The Anime News Network Holiday Gift Guide
Video Games
by Richard Eisenbeis & Jean-Karlo Lemus,
Anime News Network's 2024 Gift Guide Video Games
A gift card may be the fastest way to make sure your giftee gets the game they want. However, you're going for personal and want to show your Player 2 that you know their tastes. Here's to a holiday season of gaming together!
Video Games
MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics
The ultimate fighting game collection for the ultimate fighting game collaboration! Capcom's take on Marvel's beloved stable of heroes and villains has entranced fighting game fans for years, and even if you don't know a basic Dragon Punch input, you can still ogle Bengus' amazing interpretations of classic Marvel designs. This collection includes not just the two Marvel Vs. Capcom titles but also its predecessors, X-Men: Children of the Atom, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes and Marvel Super Heroes Vs Street Fighter (as well as a Punisher game Capcom made in the '90s). This is a title any number of people could love: fighting game fans, game preservationists, Marvel fans, people who miss arcades… or folks who just really, really like jazz.
Where to purchase
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO
It's pretty hard to find someone into anime who doesn't love Dragon Ball and Sparking! Zero promises to be one of the best DBZ games you could get someone! Sure, it has a definite “Oops! All Gokus!” problem, but it also has 182 characters (Gokus included) from all across the franchise's history. Not only can you play through in-game scenarios re-creating some of the series' most famous moments, like the battle against Vegeta's Giant Ape form, but players can also play fun “What if…?” scenarios–or even create their own! (It's the only way we'll ever see the mysterious Jackie Chun come back…) Oh, and the player-versus-player mode is also plenty exciting. Even if you don't love Dragon Ball, Sparking! Zero is fun enough and approachable enough for anyone to enjoy a few rounds of couch-competition.
Where to purchase
Gundam Breaker 4
If your special someone likes Gundam and enjoys assembling model kits, this is the game for them! Gundam Breaker 4 isn't quite the best mech combat game out there—but that's not why you're getting it anyway. You're getting it because beating the missions gives you different parts you can use to create the wild fanfic Mobile Suit of your dreams. See, this game is based on the gunpla model kits—and as such, re-creates the experience of kitbashing to create wild combinations God never intended. Earn your parts, tinker around, maybe even fiddle with the paint scheme a little, and wham—you've got Char's Custom Lio Convoy (SD Edition). The possibilities are endless, and you won't have to worry about adding to their dreaded Pile of Shame–unless you get them the Colletor's Edition set, which includes the Gunbarrel Strike Gundam model kit!
Where to purchase
Astro Bot
The holidays are not a time to think of studios that have been unfairly shut down, or series that have been left abandoned. It's a time for sharing together and reminiscing. Astro Bot is phenomenal for that; even someone only somewhat familiar with all of Sony's icons will eventually light up when they come across characters like Kazuya Mishima from Tekken. Oh, and the game itself is charming as heck. This is a great game for the young and the young-at-heart, be they someone who is nostalgic for the games they played during holidays past–or someone you'd like to share those games with.
Where to purchase
Metaphor: ReFantazio
There's a joke about Santa's elves to be made here, especially with an elf-like Hulkenberg. I don't want to use a phrase like ‘RPG of the Year’ in a year with as many phenomenal RPGs as 2024, but if a gamer you know hasn't played Metaphor: ReFantazio yet you're doing them a tremendous favor by giving it to them as a gift. Let's ignore that it's a massive, massive game (they'll definitely get their money's worth); this game is dripping with characters they're sure to love and a story that's sure to yank at some heartstrings. And, of course, anyone who's a huge fan of the Persona games and their stylish presentation is going to go ga-ga for the presentation in Metaphor. They're also sure to love the Collector's Edition, which features an artbook, the soundtrack on CD, a cloth map of the in-game world, and a digital artbook commemorating Atlus' 35th anniversary.
Where to purchase
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
One of the biggest releases of the year, and this one also has the art of the late, great Akira Toriyama. The original Dragon Quest 3 is one of the most beloved Japanese RPGs of all time, and the HD-2D remaster gracefully brings it to modern audiences with a beautifully updated visual style, newly-orchestrated music, English and Japanese voice options, and the added bonus of character customization. The story is your typical “Hero goes on a quest to kill the evil overlord” journey, but the real fun is being able to make your own party from a number of different classes (including the new Monster Master class). And best of all: you can gain the ability to reclass your characters to grant them new spells and abilities. RPG aficionados will love the ability to munchkin their characters to oblivion; everyone else gets to appreciate the sweet story of a young hero following in their father's footsteps. If you really want to go extra, you can also try to track down the Collector's Edition set, which includes a full set of acrylic standees of all the available character classes.
