The Hottest Video Games to Buy This Holiday Season

I've been a gamer all of my life, and there's no shame in that. Some of my earliest memories consist of me playing the original Mario games on Nintendo Entertainment System - better known as "NES." For this holiday there are plenty of incredible games that have hit the market just in time for the holidays. Here are some of the hottest games to pick up for your, and/or your loved ones, this holiday season:

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (X-Box 360, PS3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, also known as "MW3," is practically the hottest selling game on the market, selling over $775 million worth of games within 5 days. The game, just like the preceding Modern Warfare games, has an action-packed campaign mode, a highly competitive online multiplayer campaign mode and the well-known cooperative "Spec Ops" mode.

Not much has changed since Infinity Ward's last installation in the Modern Warfare series (in terms of online multiplayer); there are only a few differentiations from the fundamental Modern Warfare model. Killstreaks have been jumbled, added, renamed or modified, as have the perks; it uses the same engine as Modern Warfare 2; online game modes are practically the same for the most part; and the community is, well... the same.

The game feels more like an expansion pack overall, but that doesn't mean it's not worth the purchase. Competitive gamers and Modern Warfare fans alike will enjoy this new experience, as the new additions, such as the epic Survival Mode, will take you on a virtual joyride for hours upon hours.

Also, Activision has rolled out with the "Call of Duty Elite." You can learn more about this addition that enhances online gameplay by clicking this link.

Battlefield 3 (X-Box 360, PS3, PC)
I'll admit it: I am completely new to the Battlefield experience, but I couldn't be happier with my spontaneous purchase of this game. I had heard so many great things, especially when there was fanboyism clashes coming from Call of Duty fans. So I decided to see if this game was truly as good as some people said, and I am happy to say that it is a viable competitor. However, Battlefield 3 is somewhat more slow-paced compared to the Call of Duty competition.

Battlefield 3 (pertaining to online multiplayer) generally has much more open maps and emphasizes team-based tactics, which is why there are four different classes to choose from: Assault, Support, Recon and Engineer. Each class has access to different weapons (and their attachments), equipment and abilities. For example, a player utilizing the Assault class has access to Med Kits (which heal teammates within range) and Defibrillators (which revive fallen teammates within a certain time period after their death). Online play is a blast, as teamwork isn't needed, per se, but it makes the game a lot more interesting and you're chances of victory are that much higher.

Vehicles, including land, sea and air vehicles, are included in the game as well.

My only gripe with the Battlefield 3 game is the graphics and the need to download an additional 1.5 GB patch to obtain HD graphics. Even after the download (and yes, I have a new 42 inch HD TV) the graphics weren't that great at all. Call of Duty graphics are, and have been, much better, and there wasn't a patch necessary to download that, either. Also, EA makes players enter a specific online passcode to enable online multiplayer. Without one there is a $10 fee to obtain a new one, so renting this game to test the online experience is unrealistic or expensive.

Overall, Battlefield 3 is a fun game, especially when you want to get away from the pace Call of Duty emphasizes.

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (X-Box 360, PS3, PC)
I've been a huge fan of RPGs for a long, long time - since the creation of games like Chrono Trigger (and Cross) and Final Fantasy games. However, I never truly got into Elder Scrolls, but I've gotten enough feedback from forums, personal friends and reviews to know that this game is pure gold filled with an insane amount of playtime.

Players that engage in this fantastic adventure will find a highly interactive and open virtual world full of quests and monsters will engage, while also honing their abilities and crafting their character in a way that suits their gameplay preferences.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Nintendo Wii)
Zelda games have been a top contending game series since they initially started coming out on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Those of us that are old enough remember the epic golden, shiny cartridges that it came in and the awe-inspiring, immense gameplay that it contained. Now, as time has progressed, add a new story line, much better graphics and the motion sensor Wiimotes that are utilized to hack and slash your foes - it sounds incredibly enticing. The gamer scores and online scores only further solidify the fact this game is one for every Nintendo fan's collection.

Another game that Nintendo fans should have that includes Link, if they don't have it in their collection already, is Super Smash Brothers Brawl. It came out some time ago, but it still holds a great value to it - one of the few Nintendo Wii games on the market that accomplishes that goal.

Others
There are many other games that are being released for the holidays. If you're unsure about these games, then getting virtual currency as a present can never go wrong either, as that allows gamers to purchase games, music, movies, virtual apparel and much more - without them having to leave the comfort of their couch. Accessories such as the X-Box 360 Kinect are always a great idea, too - just remember to get compatible games!