Here’s where the Christmas wishlist comes to the rescue.  We’ll help you sort through the trash to find the treasure. We aren’t even going to bother taking into account the games that came out prior to September of this year.  If you have missed out on games like Metal Gear Solid 4 and Grand Theft Auto 4, maybe this list isn’t for you.

Obviously everyones taste is different and the types of games people like to play varies dramatically.  However, in this list you’ll find the best of what is on store shelves leading up to Christmas in 2008.  In our opinion, none of these titles should be missed.  Hopefully you aren’t a Wii gamer though…the pickings are mighty slim this year.

Here are the top games I think should be on any gamers list for Christmas 2008 (excluding DS and PSP):

Fallout 3 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)

What this game is all about: Vault-Tec engineers have worked around the clock on an interactive reproduction of Wasteland life for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own vault. Included is an expansive world, unique combat, shockingly realistic visuals, tons of player choice, and an incredible cast of dynamic characters. Every minute is a fight for survival against the terrors of the outside world – radiation, Super Mutants, and hostile mutated creatures. From Vault-Tec, America’s First Choice in Post Nuclear Simulation. Vault 101 – Jewel of the Wastes. For 200 years, Vault 101 has faithfully served the surviving residents of Washington DC and its environs, now known as the Capital Wasteland. Though the global atomic war of 2077 left the US all but destroyed, the residents of Vault 101 enjoy a life free from the constant stress of the outside world. Giant Insects, Raiders, Slavers, and yes, even Super Mutants are all no match for superior Vault-Tec engineering. Yet one fateful morning, you awake to find that your father has defied the Overseer and left the comfort and security afforded by Vault 101 for reasons unknown. Leaving the only home you’ve ever known, you emerge from the Vault into the harsh Wasteland sun to search for your father, and the truth.

Why you should play it: Where to even begin with this game?  For anyone that lost themselves in Bethesda’s last western RPG Oblivion, this game is going to own you.  It is essentially Oblivion with guns…and that is a very good thing.  The atmosphere in this game is simply incredible and the branching story that changes depending on your actions begs for the game to be replayed.  If you only buy one game this holiday season, make it Fallout 3.  It is the best game of the year.  Period.

Gears of War 2 (Xbox 360)

What this game is all about: Gears of War 2 builds upon the gameplay of the first title in every way. First, the scope of the action is bigger: new characters, more weapons, nastier enemies, bigger vehicles, and grander locales offer more action, more emotion, and more thrills. Next, every major aspect of the game has been refined to create heightened, more immersive experiences. Finally, the overall tone of Gears of War 2 is more badass: replete with new weapon-specific executions, chainsaw duels, and shocking boss fights. Gears of War 2 raises the graphics bar for next-generation games through its breathtaking visual effects, which are made possible through advances in Unreal Engine 3. New visual effects include ambient occlusion, dynamic shadows, improved character lighting, the ability to render hundreds of on-screen characters simultaneously, improved water physics, additional blood and bullet decals, advanced destructible environments, new weather effects, and the introduction of fluid objects. When combined with the sweeping vistas and evocative locales in the world of Sera where the Gears of War 2 story unfolds, these additions help make this the most gorgeous game available this generation. Gears of War 2 continues to push deep, immersive storytelling in video games to greater heights. Humanity’s epic battle for survival is felt on both the personal and epic levels as you explore multiple story arcs that introduce new characters and flesh out the histories of familiar ones. A new in-game conversational camera system also helps bring the compelling story to life in a cinematic fashion.

Why you should play it: Gears 2 surpassed our expectations in every way.  Not only is the game beautiful to look at, it’s incredibly fun to play.  With more varied gameplay throughout the main campaign (and an actual story this time around), Gears really is bigger and more badass.  Cliffy B really nailed it with this game and playing through the coop campaign was some of the most fun we’ve had this year with a game.  Throw in some great multiplayer and a new mode called “the Horde” and you have a game well worth your time and money.

