This week, as promised, I am going to show you the top video games of 2007. This is THE list to have if you have kids, grandkids or kids-at-heart on your Christmas list this year. Let me warn you; always check the rating on the game before purchasing. Some of the games on the list are not suitable for children. In my opinion, some are not suitable for adults but that is a decision for you to make, not me. These games have all received the highest rankings by gamers. I have not personally played all of them but I have taken the advice of my 13 year old son whom I consider to be a pro when it comes to video games. At least he better be a pro considering all the money I have spent on this hobby of his and all the time he devotes to it.

I will try to cover games for all the new systems including the PC. The new systems covered will include the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and the PC (Personal Computer). Some games are available on multiple systems.

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings are designed to provide concise and impartial information about the content in computer and video games so consumers, especially parents, can make an informed purchase decision. For more information on the rating system you can visit www.esrb.org

Nintendo Wii

Super Mario Galaxy – Some people are saying that this is the best game ever in the Mario franchise.
ESRB: Everyone

Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock – More challenges and new modes along with a fantastic tracklist and gameplay, keeps this one on the top of most gamers’ lists.
ESRB: Teen

Xbox 360

Halo 3 – The most popular series ever created for the Xbox franchise makes its’ debut on the next-gen system. A first-person shooter, that has maintained its’ popularity for years. ESRB: Mature

Rock Band – Building upon the popularity of the Guitar Hero series of games, this one adds a new dimension by adding other instruments such as drums, bass and even a microphone for your lead vocals. Parents, cover your ears and get prepared to be annoyed.
ESRB: Teen

Playstation 3

Army Of Two – Army of Two is a shooter centering around a pair of wisecracking mercenaries who take on jobs the legitimate military won’t touch. Very violent so beware.
ESRB: Mature

Assasin’s Creed – Brought to you by the people that made Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time comes one of the best looking games ever made. This is another violent game. There aren’t a lot of family friendly games for the next-gen systems. The few they do have do not rate highly.
ESRB: Mature

PC

The Orange Box – There are five things inside The Orange Box: Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Episodes One and Two, Portal, and Team Fortress 2. All of these games take place on a planet Earth devastated and defeated and picked over by horrific invading aliens
ESRB: Mature

DiRT – A very enjoyable racer with superb graphics. If you are into racing you should love this one.
ESRB: Everyone

So there you have it. I wish I could have added more kid friendly games to the list. With more and more adults playing video games, the games designed for the next-gen systems seems to be geared more and more towards this demographic. Just like every other business, they have to go to where the money is. Wether or not this is a big conspiracy to desensitize us to violence, I haven’t a clue. I tend to believe it is just a case of following the money.

If you are buying for young children just look for the ESRB rating of Everyone and you should be fine. Children don’t seem to be near as big of critics when it comes to the games they play. If the game includes a popular cartoon character, they are usually happy with it. Hope this article helps you in your Holiday shopping efforts. Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

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