It's always been a Project COE tradition to provide you readers with accurate and helpful gaming-related information at this time of year. Whether you hand your holiday list to mom and dad, are a young adult in the market for a handful of great titles, or happen to be a parent yourself, this feature will help you.

             We've been working very hard to hammer through each Q4 2008 AAA release overwhelming the market. This season is easily the toughest we've ever dealt with, thanks to all the big-name sequels, new IPs and sleeper hits causing utter chaos here at the office. We still wouldn't want it any other way though, seeing as COE loves the challenge of tackling this insane load while somehow managing to have fun too. Our team wants every one of you to enjoy the same opportunity come the November 20 and December 25 celebrations (If you believe in different festivities, just replace them in the previous sentence).

             Project COE has [once again] taken the liberty of breaking down each current-day platform software-wise for 2008 as a whole, and we're more than happy to recommend the following titles for purchase.

Justin Joseph - Editor-in-Chief

Fable II



              The world is yours in this unique action-RPG. You have the freedom to sacrifice innocent villagers or become Albion’s hero. Just remember that every choice has its consequences. Like the original, Fable II changes drastically depending on how you play. It’s an adventure that can be different every time you return. While there's a large number of bugs and glitches, Lionhead Studios has confirmed a mid-December patch is on the way to fix everything. That’s why the game’s on our list, because the freedom it offers results in a worthwhile experience for everyone.
Left 4 Dead


              Valve is one of the most respected videogame software developers in the industry because of two ideals. One, they know how to create high-caliber games. Two, they’re extremely supportive of the modding community that is so often shunned by most other companies. Left 4 Dead is the latest example of this, providing gamers with hours upon hours of fun as they take on hoards of the undead in four player co-operative action. The campaign scenarios may not be winning awards for length, but that’s because Valve wanted us to focus on the social interaction aspect of the experience. The controls are very familiar, thanks to the Source engine, so for you, it’s simply a matter of deciding who you want to play alongside with this holiday season. The zombie apocalypse is here, and you have to extinguish it, or die.
Lost Odyssey



              This exclusive X360 RPG unfortunately flew under the radar, although it's managed decent sales. Mistwalker, a studio comprised of former Square Enix employees, is responsible for this formula of old and new. Kaim Argonar and a handful of other characters are immortals on this planet, and the quest takes these personas through a journey of self-discovery. It's not the most exciting plot ever, but it's full of legitimate emotion and juvenile humor. In this potentially 70+ hour game, you can enjoy a battle system that combines elements from Final Fantasy and Legend of Dragoon, an inspiring sound track, and impressive visuals thanks to Unreal Engine 3. Lost Odyssey isn't perfect, but it ranks up there with the best of 2008 on the 360. If you enjoy RPGs and own one, this would be an excellent choice to kill your down time during the holidays.
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts


              Banjo and Kazooie are back in an all-new adventure. While the classic platforming of yesterday is mostly gone, the new vehicle-based gameplay offers enough unique challenges to keep the game fresh. If you have some youngsters running about, this is one of several perfect titles to invest in for the holiday season. There’s only cartoon violence, and even that's kept to a minimum. It also supports both online and offline multiplayer options, so the innocent gamer crowd can enjoy some nice social interaction. Plus, you'd regret avoiding all the incredible situational comedy, because this game doesn’t take itself seriously.
Gears of War 2



              There’s no need to explain why this game is on our list. Gears of War was an instant classic, and Gears 2 follows in its footsteps. If you like in-your-face violence, hardcore action and a slew of online multiplayer options, Gears of War 2 offers it all and so much more. You can’t miss out on one of the very best Xbox 360 games released this year. Epic Games has delivered yet again.
NHL 09


              NHL 08 won the Sports Game of the Year from many printed and online media outlets, and COE is included. Last year, EA Canada stepped up their game with an improved Skill Stick, a great Dynasty Mode, enjoyable online play and intense visuals. That's why we're pleasantly surprised to see such a drastic step forward with 09. The game isn't perfect, with a nasty bug in Be a Pro mode, and a less-than-stable MMO offering, but there's no denying how much more complete the package feels. If you desire the closest-to-realism challenge encountered in a hockey game, this is your opportunity. There's so much content to experience and plenty of team-specific fan service. Despite our current lack of a review (EiC Justin J. personally apologizes for that), COE exudes full confidence in this being another legitimate Sports Game of the Year contender.
Call of Duty: World at War



