2014 Holiday Gift Guide: 25 Best Video Games to Buy

The holidays are upon us. Which means the biggest and most promising catalog of video games are hitting store shelves. Whether you have signed allegiance to a console, handheld, or PC, this year in gaming features one of the best holiday lineups in recent past. New IP’s, next-gen sequels, and updated re-releases–the options are ludicrous right now. Being experts, but mostly fans of the industry, we’ve assembled a collection of titles worth spending your greenbacks on. And seeing how it’s never easy purchasing a game for a loved one, let alone yourself, consider these recommendations come Black Friday. Open your wallets and take note of the 25 Best Video Games to Buy this season.

LittleBigPlanet 3

Platforms: PS4 and PS3
Price: $60
LittleBigPlanet hit the PS3 by storm and since that major release, hasn’t slowed down one bit. This puzzle-cartoony platformer pushes the envelope in terms of creativity, offering endless entertainment that continues to captivate PlayStation owners. The game really does live up to the world(s) it has created. Also, recurring fans of the franchise can transfer over their previous content onto LBP3. —Robinson

Assassin’s Creed Unity Collector’s Edition

Platforms: PS4, PC, and Xbox One
Price: $130
Despite its numerous bugs and glitch performances, the latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise is a testament to Ubisoft’s credo of developing beautifully rendered games. Unity takes place in Paris 1789 during the French Revolution, where Arno is caught in the middle of the chaos and transforms into a true assassin. In addition to the single-player mode, the game offers co-op play where friends can join to perform heists and missions in an open-world environment. The Collector’s Edition comes bundled with a 16-inch tall statue of Master Assassin Arno Dorian, wooden Assassin’s Creed Unity music box, art book showcasing never before seen concept art, Notre Dame Cathedral collector’s edition showcase box, official game soundtrack, two in-game missions called Killed by Science, and Chemical Revolution. —Montez

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

strong Platform: Xbox One
Price: $60
The Master Chief Collection is by far the greatest anniversary gaming compilation released over the past several years. With updated graphics presented on all four games, new ranking systems, and some unique functions, this collection elevates the Halo franchise to new heights. Mostly every title plays the same, though the real value lies in the Halo 2 Anniversary and Halo 5: Guardians beta included in the package. Giving players the option to play through any mission they want from any of the four games, also sharing rankings adds an element of player control most games don’t do enough of on the next-gen front. —Barbetta

Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS

Platforms: Nintendo Wii U and 3DS
Price: $60; $40
The one game that Nintendo fans have been clamoring for since announcing its home and portable consoles. Super Smash Bros. has finally arrived, bringing 38 characters to the battle from the Big N universe and other popular third-party franchises. The 3DS version features two exclusive modes: Smash Run and Street Smash, which is a StreetPass-based game where players control a disc and will do their best to knock opponents out of the arena. The Wii U offers an 8-player battle mode that’s only played on restricted stages, holding a certain amount of players at once with a “Danger Zone” area that causes 100% damage to the opposition. It also has three exclusive new game modes: Event, Smash Tour, and Special Orders. The newly introduced Amiibo figures are compataible with the home console version, used in battle and enabled through the Gamepad. Amiibo’s also save your stats, so if you want to play at a friend’s house, come through with them in hand. —Montez

The Evil Within

Platforms: PS4, PS3, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox 360
Price: $60
From the minds at Bethesda comes the year’s scariest and most intense game. The Evil Within revolves around the player making the right choices such as when to fight or run, and how to react to the constantly changing environment they are placed in, all while trying to balance survival with trying to collect the materials needed to do so. It’s a disturbing scarefest that puts most horror films to shame. —Barbetta

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Atlas Pro Edition

Platforms: PS4, PS3, Xbox One, and Xbox 360
Price: $120
The most anticipated game of the year comes in special edition form (again), bringing a few physical and digital additions to this already fine-detailed game. Included into the actual game is a season pass allowing access to all four DLC maps when released. A new updated version of the Pipeline map from CoD4: Modern Warfare, as well as some brand new customized gear made by Atlas for this specific game. The actual gameplay on the other hand remains the same with some minor edits such as a new Heads Up Display (HUD) that shows all the info as holographic projections from the gun. However, we see new weapons that can sometimes recharge their ammo slowly over time as well as energy or laser weaponry as options, and several types of grenades available too. With some brand new functions, crazy cool new weapons, and some awesome physical swag, Advanced Warfare is the perfect setup for what to expect in future CoD installments. —Barbetta

