New Game Blog’s Holiday Consumer’s Guide: Part 2 Xbox 360

Its that holiday season, so chances are good you’re doing that holiday shopping. Well, what’s a better gift then a video game? Well here’s a list that I hope you’ll enjoy. This time we’re going to focus on the Xbox 360. And if you missed Part 1 Nintendo. You can read it here.

Xbox 360

Xbox 360 – ($129.99-$399.99) The Xbox 360, is usually the system of choice for hardcore and casuals. Not only does the Xbox 360 has an expansive library of games you can choose from. It also has one of the best library of downloadable games as well. With the new dashboard update, casual users will now also enjoy a variety of apps on their Xbox 360 such as Netflix, Last FM, the new YouTube app and ESPN apps. Depending if you get a pre-owned system or a brand new system, you can pay up to $129.99 to $299.99 in price. A pre-owned original Xbox 360 model at GameStop will cost you $129.99 with no hard drive. However some may say its a gamble, however GameStop has a holiday deal going on, where you can buy any pre-owned system, and you’ll get a free one-year warranty with them and a deal like that is really hard to pass up. A good thing about the older models is that their hard drives are a lot cheaper to buy than the newer models, you can net your self a 20 GB for $19.99 which is plenty of space for a casual user. For you hardcore gamers, you can get a 120 GB hard drive for around $50 at Amazon. A new 4 GB model will cost you $199.99 at any retailer, the newer models are known to be better for power-saving and also known to be more reliable than the older models, however 4 GB won’t last you long in the memory department and you’ll have to shell out another $100.00 if you want a hard drive. For $299.99 you can opt to get the newer 4 GB Xbox 360s and get a Kinect, which is the new motion sensing peripheral where you use your body as the controller, or you can get a new Xbox 360 model with a 250 GB hard drive. Lastly, for you people who are really going to shell out the money, for $399.99 you can get the 250 GB Xbox 360 holiday value bundle which comes with the Kinect sensor and a Xbox 360 with a 250 GB hard drive.

Games

The Xbox 360 has a bunch of games for its library, here’s a short list of my personal recommendations.

Batman: Arkham City – ($39.99) If you love action games or superhero games. Or just love the dark knight in general, this is the game for you. Batman: Arkham City is the sequel to 2009′s Batman Arkham Asylum, this time around you take the dark knight and traverse an open world instead of being confined in a facility.  For more details, you can check out our review here.

Gears of War 3 – ($39.99) Gears of War 3 is the epic conclusion of the Gears of War trilogy. Not only it has an engrossing single player experience it also has a revamped multiplayer mode that will keep you playing for a long time.

Rayman Origins ($44.98 – $59.99) Rayman was once one of the best 2-D platformers back in the day. It seems Ubisoft recognizes this so the latest installment takes Rayman back into his 2-D roots. This time around you can play the game 4 player co-op. You can find out more about Rayman Origins here in our review.

Sonic Generations ($49.82) After a ton of bad games. Sega finally came around and put Sonic into something decent. If you’re a classic fan or a newer fan, you won’t be disappointed in trying this out. For more information on Sonic Generations check out our review here.

Scott Pilgrim vs The World The Game

Xbox 360 Arcade

Xbox 360 also has a wide variety of downloadable games that you can play. XBLA may just even have the best selection of downloadable games than any other platform. From old classics to new games and even indie games. These games have a long lasting impression while being easy on the wallet. Here are some of our recommendations.

Bastion (1200 MSP[$15]) Bastion was a huge surprise for everyone. Pretty much its an action RPG with a lot of upgrading elements. I really can’t find words to explain it, you’ll just have to try it. You won’t regret it.

Sonic CD (400 MSP [$5]) – Sonic CD orignaly a game for the ill-fated Sega CD is now back again on XBLA, this time you can listen to both the orignal Japanese soundtrack and the US soundtrack. Also as an added bonus you can unlock Tails as a playable character! You don’t want to pass up this gem.

Castle Crashers (1200 MSP [$15]) – Ok, so this is a pretty old arcade game, but its sooo good. If you loved the old-school beat-em-ups. This is a new one. With four player co-op and amazing visuals. It something I would recommend to anyone.

Scott Pilgrim vs The World The Game (800 MSP [$10]) - Ok, if since we’re on the subject of beat-em-ups. Scott Pilgrim vs the World is also a magnicent game. With the nostalgic “hyper” 8-bit graphics. This is game that doesn’t try to lie to itself.

Kinect

Kinect ($99.99 – $139.99) The Kinect is the motion sensor that allows your body to be the controller. Of course if you have an Xbox 360, you may consider getting this peripheral. Great for kids and parties. Amazon currently has a deal where you can buy a Kinect with The Gunstringer and Fruit Ninja. Oh and all Kinects come with Kinect Adventures!

And so this is it for the Xbox 360. Check in next time for the part 3 Sony’s PSP and PS3.