Where to purchase
Another Code: Recollection
Not the most Christmas-y of games (although protagonist Ashley Mizuki Robins does have the white hair and red hoodie), Another Code is certainly an amazing experience to share with that gamer you love. The story of a young woman tracking down her father and chasing after her mother's memory, you'll find ample opportunity to bond with each other as you try to solve the game's myriad puzzles or track down all of the QR Code origami birds. The holidays are about family, so why not recruit yours to help Ashley find hers?
Where to purchase
Bakeru
If you remember those fun platformers from the 90s or are looking for one to share with younger gamers, Bakeru is a great place to start! The story of a young drummer battling a gang of rambunctious tanuki troublemakers, you'll strike and drum your way through baddies. Bakeru can also collect licenses based off of heroes from Japanese folklore to call upon their power in battle. Unfortunately, Bakeru doesn't have a physical release, but it is a wonderfully charming adventure game that nostalgic old-timers or younger fans are sure to love.
Where to purchase
Silent Hill 2 Remake
Nothing like the holidays to get scared pantsless! James Sunderland's terrifying trek into the depths of his psyche (as well as the titular town of Silent Hill) astonished fans with its fidelity and its scares. It's a must-play, for sure. And who knows, maybe they'll get the dog ending first and defuse a lot of the horror? The Digital Edition adds a few extra goodies for fans, like an in-game mask they can wear based on the famous Pyramid Head's helmet–made out of pizza boxes, of course.
Where to purchase
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Deluxe Set
For those who once dreamed of unwrapping a Nintendo Entertainment System on Christmas morning, there's nothing better than giving them a chance to show off their skills! Nintendo World Championships might not feature any classic NES titles in their entirety, but they do give players over 200 challenges to beat based on these games. And you even have the opportunity to go online and race against other players to show who's really playing with power! Better yet, the game throws cheeky reminders about when each game was released–and tracks your birthday to see if you were even born when The Legend of Zelda released! Grab the deluxe set for bonuses like a gold-colored NES™ Game Pak and stand to commemorate the 1990 World Championships, 13 art cards, and five pins.
Where to purchase
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis - The Answer
The beloved RPG, reimagined and improved! The original Persona 3 was a touching story about the bonds between friends; the Reload remake brings that story to 2024 with improved graphics, music and gameplay mechanics. It's already a phenomenal game… but the real star of the show here is Episode Aigis, the update to the beloved expansion “The Answer,” where we see what happens after the main character closes his eyes in the main story. A heart-wrenching story about grief, loss, and confronting your pain, the story thrusts the mechanical Aigis into the protagonist's chair as characters descend a new labyrinth, hoping to find their old friend. It's a remake that lives up to the original, wrapping up several threads from the main story while expanding the already-beloved cast. You'll need the base Persona 3: Reload game to enjoy it, but that shouldn't be an issue. The game comes in a basic version, a Digital Deluxe version that includes a number of alternate soundtracks and costumes based on more recent Persona titles, and the vaunted Collector's Edition, which includes all of the Digital Deluxe content, plus a soundtrack, an art book, and a little statue of Aigis.
Where to purchase
Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling Limited Edition
Even Cupid deserves a happy holiday! Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling is a fandisc for the Cupid Parasite visual novel, starring the Goddess of Love masquerading as a bridal advisor for five disastrous young suitors (each based off of John Alan Lee's Color Wheel Theory of Love). As a fandisc, this game goes over what happens after the credits roll in the original game; you choose your suitor from the list of characters and play through a scenario expanding upon their lives as newlyweds. As the title implies, your decisions can influence your outcomes on the sweeter side… or the “spicier” side. It's a game that definitely expects you to have some prior familiarity with the setting and cast, but the eye candy might help make up for things if you haven't played Cupid Parasite. This game might also take the award for the most varied collector's editions; between the EU/UK editions and the US editions, there are tons of goodies you can add to the gift. The EU versions offer acrylic standees of the Parasite 5, pins, and a poster for the Day One edition… or the treasure trove that is the Day One Edition Dual Pack, which includes all that and a copy of the original Cupid Parasite (plus stickers and a pack of trading cards of the suitors). If you're in the US, the Limited Edition still has plenty of goodies, including a hardcover art book and a set of audio dramas.
Where to purchase
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
The one and only expansion to 2022's Elden Ring. From the minds of Game of Thrones writer George R. R. Martin and Dark Souls creator Hidetaka Miyazaki, Shadow of the Erdtree takes players to the Realm of Shadows—a broken fantasy land shadowed in secret and filled with monsters, men, and abominations. While this may be an 'expansion,' It's not some short adventure that only adds a couple of hours to the game. Instead, Shadow of the Erdtree easily has over 50 hours of gameplay and a new area to explore that's around a third of the size of the base game. However, be warned: this is not an easy expansion and even veteran ‘soulslike’ players are likely to be challenged by the enemies they face. If you or someone you know is looking for a challenge—or just an excuse to explore one of the best-realized fantasy worlds to ever come from a game—be sure to check it out.
