PC and Console Gamer's Holiday Guide 2012: PlayStation 3

In 2012 the Playstation 3 didn't see anymore security hacks, but interest in the system's motion controls have waned significantly. With fewer and fewer titles supporting the Move controller, we'll likely see it continue to shrink over the course of the next few years. Even so, the upcoming Wonderbooks -- an interactive reading experience -- may do its part in saving the peripheral in the end.

There was no official announcement this year concerning the Playstation 4, but that didn't stop people from wildly speculating on its possible features. While Sony was very quiet on the subject, Microsoft followed suit, and both sets of fans breathed a collective sigh of relief. Both systems have hit a nice stride, and many people (myself included) are interested in enjoying the peak of the systems' cycle.

Unfortunately 2012 didn't hold as many exclusive AAA releases as we were hoping, but there are still plenty of games worthy of filling your stocking.

-- Heath Flor, Neo writer and PlayStation guru

Need for Speed: Most Wanted

Who is it for:

• Anyone who is a fan of the original Most Wanted games
• People itching to run from the cops, without ending up in jail
• Fans of the Burnout series

"As soon as you jump into the game, you realize it exudes Criterion craftsmanship. Anyone familiar with the Burnout series is going to question whether or not they put in the wrong game disc -- there are subtle differences between the two, such as highly polished graphics, and tighter controls, but there's no doubt Criterion has left a distinguishable mark on the game."
 

Tekken Tag Tournament 2

Who is it for:

• Anyone who enjoys fighting games
• People looking for a robust offline support system
• Those who are tired of too much jiggle

"Tekken Tag Tournament 2 and Dead or Alive 5 closely resemble each other in features, except for one major factor: the online experience actually works in Tekken, and is far more robust. In this day and age, player support goes well and beyond the physical disc and the World Tekken Federation website expands what players have come to expect from typical fighting games, making it a very difficult feature to compete with."
 

F1 2012

Who is it for:

• Fans of Formula 1 racing
• Anyone not afraid of making a right turn
• People looking for an introduction into the series

"I've said it before, and I will say it again: Codemasters knows how to make racing games, and with F1 2012 they've proven they can make even the most difficult race type accessible for all to enjoy. As someone with limited time, the Season Challenge is perfect for me to hop in and out of when I get a few moments to myself, whereas the Career Mode satisfies the craving for a more true-to-life experience when my schedule permits."
 

Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition

Who is it for:

• Anyone who missed out on the first release
• Old Skool Kombat fans
• Mature audiences only

"By providing nearly $40 in bonus content and DLC, fans who have yet to pick up last year's smash hit now have no reason to keep putting it off. If you worry the full $60 price tag is a bit hefty, the bonuses you receive more than make up for it. Unfortunately if you already own last year's release, there's really no incentive to purchase Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition unless you want a hard copy of all DLC packs."
 

SSX

Who is it for:

• People who want to stay warm, and still get their boarding on
• Old School SSX fans
• Anyone itching for an exciting snowboarding game

"The courses found in SSX are absolutely spectacular. Not only do they offer gorgeous sights, but they are also vast and dangerous, keeping your reflexes sharp as you wind in and out of various hazards littered throughout. Each mountainous area spiritually represents a real life counterpart, and each of them poses their own unique danger to avoid."
 

Knights of Nightmare (PSP)

Who is it for:

• Anyone who missed out on the DS release
• People looking for a twist on the strategy RPG genre
• Any Atlus Faithful

"Knights in the Nightmare doesn't follow any standard rules when it comes to gameplay; in fact, the only rule it follows is the more elements taking place, the better. At its core, the game is a tactical RPG. Just like an onion however, there are multiple layers which make up the entire experience."
 

Honorable Mentions:

• Rock of Ages
• Sleeping Dogs
• LEGO Batman 2: DC Superheroes
• Zen Pinball 2