Hot video games for 2012 holidays
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Here's a rundown of hot video games on sale this holiday season, based on reviews by John Gaudiosi, GamerHub.tv.
"Assassin's Creed III"
Ubisoft, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC
Ubisoft brilliantly uses the American Revolution as a backdrop for a huge new adventure featuring Conor, a half-English, half-Native American protagonist that brings a whole new combat experience to the bestselling franchise. The game offers a seemingly endless array of side quests as well as the ability to hunt and explore the frontier. Multiplayer will keep players coming back for more. Plus, with more than 80 historical figures playing key roles, this game makes history fun. -
"Call of Duty: Black Ops II"
Activision, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC
Developer Treyarch essentially delivers three complete game experiences in one package. And each offers an amazing interactive experience. There's the intense Hollywood blockbuster campaign mode starring the likes of Sam Worthington and Michael Rooker, which introduces branding story lines. There's the multiplayer experience, which has been redesigned so that both novices and pro gamers can excel. And there's the Zombies mode, a stand-alone horror feast that's scary fun. There's a reason Activision sells over $1 billion worth of "Call of Duty" games every year. -
"Dishonored"
Bethesda Softworks/Arkane Studios, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
"Dishonored" is an immersive first-person action game set in Dunwall, a dark, oppressive city where strange technology and otherworldly mysticism coexist in the shadows. As Corvo Attano, a supernatural assassin driven by revenge, players make use of an array of abilities such as teleportation, possession and can even stop time to either stealthily stalk their targets or ruthlessly attack them head on. This adventure features a truly unique world to explore and diverse gameplay that allows wily players to accomplish all tasks without ever killing an enemy. -
"Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two"
Disney Interactive Media Group/Junction Point, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Wii
Disney fans across all platforms get to experience this sequel starring Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. The game introduces cooperative play, making it perfect for kids of all ages to explore Wasteland together. "Epic Mickey 2" shines on the high definition consoles, bringing lost Disney worlds from theme parks, TV shows and movies to life in vibrant colors (and occasionally in black-and-white). Gamers are in control of how they traverse the game's levels, thanks to innovative game design involving painting and erasing the environment. There are even some cool musical numbers to go along with this original Disney adventure. -
"Halo 4"
Microsoft/343 Industries, Xbox 360
This game's campaign provides some of the most breathtaking interactive moments in the "Halo" franchise, which means the franchise is in very good hands with developer 343 Industries. From its captivating campaign mode, which introduces the Prometheans, to the intense Halo Infinity Multiplayer, Master Chief is back and better than ever. Spartan Ops stands out as a great four-player, episodic multiplayer experience that delves deeper into the mythology, while Halo Wars offers an array of addictive new multiplayer modes like Dominion to the mix. This is the must-have Microsoft game of the year. -
"Hitman: Absolution"
Square Enix/IO Interactive, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
The fifth entry in the "Hitman" franchise turns the tables on the lethal assassin Agent 47, who's betrayed and on the run from the police. Set within a huge sandbox of interactive cities across the United States like Chicago, players must master stealth and sharpshooting as they weave through a Hollywood storyline filled with twists and turns. A new game engine brings this world to life like no other "Hitman" game, and this adventure stands out as one of the best games of the year. A cool new online Contracts mode adds replay value as friends can design their own missions for friends. -
"LEGO The Lord of the Rings"
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment/TT Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, PS Vita
Based on Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy, this is the latest in a long string of bestselling LEGO games that takes a very different look at the action. The game takes players through the epic story events re-imagined with the tongue-in-cheek humor and endless variety of LEGO play. Players relive the legend through the LEGO mini figures, as they explore the wonders of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. Cooperative play is a staple of this franchise, solidifying the appeal of the LEGO toys across generations and genders. This is a great way to celebrate Jackson's "The Hobbit" movie, as well. -
"Need for Speed Most Wanted"
PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PS Vita
In Burnout developer Criterion Games' new take on the bestselling 2005 racing game from Electronic Arts, players will not only be "most wanted" by the cops, but their friends as well. The racer introduces Autolog 2.0, a system that tracks absolutely everything players do in the game. Gamers can compete against their friends across all levels as they explore the diverse environments of Fairhaven. With over 100 suped-up cars to choose from and an open world campaign experience chock full of police, not to mention a fun multiplayer experience, this is one race that never ends. -
"Resident Evil 6"
PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
"Resident Evil 6" ups the ante when it comes to action, survival horror and interactivity. This game sends gamers through four separate, but interlinking, story lines three of which feature a pair of intriguing protagonists (the fourth is a solo romp with fan favorite Ada Wong). Franchise favorites Leon S. Kennedy and Chris Redfield are joined by new characters, including Jake Muller, to face a bioterrorist threat on a global scale. There's much more than new zombies (who can now wield weapons) to contend with in this game, including J'avo and Chrystalide creatures, as players navigate horrors in Eastern Europe, China and North America. Multiplayer modes, including one that lets players take on the role of a J'avo creature, add replay value to this great sequel. -
"Skylanders Giants"
PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Wii, Nintendo 3DS
While "Call of Duty" gets all the media attention, Activision has a pint-sized hit on its hand with "Skylanders." The bestselling kids' toy and video game franchise of 2011 encourages players to collect the action figures, which unlock virtual characters in the game world. "Skylanders Giants" introduces 16 new characters, including eight Giants that change the gameplay dynamic. The co-op experience delivers more worlds to explore and improves the platform gaming experience that has captivated parents and children alike. If you have kids, you know all about "Skylanders." If you don't, this is still a fun platform gaming experience that offers family-friendly fun. -
"Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed"
PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, PS Vita
Sonic the Hedgehog has always been fast on his feet. Now he's using that lead foot to race transforming vehicles through themed tracks that celebrate Sega's arcade and console history. Sonic also has some unique friends in this arcade racer, including NASCAR darling Danica Patrick and Disney box office champion Wreck-It Ralph, as well as a roster filled with Sega All-Stars. This sequel stands out from the kart-racing original with its transforming vehicles and tracks that take full advantage of racing on land, air and water. The multiplayer is fast and furious across local four- (or five- on Wii U) player cooperative and online 10-player races. With colorful locales inspired by games like "Super Monkey Ball," "Panzer Dragoon" and "Daytona USA" and a great roster of unique drivers, Sonic offers fun for the whole family. -
"WWE 13"
PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
THQ has really outdone itself with this latest installment of the bestselling wrestling franchise. This game offers a roster of over 100 Superstars and Divas from the past and present, allowing fans to settle the score of just who was better by pitting legends against current stars. One aspect of this game that will appeal to older wrestling fans is the Attitude Era mode, which follows the historic battle between WCW and WWF and features legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H and Mick Foley. WWE Universe 3.0 allows fans to create everything from wrestlers to arenas to stories and then share these assets online. You don't have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy the depth of this game's offline and online action.
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