Gamertell

Even though the list of original games for Sony this year was rather on the short side, there are some good games out there and especially for the little brother in the PlayStation family. There is a good mix of genres for the PSP here, including a couple of bargains at the end, so everyone will be able to find one they enjoy.

These will come very handy for people who are planning on travelling for the holidays, so be sure to grab some of these before that trip to grandma’s house.

Jeanne D’Arc: (Strategy RPG, Level-5, $29.99) This game comes as an answer to the former lack of RPGs on the system. It features an entertaining story loosely based on the historical events involving Joan of Arc but with a fantasy twist. The game offers a deep customization system, fast paced action and a solid battle and class system. This one is a must have for any Strategy RPG fan.

*Runner up: Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (Strategy RPG, Square Enix, $39.99)

Silent Hill: 0rigins (Action/Horror, Konami, $29.99) Any fan of this genre will recognize all the aspects that made the original Silent Hill such a great and scary game. Fortunately, all of those elements are present on the franchise’s first installment on the PSP. You return to the town of Silent Hill to uncover its mysteries as well as your own as you encounter abominations through the fog infested streets. With improved visuals and a new battle system, this is a great addition to the franchise and to any fan’s game collection

*Runner up: Manhunt 2 (Action, Rockstar, $29.99)

Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow (Action, Sony, $39.99) Following on the footsteps of Dark Mirror, this title again offers an interesting and immersive story, great visuals and gameplay mechanics seldom found on PSP titles. You take the role of Gabe Logan as he fights his way to save the day once more against a plot against his country. This title features new and improved weapons, a deeper online match system and a refined control system. This is without doubt one of the best action titles on the PSP.

*Runner up: SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike (Action, Rockstar, $39.99)

Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters (Action/Platformer, Sony, $39.99) Another must have for the PSP, this game features all that made the original such a fun game. You take on the role of Ratchet and his robot friend Clank as they battle their way through the galaxy using all kind of wacky weapons. With a great visual presentation, one that rivals previous incarnations on the PS2, entertaining mini-games and solid gameplay mechanics, this game sure has something to attract everybody.

*Runner up: Sid Meier’s Pirates (Action/Adventure, Take Two Interactive, $19.99)

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops + (Action, Konami, $19.99) This game utilizes the engine of last year’s hit Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops so if you missed on that one, this is your chance to experience it for only 20 bucks. While you don’t get the whole story, you get the chance to face off against the bosses and experience the intensity along with new characters and new multiplayer features. The original was a great addition to the Metal Gear franchise and although this version does not expand on the story, it does offer new challenges and options

*Runner up: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (Puzzle/RPG, D3, $19.99)

Site [PSP]

Come this holiday season Xbox 360 fans have a lot to be thankful for. Not only has Microsoft proven that its tall-slick sexy beast has more under its hood then what most critics had first given the now two year old system credit for, the great line-up of games just continue to come pouring out.

With so many groundbreaking titles released over the past few months, it has gotten easier and easier to justify putting down that $400 and grabbing your self a 360 this Christmas season. But once the consumer has purchased their 360 the only question that remains is, what games should you buy first. We at GamerTell are here to help you narrow down and make your seasonal shopping just that much easier.

Games no hardcore gamer should go without:

Mass Effect (RPG-$60), developed by one of the premiere RPG makers in the world, Bioware, who is best known for Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, brings their new epic space adventure to the 360. If you are looking for a game that goes beyond just being a game, look no further then Mass Effect. This beautiful RPG gives the player the chance to develop their custom characters the way they want while exploring a truly awesome and expansive universe.

Halo 3 (FPS, $60), a franchise that has defined the modern first person shooter, finishes the fight this season. With ground breaking graphics, a multiplayer to die for and a story that has captivated a generation, Halo 3 is certainly going to be on every gamers wish list this Christmas.

Call of Duty 4 (FPS, $60) brings the classic World War II action shooter to the modern era. While short, if a gamer is looking for one of the most intense and exciting experiences they can have without actually having to join the Army then Call of Duty 4 is your best bet. With one of the deepest and most original online elements in recent gaming history, Call of Duty 4 will no doubt be one of those games that you will be playing long after the initial single player campaign has been finished.

Assassin’s Creed (Action/Adventure, $60) is one of those games that transcend just being another action title. If you have a love of stealth and actions games or just a fanatic for history, then Assassin’s Creed is the game for you. Assassin’s Creed will be one of those titles that will be talked about for many years to come and no doubt the beginning of a great franchise.

The Orange Box (FPS/Puzzle/Online Multiplayer, $60), presented by Valve, is a gamers dream. Not only does this collect come with Half Life 2 and Half Life 2 episode one, three all new original games are also included with the Orange Box, such as, Half Life 2 episode two, Portal and the long anticipated Team Fortress 2. Five games for the price of one, this $60 package is a must buy for any cash strapped gamer.