Dead Space (Xbox 360, PS3)

What this game is all about: In the bold and often-bloody Dead Space gamers step into a third-person sci-fi survival horror experience that delivers psychological thrills and gruesome action. Set in the cold blackness of deep space, the atmosphere is soaked with a feeling of tension, dread and sheer terror. In Dead Space, players step into the role of engineer Isaac Clarke – an ordinary man on a seemingly routine mission to fix the communications systems aboard a deep space mining ship. It is not long before Isaac awakes to a living nightmare when he learns that the ship’s crew has been ravaged by a vicious alien infestation. He must fight through the dead silence and darkness of deep space to stay alive.

Why you should play it: For many years the Resident Evil series has been the preeminent 3rd person horror game to buy.  That all may have changed with the arrival of EA’s newest intellectual property, Dead Space.  Set aboard a mining ship in deep space, this game creates an excellent atmosphere of fear and desperation.  The graphics are top notch and the gameplay feels intuitive.  Adding to the fun are some great weapons and a new dismemberment mechanic that never seemed to get old.  If you are a fan of Aliens, this game is for you.

Fable 2 (Xbox 360)

What this game is all about: Set 500 years after the original, Fable II provides gamers with an epic story and innovative real-time gameplay, including a massive amount of freedom and choice to explore a vast collection of dungeons, catacombs and caves in the world of Albion. Fable II expands upon the scope and depth f the Xbox classic by adding incredible new features and creating a wider, more complex kingdom of limitless choices and consequences. Players have the option to play as a man or woman, get married, have children, and live a life of their own design. Revisit the sprawling world of Albion more than 500 years after the events of the original Fable, where you are free to explore the landscape and openly roam the countryside. For the right price every house, hut, dungeon and castle is for sale. Players can witness how the world grows and changes in response to their decisions in incredible and unique ways as they rediscover Albion as if for the first time. Fable II pioneers a new combat system designed to allow players to truly master hand weapons such as swords and maces, ranged combat weapons such as cross-bows and guns, and an entirely new magic system. These three disciplines, while very accessible, are also amazingly deep, and allow players to mix combat styles and become everything from master swordsman to skilled ranger to evil magic welder, utilizing a single button on the Xbox 360 controller.

Why you should play it: As huge fans of the original Fable, we went into Fable 2 with high hopes and expectations.  We are happy to report that they have almost all been met by this excellent RPG.  The “one button combat” works really well is fun to play the whole way through.  With loads of side quests, great British humour and even your own dog (that you actually will become attached to) this game will keep you occupied for hours.  And then you’ll play it again to see what happens when you do things differently.

Little Big Planet (PS3)

What this game is all about: In LittleBigPlanet Players meet on a blue and green planet scattered with individual plots – and use their character’s amazing abilities to play, create and share what they build with other gamers throughout the world via the Playstation Network. The LittleBigPlanet experience starts with players learning about their character’s powers to interact physically with the environment. There are places to explore, creative resources to collect and puzzles to solve – all requiring a combination of brains and collaborative teamwork. As soon as players begin their creative skills will grow and they will soon be ready to start creating and modifying their surroundings – the first step to sharing them with the whole community.Characters have the power to move anything in this glued and stitched-together 3D landscape; they have the power to design, shape and build both objects and entire locations for others to view and play. There’s no complicated level editor; all of these skills can be learned by simply playing the game. Creativity is part of the gameplay experience and playing is part of the creative experience. Players can make their world as open or as secretive to explore as they like. When it’s ready, they can invite anyone within the LittleBigPlanet community to come and explore their patch – or can go and explore everybody else’s.

Why you should play it: Think of LBP as the game that keeps on giving.  While essentially a platforming game, LBP is a game unlike any other.  The main “campaign” is a cleverly designed to teach you how to use the tools and assets provided (and there are many) to create and design your own levels.  Where this game really shines is in the user generated content that just keeps on flowing.  With the ability to play literally thousands of levels and an online community that is rapidly expanding, LBP is a game that is going to have something new to offer every time you turn it on.  If you are really into the creation mode, it is safe to expect that this game will consume your every waking moment and thought.

