With Christmas around the corner, one can almost sense the “spirit of giving” in the air. In practical terms, this means long aunty queues at Toys “R” Us, Orchard road jams and emptier pockets. Aside from my cynicism, it is indeed a season we look forward to. We expect the love of our friends and family, gifts all round and perhaps that one kiss under the mistletoe. But after all that hanging out, and carols exhorting peace and goodwill to all men, some of us would rather just kick back and kill some aliens.

That’s right, aliens. But even if you’re not into sci-fi, there will definitely be something for you in Microsoft’s latest collection of Xbox titles. Urbanwire brings you the exciting line up that Microsoft Xbox has in store for Christmas and the New Year.

Ok, it’s almost a crime to mention corporate identities in the midst of holiday celebrations. But we just can’t help ourselves. Especially when the upcoming games are almost like answered prayers to most gamers here in Singapore. Non-gamers don’t have to stop reading either, as Microsoft certainly hasn’t forgotten about you.

UrbanWire has taken the liberty to sort the titles into categories for easy reference. So, whether you’re a kid, a working adult or a hardcore gamer, feel free to browse the titles of tomorrow and if you see one you or someone you know would like, why not add it to the Christmas list?

The Big Hits

* Mass Effect

Genre: Sci-Fi Role Playing Game
Developer: Microsoft Game Studios
Price: $59.99

Aside from the recent censorship debacle in Singapore regarding the lesbian love scene between a human and an alien, Mass Effect truly is a masterpiece. Having won the “Best Role Playing Game” and “Best Console Game” at the E3 Game Critic Awards 2007, Mass Effect is poised to be one of Microsoft’s top sellers for 2008. A Sci-Fi RPG, the game promises an immersive storyline, rich environments and addictive game play. Also, with awe-inspiring graphics for us to drool over, Mass Effect will certainly be the biggest explosion for the New Year.

* Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Genre: First-Person Shooter
Developer: Activision
Price: $58.99

The Call of Duty series has been wildly successful commercially, with Call of Duty 2, alone having sold past the million mark. Noted for its realism, the series has been a ticket for players to experience many historical wars. But for the first time, this latest release has shifted its focus to present day warfare. The game has been widely anticipated and has received many positive reviews with popular gaming websites like Gamespy saying it’ll be “easily one of the best games you’ll play this year.” Call of Duty 4 looks set to promise realistic, explosive and addictive game play to both the veteran and newbie.

* Guitar Hero 3

gh3_5Genre: Simulation
Developer: Activision
Price: $169.90

Guitar Hero is an extremely popular series on both the Playstation and Xbox consoles. Previous receptions of Guitar Hero 1 and 2 were remarkable with combined sales of almost six million units. The game is unique because it requires an exclusive “electronic guitar” for the experience. The guitar, of course, isn’t real, but acts like an elaborate controller for the music simulation. Unlike previously, Guitar Hero 3 will only be released on Xbox 360 and not on any other consoles.

* Assassin’s Creed

Genre: Action Role Playing Game
Developer: Ubisoft
Price: $59.99

Assassin’s Creed is a next- generation action game with stunning graphics and innovative game play. The developers have combined technology, design and emotions to create a world where chaos is a focus and players become powerful channels of change. The setting is 1191 AD where the crusades are taking place and it’s all medieval from there. The graphics of this game are to die for; with next generation visual quality, the gaming experience of a lifetime is guaranteed.

Just Plain Cool

* Need for Speed Pro-street

Genre: Racing
Developer: Electronic Arts
Price: $59.99

The Need for Speed (NFS) series has been around for a pretty long time. They started out on PC and have now moved to the console. The series has its own set of loyal racing fans. Electronic Arts (EA) has always been safe with this title, not daring to innovate too much. So with Pro-street due, we can expect similar experiences of previous NFS titles with just a touch of the new. Pro-street has also moved from your neighbourhood to a global stage. Apparently local rule is not enough anymore; you’ve got to rule the world.

* Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation

Genre: Flight Action
Developer: Namco-Bandai
Price: $59.99

With over 9.5 million copies sold worldwide, Ace Combat is the dominant flight simulation series in the market. With its latest title soaring into the Xbox 360, we can expect a whole lot of destruction from above. Players will get to immerse themselves in real time battlefields filled with thunderous explosions and rapid gun fire. The bar has also been raised by introducing an intense online multi-player experience through Xbox Live. So for the first time, players can put their flight combat skills to good use and shoot down “live targets”.

* Kane & Lunch: Dead Men

Genre: Shooter Action
Developer: Eidos
Price: $59.99

From the creators of Hitman, comes yet another cold and ruthless action shooter. Eidos seems to have a penchant for creating heartless characters and putting them in violent environments. This time, it’s a flawed mercenary and a medicated psychopath that players will get to be. This strange partnership, along with a unique gaming engine allow for an explosive crime gaming experience. With fluid beautiful graphics, destructible environments and crowd AI, Kane & Lynch have set the stage for an intense shooter experience that’s not for the faint hearted.

