Holiday Game Guide: M for Mature

I'm going to wrap up this year's holiday game guide with some M rated games.  There's a perception out there that video games are a child's toy.  That either no adult plays them or if they do, there's a strong belief that they are immature or something along those lines.  This is certainly not the case and there absolutely are video games out there that are targeted specifically at adults.  There are absolutely those that are excessively violent/sexual/graphic and should be for mature audiences only, but there are also those that target a more mature subject matter.

There may be one or two adult gamers on your list and I thought I'd whip up one more quick list here.  Again, these lists are primarily for those who have no clue about video games to try and get a headstart before being overwhelmed during their holiday shopping.  If you have experience with video games, then you already know everything you'll read from here on out.

The ESRB or Electronic Software Ratings Board classifies the rating as follows, "Titles rated M (Mature) have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language."

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Available For: Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC
MSRP: $59.99
# of Players: 1-2
ESRB Info
There's a definite possibility that the adult gamer on your list already has this game since it was the largest multimedia launch in history.  This is the sequel to the incredibly popular Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and it improves upon its predecessor in every way.  The single player story is exciting, but incredibly short topping out around 5 to 6 hours.  However, this game shines in its multiplayer.  The system by which players level up, kill and death streak awards and tight controls make it some of the most intense and rewarding multiplayer in any game.

Borderlands

Available For: Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC
MSRP: $59.99
# of Players: 1-2
ESRB Info
Borderlands has eaten so many hours out of my life, it's getting ridiculous.  Borderlands is another first person shooter, but they've intigrated some fantastic role playing elements into the game that encourage you to go through their massive environments getting every little bit of experience and loot as you go.  There are four classes to choose from at the start of the game and as you finish quests and get kills, you'll gain new abilities to help you get through the monsters and freaks littered about.  The shear number of weapons is crazy as well as there are nearly infinite combinations so no two players will have the same arsenal.  There's easily 30 to 40 hours here if you get hooked, and believe me, you will.

Dragon Age: Origins

Available For: Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC
MSRP: $59.99
# of Players: 1
ESRB Info
If the person on your list is all about fantasy and role playing, then you certainly can not go wrong with this game.  There is so much gameplay here, it's silly.  It could take about 60 hours to finish this game the first time, and there are so many different branching paths, that you should be able to see a new ending nearly everytime (I can confirm at least 3 different ones thus far).  That's at least 180 hours of playtime and a lot of bang for your buck.  Be warned though, it's a difficult game and is intended for RPG enthusiasts.

Notable mentions:

Left 4 Dead 2 for Xbox 360 and PC
Killzone 2 for Playstation 3
Grand Theft Auto IV: Episodes from Liberty City for Xbox 360
Halo 3: ODST for Xbox 360

That will do it for this year's holiday game guides.  I hope that you found them at least a little bit helpful if you're unsure of what to get the gamer on your list.  If you still feel lost, by all means email me at joeyt@k107.com and I'll do what I can to point you in the right direction.  Happy gaming!

Here's your Web Waster of the Day:

ElfYourself - I've had this as a Web Waster the last couple of years and it makes its return for the last time this year.  You know the drill by now.  Take a photo from your computer and paste the face onto a singing and dancing elf then email it to anyone and everyone you know.