The Witcher Enhanced Edition (PC)

What this game is all about: Assume the role of The Witcher, Geralt, a legendary monster slayer caught in a web of intrigue as he battles forces vying for control of the world. Make difficult decisions and live with the consequences in a game that will immerse you in an extraordinary tale like no other. The Witcher shatters the line between good and evil in a world where moral ambiguity reigns. The Witcher emphasizes story and character development in a vibrant world while incorporating tactically-deep real-time combat like no game before it

Why you should play it: The Witcher is one of those rare games that takes RPG’s to the next level.  Featuring a mature storyline, interesting characters and a fun combat system, the Witcher is a game that all RPG lovers need to experience.  With the enhanced edition, you now get far better loading times, improved graphics, a rewritten story and hundreds of other tweaks that improve upon the original game in every way.  This oft-overlooked gem is a must play for any hardcore RPG fan on the PC.

NHL 2009 (Xbox 360, PS3)

What this game is all about: NHL 09 builds on the momentum of last year, with innovative controls, added depth and new features designed to help newcomers jump into the series. The Skill Stick System evolves to bring an unparalleled level of control to the defensive side of the puck. The all new Defensive Skill Stick gives you the ability to sweep your stick to block passing lanes and lift an opponent’s stick to prevent one-timers. Take your game online with 6 vs.6 team play, where 12 people can play together on 12 different consoles around the world. With new teams from the Russian, Czech Republic and German Elite leagues, NHL 09 connects hockey fans around the globe like never before. Players new to the series can now shoot, pass and check with ease. NHL 09 features Be A Pro, a game mode that puts you on the ice with a dynamic new 3rd person camera that allows you to play the role of one player. With a performance tracker grading your progress in more than 50 categories, you know exactly where you need to improve to become the next NHL superstar.

Why you should play it: NHL 2009 is the best and most exciting sports game to be released in 2008.  the great controls, fluid gameplay and incredibly deep online experience also make this the best NHL game to ever be released.  The new “be a pro” mode is highly addictive and you’ll spend hours trying to get your player onto that top line with Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin.  If you are a sports fan you need to think about this game.  If you are a hockey fan, you MUST buy this game.

Left 4 Dead (Xbox 360, PC)

What this game is all about: Fight together…or die alone. A new and highly virulent strain of the rabies virus emerges and spreads through the human population with frightening speed. The pandemic’s victims become grotesquely disfigured, wildly violent psychopaths, attacking the uninfected on sight. One of the “lucky” few apparently immune to the sickness, you, unfortunately, are also trapped in a city crawling with thousands of the bloodthirsty Infected. Together with a handful of fellow Survivors, you must fight your way to safety or die alone. A co-operative multiplayer action game from the makers of “Counter-Strike,” Left 4 Dead is built atop the most advanced version of the Source Engine and introduces version 2 of Turtle Rock’s artificial intelligence (A.I.) technology.

Why you should play it: For the multiplayer/zombie nut, this game is for you.  There is probably no better example of a perfectly executed online multiplayer game right now.  The action is fast and frenzied and the excitment never seems to fade.  Jump online with 3 of your friends to tackle the campaigns and get ready for some fist pumping.  There isn’t much more exciting than overcoming some horrible scenario the AI Director (the AI adjusts to your style of play and constantly turns the game on it’s head, sending you into a full-blown panic) throws at you.  Despite the relatively short length of the campaign, with the adaptive AI, intuitive controls and fantastic multiplayer, Left 4 Dead will have you coming back again and again.

Honourable* Mentions:

This is truly an amazing time to be a gamer.  There are so many great games that you could fill every hour of the day playing them and not get through them all.  Games that just missed making the list are:

• Call of Duty: World at War (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
• Prince of Persia (PS3, Xbox 360)
• Mirror’s Edge (PS3, Xbox 360)
• World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King (PC) – If you are a WOW fan…this is already likely your #1
• Resistance 2 (PS3)
• Far Cry 2 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
• Valkyria Chronicles (PS3)
• Tomb Raider Underworld (PS3, Xbox 360)
• Tom Clancy’s End War (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
• Guitar Hero World Tour (PS3, Xbox 360)
• Rock Band 2 (PS3, Xbox 360)
• Motor Storm: Pacific Rift (PS3)
• Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe (PS3, Xbox 360)
• Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts (Xbox 360)

There you have it.  There are a TON of games out there this year and there is something for everyone.  Whether you want to be wandering a futuristic wasteland that has been ravaged by nuclear war, create levels with your friends with cute Sackboys, survive wave after wave of the locust Horde, fend off zombies with your friends or slap a few pucks top shelf on your friends, you are going to be a very happy gamer this holiday season.

