Best Video Games to Purchase for the 2009 Holidays

Trying to make a purchase for the gamer on your list this holiday season can be tough, especially if they are vague about what they're hoping to play. Here are six of the hottest releases this fall that are not only top choices for the Wii, Playstation 3, X-Box 360, PSP, Nintendo DS and Microsoft Windows, but many include multi-player options to enjoy with friends and are rated anywhere from E for Everyone to M 17+ for Mature 17 and up.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

In stores November 15th, this game is the Wii adaptation of the original side-scrolling Super Mario. Bros, which can be experienced through single player or has the capability for multi-player enjoyment with up to four players total, a great game for weekend fun with families or ideal for parties. New Super Mario Bros. Wii has cooperative and competitive play and is rated E for Everyone.

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

The next highly anticipated installment to the Kingdom Hearts saga is available on the Nintendo DS and features a storyline with Organization XIII members, the much feared and mysterious villains of Kingdom Hearts II. The game explores more secrets about Sora and the Nobodies and has the first multi-player option for the series, in which you and three other friends can team up and control any character of your choice. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days is a must have for any fan of the series and is rated E 10+ for Everyone 10 and up.

Assassin's Creed II

The sequel to Assassin's Creed will be released on November 17th for the Playstation 3, X-Box 360 and Microsoft Windows. This game is an open world, allowing the player to explore Renaissance Italy as Ezio, an assassin and ancestor of Desmond Miles, who appears in the first game. Confront danger, conspiracy and revenge while turning to famous historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci for help. This is an ideal buy for an older gamer. Assassin's Creed II is rated M for Mature.

Naruto Shippuden Legends: Akatsuki Rising

The newest release to the Naruto gaming franchise is available on the PSP, featuring fantastic 3D cell-shaded artwork and a story covering the Kazekage Retrieval arc from the anime. The game allows for players to customize their ninjas and even connect wirelessly to other PSP systems and play either co-op missions or battle one another. Naruto Shippuden Legends: Ataksuki Rising will please any Naruto fan and is rated T for Teen.

The Beatles: Rock Band

This new Rock Band game is available for the Wii, Playstation 3 and the X-Box 360, featuring forty-five songs to play to including, I Am the Walrus and Taxman. The game can have up to six players, is compatible with other Rock Band and Guitar Hero instrument controllers and the game supports up to three microphones to emulate the Beatles' three-part harmonies. This is a wonderful game to play with friends, The Beatles: Rock Band is rated T for Teen.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

The sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare will be released on November 10th, available on the Playstation 3, X-Box 360 and Microsoft Windows. The first person shooter includes a six to ten hour long campaign, a co-op version as well as an online multi-player feature that has such modes as, Search & Destroy, Free-For-All and Capture the Flag. Any fan of the previous Call of Duties or FPS (first person shooter) players would be ideal candidates for this game. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is rated M 17+ for Mature 17 and up.