Other AAA Xbox 360 titles that gamers wouldn’t won’t to pass over this holiday season include:

• Bioshock (FPS, $60)
• Ace Combat 6 (Flight Sim, $60)
• The Simpson’s Game (Action/Adventure, $60)
• Timeshift (FPS, $60)
• Metal of Honor: Airborne (FPS, $60)
• Lost Planet (Action/Adventure, $60)
• Ghost Recon Advance Warfare 2 (Tactical Shooter, $40)
• Crackdown (Action/Crime, $40)
• Kane & Lynch (Action/Crime, $60)
• Rock Band (Harmonix, $60)
• WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 (Fighting/Sports/Wrestling, $60)
• BlackSite: Area 51 (FPS, $60)
• Need for Speed: Prostreet (Racing, $60)
• Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Action/Adventure, $50)
• Viva Pinata: Party Animals (Action/Adventure, $50)
• Naruto: Rise of a Ninja (Action/Adventure, $60)
• Virtua Fighter 5 (Fighter, $60)
• Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (Music & Party, $60)
• Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground (Sports/Skateboarding, $60)
• SKATE (Sports/Skateboarding, $60)

With this many stocking stuffers, there isn’t a whole lot for gamers to complain about to Santa.

Read [Ebgames] Also Read [Xbox]

Everyone is beginning to prepare their gift lists now that the holiday season is approaching and Black Friday behind us. That means it is time for the first ever Gamertell Nintendo DS gift guide. Hopefully this guide will help you figure out the best gifts for the hard-to-buy-for DS owner you know.

These are just suggestions, mind you. By the end of this year there will have been over 400 titles released for the system. Hopefully this small list will help you pick out a gift for someone, or maybe even something for yourself. (Games which can be played over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection will be noted as such.)

Classics

Recent DS owners might have missed out on some really great games that were released. After all, a lot of great games have come out since the system was first released in November 2004. These classic games are ones that might not be as new, but they’re great games that are not only lots of fun, but also will keep players occupied well into the new year.

Animal Crossing: Wild World - $34.99, Rated E. Simulation. Nintendo WFC New Super Mario Bros. - $34.99, Rated E. Action. Pokemon Diamond/Pearl - $34.99 (each), Rated E. RPG. Nintendo WFC

General

There are some games which go beyond their respective genres and target groups. These are titles that everyone can enjoy and get into. In fact, each entry in this category is the latest entry in that particular game series. These are tried and true entries which continue, or in the case of Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations finish, the story and gameplay found in the originals.

Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass - $34.99, Rated E. Action/Adventure. Nintendo WFC Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations - $29.99, Rated T. Strategy. Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends - $29.99, Rated E. Simulation. For Kids

One thing that always bugs me about typical gift recommendations for kids is that it assumes they only play games based on popular movies, tv shows, or toys. They don’t. They’re more intelligent and capable than you think, and they deserve games which won’t dumb things down for them. And little girls don’t need to be playing some mundane Bratz game, they deserve to be playing games that are just as defined and exciting as the ones for boys. The following games aren’t ‘typical’ children’s games, but they’re ones that every kid should play. They’re intelligent, engaging, creative and feature great gameplay.

Chibi Robo: Park Patrol (Wal-Mart Exclusive) - $29.92, Rated E. Adventure. Looney Tunes: Duck Amuck - $29.99, Rated E. Action. Touch Detective 2 1/2 - $29.99,R ated E. Adventure

For Role-Playing Game Fans

It has been a good year for DS owners who happen to be RPG fans. A lot of titles have been released recently for the system, and most of them have been quality endeavors. That being said, it was hard to narrow down the list to just three for this guide. I picked out just a few of the best and brightest stars this season, and each one is a different kind of RPG. These three games will definitely suck fans in.

Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings - $39.99, Rated E 10+. Strategy. Luminous Arc - $34.99, Rated T. RPG. Nintendo WFC Rune Factory - $29.99, Rated E. RPG. Nintendo WFC

For Action Fans

There have also been a lot of great action games recently released. The key to a great action game is one that is challenging, has intuitive controls, and provides an adventure that makes you want to keep playing. Replay value is always a plus in a title as well. The following games all fit that profile. Admittedly, Bleach: The Blade of Fate is a fighting game, but the story modes have some action elements and it can still slip in here.

Bleach: The Blade of Fate - $29.99, Rated T. Fighting. Nintendo WFC Contra 4 - $29.99, Rated T. Action. Mega Man ZX Advent - $29.99, Rated E. Action. Nintendo WFC

For Adults Only

People tend to gloss over the fact that the DS is not just a family-friendly system. Many adults own this handheld and sometimes a more mature player will want a more mature game. The following games were all created with an adult audience in mind. Two of the three are rated Mature. The one that isn’t rated Mature is on here because it is challenging, possesses adult themes and requires a lot of patience.

Dementium: The Ward - $29.99, Rated M. Adventure. Ultimate Mortal Kombat - $29.99, Rated M. Fighting. Nintendo WFC Lifesigns: Surgical Unit - $29.99, Rated T. Simulation.

Site [GameStop] Site [Wal-Mart] Site [Amazon]