Enough about what we think.  What do YOU think are the must have games this holiday season?

*thanks for reading this asterisk

In attendance were the venerable (and hockey game legend from NHL 04) Jeremy Roenick, cover athlete Dion Phaneuf, Corey Perry, Patrick O’Sullivan and Wild goalie Josh Harding.  At the event all the players got to experience the “Be a Pro” mode and played as themselves.  It was set up as the Calgary Flames (for Phaneuf) vs. the San Jose Sharks (for Roenick).  Here are just a few comments that could be heard from the players.

Roenick: “Holy crap this game is realistic!” – after Perry cross-checked his player and was assessed a penalty

Phaneuf: “I’m not sure who would win in a fight between myself and Dan Boyle” – after his character lays out Boyle in a scrap

Roenick: “Jesus this is realistic.” – about the game in general

So yeah, you get the point.  They were loving it.

Also attending the event were gaming journalists from far and wide.  I had the privilege of getting a chance to chat with Brian Ekberg of Gamespot fame.  He was a very cool guy and is one of the best and most respected game journalists around today.  Thanks for being so approachable Brian!

Brian Ekberg and Yours Truly

Overall it was a great event and with the reviews pouring in being overwhelming positive, it seems NHL 2009 is poised to have another great year.

Check out some more photos from the event below.  I’ll have a review of the game up sometime in the coming weeks after some extensive testing of the online leagues…but the early word is that the game is amazing.

Levelling up in a sports game? Awesomeness ensues.

So what exactly is the EASHL?  It isn’t just another online mode…it’s basically an introduction of RPG elements into the sports genre with a dash of MMO for flavour.  In the EASHL, you take control of your own player and you (yes you, it is your name on the back of that jersey and your real name that appears on the leaderboards – not your gamertag), play online and are graded on your performance.  With the new performance tracker feature, you are graded on how well you play hockey, not on how well you play a video game.  A new system for tracking your progress and skills allows players to “level up” their hockey player by attributing skill points and improving stats…just like an RPG.  Perform well on a consistent basis and your hulking power forward will improve with you.

When you first begin there will be 10 player types to choose from across 3 categories of players:

Forwards: dangler, grinder, playmaker, power forward, sniper
Defensemen: defensive defenseman, offensive defenseman
Goalies: stand up, hybrid, butterfly

Want to be the next Sidney Crosby?  Become a playmaker.  Think you may be the next coming of Patrick Roy…choose a butterfly style goalie.  Point is, you get to tailor your own player and make him into a superstar…that is, if you have the skills to back it up.

So how do the RPG elements work?  As you play online with your created skater you will be awarded hockey cards which give you points to spend on your player’s growth in three areas: offense, defense, and athleticism for skaters and reflexes, puck control, and athleticism for goalies.  You may choose to level up your player across any of the three areas.  Even better, if you decide at any point in your career to change player types you retain all of the points you have earned and can redistribute your skill points to the new player type.

So how is it like an MMO?  All of this player development takes place online in the EASHL with teams made up entirely of gamers just like you.  You will have to work with your team and play your position if you are to have any chance of winning.  Players can emerge online as snipers, grinders or shutdown defensive specialists.  Best of all, it will be your name the opponents fear.  As you prove yourself online you will ascend the leaderboards and can challenge for the distinction of being the best player in the game at your position.  For once the leaderboards truly will mean something.

For anyone that has ever played a sports game this has to come as exciting news.  Finally, gamers have the chance to prove themselves in a system that rewards the player for playing better than everyone else.  Maybe it will finally help answer the question that all sports fans ask…who is the best?

If you want to learn more about the game be sure to check out the official NHL 2009 website here.