Stumped with your Secret Santa? Flummoxed with your festive gift buying? Baffled with what to bestow upon your friends? Fear not, we’ve got you covered! Go on, treat yourself…
Great games to grab…
Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales
Well, let’s get the big one out of the way.
Marvel’s Spider-Man on the PS4 was one of the biggest and most anticipated releases of 2018, and its sequel, Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales only looks to build on this utilising the PS5’s increased power. With quicker load times, new environments and more fleshed out combat, this is the game to get for the lucky few who own a PS5, but is also playable for those still rocking the PS4. Fittingly festive, it also happens to take place in Harlem at Christmas time.
Hades
Arguably the game of the year (well, it’s mine at least). It may not be very Christmassy, but its ever-changing dungeons, varied playstyles and charming character interactions make this roguelike a must-play for anyone looking for a time-sink. An excellent gift for a fairly reasonable price.
Football Manager 2021
Speaking of time-sinks, if you’re the surprisingly common nerdy football fan, or you know someone who is, this management simulator will be a great time killer. Football Manager is a series you can lose countless hours to without realising – whether you want to dominate and build the best team in world football, or finally help Tottenham actually win something, there’s a great deal to do in this game.
Fall Guys
You know what would make Christmas better? That’s right, Takeshi’s Castle! Luckily for you, you no longer have to risk horrible injuries such as inverting your shins on stepping-stones to live out your dream. You can now enjoy it from the comfort of your own home in the form of a jellybean avatar. Another contender for party game of the year, this bean-fest would be a great gift for yourself, a friend, or even a younger sibling.
Super Mario Odyssey
A classic. Just as simple as that. If you’re looking for a whimsical game to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, well then, it’s Mario. Despite being three years old at this point, which is an eternity for a video game, it still looks wonderful and maintains that Nintendo charm. A great gift for anyone of any age in the form of gaming’s most iconic mascot.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
A fun party game, accessible to people of any age and ability. For those familiar with the series, you can race around the tracks against other human players or computer AI-controlled ones. If young children, or those who are not familiar with games, want to play, the game has settings that will help them stay on track and guide them through the course. This is an especially good gift for young children.
Merry Merchandise!
Doom Christmas Sweater
Like Christmas? Like Doom? Like Christmas jumpers for some godforsaken reason? Well then, the Doom Christmas sweater might just be for you. Personally, I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a Christmas sweater, but if I had to wear one, I might settle on this. In any case, I’m sure whoever you buy it for will be nice and toasty wearing this while ripping and tearing through presents.
Monopoly: Christmas Edition
Board games can be fun, and then there’s Monopoly. A family favourite board game, created to decry capitalism, which has probably created more arguments than the stress of Christmas itself. Monopoly is a great way to forget about the problems we have all faced this year for a short time, if not only because your uncle put hotels on properties just past the Go! sign. Seriously Dave, f**k off.
Chocobo Xmas T-shirt
Adding to the festive cheer, there’s this Chocobo t-shirt. A fine addition to any wardrobe for someone looking to build their nerd cred. You may ask ‘What’s a Chocobo got to do with Christmas?’ The snarky answer to that is capitalism.
PlayStation Icon Lights
Admit it, they do look kind of cool. These lights make for an excellent conversation starter, according to the item’s description on Amazon, and I’m sure will be a perfect prop for your bustling social life this winter break.
Cuphead Mug
Okay, I actually like this one. There’s something refreshing about novelty merchandise that fits thematically. It’s a cup, but it’s also his head, and that’s also the title of the game. It’s brilliant. I’m sure a smile would come to my face every time I drank from this. It’s about £31 on Amazon if anyone is looking to treat me.
Image: Insomniac Games
