With dozens of strong titles scheduled for Sony’s black behemoth this Fall, we strongly feel that this holiday season is the biggest in gaming since the original debut of the PlayStation 3 in 2006. In alphabetical order, here are 20 games that you have to check out this holiday season.
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Since its original release on Xbox 360 and PC in 2007, BioShock has captured the hearts of gamers across the world with its mind-riveting storyline, amazing environments, and cinematic presentation. 2K has maximized the game’s capabilities for PlayStation 3 by including extra content, interactive loading screens, and an installation option. If you are looking for a solid first-person shooter with a great storyline and beautiful visuals, pick this one up.
Call of Duty: World at War was initially criticized for its move back into the World War II time-frame, but as the game approaches release, it continues to look better and better. Get ready to suit up and head to the Pacific front, because World War II has never been so fun. Utilizing an enhanced version of the Call of Duty 4 engine and starring exotic locales never-before explored in a war game, World at War will capture your love for the 1940’s like never before.
Dead Space, EA’s highly anticipated survival horror game, takes you into a space station suited up as Isaac Clarke, part of the rescue team called on to investigate the mysterious disappearance of the USS Ishimura’s crew. In a sick (though not exactly unexpected) twist of events, you are stranded on a ship full of Necromorphs (space zombies) in this nail-biting survival horror experience. Watch your step, for it may be your last.
Welcome to Washington. Or at least what’s left of it. As the one man courageous enough to step out from the underground vault into the mysteriously barren world above, you’ll be greeted by horribly mutilated zombies, decimated cities, unnatural wildlife, and radioactive wastelands aplenty. If you choose to turn your back on this unique RPG, however, you may never discover the truth about what happened to your father.
The sequel to Ubisoft’s wildly popular jungle shooter, Far Cry 2 has already garnered critical acclaim as one of the most impressive entries in the FPS genre to date. Set in the plains of Africa, this open-world adventure allows you to do whatever your heart desires. With a massive single-player campaign, highly addicting multiplayer, gorgeous environments, and unprecedented special features and content, Far Cry 2 brings modern day Africa — both the good and the ugly — to life.
LittleBigPlanet is the littlest game to garner such a big amount of hype in a long time, and it’s entirely warranted. With a beautiful presentation and a massive amount of features, Media Molecule’s masterpiece is not only a game, but a tool as well. Create massive cities, frightening monsters and groovy vehicles, or impress your co-workers with a nifty PowerPoint presentations. The only limit is your imagination.
EA DICE’s recent success with Battlefield: Bad Company was just the beginning. Their upcoming title, Mirror’s Edge, takes the first-person genre to realms never before explored. Fly across the rooftops as Faith, a master of the French art "Le Parkour." But before you jump, don’t forget to empty your pockets. Traveling light is the only way to go.
The streets of L.A. are yours to roam. Whether by two or four wheels, competitors across the city will challenge you for the right to call Los Angeles their kingdom. Featuring gorgeous graphics, a realistic open-world experience, a satisfying singe-player campaign, and an addicting multiplayer component, Midnight Club: Los Angeles looks set to give Criterion’s Burnout Paradise a run for its money.
Ever wonder what it would be like to see Superman and Sub-Zero face off? Midway has not only made that possible, but has provided complete control on how it will play out. Fight in an classic Mortal Kombat or DC location with your pick of any of the original cast of characters from either side. The only thing stopping you from saving the world — or destroying it — is incompetence of the foolish one who stands against you. Fight!
MotorStorm has been screaming for a sequel ever since its explosive debut in 2007. In steps MotorStorm Pacific Rift. With improved graphics, a lush new environment, a monster truck class, and exciting customization options, this off-road racer will be sure to capture the fans of the original as well as attract new racers from around the globe.
Need for Speed: Carbon was the poorly-received sequel of the legendary Need for Speed: Most Wanted. Shortly after followed Need for Speed: Pro Street, which met even more harsh criticism. Now, EA attempts to reclaim fans of the series with its latest installment, Need for Speed: Undercover. With arcade-style gameplay and a mysteriously alluring storyline, Undercover looks to be a classic in the making.
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time was arguably the definitive action adventure of the last generation. Its subsequent sequels, while in no way lackluster, felt a bit uninspired in comparison. Now, the series reboots on current generation consoles with a pristine new look and stunning, never-before-seen gameplay mechanics. Can you keep up with the agile warrior? Find out this Fall.
Still wondering what happened to Nathan Hale after the close of Insomniac’s breakout launch title Resistance: Fall of Man? Wonder no more. The Chimera are back, and this time their sights are set on the United States of America. Are you strong enough to vanquish this threat while battling your own inner demons? Find out November 4. The fate of the world depends on it.
The wait is over for original Rock Band fans and Guitar Hero cross-overs alike. With fancier instruments, improved visuals, more songs, and a plethora of new modes, Rock Band 2 will have you jamming until the sun comes up. Whether you are a veteran of the genre or a newcomer to the music game scene, there’s nothing stopping you from becoming the world’s greatest rock band.
Though already out in the wild, Saints Row 2 has earned a well-deserved mention. This time, the unprecedented customization options, massive sandbox world, fast-paced action, and engaging storyline may be too much to pass up. Will you ally with the East side? Or will you choose the West side? If you’re still thinking, we have a suggestion for you: How about your own side?
SOCOM is back and better than ever. With Sony’s new bluetooth headset included with every purchase of SOCOM: Confrontation on PlayStation 3, you’ll be hard pressed to find a reason not to immerse yourself in this lavish military shooter. Focusing solely on the multiplayer aspect of the series, Confrontation is a superb squad-based romp that will keep you up into the waning hours of the night.
When was the last time Spider-Man saved the city? Every time? Well, this time may be the best so far. Featuring the ever-popular sandbox experience, an array of Marvel allies and villains, and an entirely revamped combat system, Web of Shadows may be the best Spidey game thus far. Grab your copy October 21.
Tom Clancy’s EndWar historically breaks new ground with its seamless introduction of intelligent voice commands. In this strategy game, if you want alpha squad to take the bridge at the base of the mountain while Delta squad doubles around and flanks the enemy’s current position, you need only say so. The rest is carried out by your highly-dependable army of militant elites. Want control? Win the war with EndWar.
Lara Croft makes her debut on the PlayStation 3 in Tomb Raider: Underworld. Using every weapon in her arsenal -– from her signature dual guns and expanded kit of archaeological tools to her own physical prowess and the environment itself -– Lara leads a quest that circles the world to uncover the secrets of the Norse underworld and a forgotten power, that if unleashed could lay waste to all civilization. Put your courage and cunning to the test in Tomb Raider: Underworld.
To the casual observer, any screenshot of Valkyria Chronicles would seem to be a drawing from a sketchpad or a painting from someone’s wall. SEGA has ingeniously adapted these stylized visuals with old-school warfare. Add in a solid storyline, great gameplay, and combination of fact and fiction, and you have the makings of a grand adventure with enough intrigue to pull new fans into SEGA’s unique style of gaming.