4. Full Backwards Compatibility - Sure, the list of games that’ll work is already pretty big. But, there are certain games I really still want to play that haven’t been added for playability via an update of some kind. Microsoft, if you’re reading this, hurry up and get on it!
3. Steel Battalion - Yeah, that whole backwards compatibility thing I was asking for before. This is why. With a proper usb attachment and an update, this game could very well find a home on the new and improved Xbox Live. Personally, if there were no latency issues and it ran perfectly, I see no reason in the world why this game wouldn’t flourish on the system. I mean, granted the control is freakin’ huge, but it’s an honest and genuine mech simulation. Frankly, if they ever did a new version or a remake for the 360 complete with giant controller and all, I can’t possibly fathom a gamer who wouldn’t at least want to try this. Seriously, we already have enough plastic controllers; give us one that will let us do more than just faux-play music or ride a skateboard!
2. Bioshock 2: Collector’s Edition - Okay, so it may not be as cool as the original collector’s edition, which came with a sweet Big Daddy figurine that I still have and love to this day. But, what it does come with is a sweet vinyl record of the Bioshock score among other standard fair, such as a relatively large art book. Point being, I’m all for special editions when the game warrants it, but in this case, I just want to get my hands on the sequel to one of the best titles I’ve ever played. Admittedly, Bioshock is still on my ‘Games I’ve been meaning to go back and play through again’ list, but in all fairness, so is Ico and Earthbound (Yes, it’s a long and old list). Conversely, you get to play the first Big Daddy and get to hulk around Rapture hoping against hope that Big Sister doesn’t find you. If that doesn’t sound like fun to a gamer, especially one who played the original, you may not be human and I think you should get that looked at. Of course, it could always be Swine Flu too. Suffice to say, if there was any possible way I could get this under the Christmas tree on the 25th of this December, it would really be one very merry Christmas.
1. Halo: Reach - I know, I know, it doesn’t come out until next year. But I’ve been a Halo fanboy of sorts since I was at the launch party Bungie threw at Hotel Monaco in Chicago on a cold evening in 2001. I’ll never forget that evening because I had followed Halo so closely when I found out it was coming out for the Xbox. Now, 8 years later and many video game articles later, I’ve realized that Halo isn’t the end all, beat all of video games. However, it is still incredibly enjoyable and has a richer universe and lore than many other games. After all, it is a monster of a franchise. Point being, Reach is probably one of the most harrowing events to take place in the Halo universe. The first book in the series was ‘The Fall of Reach’, which is actually a pretty good read if you’ve never been, so all gamers kind of get the feeling that we’re not aiming for a UNSC victory here at the end of the title. I’m hoping for an engrossing gameplay experience that’ll remind me of that excitement I felt going to the launch party all those years ago. On top of it, Halo has some of the best multiplayer around, with the exception of Call of Duty and Gears of War. So, while I know there is absolutely zero chance I could get into Bungie and have a playable build that would actually offer me a narrative insight by Christmas, it’s always fun to wish. To hold the ultimate halo fan over until next Christmas grab them a copy of Halo 3: ODST – it’s worth the price of admission.
Bonus Item - Uncharted 2 - OK so I know this will never actually happen but if I could choose one Playstation 3 exclusive from 2009 to play on my Xbox 360 it would be this title, from the guys at Naughty Dog. It does says something though that Microsoft has somehow only missed out on one triple-A title for the entire year, well done. If Santa is listening I'll also take God of War III for 2010.
