9-in-1 DS Kit, SpongeBob Theme

Splashed with a SpongeBob Squarepant's theme, this package includes just about everything you'll need to meet the needs of any DS or DSi owner, including re-charge cables, car charger, carrying case, 4 cart holders, and a neck strap. For about $20US what kid with a DS isn't going to appreciate a gift like this?

Volo Pro Series HDMI Cables

For all the super awesome hi-def content for your new flatscreen TV, HDMI cables are necessary if you want the most from your PS3 or XBox 360 (or even Blu-Ray player). Coming in a variety of "levels" all the Volo HDMI cables feature gold-plated contacts and generous lengths, and deliver great color and sound. But the thing I like the most is that the cabling is very obvious among the nest of vipers behind my entertainment unit. For $10 to $40, any techie will love you for a good cable.

"Tweaked" Ear Buds

The Guild (DVD) Season 1 & 2

We recently offered a longer review of The Guild (DVD) Season 1 & 2. If you're hunting for a gift that a mature gamer or World of WarCraft fan will enjoy, this is it. The writing is awesome and the characters are played perfectly.  The Guild is available for free online but the DVD collection includes lots of extras that make it worth buying.

Affinity Bridge (Tor Books)

You can never go wrong with a good book! And while Affinity Bridge isn't "high literature" it does feature a steampunk Victorian London under threat of a zombie plague and killer robots. With a likeable pair of protagonists and some really great action sequences this tale massaged my gamer brain like few books have.

Metroid Prime Trilogy (Wii)

As far as "bang for the buck" there's nothing that can beat Metroid Prime Trilogy for Wii.  The first two titles appeared on GameCube but they've been re-worked to take advantage of widescreen support and the Wii's motion controls. Finishing off the package is the recent Metroid Prime: Corruption. Great stuff!

Microsoft Points, Wii Points and PLAYSTATION Network Cards

Sometimes a gift certificate is the only way to satisfy a picky gamer. Picking up cards of various denominations of Microsoft Points Cards (for Xbox Live), Wii Points (for Wii) and PLAYSTATION Network Cards (for Playstation 3) is the perfect answer. These cards can be purchased online or at retail.  Players activate them through their consoles and can use the "virtual money" to purchase games (new and classic), downloadable content, or "rent" movies streamed right to their console (Wii excluded).

God of War Collection (PS3)

This is like a remastered version of Disney's Snow White for fans of gory action games. The nudity still doesn't look so hot, but nearly everything else looks better than ever. It's definitely a face lift only; the action remains unchanged but it's still addicting. Also a great primer for the upcoming God of War III.

Left 4 Dead 2 (360, PC)

As far as shooters go, Left 4 Dead 2 isn't considered "hardcore" like the ACME-inspired action of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, but the embedded storytelling, the great dialog, zombie mystique, and online co-op (and versus) experience, which even outdoes the original game, make Left 4 Dead 2 a "must have" game. In a nut shell, there are 5 campaigns, multiple "versus" and co-op modes, and hours upon hours of entertainment as players kill hordes of zombies and battle "special infected." Much fun.

Batman: Arkham Asylum (360, PC, PS3)

For action and comic book fans, I described Batman: Arkham Asylum as a "never-before-released episode of Batman: The Animated Series."  The game showcases everything that makes a game fun. Great writing and acting, excellent combat and exploration options, and interesting locations.  And engaging and exciting experience from start to finish, you can't go wrong grabbing this for the action fan in your life.