Although the holiday season has long been an expensive time of year for gamers (and our loved ones...), it seems like this year could be on of the more costly in recent memory. Granted, we're only a year out from the whole PlayStation 3, Wii, 360 console Christmas, but this year its the attack of the games. From the beginning of November until the end of this year, there are more high-profile, much anticpated releases than there has been the entire rest of the year. At at a price of nearly $60 per game, it is sort of unrealistic to assume that everyone will be able to get their hands on everything. So, lets take a minute to look at the games of November and December (the bigger ones anyway...) and see if we can't make some financial sense of this year's choices and determine if these games are right away must-haves, or if they can wait until after the new year.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PC, PS3, 360) $49.99-59.99

Early reviews are calling it one of the most intense first-person-shooter titles ever to hit the shelves. And in a year of a seemingly endless march of FPS's (Halo 3, The Orange Box, Bioshock, etc) that's saying a lot. I've logged about five hours with this one on the 360 and I have to say, so far, wow! The graphics are as photo-realistic as I've ever seen, the levels are complicated enough (albiet a bit short) to be challenging at any skill level. I would say that this one is worth the price and the sooner the better.

VERDICT: MUST HAVE NEW

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The Simpsons Game (Wii, PS2, PS3, 360, DS, PSP) $29.99-59.99

America's ambassadors to the world make the jump to next-gen and handheld systems with this silly, game-inspired title from EA. After the success of their summer blockbuser, our favorite family brings a fancier version of platform jumper home. Reviews have been mixed, and most would agree that the best days of this franchise (both as a show and a game property) are probably behind them. Is there really anyone that thinks this has to be under the Christmas tree?

VERDICT: BUY IT USED IN '08 

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LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Wii, PS2, PS3, 360, DS) $34.99-49.00

If you've played any of the earlier versions of the LEGO: Star Wars games, you already know that they are addictive, fun, and have great replay value. And with this version promising even more additions not previously seen (on-line co-op play, DS-specific mini-games, Wii-mote light saber controls, etc.) this should be the apex of the series. And with a price point of around $10.00 lower than most games, I've got to say this one is a no-brainer.

VERDICT: MUST HAVE NEW 

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Mass Effect (360) $59.99-69.99 

The futuristic exclusive shooter/RPG from Bioware has been generating a tremendous amount of buzz. Everything from the conversation engine to the fact that there is a (rather tame) lesbian sex scene has made the headlines of blogs all year long. In a week or so, the wait will be over and we'll all know if we got duped (again) or if this one is the real deal. All early indicators say its going to be the real deal, and there is little doubt that it will fly off the store shelves. Personally, I'm in no real hurry to snatch it up, but that's just one man. I'm going to have to trust the wisdom of the mob on this one...

VERDICT: MUST HAVE NEW 

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Assassin's Creed (360, PS3,*)  $59.99-69.99 *DS in '08

The commercials for this one have finally started rolling out in force. You've seen them: the white knight calmly stalks the streets of ancient wherever, running across rooftops, scaling cathedrals, and pulling of leaps and dives that would make Greg Louganis jealous. The initial buzz on this one had it as a potential Game of the Year. But the newer conventional wisdom has this game being rather repetitive, with a lot of flash and not much backing it up. My own level for excitement goes down everytime I see another commercial- it all looks the same! So, as much as it pains to me to say it, this one waits.

VERDICT: BUY IT USED IN '08 

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Kane & Lynch: Dead Men (360, PS3, PC) $49.99-59.99

Sure, maybe Coop has developed a bit of a soft spot for this game (you would too if they flew you to California to play it!) but is it really worth the full price? Let's take a look... The gameplay, although nothing revolutionary, is novel enough to warrant a second look. And apparently some of the controls (cover) are less intuitive than one might expect. But the online mode is what set this one apart for me. The idea that you are, seemingly, playing a co-op game of bank robber. But since you're all playing as criminals, you have the option of capping your whole crew and keeping the loot for yourself. I love this idea, and it alone will make this a must have. I can't wait to ambush Coop, Joe and Mikeyraw one night. Although the oddsmakers have Mike making off with the bag.

VERDICT: MUST HAVE NEW

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Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) $49.00

I could go into the weaknesses of the system, I could expound on the failings of Nintendo to push the next-gen envelope, and blah blah blah. Or I could just say that there will be a new Mario adventure, and a new game for the Wii. Nuff said.

VERDICT: MUST HAVE NEW 

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Rockband (360, PS2, PS3) $159.99-169.99

Without a doubt the most expensive release of the holiday season, Rock Band retails at a price once thought too expensive for a gaming system, let alone one game. But let's look at what you get: unprecedented numbes of licensed songs, a ton of different modes to try out, and a full set of "musical instruments". Two guitars, a mike, and a drum set bring home the fun of being a rock musician without any of the pesky learning music or travelling. But again, that's almost $200 for a game. Is it worth it? Here's the final word on this one: if you've had a chance to play it (at a conference, a Rock Band tour stop, or a Best Buy kiosk) you know that this game is simply a great time. Friends and strangers alike have found themselves absorbed in competing and rocking out. Is it a lot to drop at once? Yes. Is it worth it? Oh yes.

VERDICT: MUST HAVE NEW 

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