I'm making a list of games to play this holiday season. I've made my way through a few games (I'm looking at you, Silent Hill:Homecoming) but there are many more that were half-finished. Or simply forgotten as the next new sparkly game made it to the market. So, I'm hoping that this list keeps me focused and helps me pinpoint what I want to finish. Or play for fun during holidays, whatever rocks your boat.

 

Games to avoid:

Anything lurking around on Games on Demand. Yea, $30 or more for a game? I think not.

 

Games worth replaying:

These are mostly Arcade games (as are most of the other ones on this list. I see a recurring theme here). The must-replay games are:

Sam and Max: Save the World

Wallace and Gromit: Last Resort

The Secret of Monkey Island

Axel Pixel

Lucidity

The highlight of these games is their fantastic sense of humor. Admittedly, in the case of the latter, the puzzle solving aspects and quirky graphics are key selling points of the game, as opposed to hilarious story bits. Nonetheless, it makes it worth coming back to replay game.

 

Something fun with friends:

Well, it's holiday time and unless you are being dragged off to big family events, I am guessing you have some amount of time for online multiplayer games. That was such a loaded statement; I know a few folks who are pointedly avoiding instances where family members can play console games. Well, check these out if your Xbox is not hidden in a secret cupboard somewhere.

Rocket Riot

Castle Crashers

Zombie Apocalypse

Dishwasher

Beating up zombies? Thrilling situations where you dash in and save your team members? RPG-style gaming in a medieval castle? Need I say more?

 

 

Time for family gaming:

Arcade games aren't always about solo time. Or bashing up zombies with friends. If you have family members who eye the Xbox as if it was something that fell out of someone's nose, maybe you can show them how much fun they can have, as a family, by indulging in a bit of game time. The games noted above are not the best introduction; gnawing zombies and chainsaw action are never great gateway games. Try these instead:

Family Game Night

Dinner Dash

All the Wallace and Gromit games

Axel and Pixel

As much as I hate the first game, it is one of the best ways to appease folks with different tastes. Plus, it brings out the competitive side in certain members, meaning they are willing to overlook any other misconceptions they might have had about the console. Go figure! Oh, and much as this will annoy a lot of people, let me say this now. If you want female gamers (of the casual gaming variety) to check out a few games, start out with Dinner Dash. It's surprisingly addictive and is right up there with The Sims. Interpret that anyway you want.

Alright, if all else fails, load up Guitar Hero or Rockband. Those two games speak to all age groups; it talks in that funny Poltergeist little lady way to them, telling them how much fun they had as a kid. It's funny how many of my non-gaming family members, who were initially very snobbish about any form of gaming, were completely won over by the music games.

 

Games with puzzle elements:

So let's say you want games that make you think a bit. Ones that are somewhat hard to solve. Or at least offer you a challenge. And you are not in the mood for Bejewelled, as fascinating as that game might be. What should you check out?

Magic the Gathering

Braid

Portal

Do note, the first one takes some getting used to and the controls are a bit annoying. But other than that, it proves to be quite a challenge. This one can be included in the fun-with-buddies category as you guys fight it out (co-op or opposite each other) and send off your minions (creatures, whatnot) into battle. Braid is noteworthy for its attention to detail, pretty graphics and in-depth puzzle solving aspects. As for Portal, it needs no introduction. After all, it is most the iconic puzzle-solving game of the past few years. Go on, you know you want to find out more about the cake.