Hot Picks [FRIDAY]

Thumbs-a-Thumping

Friday, December 8, 2006

It's day three of our first ever holiday gift guide. Today we've got game. Yesterday was all about foodies, and Wednesday was beauty day here at Urbantrendz. Next week we're bringing you great ideas for stuffing stockings, bar hopping and the literary folk on your list.

Videogame players are picky. They don't just want any old game. They want one that fits them perfectly. Something comfortable like that battered old T-shirt they've been wearing since high school. So, if you've got a gamer on your list, here are some picks that should match up with at least one of their favoured virtual identities.

The General - Anybody with delusions of being a mouse-and-keyboard George Patton will love Company of Heroes, a World War II strategy game made by the Vancouverites at Relic Entertainment. It'll test their reflexes, bust their brains, and give them the kind of joy that comes from playing a near-perfect game.
Available for: PC

The Inner Child - If the gamer in your life thinks Pixar movies are the pinnacle of modern cinema (not a bad theory, actually) and still eats Fruit Loops for breakfast, the latest Rayman game should be your choice. Called Raving Rabbids, its crazy animated style and ridiculous gameplay will appeal to those who enjoy the thought of facing off against a group of killer bunnies.
Available for: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2

The Commando - Call of Duty 3 isn't just another World War II game (though there are about 50 million of them by now), it's the only one where you get to play as Canadian soldiers. Finally. It's also an impressive shooter that will satisfy any itchy trigger fingers.
Available for: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, Xbox

The Artist - Okami is an overlooked treasure, released this year, that will make a great surprise gift. It uses graphics based on traditional Japanese artwork, allowing players to change the landscape during their quest with the use of an in-game paintbrush. It looks spectacular and is definitely the most unique game released in a long time.
Available for: PlayStation 2