Must-Have Games This Holiday Season

Even though a portion of the population still views video games as huge wastes of time, they’re exactly what lots of players want to see under a tree this holiday season. That’s because nothing comes close to the sensation gamers experience when they sack someone on a football field, take out a stealthy enemy or throw a fireball in a fantasy fighting arena. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of can’t-miss holiday titles for video-game fans.

For the intense sniper:

"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3," Activision, $59.99, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC

Since this game was recently deemed the fastest-selling title of all time, you’re probably the only person in America who doesn’t own it yet. But if you’re late to the party, it’s also one of the most realistic war simulations and popular multiplayer games around. Here’s a tip—strengthen your skills in single-player mode before heading online, because you won’t last long if you don’t.

"Rage," Bethesda Softworks, free-$59.99, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, iPad, iPhone, PC

This inventive first-person shooter comes from John Carmack, the mind behind classics such as "Doom" and "Quake." Graphically, it’s a bit grittier than the aforementioned titles, but it fits the mutant and mayhem-filled world in which the game is set. Expect a fast-paced action combat experience that translates surprisingly well to Apple’s devices.

For the die-hard horror fan:

"Dead Island," Deep Silver, $59.99, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC

If you’re tired of chilly temperatures outside, take a trip to this game’s sunny locales, but don’t be surprised when you’re besieged by murderous zombies. Level up your character while enhancing your weapons with household items, and steal cash from corpses. With its teeth-clenching action and loads of side-quests, the title offers players more than 30 hours of game play.

"Rise of Nightmares," Sega, $59.99, Xbox 360 Kinect

The holiday that celebrates all things horror has already happened, but that’s no reason to pass up this game that lets players escape a haunted house using their hands and feet. Wrest chainsaws from the undead that inhabit the game’s hallways, and use them to survive. And the game gets extra points for being the fall season’s biggest Kinect release that doesn’t feature either Disney or Sesame Street characters.

For the fighting game fanatic:

"Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3," Capcom, $39.99, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360

This game updates an earlier release that pits Marvel Comics’ flagship superheroes against Capcom’s classic video-game characters. New additions to this version include Capcom’s Frank West, Phoenix Wright and Strider and Marvel’s Dr. Strange, Ghost Rider and Hawkeye. And if none of those names ring a bell, it’s still worth playing for the over-the-top attacks and explosive finishing moves.

For the platform game purist:

"Baby Monkey Going Backwards on a Pig," Kihon, free-99¢, iPad and iPhone

With its simple game play and an infectious theme song, this one has the potential to become the next "Angry Birds." Help a simian infant and his porcine pal overcome obstacles simply by leaping over them. And not only does it have the best title of any video game to date, but it might be available for free on the iTunes store if you’re lucky.

"Super Mario 3D Land," Nintendo, $39.99, Nintendo 3DS

Mario finally makes his way to the 3DS handheld, and gives you a reason to buy one for the kids and one for yourself. The game uses the device’s 3D capabilities to make the plucky plumber’s journey more immersive. It also brings back the Tanooki raccoon suit that Mario hasn’t donned since 1989’s "Super Mario Bros. 3," so don’t be surprised if longtime Nintendo fans get nostalgic and tear up a little.

For the sports maniac:

"Madden 2012," Electronic Arts, $59.99, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360

Again, you might be the only gamer who hasn’t bought it by now, but if you don’t have it yet, expect updated team rosters and, frankly, not much else that’s new. But since you can play an entire season with your favorite team, what more do you need? And since the 2011 NBA season hasn’t begun yet, it won’t be cool to play basketball video games until 2012, so get your digital football fix now.