Xbox 360 Gear
You can't play games without any gear! How can you have any pudding if you don't eat your meat? Here comes the protein!
The Xbox 360 Slim came out this summer. It is supposed to be Red Ring of Death Free, and is more attractive because it's skinnier. Just like a person! There are numerous bundles available. If you haven't picked up a 360 yet, what are you waiting for? If it tries to lose any more weight to impress you, they're going to have to send it to a clinic.
Microsoft's 3D camera peripheral has launched with a handful of games. Some of these are a lot of fun in a group setting. It even comes with a game, Kinect Adventures, which showcases the hardware's capabilities. As an added bonus you can get one bundled with the hot new Xbox 360 Slim. Don't forget to check out our review.
Microsoft Transforming D-Pad Controller ($64.99)
Do you suffer from D-pad anxiety? When you use your Xbox 360 controller's D-pad do you say to yourself, "Right, Up, or Down, just pick one and go with it,"? Are diagonal directions literally impossible to maneuver? Well someone at Microsoft feels your pain. This is a first party solution; a new controller with a transmogrifying D-pad. Simply twist to turn the 'saucer' into a 'cross.' With this, you may actually be able to compete in those old school fighting games.
Kontrol Freaks ($9.99)
You may have seen them advertised here. Some of the staff use them. Morgan Webb of G4TV's X-Play said that "It feels like cheating." Now, I don't normally trust Canadians, but I'm willing to go out on a limb here. Kontrol Freaks thumb stick extenders can give you that extra edge you need in FPS, racing, or sports games. They have a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors at kontolfreek.com.
Steel Series Spectrum 5XB Headset ($89.99)
You want to get your game on Christmas Eve but the family is asleep? The Steel Series Spectrum 5XB is a quality headset that will keep the explosions, blood curdling screams, and incoherent ramblings of the damned safely contained in the comfortable cloth-wrapped cans. These are exclusive to the Xbox 360, and you can read more about them in our review.
Xbox 360 Games
So now you've got the gear you need. Whatcha gonna do with it? You're going to play these awesome co-op games, that's what you're going to do! (Or at the very least, buy these for a loved one, then make them let you play with them.) Yep, all these titles are co-op; locally, online, or both. Follow the links to get all the information you need.
For the Music Lovers
The other 'Hero' title. DJ Hero 2 has made vast improvements over the first one. If turn tables are more your speed, then this is the music title for you. Co-Optimus Review
With a huge set list, pro mode, and the awesomest instrument of them all, the keytar, it's hard to go wrong here. Little known fact: Metallica kicked Dave Mustaine out of the band because he wanted to play keytar. Co-Optimus Review
For the Military Enthusiast
Sick of seeing the battle from the ground? Bomb enemies from afar with your Apache helicopter in Apache: Air Assault. All the action, none of the PTSD. Co-Optimus Review
Call of Duty: Black Ops ($59.99)
This is the big one. With an actual story, vast multiplayer, and a huge amount of co-op options, this is the military shooter that puts other to shame. Oh yeah, and you can kill zombies as Robert McNamara! Co-Optimus Review
For the Apocalypse Lovers (Zombie or Manga)
It's like Vegas, but with zombies. Duct tape stuff together to make awesome weapons. Fend off the zombie hordes while looking for medicine for your infected daughter. You can put chainsaws on a dirt bike! Co-Optimus Review
Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage ($57.99)
So you want a little more Manga in your apocalypse? Use your special moves in this brawler to make people's heads explode. Not the most polished game, but fun for the whole family! (This game is not appropriate for the whole family.) Co-Optimus Review
The Big Exclusives
You and a friend (either locally or online) rise to rule the kingdom of Albion. Learn to use magic, melee weapons, and firearms in combat. Or make a bunch of pies, buy up all the land, and put all your subjects in the poor house. The choice is yours. Co-Optimus Review
Halo: Reach ($49.99 through $149.99)
Bungie's swan song. The game that defined the FPS for consoles gets a send-off with the most co-op friendly title to date. Stomp through the campaign with three friends, or take on the Covenant in Firefight mode. If you have an Xbox 360 you should have this game. Co-Optimus Review
And For the 'Others'
Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition ($59.99)
What more can be said about Borderlands? Not much, really. Buy it. Co-Optimus Review
The sequel to the open world hit offers more of the same. Not really a bad thing. Take your Agent through the city, wipe out crime, destroy the freaks. Co-Optimus Review
Xbox Live Arcade Stocking Stuffers
Got a little extra cash? The Xbox Live Marketplace has some big games for a low price.
Castlevania HD (Harmony of Despair) ($10)
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light ($15)
Scott Pilgrim Vs the World ($10)
Monday Night Combat ($15)
Plants Vs Zombies ($10)
Alien Breed Series ($10)
The UnderGarden ($10)
Da-a-a-a-ng. That's a lot of co-op games! Hope you have a great (non committal holiday reference/nothing if you're an atheist) and a Happy New Year! Check out Co-Optimus for other gift guides throughout the week!