With the month of November over, the staff here at Console Monster reflect back at the last month’s current events in the gaming world, as well as give a little insight of their gaming antics this month, and what they are looking forward to playing next month.
With the Christmas holidays only a few weeks away, we ask ourselves what game and console will we be putting our money on this year.
Craig: I think that Call of Duty World at War will be number one this Christmas. But then again Christmas is all about spending time with the family so Guitar Hero: World Tour, Rock Band 2 or LIPS could be contenders.
As for the number one console, it has got to be the Xbox 360. The price alone is a big enough reason for people to choose the Xbox 360 over PS3. I’d put my mortgage (if I had one) on that.
Dave: Tough one. With Call of Duty: World at War releasing on multi-platforms I feel it will take the Christmas number one game spot, though there are a few runners-up which still may be in with a chance. Gears of War 2, despite only selling on a single platform, sold brilliantly well and Need for Speed: Undercover is a well-known series which could also sell well due to its ‘multi-platformness’. The number one console could be either of the three. This Christmas seems ideal for those who were unable to obtain a Wii or PlayStation 3 last Christmas and with the recent Xbox 360 price cuts and new market appeal, it could also be a strong contender. My money is going on Xbox 360 though.
Lauren: Very hard question. I would like to say the Xbox 360 and Tomb Raider Underworld but I know that’s not going to happen in Europe. It’s all about the casual market this year and the Nintendo Wii has pretty much dominated. I would say the Wii and Wii Fit to take number one. With all the fuss for Wii Fit it would be crazy to see the title any lower on the chart.
Though there are still some games heading our way, so who knows! It will most likely be a Wii title however. Animal Crossing: Let’s go to the City maybe?
Chris: This is a tough one to be honest. Gears of War 2 obviously has a dedicated fan base, so that has a strong chance and despite how terrible it is, Call of Duty: World at War will also probably sell considerably well. In terms of console, the Wii has dominated the Christmas market but with price cuts on the Xbox 360, I think it’ll be too close to call this year.
Reece: I had backed Mirror’s Edge due to being unique and innovative, but after reviewing the title and noticing the large gaps in the features that has gone out of the window (still worth a purchase though!).
I would have to back GTA IV as game of the year, simply due to the scope and detail put into the game. After spending a week of living on the game I am now the happy owner of a Rockstar ‘key to the city’, which shows my dedication to the game.
As for console it is simple, 360. The Wii might be the best seller and the PS3 might have a nice blu-ray player, but I am a gamer. I would like to think that this conclusion comes from the fact of being fair and right, and not of being a fanboy.
Anthony: Tricky one, only a few weeks till Christmas with CoD World at War firmly at the top spot for the last two weeks. Most years it has been either FIFA or Need For Speed and with both taking an early release we might see a different game or franchise hit the Christmas number one. I’ll put my money on CoD World at War holding on and with the price cut of the Xbox 360 and the tons of marketing leading up to the big day, I’ll put my money on the Wii (where is the justice!), though the Xbox 360 will no doubt be biting on its heels this year.
Rob: Number one console will be Wii, though the DS is selling like crazy again. As for the number one game, I think it is very tough to decide. Call of Duty is tipped to take it, but I think sales have slowed down now. If Nintendo get there arses into gear, Professor Layton and the Curious Village on DS could be number one but it is out of stock. Similarly the Wii Fit would be number one but the same problem is happening.
Are you a betting guy or gal? What do you think will be this year’s Christmas number one game and console? Discuss by letting us know what your money is on in the comments. Until the next Monster Month – happy gaming monsters!