Pokemon Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby

Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Price: $40
A remake for the modern era, Alpha and Omega shares the secrets behind Mega Evolution. Your quest starts off in Hoenn, where you’ll search for powerful Pokemon and unlock their magical powers. Players will have access to a secret base now where they can invite friends to either chitchat or challenge them to a battle. Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre will be present in the game and carry a big influence as you progress on your path to become the greatest Pokemon master. —Montez

The Crew

Platforms: PS4, PS3, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox 360
Price: $60
Ubisoft continues its holiday dominance with The Crew. This terrific open-world driving game features some of the best graphics the racing world has seen, while featuring one of the biggest maps we have ever played on. Being able to drive from New York City to Los Angeles all without a loading screen truly is a marvel for the next generation of consoles. The Crew is aptly named due to its premise of putting you with 3 other people who are in your crew and together you take on driving missions across the entirety of the country. Take on heists, races and even escape the cops with style. —Robinson

World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor

Platform: PC
Price: $50
Blizzard Entertainment unleashes another popular WoW expansion pack, one designed to keep players trapped at their gaming rigs. The game takes place in the word of Draenor, which is the original home of the Orcs. Several legendary characters return such as Grom Hellscream, Ne’zhul and Blackhand. Upon purchasing the expansion, players will be boosted to level 90 instantly, while basking in cool new features including the ability to summon friends or guildmates to fulfill quests through 10 new levels. Gameplay receives an upgrade as well with a more realistic feel and expressions being detailed more amongst characters. —Montez

Sunset Overdrive

Xbox One
Price: $60
This third-person shooter from Insomniac games has garnered some impressively high ratings. Not dropping below a 8 on any major review aggregate, Sunset Overdrive features the most ridiculous and wonderful story in 2014. You follow the main character around as he makes endless pop culture references, numerous 4th-wall-breaking jokes, and even some heart-touching moments that are quickly offset by insane combat. It’s bright, vibrant, eccentric, and often misleading as you battle the forces of the awesomepocalypse as it has been officially been dubbed. The grinding, jumping, and explosive guns help solidify Sunset Overdrive as the surprise smash hit of the holidays. —Robinson

WWE 2K15

Platforms: PS4, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox 360
Price: $60
Taking a leap off the top ropes with their wrestling game franchise, 2K welcomes the largest roster ever, new gameplay, and some unique game modes in WWE 2K15. When players start with a lock-up input at the start of a match, it will result in a collar-and-elbow tie-up style grapple and then lead into a face button set up that will change the lock depending on the button pressed. Added in as well is a three-tier stamina bar that flows through the whole match and is what allows players to move quickly and hit harder, but the less stamina they have the worse they become. Overall, these new additions and upcoming DLC packages are enough to lure in any avid WWE fan. —Barbetta

Bayonetta 2

Platform: Nintendo Wii U
Price: $60
While the first game was released on Microsoft and Sony platforms, developer Platinum Games decided to partner with Nintendo and create one of the highest-rated games of the year thus far. Bayonetta 2 has over-the-top gameplay that compliments its insane storyline. The game has also been praised for its wonderful visuals. Even though many Wii U games are not recognized for their excellent graphics, Bayonetta 2’s art direction is certainly award winning. Whether you fight with swords or magic, the intense combos and wonderful animations will hook you. —Robinson

Far Cry 4

Platforms: PS4, PS3, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox 360
Price: $60
The hype train has rolled in for Ubisoft’s newest shooter. Introducing many new wonderful features like the wingsuit or elephant riding, Far Cry 4 hits the market with force. It takes the wonderful gameplay elements from its predecessor and adding perfect 1080p resolution with added elements that make exploring the wonderful world of Kyrat a pleasure for those who enter. Play as Ajay Ghale as he takes on the strange and brutal Kyratis (and yes that is the name of the people who live there) and their civil war. The story will move and twist your mind, though you’ll never lose sight of the mission, flying for hours in a parasail. —Robinson

Alien: Isolation

Platforms: PS4, PS3, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox 360
Price: $50 – $60
Alien: Isolation has shocked the gaming community with its truly wonderful game design. Horrifying and moving, Creative Assembly’s title pushes the boundaries of the survival horror genre. The one feature that makes it wonderfully challenging is its use with the Kinect sensor on the Xbox One. When the Kinect is plugged in and listening, the sounds you make while playing can attract the alien to your position. This becomes especially difficult because Alien: Isolation features no automatic weaponry of any kind and the Alien is ridiculously fast and un-killable. Do yourself a favor, never play it in the dark. —Robinson

LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham

Platforms: PS4, PS3, PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, and 3DS
Price: $30 – $60
The LEGO brand continues to grow with its comic book-platformer games leading the way. Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham takes full advantage of the company’s block aesthetics and humor, applying it to the gameplay mechanics of every hero and villain present in the sequel. The exploration factor is also well handled as the game allows players to explore iconic locations like the Batcave, the Hall of Justice, and even the Watchtower. Mess around in each spot to find some fun and weird activating items. —Barbetta

Grand Theft Auto V

Platforms: PS4 and Xbox One
Price: $60
Rockstar brings its biggest game to date to next-gen consoles and includes a variety of updates that make the action-shooter worth revisiting for the umpthteenth time. Gameplay remains the same for the most part, though the addition of a first-person mode lets gamers run wild and create havoc on the streets of San Andreas. The developers are finally unleashing its Online Heist mode for GTA Online, where as standard GTA V players can indulge in new activities and weapons. Let the carnage commence. —Barbetta

Hyrule Warriors

Platform: Nintendo Wii U
Price: $60
Taking the beloved Zelda franchise into Dynasty Warriors territory, Nintendo introduces its own hack-n-slash adventure starring Link and company. Rather than focus on exploration and RPG-esque gameplay, players will rely more on heavy melee and sword combat, something different for fans of the series. Like other Zelda games, you’ll discover treasure boxes filled with useful items. Unlock several playable characters from the universe, each boasting their own unique moves and weapons, plus battle armies with a friend on the local co-op mode—one person playing on the TV and the other on the Gamepad. —Montez

Destiny

Platforms: PS4, PS3, Xbox One, and Xbox 360
Price: $60
Bungie’s space opera certainly has had its pitfalls since launch, but with the additions of their expansive DLC packs and other additional content, Destiny is certainly regaining its momentum. The game launched with some exciting concepts and designs, presenting an open world that truly is one of a kind. Its excellent FPS aspects in the story is what seals Destiny as a top-tier game. Bungie has created some awesome experiences in the past 15 years and this new IP hasn’t tarnished the developer’s reputation. —Robinson

Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth – The Wild Cards Premium Edition

Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Price: $80
Atlas takes its most successful RPG into a different route with Shadow of the Labyrinth. This spin-off draws its gameplay from Etrian Odyssey and welcomes characters from Persona 3 and Persona 4 in all new adventures. Different events will unfold depending on which characters are chosen. The Special Edition will give you the “Sounds of the Labyrinth” music CD from Japan, exclusive art book, eleven Persona Tarot Cards, and a collectible outer box. —Montez

NBA 2K15

Platforms: PS4, PS3, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox 360
Price: $60
The latest in the long line of basketball games from 2K Sports proves why the studio is the champion of its genre. Graphics have once again received an impressive upgrade with players resembling their real-life counterparts. The AI sees massive improvements allowing the computer to perform more advanced evasion tricks, along with better offensive moves in each match, making the game feel more challenging for the player. Gamers have the luxury of scanning their face onto avatars through the Kinect or PS4 camera as well. —Barbetta

Mario Kart 8

Platform: Nintendo Wii U
Price: $60
Mario Kart is Mario Kart. So in other words, it’s pure awesomeness in the form of arcade racing. The Wii U racer brings some brand new items to the virtual circuit such as the boomerang flower, which does exactly what you would think. The horn manages to destroy any shells thrown and disrupts opponents, along with a few more surprises. Gameplay is basic no matter the chosen kart, though it doesn’t hurt to familiarize one’s self with the latest hover vehicles. Recently, Nintendo has released some new Legend of Zelda DLC with new characters and vehicles to choose from. So now is definitely the time to buy the game. —Barbetta

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Platforms: PS4, PS3, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox 360
Price: $60
Exploration in games has become a rather large to-do on all developer’s minds, especially those who’ve worked on EA’s Dragon Age: Inquisition. The studio introduces much larger-scale environments and fuses popular features from the first two titles to bring forth a refined action-RPG experience. Combat has been remodeled to have two different modes, one is essentially the same as from Dragon Age Origins 2, which is the standard for most action-RPG games, while another mode is similar to the system found in most RPGs where the player can pause and survey the area then place and order different characters. With enhanced visuals, exploration, and new combat mechanics, gamers should be kept busy throughout the holidays. —Barbetta

Skylanders Trap Team Dark Edition Starter Pack

Platforms: PS4, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Wii U
Price: $100
Skylanders has evolved into one of the most intricate games for players of all ages. Activision has set up a system that allows the player to use a Traptanium Portal, which reads the bottom of your Skylanders figures and ports them into the game to create one wonderful gaming experience. Despite many writing off the title as a kids game, it actually features some beautiful level designs and wonderfully cheeky gameplay. Work with your trap masters to capture the enemies of the Trap Team using the Traptanium Portal. Complete family fun. —Robinson