Tips for Getting the Right Video Game for that Special Gamer in Your Life

Buying a video game as a gift is a lot like buying intimate apparel for a co-worker. There are so many variables, and you'd better know the recipient very well. Having said that, if you're still considering buying a video game for someone you know, read on and become enlightened.

Before continuing, you'll need to know some critical details. First and foremost is the game console. Since a game created for the Xbox 360 won't work in a PlayStation 2, nor will a GameCube game work in a Wii, it's important to know the system. The same can be said for PC games. If their computer isn't powerful enough, you could easily buy more game than the computer can handle. Even if their computer is powerful enough, their sound and graphics cards may not be up to snuff. Now that you're getting a better picture of potential console conflicts, let's look at game genres.

What sort of games does this person like? First Person Shooters (FPS) are very popular games with guys, but others prefer strategy games. Even then, do they like real-time strategies or turn-based? Perhaps they prefer more active games like flight simulators or car racing games. There are dozens of genres out there and literally hundreds upon hundreds of titles to choose from. Picking the right game can means months of happy gaming while choosing the wrong game means a waste of money.

The age and gender of the gamer also comes into play. Should you be looking into an educational game or a simulation game? Even if you think you have all the variables nailed down, not everyone fits into the demographic you put them in. You really have to know the player to understand their game of choice.

If you simply want to get them whatever is hot at the moment, here is a list of the top ten games currently available: Halo 3, The Orange Box, Rock Band, Super Mario Galaxy, Bioshock, Call of Duty 4, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Mass Effect, Ace Combat 6 and God of War 2. Keep in mind that these might not be what the gamer in your life would choose, only what's selling the most right now.

There are really only three ways to ensure you get a gift that will be well-received. Ask the recipient exactly what game they would like. Have them write it down so there are no mistakes. This eliminates any decisions on your part, except how much you're willing to spend. You could also take your gamer shopping, letting them decide which game they'd like. Bear in mind that video games can cost anywhere from $9 for bargain bin games to over $75 for the high-end goods. You could find yourself in a costly situation if you aren't diplomatic about your spending limits. In either case, the element of surprise is completely lost.

There is a third, and better choice. A gift certificate or card gives you several advantages. You don't have to shop around and sift through countless games. Making a mistake is next to impossible. The choice of games, consoles, etc. is left in the hands of the recipient. Time is no longer an element; they have all the time they need to pick out the game they really want. They can even hold onto the card until something really good comes out. Recipients can also buy their gift over the Internet, allowing them a lot more flexibility. The only decisions you'll need to make are where to purchase the gift card and how much money to put into it. I recommend purchasing a gift card from a place like Best Buy, Circuit City or Game Stop.