With blockbuster games like Need for Speed, Call of Duty and Monopoly available for all three video game platforms, the best way for each console to distinguish itself is through exclusive games, titles so amazing that you'll consider purchasing one system over another just for its unique titles. Here's a look at the best games you'll only find on PlayStation3.

Gran Turismo 5 (PlayStation 3, $60)

Gran Turismo 5 for PlayStation 3 is the quintessential driving simulator; its thoroughness, realism, depth, and high definition sparkle and shine is unmatched. Despite an overwrought menu system a brutally long load times, it nonetheless offers a huge assortment of race modes both online an off with a glut of drool-inducing cars and quite a few spritely little mass-production models, too, 1,000+ in total, more to come as downloadable content. Each car is meticulously realized, right down to the particulars of power, performance and handling characteristics. With more ways to race them online and off than a reasonable person has the right to expect, Gran Turismo 5 is a no-brainer gift for the car buff on your wish list, but also a fantastic game for everyone else with an inkling for driving simulators. Rated Everyone (6+)


God of War III / God of War Collection (PlayStation3, $60 / $30)

With God of War III made specifically for the PlayStation 3 and the God of War Collection offering up remastered versions of God of War I & II for PS2, the lot of it is simply the most cathartic, righteously raging hack 'n' slash game series ever made. Play as our man Kratos, demi-god with an Olympian chip on his shoulder, rejected and dejected, as he sets about gutting, goring and otherwise eviscerating Gods and Titans alike. And their monstrous minions. And the lackeys of minions. And quite a few innocent bystanders while he's at it. And pottery. Lots of pottery. If it pots, smash it, just because it's there. Yarrrrrrg! But not Aphrodite, though. She's a sweetie. Rated Mature (17+)



PlayStation Move w/Sports Champions (PlayStation3, $100)

Sony's foray into the world of motion controllers is a technical marvel in that it's much more accurate and intricate when compared to the Wii's waggle & twitch device. A single controller bundled with a motion capture camera and the game that employs it, Sports Champions delivers a collection of motion-activated games including table tennis, archery, sword fighting, Frizbee golf, volleyball and Bocce. Though a pricey proposition, that the PlayStation3 delivers its games in high definition makes the Move bundle a visual feast for the eyes, while the tech of the thing makes the Wii remote seem like a toy. Rated Everyone (6+)


EyePet (PlayStation3, $40)

A surprising entry into Move-exclusive gaming, EyePet is kid-friendly but appealing to pet lovers of any age, EyePet is an "augmented reality" game. It's like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the live action movie and cartoon hybrid, except interactive with you and your living room mirrored live on screen while the pet is the cartoon injection. While pet simulations where you raise, nurture, maintain and play with pet something-or-other are not new, this Move approach is delightfully unique and a wide-eyed wonder to behold. Bear in mind that you will need the PlayStation Move apparatus to play it. Rated Everyone (6+)


Dead Nation (PlayStation3, $15)

There's just something about zombies that won't be denied: Killing them is plain old fun... or re-killing them, as it were. Dead Nation isn't exactly a ground breaking game, certainly not in the face of countless undead titles out there, not to mention the popular addendum modes in otherwise conventional games like Call of Duty and Red Dead Redemption. Nonetheless, this PlayStation Network exclusive stands out like a severed thumb, righteously cathartic, slick looking, funny but intense. Like any zombie game worth its salt, Dead Nation also incorporates co-operative play, so you and a buddy can face the hordes together, trying to out gun each other but also saving each other's butts. Not for the kiddies, obviously, but great, gory fun. Rated Mature (17+)

Complete Evergeek Gift Guide listings at www.evergeek.com/GiftGuide

 
 

It's true: Quality kids games are hard to find. Sure, there's lots out there, but few that are both good and genuinely kid-friendly. Fortunately, GamersGate online games portal has an entire section dedicated to quality family fare. Go ahead, check it out!