In recent years this genre has gone from strength to strength and while doing so, increased the number of plastic peripherals in our living rooms. Rockstar’s Beaterator puts a studio at your fingertips and going from the couch to the table-top while grasping toy instruments, is still perfectly normal. Music lovers unite! It’s been another cracking year for music games and in no particular order we present our top picks.

• 

  Beaterator

  360/PS3/PC | Price: $40 (£18)

  Doing something a little different in an oversaturated genre is always welcomed with open arms and Beaterator does just that. While everyone and their grandma is rocking out with plastic guitars this Christmas; Rockstar Games have teamed up with producer extraordinaire Timbaland to bring us a deep music mixer title for the PSP. Live play, a vocal recorder, MIDI import/export and a massive library of loops and sounds are only some of the cool features of this game. Want a world-class mixer sans the studio? Beaterator does all of this and more right in the palm of your hand.

• 

  Guitar Hero 5

  360/PS3/Wii/PS2 | Price: $100 (£65) w/Guitar

  For regulars or newcomers to the series, Guitar Hero 5 is guaranteed to give you countless hours of fun right out the box. Containing an 85 song track list there’s more than enough content here to keep you rocking throughout a good half of next year, not to mention the regular DLC available every so often. Easy to learn and downright hard to master, you can’t go wrong by giving or receiving a bit of Guitar Hero this festive season.

• 

  DJ Hero

  360/PS3/Wii | Price: $100 (£80) w/Turntable

  Don’t feel like playing the familiar rhythm game this holiday? Scratch and mix your way through the New Year with DJ Hero. On top of providing a completely fresh new take on the music genre of games, DJ Hero has a unique and fully interactive soundtrack that is phenomenal to say the least. Whether you are jamming by yourself, facing off in a head to head DJ battle, or being absorbed in the experience by adding the Guitar Hero guitar and microphone in the mix, you’re bound to have a blast with DJ Hero.

• 

  The Beatles: Rock Band

  360/PS3/Wii | Price: $250 (£125) w/Guitar, Drums & Microphone

  Avoiding the third numerical sequel in the Rock Band franchise, Harmonix has taken a slightly different approach this time around with The Beatles: Rock Band. Play as the legendary Fab Four themselves as you drum, strum, and sing your way through The Beatles entire history. From studio sessions to psychedelic trips to ground breaking live performances, players will finally be able to experience The Beatles culture in a brand new way. You’ll recognize the same familiar gameplay and modes you loved in Rock Band but with a pleasant Beatles twist in this great single or multiplayer experience.

• 

  Singstar Queen

  PS3 | Price: $50 (£44) w/2x Wireless Microphones

  The popular karaoke game returns with 20 of the group’s greatest hits. Invite some friends, grab a couple beers and let it rip. It’s much more than an excellent addition to the series, if you’re a fan of the British rock band or have been dying to fill the boots of Freddie Mercury since forever, this one’s for you. Singstar Queen does both the group and the series true justice and can’t afford to be missed!

Here’s the list that’s bound to scare the heebie jeebies right out of you. If you’re into your horror titles look no further, on-rails or on foot, whatever you fancy you’ve got one hell of choice this year. With a fistful of horror games available, we wouldn’t like to spoil what’s round the next corner; what we can assure is that the titles featured after the jump will surely make you do exactly that.

• 

  Resident Evil 5

  360/PS3/PC | Price: $40 (£35)

  Breaking away from the traditional Resident Evil formula, the fifth installation in the legendary series is more of an action title than survival horror. You’ll play as the familiar Chris Redfield as you fight your way through a quest to discover the mystery behind the biological disaster in Kijuju. Joining Chris is fellow Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance member, Sheva Alomar. She’ll be fighting right along side you in the newest evolution of the Resident Evil series. With gorgeous graphics and lighting, a new two-player online co-op mode, and an amazing single player experience; I’d say it’s a pretty slick evolution.

• 

  Dead Space: Extraction

  Wii | Price: $20 (£30)

  Unlike most on-rails shooters Dead Space Extraction actually flaunts a deep story that expands on the Dead Space universe that was set up in the original game. The miners on the planet Aegis VII have uncovered and activated an alien artifact that has set into motion the demise of the colony. You must fight your way through waves of Necromorphs to escape the destruction and uncover what exactly has gone wrong. The horror experience is made more rich with the added co-op multiplayer, bundled with the fact that Dead Space Extraction is one of the best looking titles on the Wii.

