Fun and games at Christmas time part2

For both PS3 and Xbox 360, Red Dead Redemption is a gritty Western- themed game. It puts protagonist and former outlaw John Marston on the road to redemption. That happens after his wife and child are used as pawns by the newly formed Bureau of Investigation to put an end to the gangs staking their claim to the frontier. This is a must-have for any mature gamer, as it’s on many short lists (mine included) for Game of the Year.

Hockey lovers won’t want to miss NHL 11, also for both gaming systems, as it’ll be the only way the Toronto Maple Leafs will win the Stanley Cup (since the Detroit Red Wings will win the real thing this year).

For current system exclusives, check out Mass Effect 2 for the Xbox 360 (a PS3 version will be released in the New Year). It’s a dramatic role-playing game set in outer space, complete with planet-hopping and a wide variety of alien species to interact and ally with as you fight against the Reapers, a race of sentient machines.

The PS3 boasts exclusives, such as the racing simulator Gran Turismo 5, which might be more appropriate to car enthusiasts because of its realistic game play (check out Need For Speed Hot Pursuit for a more arcade-y racing game) and film noir-ish Heavy Rain.

If none of the games on this abbreviated list tickle your fancy, you can’t go wrong with point cards for the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii. These ever-reliable cards will allow the gamer to buy add-ons, downloadable content such as extra levels or maps, game accessories, and even full retail games via the Internet.

Happy holidays, and may all your gaming experiences be positive!