Tis’ the season for gift giving. With some many great games released this year, finding the perfect gift for that gamer in your life (or for yourself, you selfish jerk!) can be quite a task.
That’s where we come in. Destructoid staff writers were asked to make a few holiday, game-related gift picks, either based on personal choice or simply in the spirit of giving. The results were wide and varied, as each staff member’s tastes and gaming experiences, uh, vary widely. We’re quite an eclectic bunch, that’s for sure.
Hit the jump to see what made the list, and we hope to ignite some gift-giving sparks for you this holiday.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii(Nintendo for Wii)
Price:$49.99
Why it made my list:IsNSMBWa co-op game? A competitive experience? Both? Yeah, probably both. Even ignoring the fact that it’s got some of the best 2D level design in Mario history,NSMBWis really an educational tool. Think you like your friends? You’ll think twice about how cool they are once they hit a powerup block and then steal all the powerups inside, or accidentally jump on your head while you’re in midair, sending you plummeting to your death. The sheer joy you’ll experience from the platforming and happy-go-lucky atmosphere will be distinctly, horrifyingly, wonderfully contradicted by the sheer controller-breaking misanthropy you’ll feel toward those whom you once thought you loved.
Who it would make a great gift for:Romantic couples who want to test the limits of their relationship; people looking for an excuse to break up with friends they don’t actually like very much.
Phoenix Wright Case Files: Volume 2(Del Rey Manga)
Price:$14.99
Who it would make a great gift for:Just about any Phoenix Wright fan; Fujoshi; Topher
Devil May Cry 4Nero PVC Figure, Yamato
Price:$103.00
Why it made my list:It’s well sculpted (as most collectibles from Yamato are), it looks completely badass, and at $103, it won’t break my pocketbook to add it to my collectibles shelf.
Who it would make a great gift for:The friend that doesn’t have a huge toy collection, but totally will love having one large piece that has a lot of style. Helps if he likes badasses, too.
Ocarina of TimeLink (Goron and Zora tunic versions), First 4 Figures
Price:$109.99
Why it made my list:This polystone statue just screams class, and if you have a passionate love of all thingsZeldalike I do, surely your heart will flutter around in your chest at the sight of this beautiful statue. It’s also fairly reasonably priced for a collectible of this quality.
Who it would make a great gift for:The friend who has obsessively played everyLegend of Zeldatitle since the NES golden cartridge. (Hey! That’s me!)
Aegis Figma fromPersona 3, Max Factory
Price:$31.99
Why it made my list:Aegis is one of the most visually memorable characters in thePersonauniverse, and this version of her is also fully poseable and lots of fun to play with. It’s also a lot cheaper than the heavies you see above, which you may appreciate if you’re shopping for friends on a smaller budget.
Who it would make a great gift for:The fanaticPersonaobsessee(guys like Dale North and Josh Tolentino!).
Who it would make a great gift for:Good for Wii-owning golf dad, but fun for anyone.
Street Fighter IVCozy
Price:$20ish
Who it would make a great gift for:People that play in tournaments like EVO. Think about it. You show up in the Cozy and your opponents will be too busy laughing at you and won’t be able to focus on playing the game. You’ll totally have the advantage over your opponents. Totally.
Who it would make a great gift for:Families that like to stay together and slay together.
EyePet(Sony for PlayStation 3)
MSRP:£39.99
Why it made my list:Although the game itself isn’t all that great, it’s perfect fodder for hyperactive children and a solid gimmick to distract the family for a while. Europeans can already get this right now, while Americans can import it for a not-too-shabby price.
Who it would make a great gift for:Kids who need shutting up for an hour.
Half-Minute Hero(XSEED for PlayStation Portable)
Price:$29.99
Why it made my list:This game alone has made me happy I chose to hang onto my PSP.Half-Minute Herooffers something you won’t find anywhere else: a charming mix of puzzle-style play with everything that makes role playing games great. Combined with its genuinely funny script and phenomenal soundtrack, you would be a fool to miss out on this one.
Who it would make a great gift for:Old-school JRPG players and anyone who finds self-referential videogame humor to be funny.
Kenka Banchois about the only recently released game that can lay claim to the genre of “brawler” without embarrassing itself. The title’s additional RPG-like time management, absolutely insane character customization, and sense of Japanese-infused humor make it a great ride for someone looking for a brawler that fits in the modern world.
Your otaku friends; someone who wishes the cheering squads ofOuendanandElite Beat Agentswould quit dancing andpunch somebody; any punk-assshabazolooking to be a realshibuiyankii.
Who it would make a great gift for:Those who pine for the good ol’ days of the PlayStation 1; folks who are angry the “Snow Queen” quest was cut out; fans ofPersona 3and4who want to know what it was like back then.