• 

  F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin

  360/PS3/PC | Price: $20 (£28)

  F.E.A.R.‘s sequel continues the suspense story from the original. When a routine mission with your squad goes wrong it turns into a fight for survival when an explosion decimates the city and unleashes the girl. Turn off the lights and get ready to test your nerves this holiday season, confront your fears and unravel the mystery of one of video games most terrifying characters. Alma’s back and she’s about to scare the crap out of you for the second time around.

• 

  Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles

  Wii | Price: $50 (£30)

  Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles continues the unique take on the Resident Evil series that it’s predecessor, Umbrella Chronicles started. Play scenarios from Resident Evil 2 and Code Veronica through the eyes of Claire Redfield and Steve Burnside. The on-rails shooter perspective provides a fun experience to newcomers of the RE series and a completely new feel for long time veterans, not to mention an all new original chapter in the ongoing storyline.

• 

  Cursed Mountain

  Wii | Price: $30 (£20)

  For the survival horror nut who’s not so keen on Resident Evil’s latest outing, this game is sure to fill the spot that the Capcom series once preciously held. Set in the late 1980s, you take control of a mountaineer in the Himalayas on quest for his lost brother. Don’t be put off by the lazy box art; the games fantastic atmosphere, setting and story keeps will keep you on the edge of your seat in this stand out title for the Wii.

While I’m still waiting on Level 5 to drop Dark Chronicle 2, a game most of you know as Dark Cloud 3, whilst many others are still disappointed Final Fantasy hasn’t made it in time, we still must face facts. 2009 has been great to RPGs, whatever your system may be, over multiple platforms we’ve been spoilt with some terrific titles across the board. Don’t believe us? Hit the jump to find out what made the cut in our RPG Gift Guide of 2009, would you believe there’s even a PlayStation 2 title in the mix?

• 

  Dragon Age: Origins

  360/PS3/PC | Price: $60 (£40)

  It’s no surprise that a BioWare game has made it onto our top five RPG Gift Guide. With titles like Mass Effect and KOTOR under their belt they truly know how to craft an enthralling adventure and this year’s release of Dragon Age doesn’t stray far from the winning formula. You will play as a Grey Warden, an elite group dedicated to fighting the Darkspawn, as you search for the general who betrayed you in battle and bring him to justice. Fully customize your hero, make complicated and important moral decisions, and explore the deep environments on your journey through Ferelden. BioWare has done a fantastic job with Dragon Age: Origins and it should not be missed!

• 

  Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

  DS | Price: $35 (£30)

  The terrible Fawful has tricked Bowser into consuming a mushroom that causes him to begin inhaling everything around The Mushroom Kingdom. You’ll assume two roles in this comical RPG; play as Bowser as he attempts to combat Fawful’s evil plot to take over his castle or play as a tiny Mario and Luigi as you try to escape from inside Bowser. Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story offers fresh new gameplay mechanics and challenging puzzles to the already hilarious and successful series.

• 

  Aion

  PC | Price: $30 (£35)

  Powered by CryEngine and dubbed as one of the most beautiful MMORPGs ever made, Aion lets players experience an action packed online quest. When a mighty war tears apart the peaceful Atreia just a chosen few will save their people from a terrible fate. Choose from four unique character classes, fight alone or with friends and dive into combat like never before. Your decisions will determine your path, explore the unknown and restore balance to a world beyond imagination.

• 

  Demon’s Souls

  PS3 | Price: $60 (£40)

  The list wouldn’t be complete without From Software’s Demon’s Souls. Described as the spiritual successor to King’s Field you’ll find yourself facing off against beasts and demons alike. On search for the power of King Allant XII you’ll be up against demons as they grow stronger with every soul collected. Leaving hints and clues for those following in your footsteps are only some of the revolutionary online features built into the epic experience. Promised to be the game hardcore RPG fans have been waiting on for the PS3, Demon’s Souls delivers in every way possible.

• 

  Little King’s Story

  Wii | Price: $40 (£30)

  When you stumble upon a mysterious crown it’s not long before you’re charming a village into following orders. Similar to Nintendo’s own Pikmin you’ll be in control your posse with the goal of expanding your village and ultimately becoming a worthy King. Combining various real-time and simulation elements to this wild adventure, Little King’s Story is deceivingly deep despite it’s looks. What you’ll find here is a stunning yet simply adorable addition to anyone’s Wii collection.

