to review Rock Band 2 for the Xbox 360 earlier this fall. The game was released by MTV Games in September. The game is also available for the Playstation 3 and the Wii. This game is pure fun and is something the entire family can enjoy. With the new Battle of the Bands mode, amongst other, updated features, your entire family will be rocking in no time, when you upgrade to Rock Band 2.

With compatibility to all of the past content you’ve downloaded, and a massively large, much cooler list of music available, with constant content being added on a consistent basis to the Rock Band 2 library, there is a little something for every Rock Band fan in the bunch. In fact, this is the arena Guns n Roses chose to release the first single from their latest album, and as you might recall, it’s been a number a years since GnR have released anything!

You can pick up your very own copy of Rock Band 2 at Amazon for any of the platforms you use. The game is also available in a bundle with the new Rock Band 2 instruments. The price for this title is $57.

22. Shaun White Snowboarding – Depending on what platform you choose to play Shaun White Snowboarding, you may actually be standing up on your very own snowboarding board. This is great for more active families, but for me (I’m in a wheelchair – I can’t stand up, so snowboarding is unfortunately out) and those who are less active, the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of this game will be more than enough to give you thrills and chills on and off the slopes.

Made with the help and guidance of Shaun White himself, you can play this game with your older kids (it’s rated T for teens, so it won’t be good for the little ones) and the experience is so similar to the experience on the slopes (especially in the Wii version – so I’ve been told) you’ll practically feel the cold air and snow all around you. This is definitely the most lifelike video game I’ve seen for a snowboarding game. I don’t even like snowboarding but I’m totally into Shaun White Snowboarding!

If you’d like to purchase this game for the Wii or for one of the other game systems, pick it up at Amazon for $54.99.

21. Need for Speed: Undercover – I guess 12th times the charm, because the 12th Need for Speed title, Need for Speed: Undercover, is by far one of my favorites in the series. The entire idea of an open road experience, with over 80 miles of uncharted territory is exactly the kind of addition I like to this game. If you like race games, it doesn’t get much better than this. The extensive system of highways and race routes have made this the biggest open track system to date. EA really went out of their way with this title and it shows!

Need for Speed: Undercover is available on a wide variety of game systems including Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, PSP, PC, and a wide variety of mobile devices (Including the iPhone). The game is at its best, graphically on the PS3 and Xbox 360, as is to be expected.

You can purchase Need for Speed: Undercover for $56.99 on Amazon.

Check out More Games on our Countdown on Page Two