Xbox Holiday Buyer's Guide 2002 Special @ Gaming Target

Written by Leigh Culpin on December 15, 2002

Special: If you want Santa to be good to you, you want him to bring you these games.

It's all about pure adrenaline pumping, heart pounding, straight up action Ц and it's online. MechAssault isn't online only, but the best parts of it certainly are, and if you're looking for an Xbox Live game this holiday season, this is the on you want. Easily the best action-oriented Live game thus far, and debatably the best Live game period, MechAssualt puts you in the seat of mechs anywhere between 30 and 100 tons. With a wide arsenal of weapons and better graphics and special effects than any other game this side of July, the game is easily one of the most recommendable Xbox Live games out there. Have Live or plan on getting it, but don't have MechAssualt? Get it.
Coverage: Xbox

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell

In Splinter Cell you assume the role of Sam Fisher, a secret agent working for the United States government. What begins as a simple mission soon escalates into a crisis of global proportions, and it is your duty to spy, steal, and assassinate in order to protect the rights of the American people. Sporting sophisticated stealth-oriented gameplay, breathtaking graphics highlighted by a revolutionary lighting engine, and additional content downloads via Xbox Live, Splinter Cell is sure to be a winner with mature gamers. Those of you looking for a good excuse to finally pop Halo out of your Xbox need look no further.
Coverage: Xbox

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon

Tired of Unreal Championship and/or MechAssault? Well, probably not. But if you're looking for something a little different to go along with your shiny new Xbox Live account, look no further than Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon. From the makers of the popular Rainbow Six series, and much in the same vein, Ghost Recon puts you into the combat boots of an elite group of green berets, known as the Ghosts, as you take part in various combat missions that puts the future of the world in your hands. The title might be a little too realistic for some gamers, but the slower-paced, tactical elements provide a compelling experience whether in the single player mode, or on Xbox Live with some friends.
Coverage: Xbox

Unreal Championship

The sequel to the widely-renowned Unreal Tournament, Unreal Championship is the perfect gift for FPS fans. The game's biggest draw is most definitely its online playability, as it allows you to go head-to-head with up to 15 other people via Xbox Live in a brutal, death-defying grudge match. Choose from more than five distinct game modes, including the all-new Bombing Run and Domination 2.0, along with old favorites such as Deathmatch and Capture the Flag. With over 50 arenas, and more soon to be available for download over Xbox Live, Unreal Championship offers a lot to the early adopters of Microsoft's online service.
Coverage:аXbox

Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance

Not surprisingly, Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance turned out to be one of the must own Xbox games this holiday season. Sure, there's Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell to compete with, but the stealth originator stands on it's own merits fairly well. Sporting both the original Sons of Liberty game that released on the Playstation 2 last year and an absolute slew of worthwhile extras, there's no denying that this game is one of the best values you're going to find on the market today, supplying much bang for the buck. The only real flaw in the game is the occasional bout of slowdown you'll encounter, but it's something easy to overlook, and shouldn't stop you from putting this at the top of your list this holiday season.
Coverage:аXbox

Shenmue II

It's easy to see how Shenmue II could have been overlooked with the barrage of quality Xbox titles released in the month of November, but this holiday season would be a perfect opportunity to pick up where the classic Dreamcast title left off. The game is simply a must experience adventure of Ryo Hazuki and his quest to avenge his father's death. Visually, the game isn't on par with the best the Xbox has to offer, but it's more than made up for in it's various gameplay styles and just a great all around story. Make sure not to miss this one twice.
Coverage:аXbox

Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

The ultimate open-ended PC role-playing game, brought onto the Xbox with near-perfect results. Morrowind literally allows you to live another life, enabling you to shape your character every step of the way from start to finish. If you choose to live an honorable life, people will grow to respect and admire you. On the other hand, if you choose to live a life of treachery and bloodshed, you will become feared and loathed by the people of Morrowind. With a deep, engaging storyline, an enormous game world which is yours to explore, and a quest totaling nearly 300 hours in length, Elder Scrolls III is the gift that just won't stop giving this holiday season.
Coverage: Xbox

Moto GP

Motorcycle games are a rare breed Ц good ones are even rarer. Thankfully the Xbox has one of the best ever, in THQ's Moto GP. Not only is this game one of the spotlight games with Microsoft's Xbox Live service, the stand alone version is an excellent racing game that's got a perfect blend of arcade and simulation to hit the spot for all sorts of gamers. The game is a bit on the short side when it comes to the single player, but big motorcycle fans will dig the 30 some odd real Moto GP drivers and 11 authentic tracks, from Donington to Suzuka to Le Mans. Online play is obviously an option, but anyone who buys an Xbox Live kit this holiday season will run across a chance to test this game online Ц and having the full version unlocks a brand new world along with it. It's a tad rare nowadays due to a limited print run, so if you come across it, do not hesitate to pick up this sleeper.
Coverage:аXbox