              World War II first-person shooters are about as common as Mega Man games and Mario spin-offs. Call of Duty: World at War continues that trend, but for a change, it's not a completely been there, done that ordeal. While there's certainly a great deal of familiarity, no WWII shooter has ever tread ground in the mid-Pacific, and downtrodden Russia. It's unfortunate that the AI is so poorly coded, but that doesn't change how atmospheric and memorable the two separate campaigns are. If you love Modern Warfare, you'd likely enjoy this fifth major series installment. Plus when you add a distractive Nazi zombie mode, along with online co-op and competitive, what results is quite a winning formula. We pray that we never have to see WWII or iron sights ever again from Call of Duty, but for now, enjoy World at War, a fine choice for the holidays. Just don’t play it in front of grandpa.
Dead Space


              This game is horrifying, and that's no exaggeration. For the fan of survival-horror and action titles (and those with strong stomachs), Dead Space is a must for the holidays. The story takes place hundreds of years into the future, and pits you in the boots of Isaac Clarke, an engineer forced to investigate the abandoned “Ishimura” and discover what went wrong. Onboard are some of the most horrific creatures you’ll ever see in a videogame. The presentation is also amazingly well-done. With danger lurking at every corner, enemies that must be dismembered to kill, and a level of immersion not possible without the lack of a HUD, Dead Space is a winner for your list. Sure we're already past Halloween, but why should that stop you?
Mirror’s Edge


              It doesn’t matter if you’re running along walls, jumping off rooftops or simply kicking a gun out of a guard’s hand, Mirror’s Edge is a game unlike any other out there. The action takes place behind the eyes of Faith, a runner who’s out to save her sister. It’s your job to control her and survive long enough to see this mission through. Featuring beautiful graphics, freshly unique gameplay, and a wicked combat system, Mirror’s Edge can keep you entertained for hours. A worthy pick up for the holiday hardcore gamer.
Devil May Cry 4



              No series does action like Devil May Cry. It had a strong start on PlayStation 2, and 4 continues its tradition of amazing visuals, fun and fast-paced gameplay, tight controls, an over-the-top story, and some extras to seal the deal. DMC4 doesn't innovate where the first game did, but new character Nero and his Devil Bringer freshen things up. Fans needn’t fret however, as Dante is still very much a part of the game, and he's as fun to kick butt with as ever. Plenty of content that includes: 20 stages, wonderful visuals and voice work, a huge selection of secret missions, online stat tracking, a high level of challenge and frantic battle is more than enough for DMC4 to keep the mature gamer busy for the holiday season.
Pure



              If we had to pick one game to win the award for “Most Surprisingly Fun of 2008”, Pure would be our nominee. It features gameplay similar to if you combined the SSX and ATV Offroad Fury series. What that translates to is one of the best ATV titles ever created. Offering up hours of fun through the single player campaign, and endless joy via the online multiplayer modes, Pure is the type of racer that you won’t be able to put down for days. If that strikes your fancy for the holiday, then you know what to do.
Fallout 3


              There’s a reason everyone considers Fallout 3 a contender for Game of the Year; that’s because of the stunning world Bethesda has created. You’ve survived a post-apocalyptic Armageddon, and now it’s time for you to head out into the open to try to find your father. Why did he leave the confines of his shelter? Fallout 3 may be a sequel, but no prior knowledge of the series is necessary in order to enjoy this incredibly rich RPG. Featuring both real-time and something similar to turn-based gameplay, Fallout 3 is an experience, not just a videogame.
Quantum of Solace


              You’re Bond, James Bond, and it’s your mission to play through both Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace in Activision’s first crack at making a Bond game. They nailed almost everything, from excellent first-person shooter elements to a wickedly-addictive third person cover system. About the only things they missed were offline multiplayer options, and a few more hours of gameplay. If you love Bond, and enjoy online fragging, there’s enough content here to keep you entertained for hours. Just make sure you don't purchase this for the single player alone, or you may find it too short-lived.