Top 5 Game Releases to Watch For This Holiday Season

With November just around the corner, avid gamers have much to look forward to with new releases for their Xbox, PS3, and Wii gaming consoles.

Fortunately, gaming developers aren’t keen on disappointment – dozens of popular gaming titles are set to be released between now and late-December 2012, giving gamers plenty of time to add their favorites on their shopping lists. From action-adventure to racing and first-person shooters, the following games are sure to be a hit on anyone’s wish list.

1. Hitman: Absolution – November 20, PC/PS3/Xbox 360

Agent 47 returns in yet another installment of the famous Hitman franchise. In Absolution, Agent 47 is on the run from authorities and those he once trusted, diving deeper into a dark conspiracy with long-reaching repercussions. The game combines a distinctively dark game design with a great degree of fluid gameplay to create an near-cinematic experience that gamers are sure to look forward to.

Hitman: Absolution Trailer



2. Halo 4 – November 6, Xbox 360

Master Chief returns in this latest installment of the Halo franchise, this time developed by 343 Studios. Halo 4 marks the beginning of a new trilogy that delves farther into the mysteries of the Halo universe, answering many questions while creating new ones for the series. The single player mode pits Master Chief against familiar enemies and an ancient nemesis. Halo 4 offers a variety of new features, from brand-new weaponry to Halo Infinity Multiplayer, giving the latest Spartan-IV super soldiers an all-new environment and plenty of competitive gameplay.

Halo 4 Trailer



3. Assassin’s Creed III – October 30, Xbox 360/PS3

This latest installment of the critically acclaimed action-adventure game takes place during the American Revolution, featuring new environments and a new face, Ratohnhaké:ton. Taking the name “Connor Kenway,” this new protagonist encourages players to dive into the chaos of the Revolutionary War and the continuing war between the Templars and the Assassins. The open expanses of colonial America are a far cry from the city streets of the previous installment.

Assassin’s Creed III Trailer



4. New Super Mario Bros. U – November 30, Wii U

Set to arrive along with the new Wii U console, New Super Mario Bros. U is an all-new side scrolling adventure featuring plenty of familiar faces and some new ones, as well. Along with Mario, Luigi and Toad, players can use their Mii character to explore a variety of new worlds, use several new power-ups and experience enjoyable gameplay. Up to five players can join in using the Wii Remote controllers and the Wii U GamePad.

New Super Mario Bros. U Trailer



5. Call of Duty: Black Ops II – November 13, PC/PS3/Xbox 360

Call of Duty: Black Ops II is the latest addition to the famed Call of Duty first-person shooter franchise. Set in the near-future, Black Ops II immerses players in a stimulating experience thanks to its exceptional single player campaign, featuring a variety of non-linear missions and expanding storylines that are designed to keep avid players knee-deep in the action. The multiplayer mode is revamped to include a variety of futuristic weaponry and a completely redesigned gameplay experience. Players will also get the opportunity to enjoy the new Zombies game included in multiplayer.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II Trailer



Keep in mind that these games are just a few of the many titles that are set to come out before the end of 2012. Anyone looking for a special gift that satisfies the avid gamer can choose these and other popular titles. For avid gamers who don’t mind waiting a few months more, titles such as Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto 5 are set to debut during the first half of 2013.