Christmas Gift Guide 2013: 74 Essentials Presents You Must Buy (Win It All!)

By Simon Gallagher / December 3, 2013

Gaming

Disney Infinity Starter Pack

Introducing Disney Infinity €“ a new video game where a spark of imagination unlocks the freedom to play with some of your favourite Disney and Disney/Pixar worlds like never before! Play in their worlds. Place your Disney Infinity Figures onto the Disney Infinity Base to jump into a Disney Infinity Play set and experience original adventures in the worlds of Monsters University, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Incredibles. Take on the role of Sulley, the naturally gifted 'scarer'; become Captain Jack Sparrow, the sword-wielding pirate; or transform yourself into Mr. Incredible, one of the world's greatest crime-fighters. Battle enemies, solve puzzles, overcome obstacles and complete a variety of other unique quests, or create your own world! Unlock virtual toys from each Disney Infinity Play set €“ characters, buildings, weapons, gadgets and more €“ and bring them into the Disney Infinity Toy Box where you can mix them all up to create your own game Share your one-of-a-kind creations with your friends with up to 4-player co-op play! Collect more. The more you play, the more you unlock. And the more you have, the more possibilities for play! You can also add new Disney Infinity Play sets and Figures. Or take your Disney Infinity experience to a whole new level with Disney Infinity Power Discs €“ an all new way to unlock character powers, fun gadgets and new ways to customise your world. The story never ends. The Disney Infinity Starter Pack is just the beginning, with many more Disney and Disney/Pixar characters and worlds coming soon, giving you infinite ways to inspire your imagination! Win it here!

Call Of Duty: Ghosts

Call of Duty: Ghosts is an extraordinary step forward for one of the largest entertainment franchises of all-time. This new chapter in Call of Duty features a new dynamic where players are on the side of a crippled nation fighting not for freedom or liberty, but simply to survive. Ten years after a devastating mass event, America's borders and the balance of global power have changed forever. As what's left of the nation's Special Operations forces, a mysterious group known only as "Ghosts" leads the fight back against a newly emerged, technologically-superior global power. A New Call of Duty Universe: For the first time in franchise history, players will take on the underdog role with Call of Duty: Ghosts; outnumbered and outgunned, players must fight to reclaim a fallen nation in an intensely personal narrative. Gamers will get to know an entirely new cast of characters and visit locales in a changed world unlike anything seen in Call of Duty before. In Call of Duty: Ghosts you don't just create a class, you create a soldier, a first for the franchise. In the new Create-A-Soldier system, players can change the physical appearance of their soldier by choosing the head, body type, head-gear and equipment, and for the first time in a Call of Duty game, the player can also choose their gender. With 20,000 possible combinations, this is the most flexible and comprehensive character customization in Call of Duty history. New dynamic maps are the evolution of multiplayer. They include interactive elements and player triggered events that make the environment evolve as each match goes on. The entire landscape can shift and force players to change tactics and strategies. Call of Duty: Ghosts introduces new tactical player movements. The new contextual lean system now allows players to lean around obstacles without adding button combinations or fully leaving cover. The new mantling system allows fluid movement over objects, while maintaining momentum. The knee slide allows for a natural transition from sprinting crouching to prone. Win it here!

Football Manager 2014

This year Sports Interactive and SEGA Europe Ltd unveiled the most feature-packed and technically advanced release in the series' history. Benefitting from more than 1,000 improvements and enhancements over its most recent predecessor, FM 2014 is the most realistic simulation of football management ever released. In addition to enhanced gameplay, FM 2014 also delivers a range of technical innovations, with the game available on Linux for the first time and the introduction of 'cloud save' technology, which means that managers can now pursue a single career from any computer, anywhere in the world. The FM experience is also more customisable than ever before, as the integration of Steam Workshop tools make it easy for managers to create and share customised FM content and experiences such as photo/logo packs, new and custom competitions and even tailor-made in-game challenges using the new Challenge Editor, which has been incorporated into the free-to-download Pre-game Editor." Win it here!

