Most Anticipated PC Games for the 2010 Holidays

Each year, video game companies save some of the most-wanted games for release during the highly competitive holiday season. 2010 is no exception, with some highly-anticipated games set to hit shelves in the 4^th quarter of the year. This year's hottest new releases are all involved with existing franchises, including Blizzard's uber-popular World of Warcraft and the Fallout series. Here are the top 5 games most likely to be on your favorite PC gamer's holiday wish list.

Most Anticipated PC Games for Holiday 2010

Fable III - $49.99 | Release Date: October 26, 2010

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The third installment in the Lionhead Studios' Fable RPG series promises the franchise's trademark good vs. evil gameplay. This chapter takes place 50 years after the end of Fable II, with you playing as the child of Fable II's hero. Strive to rule as King (or Queen) of the land of Albion - but at what cost? The choices and sacrifices you're willing to make will determine whether you become Albion's beloved monarch or bring the kingdom to the brink of ruin.

Most Anticipated PC Games for Holiday 2010

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm - $39.99 | Release Date: December 7, 2010 (Unconfirmed)

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Since its 2004 release, World of Warcraft has been the 800-pound gorilla of the MMORPG genre. Many games have been hailed as the "WoW-killer," but none have managed to unseat the giant. Catalysm is the third expansion pack for Blizzard's award-winning game, set in the Warcraft fantasy universe. This expansion sees the world of Azeroth set on fire - literally - with new challenges and endgame play against Deathwing, leader of the Black Dragonflight. Among the big changes in store is the addition of two new races, the Worgen and the Goblins, and the increase of the character level cap to 85.

Keep in mind that this is an expansion pack, rather than a full game. In order to play Cataclysm, players will need to already own World of Warcraft and have an active subscription to the game.

Most Anticipated PC Games for Holiday 2010

Call of Duty: Black Ops - $59.99 | Release Date: November 9, 2010

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Fans of first-person shooters like Quake and Team Fortress 2 will love the latest installment in the Call of Duty (CoD) franchise. Black Ops features the gritty, fast-paced combat you'd expect from a FPS without the gimmicks of many other FPS franchises. Use every kind of weapon imaginable to keep your kill streak going, from guns and explosives to a crossbow and your fists. Compete online in multiplayer games, or play through the single-person storyline. This is the perfect holiday gift for the bloodthirsty gamer on your list.

Most Anticipated PC Games for Holiday 2010

Fallout: New Vegas - $49.99 | Release Date: October 19, 2010

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This is literally the latest installment in the post-apocalyptic Fallout series, taking place 3 years after Fallout 3. This game is set in Las Vegas, a city that wasn't directly targeted by nuclear attacks during the Great War of 2077. Gambling, rival factions and intrigue are among the gameplay features of New Vegas, with an optional "hardcore" mode making things even more interesting. The special edition for New Vegas includes some cool items, including a deck of playing cards and a graphic novel. For Fallout fans, springing for the upgraded version may make for an excellent gift.

Fallout:New Vegas comes with an "M" (Mature) rating from the ESRB, thanks to gore, strong language and drug use. Save this one for the adult gamers on your shopping list.

Most Anticipated PC Games for Holiday 2010

Medal of Honor - $59.99 | Release Date: October 12, 2010

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More than a decade since the first installment in the series, the Medal of Honor shooter franchise is still going strong. Previously set in World War II, the latest Medal of Honor game takes place in present-day Afghanistan. In the game, you play as a member of the US' ultra-elite Tier 1 Operators - a real-life special forces contingent whose number only in the low hundreds. With single and multiplayer modes offering up classic shooter mayhem with a modern spin, Medal of Honor is sure to become popular with fans of the MoH series. It'll be interesting to see whether this game or Call of Duty:Black Ops will come out ahead among FPS gamers - and whether either will unseat the recently released Halo:Reach.