PlayStation Move

Sony will soon be bridging into the motion game market with their upcoming release of the new PlaystationMove controller system for the PS3.  The controller is basically two parts: the Move motion controller and the Move sub controller.  Although this concept is obviously not new, Playstation Move may be promising as Sony has a bundle of motion games lined up. The PS3 already has the edge in graphics – to have the edge in motion gaming they must have outstanding precision with the motion controller and as equally fun and engaging motion titles as the Wii.

Release date: Fall 2010

BUY | Price: TBA

God of War 3

Experience intense combat, world exploration, intricate puzzles, and an immersive story when Kratos picks back up his swords and hits the shelves March 16th.  If you are already of fan of the God of War series you have probably already pre-ordered.  However, if this is only the first time you have heard of God of War you still may not want to miss out on the final chapter of this critically acclaimed three part series!

Release date: 16 March 2010

Platform: Playstation 3

BUY | Price: $60

Riiflex Dumbbells for Wii

Riiflex dumbbells are gym-quality weights for the Wii system that attach to the Wiimote and nunchuck and still allow for full functionality of the Wiimotes.  The weights are molded of polycarbonate, with cast-iron and a soft rubber molding which allows for similar grip and ergonomics of a gym-class weight.  Compatible with many aftermarket Wiimotes as well as the Wii Motion Plus.  Some of the games recommended by the Riiflex manufacturers are Wii Fit Plus, EA Sports Active, Fitness Ultimatum, Golds Gym Cardio, Your Shape, and My Fitness Coach.

BUY | Price: $30

Final Fantasy XIII by Square Enix

Square Enix brings us their next title in the beautiful and artistic Final Fantasy series which is actually the first game in a new sub-series called Fabula Nova Crystallis.  The battle system in this release is stemmed from FFVII Advent Children, and will maintain the strategic nature of command-based battles.  The completely new thing here will be a revamped Active Time Battle system which will allow the player to chain large numbers of commands together to produce combos and attack bonuses.  However, the main difference from other titles is that only one player is controllable during battle.  Some may think this would reduce game play complexity and involvement, but from what I have seen it will not be the case at all.  Of course the cinematic scenes are absolutely astonishing, and the graphics are incredible as well.  This title looks very promising and I am sure long time Final Fantasy fans and newcomers alike will be very pleased.  For those of you into the mmo style, FFXIVOnline is in development and may be on the market late this year.

• Release date: March 9, 2010
• Genre: Role playing Game
• Mode: Single-Player
• Platforms: Playstation 3, XBox 360
• Media: Blu-ray Disc, DVD
• Developer: Square Enix
• Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
• ESRB Rating: Teen

BUY | Price: $60

Mass Effect 2 by BioWare

After BioWare’s release of the original Mass Effect in 2007, it was raved about by its players, and gained great standing for the next two “episodes” of a planned trilogy.  BioWare now brings us the first sequel of this trilogy: Mass Effect 2.  If you are unfamiliar with the mechanics of this series then you should know it is a single-player, tactical, shooter, action role-playing game based on party tactics.  It harbors a huge amount of content including many planets and systems, and this sequel is said to have 548 fully voiced characters.  The plot begins in the year 2183, and follows the quests of Commander Shepard and his team on their adventures through planetary systems to preserve the human race.  Other than a new story, Mass Effect 2 has many improvements over its predecessor including an upgraded combat system and AI, realistic damage modeling, more enemy actions, a new alien race, many other game play mechanic improvements, and of course enhanced graphics.  More specialized content is also available for those who pre-order and/or purchase a collector’s edition.

• Release date: January 26, 2010
• Genre: Role Playing Game
• Mode: Single Player
• Platforms: PC and Xbox 360
• Media: 2 DVDs
• Developer: BioWare
• Publisher: Electronic Arts
• ESRB Rating: Mature

BUY | Price: $50 – $60

Activision: DJ HERO Renegade Edition

As a spinoff to to the popular Guitar Hero series, Activision brings us DJ Hero.  This game reminds me of the Beatmania series by Konami from 10 years ago. I recommend the Renegade Edition which includes the game, turntable controller, 2CD Mix by Eminem & Jay Z and a case that converts to a stand.  The game features 94 remixes of two different songs from a selection of over 100 different songs across numerous genres.  Jay-Z and Eminem both served as consultants for the game development.  Many DJ and mix artists also contributed to the game and in lending their images for playable avatars in the game; including DJ Shadow, Z-Trip, DJ AM, Cut Chemist, J.Period, Grandmaster Flash, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Daft Punk, and Eminem.

CONSOLE: Available for PS3, XBOX360, Wii

BUY | Price: $200

God Of War Collection

With God of War III on the verge of release next March, Sony has released the God of War Collection.  Even if you have never played any of the titles, now is the time to grab this great release.  The Collection includes both God of War I & II, both of which have been remastered in HD (which looks awesome on PS3).   Sorry Xbox fans, God of War is Playstation only.

BUY I Price: $40.oo

Assassin’s Creed II

Assassins Creed II has received outstanding ratings from just about every gaming media source there is.  The ratings are justified by the emersive  15th-centery Italian story, incredible graphics, innovative and fun play style, and a combat system that has greatly improved.  The hype is worth it this time!

Price: $60

Tony Hawk: Ride

While out shopping at Best Buy on Black Friday, I see a stack of skateboards I assumed. However I notice there are no wheels.  It’s the “Birdman’s” latest video game that actually lets you simulate riding a skateboard. It’s equipped with infrared sensors to detect motion that will reflect as you play the game.

Available for Wii, PS3, & Xbox 360.

See larger image PS3 Tony Hawk: Ride Skateboard Bundle (Video Game) List Price: $69.99 USD New From: $28.99 In Stock Used From: $19.99 In Stock Released November 17, 2009.