Battlefield 4

Battlefield 4 is a genre-defining action blockbuster made from moments that blur the line between game and glory - moments found only in Battlefield. With dynamic destructible environments, epic vehicular combat, and the chaos of all-out war, Battlefield 4 gives you the freedom to do more and be more for an unrivaled entertainment experience. Battlefield 4 is the genre-defining action blockbuster made from moments that blur the line between game and glory. Fueled by the next-generation power and fidelity of Frostbite„ 3, Battlefield 4 provides a visceral, dramatic experience unlike any other. Only in Battlefield can you demolish the buildings shielding your enemy. Only in Battlefield will you lead an assault from the back of a gun boat. Battlefield grants you the freedom to do more and be more while playing to your strengths and carving your own path to victory. In addition to its hallmark multiplayer, Battlefield 4 features an intense, dramatic character-driven campaign that starts with the evacuation of American VIPs from Shanghai and follows your squad's struggle to find its way home. There is no comparison. Immerse yourself in the glorious chaos of all-out war, found only in Battlefield. Win it here!

PES 2014

PES 2014, which was nominated for Best Sports Game at the Cologne showcase, ushers in a new era of football gaming, combining the celebrated FOX engine with unique new football systems which have allowed the development team to rework every aspect of the title. The PES team's aim is to convey the ebb and flow of a real top-level match, from the way players look and move, through to the effect a disenchanted or galvanized crowd can have on the team and individuals. This will also be showcased in a new trailer set to debut at gamescom, with a special 'Giant Killing' montage showing the 'Heart' system in action. At PES 2014's epicenter lies the all-new Trueball Tech, wherein the ball reacts as a separate entity and is not tied in to the movements of the player. Instead, barycentric physics allow the user to control the weight shifting movement of players independently, creating true to life one-on-one situations. A new Motion Animation Stability System (MASS) ensures realistic contact and jostling between individuals with multiple outcomes for both the players and the ball making for a much freer and less predictable gameplay experience. This level of realism is also extended into the way players move, the way teams play, and even down to an incredible aesthetic level, wherein the distinctive weaves on their shirts can be seen.

FIFA 14

Innovations to the franchise's award-winning* gameplay have made FIFA 14 the complete matchday experience, introducing features that inspire fans to build play through midfield, dictate the tempo of a match and create rewarding opportunities. Great football matches are achieved through measured build up and incredible finishing. A new feature in FIFA 14 called Pure Shot and a brand-new ball physics system will transform shooting, making every shot attempt feel real, and when players connect with the perfect strike, feel exhilarating. In addition to innovations to gameplay, FIFA 14 is introducing a game-changing new way to play Career Mode. The Global Scouting Network brings the world of professional scouting to life. Players now develop and refine a scouting network and search for talent year-round. Scouts can evaluate footballers all over the world to uncover the attributes and traits of every player in the game, in preparation for the transfer windows. Plus, a new hub delivers easy navigation, fewer interruptions and live scouting reports. Win it here!

Elder Scrolls Anthology

For the first time in the history of the award-winning saga, experience The Elder Scrolls® as one extraordinary collection. The Elder Scrolls® Anthology features all five critically-acclaimed games, plus official add-ons in a premium collectible box set - beginning with The Elder Scrolls: Arena and concluding with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Legendary Edition. The Anthology also includes a set of five physical maps detailing Tamriel, Iliac Bay, Morrowind, Cyrodiil and Skyrim. Own this essential collection and experience the series that defined the open-world genre. Key Features: Arena - Assume the role of a lone prisoner and travel to Tamriel's most famous and dangerous sites to collect the shattered Staff of Chaos and save the Empire from the evil Imperial battlemage, Jagar Tharn. The Anthology features the original version of Arena and will launch within a DOS emulator. Daggerfall - The ancient golem Numidium, a powerful weapon once used to unify Tamriel has once again been unearthed. In the power struggle that follows, the King of Daggerfall is murdered and his vengeful spirit haunts the kingdom. The Emperor Uriel Septim VII sends you on a heroic path to put the king's spirit to rest and ensure that the golem does not fall into the wrong hands. The Anthology features the original version of Daggerfall and will launch within a DOS emulator. Morrowind - To fulfill an ancient prophecy, the Emperor sends you, an unknown Imperial courier, to the island of Vvardenfell to rid the land of Morrowind of a dark curse. Through a series of dangerous and magical quests, you are transformed into one of the Empire's most enduring heroes. Also includes: Tribunal and Bloodmoon add-ons , plus The Elder Scrolls Construction Set. Oblivion - With the Empire ready to crumble, the gates of Oblivion open and demons march upon the land. In the shadow of evil, a hero will rise from the ashes of a fallen Empire. You must find the true heir of the Septim line and restore him to the Imperial throne, while unraveling the sinister plot that threatens to destroy all of Tamriel. Also includes: Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions . Skyrim - Dragons, long lost to the passages of the Elder Scrolls, have returned to Tamriel. The future of Skyrim, even the Empire itself, hangs in the balance as they wait for the prophesized Dragonborn to come; a hero born with the power of The Voice, and the only one who can stand amongst the dragons. Also includes: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn add-ons. Win it here!

