Sony's Sands of Time 4

By Daniel Needham

Daniel gives some Sony Christmas gift ideas.

Welcome one welcome all to the fourth - yes, fourth - edition of NZGamer’s most decorated Sony column, Sony’s Sands Of Time; and if you’re reading this column for the very first time then I hope you enjoy this piece, and maybe even look in to my past editions.

Now with the festive season approaching closer, many people will currently be tearing their hair out wondering what to buy their loved ones for Christmas, and not deciding right up until December 24, potentially when it’s too late.

However, never fear, as I have below complied a complete list for every family member that needs buying for, enabling you to give your loved one a very Sony Christmas. Once again a change in column format but I promise to get back to normal once the silly season has concluded!

Teenage to Adult Male:

Lets start with the hardest demographic first, why don’t we? Although it can sometime seem impossible to buy for these men, when it comes to Sony gaming it’s really quite simple, as you have a vast array of choices, as after all this is the major range of people that do play games. Canis Canem Edit (a.k.a Bully) is sure to be a hit for this age range, as it combines a perfect mix of what made the GTA series work well, as well as adding some innovative storylines to match.

Also for the sports fan is the latest in EA’s Cricket franchise, Cricket 07, as well as SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. But if your loved one loves using guns of various kinds, then Splinter Cell: Double Agent or Call Of Duty 3 could be the way to go. But to be honest, you can’t really go wrong, as there is such a vast range of games on offer!

Older Gamers/ Family/ Young Children:

Concerned about all the violence in games? Guns, fights and blood not really your thing? Then the EyeToy, Singstar, Buzz and Guitar Hero franchises are just for you!

With over seven titles released in the series so far, the Singstar line of games has been one of Sony’s best sellers, and has bridged the gap between entertainment and gaming. It doesn’t matter anymore if you can’t link together combos, or push buttons to save yourself - all the game requires is simple navigation with the controller and then your pop star voice! Games are available with and without the microphones, allowing you to pick up every title in the franchise and really get the party started.

Ever pictured yourself on television? Running around or winning a medal? Then Eyetoy could be just for you to fulfil those dreams. With nine titles released in this range, it proves very popular with all people, and just requires you to put your face in front of the camera, select your game, then go from there! You’ll find yourself jumping, running and spinning on the spot as well as heaps of other moves you couldn’t imagine!

And for the game show contestant within, comes Buzz! Available in four different titles, each with or without the buzzers needed to play the games, these games run totally on your buzzers, so no need for any controller confusion. And for the littlies there is Buzz Junior Jungle Party. This is the ideal experience for kids of all ages to dive in to, and you can go head-to-head against up to three of your brothers/sisters, and if you're really cocky, mum and dad, to see if you have the skills you need to build a banana empire and be crowned King of the Jungle.

Three people stand in front of you and music immortality as you attempt to blast out Deep Purple’s Smoke On the Water. The sweat laces your skin as you know one false chord could cost you your bragging rights in the lounge room. If any of your family loves the air guitar, then Guitar Hero is the perfect gift for them this Christmas.

For the Pocket Gamer:

My, what’s that you have in your pocket, you say; well it’s the latest title to hit the PSP system of course. These titles below are just a sample of what can prove a lifesaver on those long trips for kids, or an extension of gaming for the older player who wants to keep working on their Playstation tan.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

Lego Star Wars II

Killzone: Liberation

SmackDown vs. Raw 2007

Dragonball Z: Shin Budokai

Sonic Rivals

Plus many more! It will definitely pay for you to head down to your local gaming store, or pop around the web and check out these hot titles, as all of them will prove to be very hot stocking stuffers this Christmas.

Well that wraps up another edition of SSOT. I hope this Sony guide to Christmas has been helpful, and as always I’m open to feedback and suggestion from my readers. Well until next time I hope you have a very Sony Christmas and I look forward to seeing you again sometime in 2007!

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