Duke Nukem Forever
We've seemingly waited forever for DukeNukem 3D's sequel, so a few extra months really isn't going to hurtat this point. Still, it would be great to discover Duke NukemForerver wrapped up in pretty seasonal gift wrap and topped with abig fat red bow. If anything, long-standing fans should receive aplayable demo to keep them pacified until Duke's supposed launch inFebruary.
Dungeon Siege III
It has been quite some time since action/RPG fans have seen a new installment in the Dungeon Siege series. The Broken World expansion pack for Dungeon Siege II appeared over four years ago, and it looked as if a third installment would never happen (until Dungeon Siege III was revealed at E3 2010). Developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Square Enix, the new Dungeon Siege chapter isn't slated to hit the PC until early 2011. Hopefully we'll see a multiplayer demo appear over the holidays.
Fallout: New Vegas Collector's Edition
Fallout: New Vegas just launched back in October, and already the Collector's Edition is sold out at GameStop. For a surprisingly low $69.99, the special bundle packs the Fallout: New Vegas PC game with seven “Lucky 7” poker chips, each one designed to represent chips from the major casinos within the game. The bundle also includes a fully customizable deck of cards, a recreation of the game's “Lucky 38” platinum chip, the “All Roads” hardcover graphic novel, and “The Making of Fallout: New Vegas” DVD. The set is currently still listed on Amazon through various vendors.
James Bond: Blood Stone
The name of this James Bond-themed game is somewhat confusing, as the box clearly reads Blood Stone 007, but is referred to as James Bond: Blood Stone. Nevertheless, High Moon Studios handled the development of the PC version and was published by Activision on November 2.
Unlike most Bond games, Blood Stone offers a completely original story focusing on Daniel Craig's version of the popular secret British agent. The game lives and breathes James Bond, offering hand-to-hand fistfights, solid cover-based firefights, and action-packed driving sequences. Unfortunately, Activision did not release a special edition bundle, but this would still make an ideal present for action junkies.
Medal of Honor
EA's reboot of Medal of Honor landed on the PC in October following a string of controversy regarding its multiplayer component. Although EA resolved the issue that essentially prevented its sale near military bases, the elusive Special Edition has proven to be just as interesting. According to a listing on Best Buy, the bundle includes the game and a special invite to the Battlefield 3 beta. It also offers a bonus in-game MP-7 and immediate access to two in-game shotguns with custom slugs. However the elusive bundle is likely to be related to the game's original pre-order program, and is no longer offered. Still, it might be a good find on eBay or Craigslist, just for kicks.
Portal 2
Valve Software's upcoming first-person action/puzzle game Portal 2 won't make it in time for Christmas. However, gift-givers can still pre-order the game at GameStop and receive the exclusive “Custom Bots” for the game's cooperative multiplayer component (while supplies last).
The new installment takes players into new areas of the Aperture Science Labs and reunites them with GlaDOS. The game's two-player cooperative mode features its own campaign with new player characters, new chambers, and a unique story. Portal 2 is slated for an April 2011 release.
Sid Meier's Civilization V Special Edition
Looking for that perfect gift for your turn-based strategy fan? Look no further than Sid Meier's Civilization V for the PC. Although the game officially went retail back in September, the Collector's Edition bundle can still be purchased from GameStop and Amazon.com. For $99.99, the package contains the Civilization V PC game, five metal figurines based on units from the game (and manufactured by Reaper Miniatures), a two-disc CD soundtrack, a “Behind-the-Scenes at Firaxis on Civilization V” DVD, and a 176-page hardcover art book.
StarCraft II: Wings Of Liberty Collector's Editon
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty will probably be one of the biggest PC games of all time. What better way to complement that achievement than by releasing a feature-packed Collector's Edition?
For $99.99, gamers receive a 176-page book featuring artwork from the game, an exclusive 2 GB USB flash drive replica of Jim Raynor's dog tag, a behind-the-scenes DVD, and the official soundtrack CD. But that's not all! The bundle also includes StarCraft comic book issue #0, a World of Warcraft mini Thor in-game pet, and exclusive Battle.net downloadable content. All this can be yours for $99.99...if you can still find a copy without paying a hefty markup, that is.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
Although LucasArts didn't release any sort of Collector's Edition for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, GameStop is currently offering free shipping and guaranteed delivery by December 24. The game has received mixed reviews since its October 26 launch. However, the title takes place just a year before Star Wars IV: A New Hope, and should pacify any Star Wars junkie still bitter over the prequels. As with the first installment, Force Unleashed II focuses on Starkiller, Darth Vader's secret apprentice. The overall storyline takes a darker, Empire Strikes Back-like tone.
World Of Warcraft: Cataclysm
Blizzard pulled out all the stops for World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, offering four different bundles: the $79.99 Collector's Edition, the $79.98 Buddy bundle, the $139.96 Legendary bundle, and the $99.98 Epic bundle.
The Collector's Edition features the Cataclysm expansion pack, the Art of Cataclysm art book, an exclusive in-game pet, a behind-the-scenes DVD, the expansion's soundtrack on CD, and a special-edition mouse pad. The Buddy bundle doesn't offer collectible items, but second copy is available for a “buddy.” The Epic bundle is a bit meatier, providing the Cataclysm expansion and a Turtle Beach X11 headset, while the pricier Legendary bundle offers the same, but also includes an additional 60-day game card and the official strategy guide.
