Every Christmas we get a new batch of video games as Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony try to sell us their gaming systems. Every year kids want the latest and greatest, along with that killer game which will make their Christmas complete, so this year I thought I'd do a quick rundown of the top 10 video games for Christmas.



Every family has different needs and different tastes, so I'm going to split this up into "family games" and "adult/older teen games". For the most part, Nintendo seems to have a lock on the good honest fun of family games this year, but there some good family games which are common to all three systems.

Top family games this Christmas.

1. The top family game this Christmas is actually the one which is included when you buy your Nintendo Wii system. It's Wii Sports. My family has gotten endless hours of entertainment out of these simple games which have you using the new Wii controller to simulate baseball, bowling, tennis and boxing. I've had people from 5 to 80 playing these games and everybody seems to like them.

2. Super Mario Galaxy for Nintendo Wii hasn't even been released yet, but I know it will be a big seller and big hit this Christmas. Mario is always a big hit and I'm sure that Nintendo has made sure not to disappoint all of those Mario fans out there.

3. Guitar Hero III has just hit the store shelves and I watched a kid play it today. It is quite simply one of the coolest games I've ever seen. I really want to get it this year for my kids. It's available on all three systems, but it comes with a hefty price tag because of the "guitar controller" which is included with the game. The music on this game is top notch.

4. Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is destructive mayhem for all ages. It uses the PS3's amazing power well with outstanding graphics, bustling cities, larger than life enemies and never ending boss battles.

5. Wario Ware: Smooth Moves features more mini games, maybe even micro games. Quick bursts of fun, featuring Nintendo's new controller. This game is sure to keep you entertained and don't be surprised when you find yourself laughing out loud.

6. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - This game, along with Ratchet and Clank really could go in either the family and non family sections. They are both outstanding games which will keep the kids entertained for hours, but I wouldn't suggest either for very young children.

7. NHL 08 - I thought it would be nice to end up with a game which is available on all three systems. I know the kids love playing video hockey, no matter which year it is.

Top non family games this Christmas.

1. Halo 3 for Xbox 360 is my number one pick. Like it or not, it's the game that all the kids are talking about at school this year. If by some miracle you have an Xbox 360 and haven't purchased this game before Christmas, then it's one you must have. The graphics are incredible, the AI is much improved and it's even fun to watch.

2. BioShock is a completely different game. I call it the scariest game I've ever seen on a console, sure I lead a somewhat sheltered life, but I think that BioShock got everything right in this genre. It's a Zombie horror-fest with lots of twists and turns, excellent graphics and game play.

3. Gears of War - The first thing I heard about Halo 3 was that it wasn't as good as Gears of War. GoW is a tactical fighter, you need to think to play Gears of War, it's more like America's Army than say Quake. It's about time that all of these "war" type games got realistic, after all in real battle it only takes one bullet to kill you.

There you have it, a list of some very good games available for this Christmas. Of course every person has their favorite games and I'm sure that there will be some people who's favorite didn't make this list, but the list is a good starting point, especially if there is a gamer on your list and you don't play yourself.