• 

  Persona 4

  PS2 | Price: $30 (£20)

  I feel a bit like we’re cheating on this one, especially when lucky North Americans got Persona 4 just before the end of last year. We’re used to getting screwed over here and had to wait an extra few months to get our hands on this fantastic game, making Persona 4 legally eligible for this Gift Guide (in the UK at least). Unexplained murders have been taking place in Inaba, a small town in rural Japan. In response, a group of high-school students form an Investigation Team to connect the dots between the murders and catch the culprit. The upside to being nearly a year old is Persona 4 can be picked up for dirt cheap, so don’t you dare put away that PlayStation 2 just yet.

Sports is the only genre that can have annual releases and not get any stick, it’s also the only category where the majority of titles are from the same publisher. That said EA does a terrific job year in and year out and build upon a game so much that we scowl when we revisit a previous release. One title managed to swerve around Activision’s gimmicks with style and flair while another uses plastic peripherals to its advantage. As the year closes let’s celebrate another great year in Sports and here’s that Gift Guide you so desperately need.

• 

  Fifa 10

  360/PS3/PC | Price: $60 (£40)

  Building on the success of last year’s release, Fifa 10 undoubtedly takes the crown this time around as simply the best football experience on a console. Miles ahead of anything Konami has put out in recent years, a real footy fan will tell you the Pro Evo series is now a thing of the past. Not much has changed on the graphical front, but these minor slip-ups can be forgiven when the gameplay has been so finely tuned. Introducing the first-ever 360º dribbling system, behavioural intelligence, and an all new practice arena, if there’s only one football game you’ll be playing this year, let it be Fifa 10.

• 

  Fight Night Round 4

  360/PS3 | Price: $60 (£40)

  Fight Night Round 4 delivers an enthralling single player and multiplayer experience all wrapped up in a neat and elegant package. In terms of boxing games, 2009 has been a great year, seeing the release of both Punch Out and Fight Night. When it came down to a decision we just couldn’t pass up the stylish looks and realistic gameplay Fight Night Round 4 had to offer.


• 

  Madden NFL 10

  360/PS3 | Price: $60 (£40)

  Only recommending five titles for the gift guide left a looming decision to be made between NCAA and Madden in terms of American Football games. You didn’t think we could go without recommending a Madden game in our Gift Guide, did you? The deal breaker was just how polished, popular, and fine-tuned the Madden series has become with it’s newest release. With a slower pace than previous iterations in the series and the feature rich co-operative and multiplayer options, Madden is a simple choice to make for any sports gamer.

• 

  Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games

  Wii | Price: $50 (£40)

  Mario and Sonic are heading to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Choose from a legendary cast as you use the Wii’s Balance Board, Nunchuk, and Wiimote to compete in over 25 different events. Skiing, figure skating, hockey, bobsleighing and many more all make an appearance in this highly competitive title. Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games offers some really great multiplayer modes, single player, and even a co-operative option for you and your friends to create a team and try for the gold. Gamers of all ages will be able to find something to enjoy in this unique take on the Olympic Winter Games.

• 

  Skate 2

  360/PS3 | Price: $40 (£30)

  Those sick at the milking of the Tony Hawk series will find a safe haven here. 2007 saw EA securing their kneepads and ascending the Half-pipe bringing us Skate. A worthy first take on the sport Skate wasn’t without its flaws, EA Black Box promised to bring what we loved from the first and fix what was broken. Enter Skate 2, the second stab at the series and one that reaches all new heights. Taking the original blueprint from the first game and building upon it saw Tony Hawk running scared. Skate 2 finally feels comfortable this time around, with the new features, move-sets and an endless amount of challenges you won’t want to get off your board. This year you’ve got but two choices, Skate don’t RIDE!

• 

  UFC 2009 Undisputed

  360/PS3 | Price: $60 (£40)

  Offering one of the most realistic UFC experiences ever, Undisputed is unmatched when it comes to Mixed Martial Arts games. Realistic looking characters, highly customizable fighting techniques and attributes, and a learning curve that stresses training all add to the authentic feel of the game. Despite this being Yukes first crack at an MMA game, they have managed to create a truly engaging experience for any UFC fan.