Dishonored GOTY

Experience the definitive Dishonored collection with the Game of the Year Edition. This complete compilation includes Dishonored, winner of over 100 Game of Year awards, as well as all of its additional content - Dunwall City Trials, The Knife of Dunwall, The Brigmore Witches and Void Walker's Arsenal. Developed by Arkane Studios, Edge Online's 2012 Studio of the Year, Dishonored is an immersive first-person action game that casts you as a supernatural assassin driven by revenge. With Dishonored's flexible combat system, creatively eliminate your targets as you combine the supernatural abilities, weapons and unusual gadgets at your disposal. Pursue your enemies under the cover of darkness or ruthlessly attack them head on with weapons drawn. The outcome of each mission plays out based on the choices you make. Win it here!

WWE 2K14

2K's first release in the flagship WWE video game franchise, is a brilliant feat of game-making. WWE 2K14 ushers in a new era of the popular WWE video game franchise and brings forth several signature gameplay improvements, including a revamped player navigation system, a new reversal system and hundreds of new moves, including new catapult finishers and OMG Moments. The game's renowned Creation Suite and Universe Mode give players new levels of customization, versatility and freedom through development of personalized Superstars, arenas, championships, storylines, finishing moves and more, while offering complete control of the WWE experience from a career-driven point of view. WWE 2K14 also delivers the single greatest roster ever assembled, including WWE 2K14 cover Superstar Dwayne "The Rock®" Johnson, John Cena®, Hulk Hogan, Undertaker®, Ultimate Warrior, CM Punk®, "Macho Man" Randy Savage„, Daniel Bryan, Goldberg, Stone Cold Steve Austin® and The Shield. WWE 2K14 features the unprecedented 30 Years of WrestleMania Mode single-player campaign, complete with authentic arenas, taking players on a historic journey through three decades of high-profile matches and memorable moments in WWE history. Win it here!

NBA 2K14

NBA 2K13 was a monstrous release for the world's #1 NBA video game franchise, with more than 38 Sports Game of the Year and "Best Of" mentions. NBA 2K14 raises the bar yet again, providing the best basketball gaming experience for legions of sports fans and gamers around the world. Basketball gaming just doesn't get better than this. Win it here!

Rayman Legends

Rayman, named platformer of the year and winner of multiple artistic and musical achievements, is back on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC with a brand new adventure. Michel Ancel, celebrated creator of Rayman®, Beyond Good & Evil® and the Raving Rabbids® has brought his innovative creativity to these platforms, with even better graphics and lighting. Rayman, Barbara, Globox, and the Teensies are off wandering through an enchanted forest when they discover a mysterious tent filled with a series of captivating paintings. As they look more closely, they notice each painting seems to tell the story of a mythical world. While focusing on a painting that shows a medieval land, they are suddenly sucked into the painting, entering the world, and the adventure begins. The gang must run, jump and fight their way through each world to save the day and discover the secrets of every legendary painting. Win it here!