* Clive Barker’s Jericho

Genre: First-Person Shooter
Developer: Eidos
Price: $59.99

For those inclined to horror and mystery, Jericho has your name written on it. Clive Barker is a legendary horror writer and filmmaker who has climbed onto the gaming bandwagon hoping to create a scare through virtual reality. You play as a member in the Jericho Team, a seven-man strike force tasked to protect the government from paranormal threats. The game is all about sensory horror and players will travel through time and hell like locations battling grisly monsters. Another cool feature is that players get to use both modern weapons and Para-psychological powers like telekinesis as well.

* Virtua Fighter 5 Live Arena

Genre: Fighter Simulation
Developer: Sega
Price: $59.99

One of the main fighter pioneers, Virtua Fighter has finally returned and is available on Xbox 360. Game play will be familiar to long time fans as Sega reinforces all the previous features with enhanced mechanics and graphics.

Anime Action

* Naruto: Rise of a Ninja

Genre: Anime Role Playing Game
Developer: Ubisoft
Price: $59.99

Naruto is a famous anime series that has been exclusively designed for a gaming experience on the Xbox 360. Players will be Naruto and experience his world as he starts out as a ninja. This is one game that might just convince those hardcore anime fans into starting gaming. Live out the anime and watch Naruto rise from obscurity to become a ninja master.

* Trusty Bell: Eternal Sonata

Genre: Anime Role Playing Game
Developer: Namco-Bandai
Price: $59.99

Eternal Sonata revolves around the legendary composer Frederic Chopin and his experiences in a fantastical dream. Well, that’s something you don’t see in a game every day. Players actually get to play as Chopin himself, talk about unusual RPG characters. The 3-D anime environment is also based on many things in Chopin’s life, this includes his music and the various influences he had when he was alive. This game will appeal to Chopin fans and those who love RPGs with that anime touch.

For the Family

* Scene it? Lights, Camera, Action

Genre: Trivia
Developer: Microsoft Game Studios
Price: $77.95

Well here’s a perfect social game. Scene it? Lights, Camera, Action is a movie trivia game that lets you challenge your friends and family with how much you know about the movies. Based on the popular Scene it? board game, the series has finally come to the Xbox. The game is chock full of real content from actual movies and actors. Winners will get bragging rights as the “Movie King or Queen” among your buddies. It’s also an excellent way to pass the Christmas season with friends.

* Lego Star Wars: The Complete Collection

Genre: Action Adventure
Developer: Activision
Price: $39.98

Finally, here’s a game that’ll occupy the kids. Lego Star Wars: The Complete Collection enables players to experience the events that happen in all the six Star Wars movies, albeit with that Lego twist. The game is a compilation of the other two in the series, Lego Star Wars: The Video Game and The Original Trilogy. A light-hearted game that’s more entertaining than challenging, it’ll provide even more fun, creativity and humour than the previous two. A perfect fit for the kids or family gatherings.

Fun & Casual

* Bee Movie Game

Genre: Action Adventure
Developer: Activision
Price: $49.99

Based on the 3D animation from DreamWorks that was produced and voiced by the famed stand up comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Bee Movie has come to the Xbox 360 as the Bee Movie Game. Players will get to experience the same vibrant environment as seen in the film. The main character is Barry B. Benson, a bee who starts a journey to save honey production from thieving humans. With 15 addictive levels, compelling side quests and multiplayer functions, the Bee Movie Game should get you abuzz with excitement.

* Beautiful Katamari

Genre: Adventure
Developer: Namco-Bandai
Price: $39.99

The crazy rolling series that took the world by storm is here on Xbox 360 as well. The objective is simple, just roll up anything and everything in your path. You’re an alien prince tasked to do this and you simply just roll around collecting stuff to yourself. The more you collect, the bigger you get. You start small, of course, rolling up puny stuff like pins and paper clips but as you get larger, you reach a stage where you roll up whole planets. The popular series has developed a cult following and has captivated both hardcore and casual gamers worldwide.

* The Simpsons Game

Genre: Action Adventure
Developer: Electronic Arts
Price: $59.99

D’oh! Not much explanation is needed for this title as everyone should be acquainted with the hilarious animated series family on TV by now. But for the first time, The Simpsons will finally be leaving their TV domain to enter the gaming market. The full original cast of voice actors of the show will also be featured in the game. The storyline is simple; players get to be Homer, Marge, Bart and Lisa to save Springfield from impending chaos. Overall, it’s a casual game ideal for both Simpson fans and those into light gaming.

Sports Fans Rejoice

* FIFA 2008

Genre: Soccer Simulation
Developer: Electronic Arts
Price: $59.99

The popular FIFA series has been around for a long time and built a strong fan base of sports gamers. Players will get to control their favourite soccer teams and play out matches against other players or the AI. FIFA 2008 also promises better controls, increased social options and a more authentic experience.

* Winning Eleven 2008

Genre: Soccer Simulation
Developer: Electronic Arts
Price: $59.99

Well, what do you know? There are not one but two famous soccer sports titles due for release. Similar to FIFA, Winning Eleven has also been a long-running series with an impressive sales record. With the latest in the series coming to Xbox 360, players can expect extreme customisability, an adaptive AI and better graphics.