threevue

Maybe you’re looking into getting yourself a video game console for Christmas this year. If you’re not, you should. And besides a gazillion good reasons to own a system (read: games), I’ve made it that much easier for you – I compiled a ready-made bundle for each console, complete with three must-have games:

Nintendo Wii ($250)

Nintendo’s little white console is definitely selling more units than its competitors – too bad the majority of those sales are fad buys that are probably collecting dust today. The Wii comes with Wii Sports, a title worth its weight in gold (considering the DVD probably only weighs an ounce or two). The system maxes out at 480p, so a next-gen device this is not. Also, make sure you read the reviews of Wii games before you go out and buy them, since the console is known for having about 30 crap titles for every good one. The Wii has Wi-Fi out of the box, with a free (but severely limited) online system that even lets you browse the internet on your TV.

Must-have games:
1. Mario Kart Wii: Lots of characters, motion control that actually works, and you can play online. What more could you ask for? Around $50, comes with a “Wii wheel”.
2: Resident Evil 4: If you don’t own a current-gen console, chances are you missed one of last gen’s best games. Beautiful, scary, and awesomely long, the new Wii controls really heighten the experience. $20.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess:: This was a launch title, but despite being two years old it is still worth the $40 it costs nowadays. I was torn between recommending this game or Super Mario Galaxy, but overall I think this game is better suited for someone first trying out the Wii.

Microsoft Xbox 360 ($299)

The Xbox 360 is the console of choice here at Threevue – its robust online system and huge catalog of games keep us coming back for more. And with three separate SKUs, there’s a X360 out there for everybody. I suggest the middle-tier “Pro” bundle which sells for $299 (versus the $199 “Arcade” and $399 “Elite” bundles) and comes with two games – Kung Fu Panda and Lego Indiana Jones. It also comes with a 60gb hard drive, which is a must if you plan on downloading any of the 100+ free demos or Xbox Live Arcade games. There are some speed bumps, though – you have to purchase a wireless network adapter ($80) if you want Wi-Fi, and the online Xbox Live service is $50 a year (but worth every penny, trust us). As an awesome bonus, Netflix subscribers with Xbox Live can stream their Instant Queue onto the Xbox 360 for free, instead of watching movies on your computer.

Must-have games:
1. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare: Last year’s must-have game (and Threevue.com’s Game of the Year) may be older than the recently-released Call of Duty: World at War, but that just means you now get an awesome game for cheaper, probably about $40-50 depending on where you go.
2. The Orange Box: Valve’s 5-in-1 box comes with Half-Life 2 and two additional episodes, as well as the mind-bending Portal and an online multiplayer game that Tyler likes, Team Fortress 2. The first two games are worth the ticket price alone. $50 or so.
3. Braid: This Xbox Live Arcade game costs you $15, but it won’t be leaving you anytime soon. There are 80 puzzles to complete, each one forcing you to think in ways you hadn’t thought possible.

Sony Playstation 3 ($399)

The Playstation 3 was a bit of a joke until this year rolled around, and must-have games started popping up. Like the Xbox 360, this console has multiple SKUs – a $399 80gb version and a $499 160gb version. I would go with the $399 version, since at this time there isn’t enough content to really even fill that 80gb hard drive anytime soon. The PS3 doubles as a Blu-Ray player, so you can kill two birds with one stone.

Must-have games:
1. LittleBigPlanet: I haven’t even played this one but the only reason I’ve held off from buying it is because I have too many games to play right now and I already know I’m going to love it. It’s a platformer that allows you to create levels, and frankly, I’m scared of how much of my life this game will take away from me. $60 right now.
2. Metal Gear Solid 4: Don’t let that “4″ scare you – if you haven’t played the first three, the game will most definitely let you know what’s going on as you play it. There might be a few inside jokes you’ll miss, but that’s what Wikipedia is for. MGS4 is a stealth-action game that is a truly cinematic experience in its own right. $50.
3. Ratchet and Clank: Tools of Destruction: Even though it’s over a year old, this is still one of the best-looking games out there, period. A 3-D platformer with guns, Ratchet and Clank has all the style, energy and fun that games today should have.