Although a plump little plumber took over much of my game time over the past few weeks, I'm ready for a change of pace. And with this year's E3 on the horizon (along with plenty of gaming announcements), I'm even more excited for June to commence! Pass the time with a few of these games that are sure to keep you occupied all Summer long.
Gaming season is here, and after all the sneak peeks we got at this year's E3, I'm more excited than ever to start playing. October means we're well into game-release mania — so it's only fitting that I list for you my top ten picks for the month of October. Check 'em out!
It's the calm before the gaming storm! Spring is not just for flowers and showers, it's the time for game companies to put the finishing touches on their work and prepare to show them off in the coming months. Look out for lots of new gaming news from now until late Fall — it's crunch time! So while we wait for the goods, check out these titles that will be hitting the shelves this month.
I've always thought of portable gaming systems like the Nintendo DS or Sony PSP as substitutes for the real thing. Don't get me wrong, I always slip my DS into my purse when I know I am going to have to wait for a plane, train or automobile, but it's just not as engaging and exciting as playing the game on a console like the Wii or Xbox. It's the big sound. It's the vibration. It's the big screen. When it comes to gaming, do you prefer one or the other or do you love them equally?
With visions of Hungry Lumas still dancing in my head and some seriously calloused fingers from shredding it up Guitar Hero style, I would have to say that this has been a satisfying year for gaming indeed. Now that game releases are slowing down to a crawl for the holiday season, there are a few good choices left and a slew of movie-to-game titles if you are looking to pick up something for yourself or trying to cram for last minute gift ideas. Not only are games a great gift, but so are gaming bundles and game rental subscriptions for those budding geeks in your life. Check out these great December releases and stay tuned — as much as we loved gaming in 2007, there's sure to be some amazing things in store for 2008!
| Game | Why You'll Love It | Console/Price | Release Date |
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Nights: Journey Of Dreams - A follow up to the beloved "Nights: Into Dreams" from Sega Saturn, this new Wii installment is sure to bring back fond memories a la Super Mario Galaxy. | Nintendo Wii, $49.99 | Coming December 19th |
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The Golden Compass - Based on Philip Pullman's novel and now a big hit at the box office, you take on the role of Lyra, making your way through mystical lands as you search for missing children. | PSP, PS2, PS3, XBox360, Wii, DS, PC $29.99 - $59.99 | Out Now. Get it here |
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Alvin And The Chipmunks - Not only have these little guys had a TV series, but now they star in a feature film and a video game where they battle their way through the "Rockathonpalooza"! What can't these critters do!? | Wii, DS, PS2, PC, $19.99 - $49.99 | Out now. Purchase it online. |
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Beowolf - You have seen the movie, now play the game. You play as Beowolf - a Norse hero- leading your army into battle. The fact that you have the power of 30 men should make this easy, right? Right!? | PSP, PS3, XBox360, PC, $19.99 - $49.99 | Out now. Buy it online |
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Rock Band for PS2 - The ultimate band experience hits the PS2 and will have you and your band mates putting in some extra practice time. Score some much needed points with the neighbors and make sure your encore ends at a decent hour! | PS2, $49.99 for the game, $159.00 for the bundle | Get it Now. Order it online. |
If I've learned anything at all about the Nintendo DS this year it's that Americans aren't using the handheld device to its fullest potential. Sure we aren't afraid of covering them with Swarovski Crystal Covers or giving them out to VIP airline passengers, but we haven't started using them as portable life coaches, yoga instructors and wine guides like the Japanese have.
Konami, the company that brought the wondrous DDR into our lives, has created a virtual beauty adviser game with real life beauty adviser Chizu Saiki (see her picture in gallery).
The game, which is appropriately named Dream Skincare, will release this fall in Japan. It's being marketed as a fun, easy beauty experience. Apparently, the game checks your physical and emotional health every day through a series of questions, allows you to input your meals, body temperature and body weight daily, stores a personalized daily schedule and provides dietary advice and healthy recipes. Who doesn't want that?
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