The festive season has dawned upon us and it’s that time of year once again where we meet and greet our loved ones with showers of affection and not to forget loads of gifts as well. We had recently revealed the top 5 endearing and gratifying gaming peripherals handpicked for your ‘presenting’ benefit. With gaming accessories covered, we sink our teeth into some juicy game titles that could be great gifting options this Diwali. The array includes scrumptious offerings for various consoles such as the Xbox 360, PS3, and Nintendo Wii among others.
First up on our list is surely a name that has been floating on our lips for quite some time now. Halo: Reach is the much anticipated title that caught the whole of India as well as the rest of the world in an engaging grip long before its release into stores. The title has left quite an impression on the minds of players and why not, the game has the whole franchise standing testimony to its greatness. This FPS game developed by Bungie and published by Microsoft set a new record for the franchise and received a positive feedback from fans around the globe. The events in this prequel take place in the year 2552 and see Noble Team putting their best foot forward in order to save the planet from the invasion of the Covenant army. If you haven’t picked up a copy of the same or if you know of any friends or family members who own an Xbox 360 console, then this serves as a great opportunity to present them with what’s known as one of the best titles flagged off this year.
Next up on the list is The Sims 3 for consoles. With the dawn of Diwali bringing in the light, we see the game now emerging onto the console terrain. This spin-off is claimed to offer many a firsts for players who love to wield the joystick rather than clanking it up on the keyboard and mouse. The fun antics featured in the title can be enjoyed by a friend in co-op mode while Life Moments Game on the Wii enables them to go up against three friends at a time. You can also avail of content via the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. They are further treated to all-new attributes such as the unlockable ‘Karma Powers’ which must be used wisely and integrated exchange system on the PS3 and Xbox 360. There is also a special treat in store for Wii owners. This version incorporates a new beach town packed with unique residents that portray their own career and traits.
From simulations, we zoom onto the tarmac with Codemasters’ F1 2010. This title falls under the racing genre and perfectly emulates the current season of Formula One world championship. It packs in all the official teams, drivers and circuits of the glorious sporting event. The latest iteration leaves skid marks on the gaming track with various modes such as Time Trial, Championship, Grand Prix and an innovative Career mode. An attribute that we found gleaming at us while reviewing the game was the complex weather system that made the laps even more challenging. There are various climate conditions you can opt for like light and heavy, light cloud, overcast and clear. Each country also offers a local atmosphere that is synonymous to their terrain. Extensive competitive multiplayer options are further delivered which makes this title an ideal present for fans of this racing title.
FIFA 11 is another great gifting suggestion and would surely strike a chord with enthusiasts of the sport. Heading the trail of 18 iterations is EA’s acclaimed FIFA series of football video games. What’s more, the game has kicked its way into the pitch just in time for Diwali. Acquirable on various consoles such as the PS3, PS2, PSP, PC, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS and Wii, gamers can expect to be blown away by loads of exciting features. The console and PC versions incorporate the new career mode that puts you in the boots of manager, player or even a player-manager. The former platform also includes a new passing system where the accuracy of each pass is fueled by the players’ own skill on the joypad while taking into consideration the situation and heat of the battle amidst the match. FIFA 11 goes that one step further by allowing the goalie to also take part in all the on-field action. As players celebrate the festive season, they can even do a little in-game victory jig that has been enhanced in this iteration.
From ground zero, we take-off and dominate the vast skies in the final title namely Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2 which is published and developed by Ubisoft. The events take place in various places across the globe such as Russia, Middle East and other terrains across the globe. Players get to ride in the cockpit of some exciting planes and rule the airways with loads of weapons in various forms and maneuvers. American, British, and Russian forces as well as real world and prototype aircrafts are at your disposal. These include the formidable Mig – 29 Fulcrum, FA – 18E SuperHornet, F35 Lightening II and Ecrofighter Typhoon. Through a review, we found this to be very detailed and feel that it would appeal to novices as well as the experienced sort.
The above titles are some of the gifting suggestions we put forth that may light up any gamer’s face and send them rocketing sky high with delight amidst the fountains and fireworks. Watch them surging with the urge to hit a console or PC in order to experience the delights. Titles such as F1 2010, FIFA 11, The Sims 3 and Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2 can be picked up and wrapped for Rs. 2,499 each if console versions are preferred. The standard edition of Halo: Reach is priced at Rs. 2,599 while the Limited and Legendary Editions bear a cost of Rs. 2,999 and Rs. 6,999 respectively.