Hottest Video Games of 2011

December 8, 2011

A couple of days ago, we wrote a blog that, in part, talked about the hottest gaming consoles and accessories of the holiday season. All the standards were included: Nintendo’s 3DS and Wii, PlayStation 3 and it’s amazing new 3D display, and of course the Xbox 360 Kinect. What we didn’t talk about however, was the hottest games of the season. That is…until now!

Video games have been at the top of everyone’s list since PONG was released in 1975, so why should that be any different in 2011? Make a bee-line for your gaming cave, settle in to your favorite chair, grab some snacks, and get ready to take a look at some of the hottest video games this holiday shopping season!

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is easily one of the most talked about video games of 2011. Available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Windows computers, Skyrim allows the player to roam an almost endless fantasy land overrun by monsters and other characters both good and bad. You’ll find everything from desolate tundras, swamps, and forests, to towns and villages filled with merchants, bums, thieves and royalty. You’ll battle ogres, demons, and plenty of dragons on your adventures through this stunning world.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Skyrim is that you can do whatever the heck you want before you even begin following the main plot of the game. Explore the vast fantasy land, build the strength of your character, join numerous guilds, and take part in a civil war, then start with the main story itself. You completely control the game!

Battlefield 3

When it comes to first-person shooters, Battlefield 3 is among the most popular available right now. As the commercials say, “There’s a soldier in all of us,” so strap on your weapon of choice and head into battle solo, with friends, or online with strangers around the world!

Battlefield 3 is a very realistic game, putting the player right in the line of fire. Enemies can be hard to spot, just as in real warfare, and strategy plays a major role in successfully winning battles. Play the part of the hero this Christmas by picking up a copy for the gamer on your list!

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

If you’re looking for a run-and-gun type shooter with a flair for the dramatic, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is the game for you. Though less realistic, and far less strategic in nature, MW3 is still a rousing game that will have you jumping out of your gaming chair with every move. You can choose to play levels solo or with friends, or enter more confined areas with other online players with their sights set on you.

Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City is quite possibly the best game with the Batman name tied to it. You’re free to do anything Batman can actually do: swing, glide, and swoop around the city in search of evil-doers like the Joker and Riddler. Uncover plots and find Batman’s favorite gadgets and rides, and even play as Catwoman or Robin!

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

The Nintendo Wii definitely fills its niche as a great party gaming device and a great console for the younger generation of gamers. But The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is sure to attract pretty much any gamer, especially those who grew up on the series! Skyward Sword makes fantastic use of the motion-sensor controllers by way of sword fights, and the game itself is a beauty to look at and play.

Sports Games

You may not be the fastest or toughest out on the field, but at least you’ve got the quickest fingers and best play-calling skills on the couch! Sports gaming is huge every year, and this year is no different. There were a ton of great games released this year, so let’s take a look at a few:

EA Sports

EA Sports released their normal slew of great video games. The always popular Madden series was updated with Madden 12, a game that pits you against your biggest rivals. Create your own players and really get inside the NFL by managing your own team. Hockey and soccer got a fantastic upgrade with NHL 12 and FIFA 12 respectively, and the gaming world got a roundhouse kick to the forehead with the new EA Sports MMA.

Shaun White Skateboarding

Shaun White continues to dominate a niche of gaming that’s been left vacant by Tony Hawk. Shaun White Skateboarding lets you shred the gnar gnar on ramps and the street without having to worry about broken bones or passing cars.

Help free Shaun from his evil captors, The Ministry, by skating and completing objectives, bringing color and creativity to world completely lacking in those departments. There are plenty of new features and modes to keep you skating for hours, and the campaign mode will keep you right on track!

Cash Back Shopping, Gamer Style

There are plenty of great retailers to choose from when buying gaming consoles, accessories, and games. Of course, there’s the always-stocked, gaming specialists, GameStop, where you’ll earn 2.5% cash back on your purchases. Shop before December 14th to enjoy $15 off orders over $99.99 with promo code MERRY, or $20 off orders of $149.99 or more with promo code HAPPY! You can also receive 20% off in-stock accessories with promo code 20ACC.

Walmart has a fantastic selection of gaming consoles and games as well, and you know their prices are guaranteed to be the lowest around. Shop with KickItBack for 2% cash back on your purchases.

Another great option when it comes to gaming is Target where you’ll find everything you need from consoles, accessories, and games, to TVs, seating, and snacks! Shop with KickItBack to enjoy 3.5% cash back!

GameFly

If you’re not sure what games to buy, or you know for a fact that the gamer on your list already has the hottest games available, GameFly might be your best bet. GameFly is the Netflix of gaming; you can pay a flat monthly rate to receive a certain number of games at a time, without late fees or the hassle of having to drop off your rentals at a store all the way across town! Your gamer will find all the hottest titles from the comfort of their gaming cave. Shopping with KickItBack will earn you an additional 5% cash back on your GameFly purchase.

Tune in Saturday when we break down some great video games for the younger gamers on your list! There are plenty of games to stimulate both mind and body! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates on holiday savings and deals.

Filed under: Holiday,Product Spotlight

Tags: cash back rewards, cash back shopping, christmas shopping, gamestop, Holiday Shopping, ps3, target, walmart, wii, xbox 360