The 10 Best Video Game Gifts of 2009

Video games are the greatest gifts you can give for Christmas and the holiday season. Looking for ideas on what to buy for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC, and more? Here are the top 10 video game gifts of 2009.

Killzone 2 (PS3)

Although it was released very early in the year, Killzone 2 is a gold standard PS3-exclusive first person shooter. Featuring high-scale graphics and an all-out war unparalleled in today's gaming, Killzone 2 has been compared to the likes of Halo 3 and Gears of War 2 (which are Xbox 360 exclusive).

The plot revolves around the invasion of the Helghast homeworld, Helghan, a planet that itself is a great threat to the ISA. Killzone 2's gameplay is set in 1^st person mode (except during vehicular combat), has a lean and peak cover system, and puts you in the middle of the action in every battle scene. After the impressive campaign, players can spend countless hours on the addictive online multiplayer mode.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is set for release on October 13^th, 2009 and is already a strong contender for Game of the Year. Nearly every aspect of the impeccable predecessor has been improved here. There is now stealth action, competitive and co-op multiplayer, and the cinematic bar has been raised - yet again.

The game has received universal critical acclaim for its visuals and Nathan Drake's adventure cannot be missed this Christmas season.

Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360)

Halo 3: ODST is not just an expansion because it includes all the multiplayer maps of Halo 3 on its second disc, and it offers a brand new full-length campaign mode based on a squad of ODST soldiers. Master Chief is not in this one, making the gameplay more frantic and tactically involved, as you lack superhuman strength and reflexes.

The graphics are not the best in the market but are still great, improving on Halo 3's visuals. One of the additions to ODST is the Firefight mode, in which players can fight onslaught after onslaught of Covenant forces as a team (similar to Horde mode from Gears of War 2).

Rock Band 2 (Xbox 360, PS2, Wii)

Rock Band 2 is one of the best-selling games of 2009 (released in late 2008), allowing up to four players to perform popular rock songs using musical instrument designed controllers. There are new features in this sequel, such as the Drum Trainer mode, Battle of the Bands, and the online World Tour mode. There are literally hundreds of songs and new ones can always be downloaded online.

Forza Motorsport 3 (Xbox 360)

Xbox 360 players will really enjoy Forza Motorsport 3 when it's released on October 27^th, 2009. There are over 400 customizable cars, more than 100 racing tracks, and the number of polygons has been multiplied by ten compared to Forza Motorsport 2.

The real attraction here is the rewind mode that lets you go back and correct mistakes during a race (you can also record it). The online multiplayer is extensive and racers can compete for the scoreboard for being the best car painters, customization, and skill.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360, PC, PS3)

Modern Warfare 2 is nearly guaranteed to break sales records when it hits the stores on November 10^th, 2009. It will continue the storyline of its acclaimed predecessor. There are bigger things going on now and that includes what you can do. There is now the prospect of chasing after enemies on snowmobiles (including shooting while on them) and much more interactive gameplay, raising the standard for the FPS genre.

There is now a Special Ops cooperative mode and the online multiplayer mode has been beefed up. Modern Warfare 2 is a must-have gift for the holiday season.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii)

New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a tribute to the gameplay of classic Mario platforming but it offers its own enthralling experience. Set to hit retail on November 15^th, 2009, the game will be the first to allow co-operative multiplayer (up to four players) and the levels, though completely original, will have everything Mario fans loved about the classics. The Wii remote enables players to use new moves and special items. This game will be a first of many things in the Mario series and is bound to be a top Christmas gift for gamers of all ages.

Batman: Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360, PC, PS3)

Batman: Arkham Asylum was a big surprise for the gaming industry. IGN hailed it not only as the greatest Batman video game but also the greatest video game based on a comic book of all time. Such a title is well deserved when you see the stunning graphics, Batman's visceral melee combat moves (as well as his master detective techniques), the gritty atmosphere of the Arkham Asylum, and an impressive story that features The Joker (voiced superbly by Mark Hamill).

The game does well to combine elements of major story arcs in the Batman comic canon, containing major villains and adversaries - all who want Batman dead.

Dissidia Final Fantasy (PSP)

Dissidia Final Fantasy is one of the best PSP games of 2009, featuring integral characters from the Final Fantasy series and crossing over the genre with fast paced combat. Characters' weapons and armor can be customized and in the Arcade mode exclusive for Western audiences, the gameplay is converted into a traditional fighting mode where RPG aspects are removed and special items won by winning can be used in Story mode. The game is great for die hard Final Fantasy fans and gamers new to the series. It is the perfect PSP gift this holiday season.

FIFA Soccer 10 (PSP, PS2, PS3, DS, Wii, PC, Xbox 360)

FIFA Soccer 10 is possibly the best soccer video game of this generation. Unless of course until FIFA Soccer 11 comes out. Electronic Arts rarely releases a sports game edition that surpasses its predecessor in every right but this game is a real exception.

FIFA Soccer 10 introduces exciting new gameplay mechanics such as 360 degree ball control, key improvements in Manager Mode, enhanced goalkeeper abilities, more aggressive defending, the ability to create your own footballer in Virtual Pro, and more. There is more to do this time around and it leaves fans wondering how EA can follow up this game with FIFA 11, just like they thought with FIFA 09.