We’ve had our fair share of Action Adventure titles this year. Rocksteady’s Arkham Asylum surprised us, Tim Schafer’s latest project brought out the roadie in us all and Assassin’s Creed II put us back in the Animus. Whether your idea of fun involves jumping between carriages on a moving train, lurking in the shadows or working on your air assassinations there’s something here for us all. Like the season, it’s the genre that keeps giving and there’s sure to be a title here worthy of just that.

• 

  Uncharted 2

  PS3 | Price: $60 (£40)

  The first Uncharted set standards in terms of gameplay while borrowing heavily from many, two years later and Naughty Dog have done it again. Nathan Drake is back and ends up on an around-the-world adventure when he receives a tip on Marco Polo’s lost fleet. The breathtaking visuals, compelling story, and the games dynamic action sequences are only half a reason to buy this epic title. If you own a PS3, forget everything else, you MUST own this game!

• 

  Batman: Arkham Asylum

  360/PS3/PC | Price: $60 (£45)

  When The Joker breaks free in Arkham Asylum, all plans fall into place and Batman’s in for a night to remember. Working alone you’re forced to walk head-first into Joker’s trap in order to foil his plan before it’s too late. For the action adventure fanatic or the comic book buff inside us all, Batman: Arkham Asylum ticks all the boxes this Christmas.

• 

  Assassin’s Creed II

  360/PS3 | Price: $60 (£40)

  Aching to get back in the Animus? Assassin’s Creed II takes us on a trip into 15th-century Italy. The game sees Ezio Auditore set upon an epic quest for vengeance when his father and brothers are murdered in cold blood. Breathtaking sights, the likeable lead character and a bustling open world only adds to the experience you’ll have with Assassin’s Creed II. Equip your weaponry and put on your garb, this is the year of the Assassin!

• 

  InFamous

  PS3 | Price: $60 (£45)

  From the creators of the award-winning Sly Cooper series comes inFamous, an open-world adventure that puts you in control of the fate of your environment. You will play as Cole, an everyday joe who has been endowed with some seriously electrifying special powers. Scale skyscrapers, grind power lines, and ultimately save or corrupt Empire City through your moral choices within the game. InFamous is chocked full of over the top visuals and exciting mayhem; a worthy gift for any PS3 gamer this holiday.

• 

  Brütal Legend

  360/PS3 | Price: $60 (£40)

  Starring Jack Black as the skilled Eddie Riggs, Brütal Legend tells the fantasy tale of a Roadie. Sucked into a mythical Age of Rock to fight evil, Eddie is about to discover his true life’s purpose. If in need of something to kill time over the holidays, or just an excuse to excuse yourself from arguing relatives at the dinner table, nothing beats saving the world with a dosage of heavy metal.

• 

  The Saboteur

  360/PS3/PC | Price: $60 (£40)

  Set during Nazi-occupied Paris you take control of Sean Devlin. Ignoring the heavy German presence, things finally take their toll when your friends are killed before the Nazi’s. With help from the French Resistance and the British Intelligence you must avenge your loved ones. Featuring the first ever open-world Paris, an arsenal of weaponry and sexy women, the Saboteur might just be the Inglorious Barstard of video games.

Ahh the good old classics! Whether you’ve managed to play every single title on this list, or you missed a game or two in its heyday; you deserve to experience these masterpieces in gaming. Not only did some of these greats revolutionise the way we play, but some even set the blueprint the industry is still following to this very day. Take a trip down memory lane, you won’t regret it.

• 

  The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

  WiiWare | Price: 1000 Nintendo Points

  Often overshadowed by its predecessor, Majora’s Mask has always been considered second best whenever the N64 is brought up. Set over a three-day period, Link must manipulate time to set things right and ultimately save the fate of Termina from its own moon. Don’t let anybody tell you any different, this is one of the greatest Zelda games ever made, you need this classic in your collection!

• 

  Final Fantasy VII

  PSN | Price: $15 (£8) PSN

  Put down as one of the greatest and most influential games of all time, Final Fantasy VII marks a milestone in video game history. Take control of the infamous Cloud Strife and stop the megacorporation from taking over. Forget about the rumoured enhanced remake, FFVII doesn’t need it, play it the way it was played when it broke ground ’97 and understand why this game truly stands the test of time.

