Photo: Nintendo
Asking for video game Christmas gifts is not only practical, but easy enough for your friends and relatives not to completely screw up. Even if they get you an earlier version of the same title, at least it’s still enough in the wheelhouse to get you through a dull holiday (that is, if you didn’t already have that previous game and get sick of it already). Fortunately, you shouldn’t have that problem with the following games, as none of them have been out long enough for you to have gotten bored with them yet. Plus, they’re all so advanced and mind-blowing these days that you’d have to have some sort of advanced form of ADHD for them to not keep your attention. Seriously, any one of the following video game Christmas gifts would make the perfect stocking stuffer.
The 12 Best Video Game Christmas Gifts You Need For 2016
Then again, maybe you’re not the video game type: This Penis-Filled Coloring Book Called ‘Cocktastic’ May Just Be The Perfect Christmas Gift For Your Horny Friends
Best Video Game Christmas Gifts You Need For 2016
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1. Playstation VR
Date Available: October 13, 2016
Why You Should Get It: I was hesitant going into my first PSVR experience because it didn’t seem nearly as hyped as I thought it would be. I can honestly say it’s the most fun I’ve had playing video games since I was a kid experiencing Nintendo 64 for the first time. Even my friends that have no interest in games are amazed by how immersive and just plain fun it is. It’s one of those things you’ll love for yourself, but nothing is better than introducing your friends and family to it for the first time.
Photo: Chesnot/Getty Images
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2. The Last Guardian
Date Available: December 6, 2016
Why You Should Get It: For those of us that have been following this project from the beginning, December couldn't get here fast enough. The Last Guardian was originally announced in 2009 and, after extensive delays, it seemed as though it might never happen. But now here it is just in time for Christmas. Hopefully it’s as emotional and impactful as their previous outings, but Shadow of the Colossus is a tough watermark to hit.
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3. The Walking Dead: Season 3
Date Available: December 20th, 2016
Why You Should Get It: The Walking Dead was the first Telltale game I was introduced to and it was seriously storytelling like I’d never experienced before. The gameplay is more of an interactive story than a shooter or survival game, but don’t be fooled; there are some incredibly intense moments you have to survive. I have never cried the way I cried through episode one, and I thoroughly enjoyed episode two. So if you haven’t caught up yet, now’s the perfect time.
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4. Batman: Arkham VR
Date Available: October 13, 2016
Why You Should Get It: If you don’t get a VR then, by all means, get Batman: Return to Arkham. As a matter of fact, you should probably just try and grab both. But if that’s not a possibility, you owe it to yourself to get the most out of your PSVR and…become Batman. What more could you possibly want out of a video game than to get to be the Dark Knight himself? It’s certainly not as expensive as most games, but that’s because it’s pretty short. Still, you get to be Batman!
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5. Destiny The Collection
Date Available: September 20, 2016
Why You Should Get It: Destiny has been around for a few years and it still has one of the most faithful followings. That’s for a reason. Bungee is constantly outdoing itself with thoroughly impressive expansion packs that’ll keep you and your friends entertained for so much longer than the average game. I honestly believe Destiny’s raids are the most exciting group activities you’ll ever experience. And now, with The Collection, you can get every expansion and update all in one place.
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6. Dead Rising 4
Date Available: December 6, 2016
Why You Should Get It: If you’ve never experienced a Dead Rising game, imagine if you could single-handedly wipe out the zombie apocalypse by yourself with the most outrageous and over-the-top weapons imaginable. Capcom has continually elevated the series, but this one seems to be back to the comedic element and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Oh, this one also takes place during the Christmas shopping season, so you can only imagine how ridiculous it’s going to get.
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7. Final Fantasy XV
Date Available: November 29, 2016
Why You Should Get It: I think I was in the minority of people that enjoyed both Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy XIV, but I can understand why others weren’t blown away by them. Don’t worry, though. This one is going to take things up a notch. Not only are the battles going to be bigger than ever, it also works on your PSVR. This is like every childhood dream I had coming to life.
Photo: Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images
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8. LawBreakers
Date Available: TBD 2016
Why You Should Get It: Remember that gritty, dark Gears of War world you were obsessed with not that long ago? Good news: Cliff Bleszinski is back with this absolutely amazing shooter that literally defies gravity. You truly have to experience it for yourself to truly appreciate all it has to offer. This one is only on PC, so grab it up and get ready for some ridiculously fun multiplayer battles.
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9. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
Date Available: November 4, 2016
Why You Should Get It: While Call of Duty is known for their PvP, I’ve always enjoyed the campaign aspect and thought it got overlooked. How can you possibly not love battling against an evil Kevin Spacey? This time, though, they took the campaign mode way beyond “modern warfare.” It feels more like Starship Troopers battling each other. Make no mistake, this is a sci-fi shooter at its best. I was really glad Activision sent a copy to try out, because it was certainly way more than I expected. Of course, the always cherished Call of Duty PvP mode is there, as well.
Photo: Rich Polk/Getty Images for Activision
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10. South Park: The Fractured But Whole
Date Available: TBD
Why You Should Get It: The last few seasons of South Park has been some of the most poignant and entertaining writing you’ll see on television. No one hides social commentary in between toilet jokes better than they do. That’s why their new game is so exciting. Even with that title (the fractured…butthole…) we’re still confident it’ll be smart and funny.
Note: We realize this likely won't be released until sometime in early 2017, but why not throw it on your list to Santa just in case?
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
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11. Skylanders Imaginators
Date Available: October 13, 2016
Why You Should Get It: I tried out Skylanders: Imaginators at E3 and it was the game that stuck with me more than anything else. The real world element of choosing your character and actually placing them in the game is so unique, but the fact that you can now create your own character makes you feel more like a developer than just someone along for the ride. The customization is way more elaborate than I expected and, most of all, it’s really fun!
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12. Pokémon Sun and Moon
Date Available: November 18, 2016
Why You Should Get It: Remember for two months when Pokémon Go was super fun and then Niantic went full Niantic on it? Well fear not, because Nintendo has saved the day with Pokémon Sun and Moon for 3DS. There are some new monsters to hunt, but honestly, even if it were the same old ones, the experience of playing Pokémon on a handheld Nintendo system is second to none.
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13. Super Mario Run
Date Available: December 15, 2016
Why You Should Get It: If you don’t have a traditional gaming system, but you’re still looking for something great, Super Mario Run might be just what you’re looking for. It’s the classic Mario side-scrolling feel, but with a speed element that kind of seems like Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog had a baby. I mean, the game's had a baby.
Please don’t send me weird internet fan art of Mario and Sonic kissing.
