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Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
 | Peace Walker blew everyone away with just how epic it was; itя┐╜s obvious why the game was originally titled Metal Gear Solid 5. Kojima brought in the gameplay mechanics of MGS4 and negated the camera issues the PSP usually has with third-person shooters. The main story has all the intriguing characters, wacky fourth-wall breaking, and socio-political themes you would expect from a console installment, and the Extra Ops are like a full game of Metal Gear missions on top of that. Add in how cinematic doing all of this cooperatively is, and you have a game worth buying multiple copies of this holiday. Who wouldn't love Snake as a stocking stuffer?
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God of War: Ghost of Sparta
 | God of War: Ghost of Sparta delivers us another tragic chapter in the life of Kratos. Fans of the series who don't already own this one should definitely pick it up as soon as possible. Set between the first two God of War games, it tells the tale of Kratos and his brother, Deimos, and sends you on another quest of redemption and forgiveness. Ghost of Sparta has amazing graphics and a haunting score, not to mention brand new fight moves and more kick-ass magic. I'm partial to the handheld God of War installments - I find the PSP lends itself very easily to the controls, and that the gameplay and story are easily followed while on the go. Add this to your last-minute gift list - and if you don't have Chains of Olympus yet, pencil that in right above it.
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PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe
 | The only thing better than PixelJunk Monsters is portable PixelJunk Monsters. This adorable tower defense game by Q-Games was given the UMD treatment earlier this year. As we said in our review, this upgraded version of the PSN classic is absolutely worth buying. As if replaying the game wasn't fun enough, there's also a brand new island with new enemies, more towers, and oh yeah - some of the enemies can now float out on balloons. The game is just as adorable and challenging as ever, and the soothing soundtrack will have you turning it on just to listen to the music. PixelJunk Monsters would make the perfect stocking stuffer...or a great treat for yourself.
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Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable
 | Persona 3 was a great game on PlayStation 2, but its day-to-day structure made it a perfect candidate for portable gaming. As such, it's no surprise that Persona 3 Portable is an outstanding version of the RPG classic. While the core of the game is the same as it has ever been, P3P features numerous revamps to either make the game even more portable friendly...or entice those who've played the game before to once again donate 50+ hours of their life to the game. Changes like adjusting the battle system to function like Persona 4 and making the exploration speedier are just for starters: the ability to play as the female main character - complete with her own unique social links and activities to make her side of the story seem fresh and new - gives real incentive to pick up the game even if you had played through it previously. Adam Woolcott wrote a thorough review if you need more proof before you spend your dollars.
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Valkyria Chronicles II
 | We'll end this holiday gift guide with another amazing game that is so huge it's console-worthy: Valkyria Chronicles II. Fans were disappointed when the sequel went portable, but they have little to fear: the game has lost none of its beauty or style. The story is no less complex than the first game, with deep, rich characters to which I've grown very attached. The signature strategy is still there and is perfectly adapted to handheld gaming - missions are perfect for train rides and bus stops. Fans of the first game will be pleased with the sequel and should definitely pick it up as soon as possible - or whenever they're done with the DLC of the first game. (I will neither confirm not deny the existence of unlockable scenes with bikinis.)
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