Top 5 Xbox 360 for Christmas 2008

My ratings in this list of the top 5 Xbox 360 games for Christmas 2008 have come from a variety of different avenues. I've played, spoken to others that play, read the gaming magazines and I am also a card carrying Edge card member at GameStop. Jumble all of that together and you can come up with your own formula if you'd like; I am too busy playing! The fact of the matter remains, it all depends on what kind of games you enjoy playing. That alone will determine your own top 5. Hopefully this list will help you on your way. I have included the ratings for those of you shopping for children.

5. Bioshock (M)

4. Ninja Gaiden 2 (M)

3. Rock Band 2 (T)

1. Halo 3 (M)

1. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Grand Theft Auto IV should also be on this list according to many people. This list was difficult to pare down! Do not buy this game for children!

I couldn't choose between Halo 3 and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. They are both excellent multi-player shooter games. Millions and millions of people have played these two games on Xbox Live.

Rock Band 2 is a great sequel to the first one. There is an awesome music selection. A no fail mode so you can practice the whole song without failing. I own both versions of this game. I was not disappointed with the newest one. I have not upgraded my instruments so I am still wired. The new version has a wireless guitar and the microphone has the buttons on it so you don't have to use the controller anymore. We have played this game on Xbox Live with our family in other states; this is a fun, fun game!

Ninja Gaiden II is a fast paced and brutal fighting game. If you like blood you'll love this game.

Bioshock is taking place in an underwater city after a plane crash. There are sub-missions that are fun. The story is good, great graphics and the sound quality is awesome. Many hours will be spent playing this one.

For the puzzle and arcade players I compiled a completely different list. I enjoy the puzzles and can play for hours!

5. Tetris Evolution (E)

4. Scene It

3. Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords

2. Pop Cap Arcade: Volume One

1. Luxor 2

Luxor 2 is an addictive ball shooting game. The object is to match balls of the same color. Hit the special balls for different powers. As you go through the levels it gets faster and harder, they also add more colors. It doesn't sound like much but trust me, this game is addicting!

PopCap Arcade Volume One consists of 4 separate games. Feeding Frenzy, Bejeweled 2, Zuma Deluxe and Astropop are all included. I own this one and it is one of my favorite arcade games. My two and a half year old daughter asks to play "bish" (Feeding Frenzy). This is a good one for people who like the old style games, puzzles or arcade. The second volume comes out January 30^th, 2009.

Create your own hero in Puzzle Quest, compete against the computer in 150 different Quests. Or, play multiplayer online and compete against another live opponent.

The Scene It bundle comes with the special controllers and the game. There are a few different versions of the game but they are all trivia based. Scene It is a multi-player game where you test your movie and television knowledge. It can be purchased at major retailers and at GameStop for around $60. The ratings differ from game to game

Tetris Evolution. If you haven't heard of Tetris you must have been living under a rock. Tetris is a highly popular puzzle game and now you can play live with others on Xbox Live. This is the next level of Tetris.

Most of the games I have included in both of my lists can be purchased at major retailers such as Walmart and Target or at games stores such as EB Games or Game Stop. Have a great 2008 Christmas and Happy Shopping!