2010′s Top Tech Gifts: Techpedition Approved Games for 360

About The Products

Xbox 360 is the number one big boy console on the market and this year Microsoft is really flexing its muscles and pushing millions of Kinects out the door.  Its got a great back catalog, but what are the must buy games for Microsoft’s Xbox 360?  Here’s Techpedition’s answer.

Call of Duty Black Ops – While not a console exclusive, Black Ops is arguably superior on 360.  Not only will there be more players online to play against, but Black Ops is the first Call of Duty game in Microsoft’s map pack time exclusive releases.  In other words all the map packs for Black Ops will hit 360 first and then at a later date be released for other platforms.  This is a huge “get” for Microsoft and it puts a steady stream of new content up for 360 players of the fantastic Call of Duty Black Ops.  It was the biggest media launch in history when it came out and its shaping up to be the biggest selling COD game to date.  Get a copy for that gamer in you life that is bad with peer pressure because if you don’t they’ll just be buying it in January anyway.

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – Again, while not an exclusive title, Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood would make a great addition to any 360 owner’s collection.  Picking up right where AC2 left off Ass: Bro adds a long awaited multiplayer element to the franchise’s familiar gameplay.  In addition to the much talked about multiplayer features, Brotherhood has a lengthy and deep single player campaign.  For those worried about the online community dying off quickly, you’ll be happy to know that the story line in single player mode is a 20 or more hour experience including side quests.  AC2 ended with one of the most mindblowing cliff hangers ever and Brotherhood’s underlying story is just as intriguing and laced with actual history.  If you’ve liked the first two or you like stabbing dudes in the gut, Ass:Bro is for you.

Halo Reach – Bungie’s swan song in the Halo franchise could the best one to date.  Graphically its improved and Techpedition’s own Kary Brown approves of the story line.  As the first exclusive on our list, Halo games have always had quality releases since 2001.  Set before Halo: Combat Evolved, reach grives you a first hand look at the infamous “Fall of Reach” and what events lead to the story in Halos 1-3 and ODST.  There may be no Master Chief, but the charaters and story is interesting enough for you not to care.   Bungie took everything they’ve learned over the course of the past 9 years and crafted a marvelous experience that is one of this year’s must own shooters.  Don’t let your loved ones down, pick up Halo: Reach immediately.

Kinect Sensor with Kinect Adventures – As mentioned in the intro, Kinect is a hit, and while it may be built on the same gimmicky principle that brought us the Eye Toy, the technology in the camera has brought some good games to living rooms this year.  The pack in game, Kinect Adventures, does a great job demonstrating what the sensor is good for.  Much like Wii Sports did for the Wii, Kinect Adventures has the mass appeal needed to launch Kinect into the cultural zeitgeist.  At $150 dollars Kinect is less than a console and comes with a game.  It is quickly become the must own gaming item for holiday 2010.

Dance Central – Speaking of Kinect, the pack-in game may be good, but to find a great game you have to look towards rhythm game geniuses  Harmonix.  The creators of Guitar Hero and Rock Band have limboed into the dancey dance genre and might I say it could start a revolution.  Using the Kinect sensor to track body movement, Dance Central grades you on how well you dance, not how well you waggle a baton, but how well you shake that thang.  With dance games being in style right now, it’s about time for things to get serious and with Dance Central serious dancing is what you get.

That will do it for this year’s Techpedition Approved Games.  I hope that between our articles you’ve found something to grab for the stocking this holiday season.