Ducktales Remastered

DuckTales Remastered is the videogame from Capcom based on the classic Disney animated television series, and it has returned to consoles after making it big on the NES many, many years ago. The game is available to buy on PC, as well as on digital platforms, and tells the story of Scrooge McDuck (the richest duck in the world) and his three nephews €“ Huey, Dewey and Louie. Players have to fend off the likes of the money-grabbing Beagle Boys and evil witch Magica DeSpell as they hunt for the five most impressive world treasures. From adventuring through the African Mines in an Indiana Jones style boulder dash to surviving the haunted Transylvania mansion where ghosts and mummies roam the halls, this is one journey that you won't want to miss out on. DuckTales Remastered is a beautiful hand-crafted title which will not only keep the kids entertained but take parents on a trip down memory lane with a remaking of one of the most iconic videogames from the 80's. Win it here!

Resident Evil: Revelations

The fear that was originally brought to players in Resident Evil Revelations on the Nintendo 3DS system returns redefined for home consoles and PC complete with high quality HD visuals, enhanced lighting effects and an immersive sound experience. This latest version of Resident Evil Revelations will also deliver additional content including a terrifying new enemy, extra difficulty mode, integration with ResidentEvil.net and improvements to Raid Mode. Raid Mode, which was first introduced to the series in the original version of Resident Evil Revelations, sees gamers play online in co-op mode or alone in single player taking on the hordes of enemies across a variety of missions whilst leveling up characters and earning weapon upgrades. New weapons, skill sets, and playable characters including Hunk, take the Raid Mode experience to new depths. The critically acclaimed survival horror title takes players back to the events that took place between Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, revealing the truth about the T-Abyss virus. Resident Evil Revelations features series favourites Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield, plus their respective BSAA partners - Parker Luciani and Jessica Sherawat. The action begins on board a supposedly abandoned cruise ship, the 'Queen Zenobia', where horrors lurk around every corner, before players head for the mainland and the devastated city of Terragrigia. With limited ammo and weapons available, the race is on to survive the horror of Resident Evil Revelations. Win it here!

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance for PlayStation 3 takes the series into a bold new direction, combining the stealth tactics and epic story-telling of Kojima Productions with the adrenalin-fuelled action of PlatinumGames. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is the latest thrilling chapter of the ever-expanding Metal Gear saga. Taking place four years after the events of Metal Gear Solid 4, the world of cyborg crimes and terrorism is the perfect place for Raiden to take the lead as he searches for the truth about his past while trying to uphold justice. With Raiden a different kind of hero to Solid Snake, so Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a different kind of Metal Gear experience. Some of the key stealth elements remain (including the infamous cardboard box!) but the focus is on high-energy, high-impact action, with a fast and fluid game style centred on Raiden's katana-based combat.

Zumba World Party

Zumba Fitness World Party is the latest release in the best-selling video game franchise that has sold more than nine million units worldwide. For the first time ever, Zumba takes you on a cultural joyride around the world in Zumba Fitness World Party; Burn up to 1,000 calories per hour as you immerse yourself in the movement and music of exotic global destinations in this exhilarating at home workout that features a new visual presentation; Travel the world with celebrity Zumba instructors and meet local talent; move to a broad cultural mix of dance styles across 40+ fresh songs and routines; and unlock videos, souvenirs and rewards that reveal the rich heritage of each location. Win it here!

Let's Sing

Let's Sing is the first Karaoke game ever to be released for PC and as such, is a must discover for anyone who loves to sing! With a playlist featuring the most recent hits, players become the greatest pop stars of the moment including: Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, Lana del Rey, Flo Rida, Bruno Mars, Avril Lavigne, LMFAO and legendary bands such as Queen... Budding singers will have loads of fun singing duets with a friend via the option that allows them to connect two microphones and sing together to the 40 trendiest hits of the moment and their official video clips. And, anyone, whatever their warbling talent level, can sing thanks to the integrated high-precision voice recognition feature. The icing on the cake is that with Let's Sing PC, players will be able to share their performance on Facebook so everybody can enjoy your rocking performance, no matter where they are. Win it here!