Where to purchase
Witch on the Holy Night
It'd be no exaggeration to say that Fate/stay night is one of the biggest anime franchises of the last 20 years. However, Fate and all that came after wouldn't exist without this title, Witch on the Holy Night. While the game first came out in Japan in 2012 (8 years after Fate/stay night), its original, novel version was penned by Fate-cocreator Kinoko Nasu when he was still in high school—with only a few copies ever spread among his close friends. However, this novel would serve to set the world, magical society, and magic system seen in Fate/stay night and everything to come both before and after. Thus, this visual novel is a perfect fit for any fans of the various Fate anime. With its moody visuals and excellent voice acting, it's the best way to experience this story—well, until the ufotable-animated movie version comes out in a few years, anyway. And if you need more of this in your life, both Tsukihime (the other big pre-Fate work) and the original Fate/stay night games are also now available!
Where to purchase
Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH
The reimagining of the 1997 classic Final Fantasy VII continues with this, the second game in the Final Fantasy VII: Remake trilogy. With its massively expanded world and story, this game follows Cloud Strife and his small group of rebels as they attempt to stop an insane man from destroying the world—even as a corrupt megacorporation tries to steal ultimate power for their own selfish purposes. While this game is very much a response to the original title—with much of the game's tension coming from knowledge of how the story is 'supposed to go'—the game is still perfectly playable by even those unfamiliar with the 1997 title. With its excellent battle system and tons of side missions and mini-games, this is a game guaranteed to last you dozens, if not hundreds, of hours.
Where to purchase
FANTASIAN Neo Dimension
From the mind of Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, comes FANTASIAN. This is an enhanced version of the turn-based RPG throwback, originally released on Apple Arcade in 2021. Gameplay-wise, it's centered around a cool new concept—the ability to store your random encounters and then do them all at once in a massive battle. It's an incredibly difficult game—demanding you understand all the ins and outs of the battle system to take down the bosses (though this version comes with a new, easier difficulty setting for those who need it). But outside of the gameplay, what really stands out are the backgrounds—each of which is taken from a beautifully detailed diorama built specifically for the game. All this comes together to create a game that feels both classic and innovative—the perfect give for any fan of '90s JRPGs.
Where to purchase
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
In this throwback to the top-down Zelda games of yore, you are able to play as the titular princess herself as she goes on a quest to save both Link and Hyrule itself. But the game's biggest selling point is that it maintains the creative freedom seen in recent 3D Zelda titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Rather than simply swinging a shield and sword, Zelda is able to magically copy and paste both objects and monsters—allowing her a plethora of ways to fight battles and solve puzzles. It takes the best of both types of Zelda games to create a modern gaming classic.
Where to purchase
Unicorn Overlord
Unicorn Overlord is a tactical RPG along the lines of the Fire Emblem games. However, instead of moving along a grid, the characters move in real time across the battle map according to their individual speeds. And rather than control the characters directly in battle, you pre-program a series of commands for them to enact in battle. It all makes for a wonderfully challenging and complex game that would be worth playing on its own. But what takes this game to the next level is its hand-drawn art. From the backgrounds to the characters, everything looks stunning. If TRPGs are your thing, this is a must buy.
Where to purchase
Stellar Blade
Do you like your games action-filled, flashy, and starring beautiful, busty women in skin-tight outfits? Then do I have the game for you. Set in a post-apocalyptic future where monsters have taken over the surface of the Earth, the heavily cybernetic human population is forced to live on an orbiting space colony. You play as Eve, the sole survivor of a failed attempt to take the planet back from the monsters and learn that there is much more to the conflict than originally meets the eye. It's a game full of great combat with top-tier graphics. It's also crossing over with the thematically-similar modern classic NieR:Automata in the game's first major DLC update. If action games are your thing, don't miss out on this one!
Where to purchase
Final Fantasy XIV Online Digital Complete Edition
If you're only getting one game and need it to last you a year, make it Final Fantasy XIV. Just getting through the story of the base game and its five expansions will take hundreds of hours—hours filled with amazing characters, great plot twists, and a world that will become like your second home. While the game is an MMORPG, it is the most beginner-friendly one out there—to the point where you can do the entire main story without ever grouping with another real person if you so choose. And despite the decade since the base game's release, FFXIV consistently gets new content and upgrades to its older content. This year even saw the release of its fifth expansion, Dawntrail. Do note, though, that the high quality of the game comes with a price tag: the Digital Complete Edition comes with a 30-day subscription, but it will cost $12.99 a month after that (which is a bargain, if you ask me). Of course, if you're still on the fence about it, you can always start with the Final Fantasy Online Free Trial, which is the complete base game and first two expansions—and is totally free!
Where to purchase
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