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5 Hottest Video Games Of Holiday Season

By: Anthony Walker – KDKA.com Video Game Contributor

The holidays are coming up fast and video games are always a popular gift this time of year. If you're looking for some ideas for the gamer on your list, here are five of the hottest games on the market:

 

Call of Duty: Advanced WarfareXbox One, 360, PS4, PS3, PC – Rated M for Mature

Activision is back, bringing the future of warfare just in time for the holidays. Technology meets strategy in this new installment of the Call of Duty series, Advanced Warfare. This version introduces exoskeleton abilities that allow the player to jump higher, run faster and use an array of technological advancements to protect the world and take down the enemy. The graphics are outstanding on all platforms and the gameplay is easy to master. An engaging story mode (starring actor Kevin Spacey) and fun multiplayer opportunities make this M-rated game great for any older teen or adult gamer.

Halo: The Master Chief CollectionXbox One – Rated M for Mature

Making a comeback for the new generation of Xbox, players can relive the Master Chief saga and protect the galaxy from aliens in Halo: The Master Chief Collection, which includes Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 4. The collection incorporates the campaigns and multiplayer modes of all games, with a Halo 2 upgrade including HD graphics in gameplay and cut scenes. Also included is a mini-series linking the games to the upcoming Halo 5 as well as a Halo 5 multiplayer (beta version). Whether for a long-time fan or first-time Halo player, this Microsoft game is a must-have for all first-person-shooting game enthusiasts.

Bayonetta 2Wii U – Rated M for Mature

"Bayonetta was a fan-favorite series for the previous generation. Bayonetta 1 came out for the Xbox 360 and PS3 a couple years ago. Nintendo got exclusivity for Bayonetta 2. The Wii U is the only system where you can get it. It's really fast-paced action. It's made by Platinum Games, which is known as the gold standard of fast-paced action games. If you missed Bayonetta 1, the game comes with it. It's a great deal for $60. It's one of the best games of the year." – Max Parker, Post-Gazette Game Guy

Grand Theft Auto V (rereleased)Xbox One, PS4, PC – Rated M for Mature

Rockstar Games rereleased Grand Theft Auto V, allowing players to again adopt criminal personas and perform heists (and other illegal activities) across San Andreas, while also enjoying enhanced graphics to improve the experience. This version comes with all of the add-ons and features of the original release, as well as 100 new tracks for the in-game radio stations. In addition, this version introduced a first-player mode, allowing the player to feel more involved in the game. If players were waiting for a better-looking, better-sounding version of this game, it has arrived. It is a great game across the board, and provides hours of entertainment from start to finish for any of the 'M for Mature" gamers on your gift list.

Far Cry 4Xbox One, 360, PS4, PS3, PC – Rated M for Mature

The fourth installment of Ubisoft's Far Cry finds the player trapped in a civil war after returning home for (what was going to be) a short visit. The openness of the game allows players to make key choices and ultimately determine the ending. By improving greatly on the shortcomings of Far Cry 3, this version allows for a more immersive experience and unpredictable endings based on the choices made throughout the game. Players are able to put their skills to the test and survive both man and nature. Because the storyline is independent from the others in the series, there's no need to play the first three. A great M-rated gift for gamers!

 Holiday Video Game Buying Guide (Pt. 1):

 

 Holiday Video Game Buying Guide (Pt. 2):

 

 Holiday Video Game Buying Guide (Pt. 3):

Anthony Walker is a lifelong gamer, Pittsburgh transplant and founder/writer for InsertCoinToBegin.com.

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