1. Pokémon XY - Nintendo 3DS
One of the biggest releases of the year is Pokémon X and Pokémon Y. I put many hours into Pokémon X in such a short amount of time and I’m not getting even remotely tired of it. Fans of the series or newcomers will love all the features in this game.
The game and Pokémon models are 3D, a first in the series. Battling and trading can be done anywhere, and 4-player battles can be done online now. Any gamer with a 3DS will be happy to get this game, if they don’t already have it.
2. Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Nintendo 3DS
This game came out in the summer, but it is still a must buy if you don’t have it yet. The Animal Crossing series is a unique game that lets you live out a virtual life in real-time.
You get your own house, which you can upgrade several times and decorate however you like. You can catch fish, bugs, swim, dig up fossils, fill up a museum, shop, and so many more things. You can even visit other people’s towns and get new townsfolk. Many holidays are mirrored in Animal Crossing and there will always be something to do.
3. Grand Theft Auto V - Xbox 360 and Playstation 3
Despite all the hype and lackluster start of Grand Theft Auto Online, this is still a game everyone should get. The single player campaign is interesting and different from past games, and you play three different characters with interconnecting stories.
The biggest reason this is a must-play game is the freedom you have. There are so many things you can do in both single player and online. You can buy and customize cars to race, buy an apartment to chill at, fly a plane or parachute out of one, play the stock market, go on heists, and more. The online gives you a chance to be whoever you want in the growing city of Los Santos after you’ve exhausted the single player.
4. The Last of Us - Playstation 3
This is definitely one the best Playstation 3 games I have ever played. There is so much to say about this game, from the thrilling action sequences you must survive, to the deep emotional story between Joel and Ellie.
Throughout the entire game I couldn’t wait to explore more and see what would happen. The controls and menu selection are seamless and really feels like you’re just trying to survive. The story alone is enough to play the game and there more than a few surprises waiting for you.
5. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds - Nintendo 3DS
It may be a little early to say this one because it comes out November 22nd, but based on what I’ve seen and what I know of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, this will be an amazing game.
The 3D graphics and effects are stunning and add to the actual gameplay. The new wall-merging ability makes for new kinds of puzzles. The ability to do dungeons in any order will also make the game more interesting. This games looks like the perfect blend of old and new for The Legend of Zelda fans.
What do you think of this list? Do you agree or are there other games you believe should be bought this holiday season? Let me know in the comments.