Rallisport Challenge

Released for the Xbox earlier in the year, Rallisport Challenge beat the odds and turned out to be the best racer released this year (though Sega GT 2002 is up there with it), not to mention one of the best rally racers of all time. Featuring a ton of different vehicles, great physics, and jaw-dropping visuals, you owe it to yourself to get mom or pop to plunk down 30 beans for your own copy. And it will surely go a long way in keeping you busy until the next potentially great rally racer, Colin McRae Rally 3, debuts for the Xbox in a couple months. Needless to say, Rallisport Challenge is the cream of the crop in the Xbox's high quality racing genre, and definitely deserves a spot on your list.
Coverage:аXbox

Quantum Redshift

While definitely not original, Curly Monster's and Microsoft's Quantum Redshift is a surprisingly solid futuristic racer from the makers of WipEout. A cool twist is the УNemesisФ factor, where you have a very aggressive rival who will not allow you to win without a fight, even if it costs them the race themselves. A great sense of speed and awesome graphics help add to the mix, along with a nice variety of riders and decent amount of tracks. The ability to use a custom soundtrack also creates more personalization within the game, an Xbox trademark. While not original, QR is a very fun and challenging racer that will be enjoyed by WipEout fans and futuristic racing fans in general Ц undoubtedly one of the more underrated Xbox games.
Coverage:аXbox

Transworld Snowboarding

Not since the release of the console has the Xbox seen a really good snowboarding game. Not until now, that is. Transworld Snowboarding is the must buy game for that snowboarder in your life that broke his ankle or just doesn't have time to get to the slopes this holiday season. Even if you aren't a real-life snowboarder, you'll have a hard time finding a game that makes you feel more like on. And the best part of this deal is, you even get to do amazing tricks on some incredibly beautiful courses all over the world, and you don't even have to worry about breaking anything! With loads of courses, boarders, boards and tricks, this is the ultimate Xbox Snowboarding game, and it'll last you far past New Years.
Coverage:аXbox

Halo: Combat Evolved

Yup, one year, and a few hundred games later, Halo is still the best overall Xbox title on the market, not to mention arguably the best first-person shooter ever created. Sure, some of the level designs are a bit wish washy, but the impeccable AI, in-depth gameplay, and one of the most epic stories around easily makes up for any of the small inconsistencies. And believe you me, you're going to want the original Halo under you belt once the incredible looking sequel, Halo 2, hits late next year. Yet another reason you absolutely must own an Xbox.
Coverage:аXbox

Xbox Live Starter Kit

Prepare for the ultimate online experience with Xbox Live, Microsoft's high-speed gaming network which allows you to compete online against people from across the world. For the price of an ordinary game, you can head down to your local video game store and purchase a Starter Kit, which includes everything you need to start playing with Xbox Live. Every Starter Kit comes with an Xbox Communicator (voice chat is the sole means of communication on Live, and the Communicator headset is all you need to talk with other players), a startup disc, and two free online game demos. With great Xbox Live-compatible titles like Mechassault and Unreal Championship, the time has never been better to get into online gaming. The future of gaming is here, and you don't want to get left out of the fun!
Coverage:аOnline with Xbox Live andаKit Overview

Xbox System Profile

The good thing about the current next generation consoles is that you really can't go wrong on which system you choose, because each offers impressive libraries and a great value. So, what should make you go with the Xbox instead of the other studs this holiday season? A lot actually. Microsoft's Xbox is simply the most power console ever created; providing the best visuals on the market and full in-game support of 5.1 surround sound, making the games all that much more immersive and enjoyable. In addition to that, it's the only system with a built in hard drive, which allows you to save countless game files, and a built in Ethernet port, which makes signing onto the most well thought out console online network, Xbox Live, a breeze. And of course, like the Playstation 2, it can play all your DVD movies. If you seriously plan on getting one, this would be the greatest time to do so, as Microsoft's Holiday Xbox Bundle, which features the system, a Controller S, and two free top-notch Sega games (Jet Set Radio Future and Sega GT 2002), is available for $199. Possibly the best deal you're going to find on any of the systems at this time. Of course, you're also going to need additional games, so be sure to check out our top picks before decided which games you want to go along side your new console.
Coverage:аXbox Limited Edition Bundle

Continue with the Holiday Buyer's Guide 2002
Multi-Console ╖ GameCube ╖ PS2 ╖ Xbox ╖ GBA