Null's Holiday Video Game Gift Guide

The Working Guy needs time off, I tell ya. Time away from the grind so that he can relax. While I've always been a gamer, this year has provided some of the best gaming titles I've ever seen. The market has noticed: Gaming is on a pace to easily hit a record sales level this year.

Without further ado, here are some of my best picks for the gamer on your holiday shopping list. 

Special thanks to GameStop for providing review copies of many of these titles!

Super Mario Galaxy - Try as I might, I can't put this game down; it's definitely the best game of the year, at least for single-player action. Until now, the many sports-oriented games on the Wii, like Bowling and Tennis, have been amusing diversions, yet they offer very limited replay value after you get the hang of it. Super Mario Galaxy shows you exactly what the Wii was made for, with nearly endless variety in its gameplay that shows exactly what those motion-sensing controllers can do. Plus, it's just crazy fun. If you have a Wii, you must play this game. 

Rock Band - A close second to Mario, Rock Band is the ultimate party game and fun on your own as well. I reviewed the game extensively at the link above.

Assassin's Creed - You don't get the chance to play many games set during the Crusades. In Assassin's Creed, you are deeply immersed in this rich and detailed environment to a degree that's rarely been seen before.

Guitar Hero III - Not the riot that Rock Band is, namely because the song selection just isn't as good. Maybe I'm just bummed that they turned Judy Nails from a punk chick into what looks like a pro wrestler. Still lots of fun if you're into the guitar genre.

BioShock - This gorgeous steampunk adventure is one of gaming's crowning achievements in artistry. If they gave out awards in art direction for video games, BioShock would win handily. Plus, this underwater actioner is tons of fun.

Halo 3 - Your gamer buddy is probably already bored of Halo by now, but on the off chance he hasn't finished the final story in the saga of the Master Chief, definitely get it for him. Used copies are already selling for less than $40, making it a bargain in an age of $60 game titles.

Mass Effect - Some are calling it the best game ever made for the Xbox 360, a sci-fi stunner that has you and a squad of two pals on a quest to, what else, save the universe.

Smarty Pants - A fun Wii diversion in the form of a trivia game. Nice for families, as you can vary the questions by age, even if you're playing competitively.