Are you stumped about what to get the gamer in your life this holiday season? Have no fear. I have compiled a list of games that will no doubt peak the interest of even the most picky of loved ones.
Rock Band 4 (Oct. 6)
The latest installation of the Harmonix series is only available on the next generation consoles, so PS4 and Xbox One. The song list will include pieces from the Arctic Monkeys, The Cure, Jack White, Dream Theater, Aerosmith, Bruno Mars as well as many others.
Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection (Oct. 9)
This PS4 exclusive bundle will include all three Naughty Dog titles: Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception as well as a prequel title, Uncharted: Golden Abyss. This collection is great for the avid fan of the PS3 and Xbox 360 series who want it now on the next generation console. Or, it is great for a quick jump into the series for a new fan who will undoubtedly be buying the latest installment Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, when it releases in March.
Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate (Oct. 22)
Syndicate marks a change in the Assassin’s Creed series. It is the first title that will offer two different playable assassins, twins Jacob and Evie Frye. The two can be switched out at any time, and they both offer different skills and combat styles to suit every player’s preference. The setting is industrial England, Jacob and Evie hope to eliminate the Templars that have taken control of London by uniting the criminal underworld. Because of the interesting setting, and emphasis on mob and brawl-type combat, I will more than likely be picking this one up.
Call of Duty: Black Ops III (Nov. 6)
The newest title in the series is to offer both single-player and multiplayer gameplay, as well as two zombies storylines. Black Ops III will take place 40 years after the events of Black Ops II. This time around, robots are said to play a role in combat, and the development of super soldiers will allow them to fight in battles as well. I do not know much about the series, but I’m sure any long time fan will enjoy what the next title in the series has to offer.
Fallout 4 (Nov. 10)
Bethesda’s press conference (where they officially announced the release of Fallout 4) was arguably the best thing to happen at E3. Fallout 4 is said to be much different from the other titles in the series with a emphasis on customization. The character creator is different this time around, with a “molding” feature versus the usual slider mechanics we are familiar with. There is also a ton of customization that you can do with your weapons, mods, and even build forts and communities. Bethesda really seemed to have the player in mind when they started developing the game. I will most certainly be picking this one up on Nov. 10 not only because I am a fan of the series, but from what I learned at E3, Fallout 4 seems to be taking a giant leap and I would like to witness the changes myself.
Rise of the Tomb Raider (Nov. 10 for Xbox One and 360)
The second installment in the revamped Tomb Raider series follows Lara Croft after the events of the first game. The combat system has been redesigned to include more options for stealth and sneak based attacks, and a crafting system has been implemented into the gameplay. What was originally thought to be an Xbox exclusive will make its way to Playstation and Microsoft devices, but owners of those consoles will have to wait until 2016.
Star Wars Battlefront (Nov. 17)
Due out Nov. 17, just before the holiday season really kicks into high gear, the latest edition in the Battlefront series is expected to sell up to nine to ten million by the end of fiscal 2016. The game takes place during the Galactic Civil War, and the player can choose to fight for either the Empire or the Rebels. With multiplayer campaigns, it is said that the game will support up to 40 players in the online battles. A must have for any Star Wars fan.