XBOX 360: Holiday Shopping Guide 2009

This Black Friday is the day where most gamers and parents will probably be buying an XBOX 360 for either themselves, for their kids, friends or their close relatives. I myself have worked at GameStop in the past and Black Friday is one of the busiest work days if you work for GameStop. Our Editor James knows that and will be suffering Friday (lol). There are a lot of parents who ask what games they should buy for their special someone and always ask the store clerk their opinion. Well as the year comes to a close, all of the great Games for 2009 are out for the XBOX 360, but what are the good games and the bad games?

Let’s take a look at some of the games will be suited to your loved ones. We will show you the list of games that you should stay away from, and games that you should definitely buy. Let’s get started.

For RPG Fans; “A Must Buy”

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Dragon Age: Origins
From Bioware, the creator of games such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect comes Dragon Age Origins. This title offered game play that could range hundreds of hours. The game can be compared to Mass Effect, but think of this game as a fantasy epic and not futuristic. We loved the way choices made a difference in the world, and with multiple origin stories to start with, this was a game we can see ourselves playing long into 2010.

Just Push Start Review Score: 5 out of 5

With it’s amazing story telling, believable characters and world, and the almost endless ways you can play the game, there is no doubt this is a must own.

Things to Consider:
– Fallout 3 Game of the Year Edition
– Star Ocean: The Last Hope

For Shooter Fans; “A Must Buy”

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Modern Warfare 2
Following the most critically acclaimed shooter of 2007 Modern Warfare 2 hit shelves this year. By adding spec ops, extending its intense campaign, and amping up its already amazing multiplayer experience it was able to build upon an already proven and successful formula.

Just Push Start Review Score: 4.5 out of 5

Modern Warfare 2 delivers one of the best gaming expriences for this year.

Things to Consider:
– Halo 3: ODST
– Left 4 Dead 2

For Fighting Fans; “A Must Buy”

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Tekken 6
Namco brought back the original 3D fighter this year to consoles with their U.S release of Tekken 6. While it has been around in Japan since late 2007, this game still owns its own unique charm with its 2009 U.S release. With over 40 characters to choose from, a lengthy single player campaign, and an intense online mode, this fighter had Tekken fans and new comers a like in awe

Just Push Start Review Score: 4.5 out of 5

If you are in the mode for a solid fighter that has PLENTY to offer, Tekken 6 is for you.

Things to Consider:
– Street Fighter IV
– Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 (XBOX Live Arcade)

For Action Fans; “A Must Buy”

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Assassin’s Creed II
Assassin’s Creed II continues the story of Desmond and his ancestors to help better understand the modern day motives of the Templars. This time around the game dropped the repetitive nature of the first and added variety throughout all aspects of the game.

Just Push Start Review Score: 5 out of 5

At the end of the day, Assassins Creed II is simply a great game.

Things to Consider:
– Street Fighter IV
– Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 (XBOX Live Arcade)

For Sports Fans; “A Must Buy”

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Forza: Motorsport 3
Gear your gears ready in the this much anticipated racing title of the year. With Forza 3’s in-game shop, you can customize and buy from stickers to things that will make your car standout from everyone else.

Just Push Start Review Score: Not Reviewed

Not Available

Things to Consider:
– Madden NFL 2010
– Fifa Soccer 2

For Music Fans; “A Must Buy”

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Rockband: The Beattles
Is your loved one a Beatles fan? If so then Rock Band Beatles will be right up their ally. With 45 songs to choose from, and stunning visuals that play in the background while you play songs, it is a true delete. This is also the first time the Beatles have been released in a digital format, which is a big plus for fans. This titles is perfect for Beatles fans and music lovers alike.

Just Push Start Review Score: Not Reviewed

Not Available

Things to Consider:
– Guitar Hero 5
– Lego: Rockband

For Kids; “A Must Buy”

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Lego: Indiana Jones 2
Continue the journey of Indiana Jones in this new Lego game that features new levels and more fun not just only for kids but it’s for everyone!

Just Push Start Review Score: Not Reviewed

Not Available

Things to Consider:
– Bakugan
– Ben 10

Accessories To Buy:

Play & Charge Kit
Instead of buying batteries for your wireless controller, go ahead and buy the Play & Charge Kit. It only costs $19.99 and it allows you to just charge and go. This is good if you keep running out of batteries, plus, you’re saving a lot with this accessory. Don’t forget, buy the Official ones.

Mad Catz Wireless Adapter
Instead of buying that expensive $99.99 Official Wirelss N Adapter for your XBOX 360, I highly suggest to buy the Mad Catz one since it’s $20 cheaper and you can use it on your PlayStation 3 also. No it doesn’t go to the USB Port of your console but instead, in the Ethernet. Don’t worry, Microsoft can’t disable this since it uses the Ethernet Port.

120GB Hard Drive
Since we are in a new era, you will be needing a hard drive. If you can find a cheap 20GB HDD, go ahead and buy it but trust me, you won’t be able to fill that much wth that small HDD. Get the 120GB HDD! It’s $149.99!

Games to NOT BUY

– Jurassic: The Hunted
– Velvet Assassin
– Brave: A Warrior’s Tale