Best Video Games: Holiday 2005 Gift Guide

Looking for a gift for your favorite gamer this holiday season? Whether you're looking for a strategy, action or sports video game, we've got it covered as we give you the run-down of the best new video game releases for the 2005 Christmas season.

PC games are still going strong; try one of these great titles on for size.

If you know one of the last 7 people on the planet who is not playing World of Warcraft yet, it is time to remedy it. Blizzard's epic RPG has swept the planet with superb online multi-player gaming and a rich and deep universe. Read more in our World of Warcraft Review.

This realtime strategy game from Lionhead Studios is getting high marks from strategy gaming fans across the board. This sequel to the popular Black & White offers a little more structure than the original, but still allows you to fulfill your God fantasies by building complex cities and taking your armies into battle. Published by Electronic Arts, Black & White 2 is available for your PC and is rated T for Teen.

Action game with horror? Horror game with action? Either way, the adrenalin rush you'll get from F.E.A.R. is worth the purchase price. Monolith's F.E.A.R. is published by VU Games and is rated M for Mature.

We know you want an Xbox 360 from Santa. But, which of the launch titles do you need to go with it?

Okay, so it isn't Halo 3. But, Halo 3 won't be out until spring of 2006. You heard me. So, you're going to have to play something on your new Xbox 360 until it ships. We propose… Perfect Dark Zero. Perfect Dark Zero is exclusive to the Xbox 360; this first person shooter by Rare is probably the most highly anticipated launch title for Microsoft's new box.

Okay sports fans. The Xbox 360 is launching with the consummate basketball game: NBA 2K6. Brought to you by 2K Sports (formerly known as ESPN Video Games), this basketball sim is sure to please the most die-hard players.

If the RPG fan on your secret Santa list is getting an Xbox 360, you'll want to get a copy of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion to go with it. There are rumors that shipping is going to be delayed (gosh, its only been in development for 3 years!), but you can alwaysyou’re your Elder Scrolls fan a gift certificate.

Portable entertainment is at the top of its game with the powerful new handheld gaming systems. If you need a game for your favorite Nintendo DS owner, you'll have a sure-fire hit with one of these.

If, by some chance, the person on your gift giving list doesn't have Nintendogs yet, you must buy this. It breaks away from traditional game stereotypes and is appealing to players of all ages. Not convinced yet? Read our Nintendogs Review.

If you know someone who is looking for a classic video game experience, you need to get Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow. While Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow does not break a lot of new ground, it delivers great graphics, solid gameplay and hours of fun. What more can you ask? Learn more in our Castlevania DS Review.

SOCOM 3: US Navy SEALs is a tactical shooter that lets up to 32 players battle it out online. Need more? You can drive vehicles, engage in single player campaign play and admire the realistic graphics in this PS2 sequel developed by Zipper Interactive. Of course, not everyone thinks this is the greatest thing since SOCOM 2. Read our very own Greg Thompson's new SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy Seals Review!

Adventure fans will surely have Atari's Indigo Prophecy on their most wanted lists this season. This richly storied game is compelling and addictive with its cinematic settings and soundtrack. It is also available for the Xbox and PC.

Did we miss a must-have that is on your holiday wish list? Go ahead and add it here or start your own article with your own "Most Wanted Video Games" list.

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