The Maxi-Geek PC Christmas Gift Guide
The holidays are fast approaching and that means that you will have to brave either the in person stores, or fight the frustration of an online checkout, in order to secure those important presents.
This year, we decided to throw our hat into the ring on the gift guide front, to suggest what we think are some of the best games, gear and goodies, available. This time we are talking about the PC, the platform that is able to keep on going, as long as you are willing to upgrade its internals.
In order to be considered for the list, we looked at two crucial elements, was it a good game and did it provide great value for money. Scouring through hundreds of games, these are what we suggest, for that PC gamer in your life. Before we start though, most of the titles below are digital only and usually only on Steam, as you can’t buy gift codes for them, store credit, is a great option, unless you want to gift the game directly.
Half-Life: Alyx
There has been such a long time since the last Half-Life game released, most modern gamers had no idea what the series was about, but all that changed with Alyx. This VR only game managed to truly immerse you in the world of Half-Life, unlike any of the previous games ever did.
Sadly though, as a VR only title, there have not been a lot of folks who have picked it up, but if you are buying a game for someone on PC, who has a VR headset, then this should be at the top of your list.
DOOM Eternal
The follow up to the amazing DOOM 2016 release, Eternal somehow managed to amp up all the action, platforming and weapons, but still managed to make things sublime to play. The game also was able to include a redefined multiplayer, giving players more experiences in the world.
The game also got the first DLC of two, just the other week, so there is plenty more story to enjoy, just be warned, as some light swearing will likely escape the recipient of this gift, as they attempt to defeat some dangerous enemies.
EB Games | Amazon | Steam | Our Review
Age of Empires 3 Definitive Edition
The Age of Empires series was seemingly done, after the the third release, it just didn’t grab people the way the first two and the spin-off had, but the Definitive Edition fixed almost all those problems and brought everything into the modern world for gaming.
With 4K graphics, all the expansions and all new playable civilizations, the game offers a lot and that is before you delve into the world of multiplayer, to which there are countless matches to enjoy. With a story that is divided into multiple acts, there is just a lot to enjoy here. This game is included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Command and Conquer Remastered Collection
Much like the game above, Command and Conquer had a bit of a slow and steady decline after the Red Alert series, while the developers were able to invent new ways to play and new scenarios to enjoy, the player base just moved on. But absence really does make the heart grow fonder, as the Remastered Collection is a very impressive set.
The compilation includes remasters of the first two Command & Conquer games originally developed by Westwood Studios, Command & Conquer (1995) and Red Alert (1996), along with their expansion packs and content that had been exclusive to console ports. It features 4k graphics, remastered music, upscaled full motion video cinematic footage, enhanced sidebar UI, modern online features, and an unlockable gallery of unused and "making of" content.
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
Perhaps the most light hearted game on the list, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout will test your adaptive gameplay skills in a series of events, where you will have to dodge, jump and outsmart 59 other players on the field of battle.
If that is not enough for you, there are countless customisation options, so the more you play and earn, the cooler you can look, with costumes from Sonic, Portal, My Friend Pedro and even Half-Life, you can look very stylish as you attempt to claim the crown.
Hades
When games enter into early access, for me, I avoid them, they are not done, things will change and the experience might not be the same when all is said and done. Hades however managed to buck that trend, by keep its core gameplay and just expanding across the board.
The ultimate goal here is to escape hell and your father Hades, in order to locate your mother, a simple task, but with a very difficult execution. As you try and try again, you will be granted boons from the other Olympian gods, which can change up how you play and make things easier, or harder and when you die, which you will, you can jump right back in for another go.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
The Master Chief Collection is perhaps the best value in gaming and took that crown from The Orange Box, which was around for a while, with Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2 Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo: Reach and Halo: ODST included, it is a lot of game.
But more than that, just the other week, Halo 4 was added to the game and like the others, has been ported to the PC with a lot of attention to what makes the platform great. With support for up to 4k UHD and at 60+ FPS, other setting options include customizable mouse and keyboard support, ultrawide support, FOV customization, and more This game is included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Flight Simulator
Perhaps the most un-game like game on the list, or any of thes gift guides, Flight Simulator is latest entry in the long running series from Microsoft and is the first entry since 2012. With the series starting all the way back in 1986, it has come a long way, but this year’s release blasted it well into the future.
The game can run fine offline, but if you let it stream data as you fly, you will get to experience details on locations, far beyond what you might have imagined. With satellite topography to make the world, realistic weather systems and more, everything comes together to let you fly almost any plane you want, anywhere in the world. This game is included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
The Gamesmen | Amazon | Steam | Our Review
So there you go, a few of the games released this year for PC to make the holiday season a little more gaming. Of course, there are also hardware options, which you can find soon and if you want to see what we suggest for other platforms, hit up the Gift Guides homepage.
