Holiday Buying Guide

What do you know, it's that time of the year again. The holiday season is on us and look at you... you haven't smooth begun your shopping yet. You're struggling with what to purchase for whom, and from where. Understandable. destinys of games were released this year, and upon average more than 25 titles hit stores each week above the past few weeks. We perceive your pain. So, to make your lives a little easier, we've tend hitherward up with this handy shopping list. We've smooth broken down which games to come by for each type of gamer upon your list, and included links to compare prices. Just for you. You lazy bastard.

First not on let's check out this year's PlayStation 2 games...

Or, skip right above to Xbox, GameCube, PC, or Game male child Advance. Whatever you do, although don't piss off the Holiday Monkey He's got his organ of vision on you.

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Our Top PS2 Picks for 2003 (Page 1)

Stocking Stuffer
(Budget Picks)












Space Channel 5 - $1599

This compilation of sum of two units stellar rhythm action games tend hitherwards at a shockingly low price. Simple gameplay and groovy music make it a fine bundle pick.
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Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution - $1649

It's each bit the game that its cousin is and more: sum of two units new fighters and a World Tour fashion to challenge AI based upon the toughest players in Tokyo arcades.
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Silent Hill 2 Greatest Hits - $1999

Despite great competition from the Fatal Frame series this remains the scariest game upon PS2. New content for the GH edition includes an extra playable scenario.
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Sly Cooper and the Thevius Racoonus - $1959

If you want more straight-up, old-school platforming action than Ratchet & Clank will afford you, pick up the parcel reissue of this felonious adventure.
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Kingdom Hearts - $1999

Simple bash-em-up gameplay, an all-star voice cast, and loads of Disney characters highlight this beautiful action-RPG from Square Enix.
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Final Fantasy X-2

Publisher: Square Enix | ESRB: Teen

For the RPG lover upon your list...

While the idea of a spinoff to FFX present the appearanceed ludicrous at first, it appears that Square has pulled it not on perfectly. 1UP's Nich Maragos says "there's not ever been a Final Fantasy as unrestrained and as fun as X-2" OPM's Gary Steinman agrees, claiming "FFX-2 is the greatest in quantity fun I've had playing a Final Fantasy." GMR's James Mielke likes the direction ("it's great to diocese Square having fun with its storied franchise") and says that there is profundity to be found: "As frivolous as it present the appearances FFX-2 is most effective later in the game, when the light substance gives way to more serious tones."

Average ZD Score: 93% | More upon this game | Compare Prices

Lord of the Rings: get back of the King

Publisher: Electronic Arts | ESRB: Teen

For the Middle-Earth fanatic upon your list...

Improving upon last year's Two Towers with more characters, more gameplay manners and more to do in general, it may be the best licensed movie game at any time OPM's Chris Baker posits that "I single need three letters: A-w-e" to total up the game, while EGM's Crispin Boyer marvels at the "neverending crush of enemy warriors" in the "high-gloss experience." 1UP's be in possession of Alex Fraioli proves that flat nonfans of the source material will find a destiny to like, as he praises the "strong gameplay to back up an equally sturdy license."

Average ZD Score: 88% | More upon this game | Compare Prices

Ne for Spe subterraneous

Publisher: Electronic Arts | ESRB: Teen

For the racing enthusiast upon your list...

EA took their familiar Ne for Spe formula, added an subterraneous circuit setting, then threw in fates of great graphical effects for beneficial measure. 1UP's D. F Smith flat-out calls it "the best arcade racer upon the market today," citing "adaptability to pass along with the talent that made fiery Pursuit."

Average ZD Score: 90% | More upon this game | Compare Prices

SOCOM II

Publisher: SCEA | ESRB: Mature

For the military aficionado upon your list...

SOCOM II's continued emphasis upon stealth and tactics over fast action have made it a surprise hit, with centurys of thousands online to match wits against. OPM raves that SOCOM II "addressed each complaint I had against the first game, and added a hunch of new features" to premium Mark MacDonald for GMR likes the "brilliant online multiplayer game" that will "keep you playing SOCOM II month from now." And GameNOW's Zoe Flower just cheers that "annoying solo-sidekick Boomer is toast!"

Average ZD Score: 95% | More upon this game | Compare Prices