• 

  Marvel vs. Capcom 2

  XBLA/PSN | Price: 1200 MS Points/ $15 (£12) PSN

  Do you like Marvel characters? How about Capcom characters? Fighting games? If you answered yes to all the above, or any of those questions you most certainly need to own this title. Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is a fast paced brawler that offers more than 50 of their most loved and obscure characters to play as. The game is easy to jump into and allows the most hardcore to the most casual gamers to both have fun. With 3-on-3 tag team and online multiplayer, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is a quality title that’s not worth passing up.

• 

  Cyber Troopers Virtual-On

  XBLA | Price: 1200 MS Points

  The Virtual-On series has been a cult classic since it was released in arcades back in 1995. Today, we can enjoy the intense mech action fused with fast paced and colorful arcade fun in high definition. Wrapped up in a tidy package, Virtual-On offers 15 playable “Virtuaroids” to customize and throw into battle. The game has a learning curve to master, but once you are familiar with how to handle your favorite mech – you’ll be hooked on the series.

• 

  The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition

  XBLA/PC | Price: 1200 MS Points

  Veteran gamers and newcomers alike will be able to appreciate this hilarious classic PC title. Once again, jump into the role of aspiring pirate Guybrush Threepwood, as he attempts to conquer the Caribbean. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition includes all of the famous dialogue and classic gameplay of the original with high definition graphics, revamped musical score, and brand new voice overs for all of the series’ most memorable characters. No gamer’s online library should be without this timeless masterpiece.

What’s a year in gaming without a good Shooter? Our favourite pastime is only made better by the tallying up of a sweet killing spree. Gone are the days of multitaps and numerous controllers lying around; us gamers do our fragging exclusively online. As the FPS genre grows we’ve begun to see that glimmer of beauty behind the smokey war-zone, an in-depth story that’s more captivating than the weapon you’re wielding. Yeah we love to shoot and kill but that’s not the point; all of the games below have pushed the limit once again in terms of originality and gameplay, and continue to do so every year. So without further ado, here’s our Gift Guide for 2009’s best Shooters, take your pick soldier!

• 

  Killzone 2

  PS3 | Price: $60 (£40)

  Released all the way back in February, how could we forget the beast that is Killzone 2. Probably the only true next-gen FPS I’ve played to date, it really puts players on the front lines. War’s still waging on against the Helghast and the ISA have launched an assault on the enemy’s homeland, Helghan. The jaw-dropping graphics are worth the price tag alone, and with a class based online multiplayer and DLC bursting at the seams, it’s more than enough reason to buckle up and get ready for one hell of a ride!

• 

  Halo 3: ODST

  360 | Price: $50 (£35)

  It’s hard to notice Master Chief is missing from this brilliant spin on the popular Halo series. Assuming the role of the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, after a failed orbital drop, the player wanders a desolate New Mombasa searching for comrades and unravelling the mystery of what took place prior to the crash. Bundled with all of Halo 3‘s multiplayer maps to date, Firefight and access to the Halo: Reach Beta next year, makes this a must-have on anyone’s Christmas list.

• 

  Borderlands

  360/PS3/PC | Price: $50 (£40)

  Before you’re thrown out into the wild west be sure to lock and load, for this is gonna be a bumpy ride. Playing alone, or with up to four players you take the role of a mercenary on the planet Pandora, in hope of discovering the fabled existence of The Vault. Drop in and out with friends with online co-op while you try and stay on your toes in this gorgeous, mind-blowing Action RPG. Amongst a ton of sequels this year, Borderlands comes out swinging as one of 2009‘s best IPs.

• 

  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

  360/PS3/PC | Price: $60 (£45)

  Fans of first person shooters will feel right at home with Modern Warfare 2. Once again you will be fighting an all out war and embodying different characters throughout the conflict between Vladimir Makarov and the Russian Ultranationalists. Delivering 3 dynamic modes of gameplay (single player, co-operative, and online multiplayer) and a truly engaging experience, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a solid choice for the holidays.

• 

  Left 4 Dead 2

  360/PC | Price: $60 (£40)

  Set during the aftermath of the first game, Left 4 Dead 2 takes us down South with a new group of survivors. Although a better game than last year’s, I’m not entirely convinced it deserves the “true sequel” title it’s been given. Saying that, you’ll have to work even harder to survive the infected, with more zombies on the loose, melee weapons and a newly added story-arc intact; Left 4 Dead 2 will see you and your friends through the holiday period, even if it does all seem a bit familiar.