The last three months of every year is the most active for the video game industry. This year inparticular is just loaded with video games. With the launch of the "Games For Windows" kiosks and two new consoles(PS3 and Wii) it can become quite overwhelming for the holiday shopper. This year's installment of the Top PC Games Holiday 2006 includes some of my favorite titles released over the past three months. By no means is this list all inclusive but rather my guide to help you sift through the hundreds of titles released this time of year.
1. Company of Heroes
The past three months has seen three or four World War II RTS games, none of which come close to Company of Heroes. With mind boggling graphics, excellent game play and a great single player campaign this sets a new standard for the future of RTS games and is arguably in the running for game of the year. Some multiplayer glitches and high system requirements.ESRB: M - Mature
2. Medieval II Total War
Much like Rome Total War, the graphics and gameplay for Medieval II Total War are excellent. The proven combination of turn based and real time strategy game play has been slightly improved on and is solid. The famous grand scale battles beyond that of any other series of games is also back, just in time to keep you up at night replaying the conquest for Medieval Europe.ESRB: M - Mature
3. Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War: Dark Crusade
Dawn of War Dark Crusade is the third RTS title in Relic's Warhammer 40,000 series of games and continues the struggles of planet Kronus. Dark Crusade can be played as either an expansion to the original Dawn of War or as a stand alone game that pits the Tau Empire against the Necrons.ESRB: M - Mature
4. Marvel Ultimate Alliance
Welcome to the future of Games for Windows. Marvel Ultimate Alliance is a fast paced action game that lets you control your favorite Marvel Superheroes and you fight to save the universe. The addition of an Xbox 360 Gamepad for Windows enhances the enjoyment of the game and makes combo combat moves a breeze.ESRB: T - Teen
5. Neverwinter Nights 2
Neverwinter Nights 2 was one of the most anticipated games of the year and the RPG has not disappointed. The strong storyline coupled with the endless possibilities of user created modules and official expansions (both single player and multiplayer), outweigh the few issues that have surfaced since the game's release. Issues such as difficult camera controls and certain game play elements hopefully can be corrected with a few patch releases.ESRB: T - Teen
6. LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
There's more of everything with LEGO Star Wars II The Original Trilogy. The 3D third person action games has more than 50 playable characters and is loaded with more missions and bonus levels that the original all of which are complimented with a comical approach to retelling the classic Star Wars films(Episode IV, V, VI) like never before.ESRB: E - Everyone
7. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent
Double Agent continues the adventures of Sam Fisher in this third person stealth action shooter. The game play is nearly identical to the previous Splinter Cell games with some added twists that make the game fresh and fun to play. The graphics are good and the multiplayer portion is much improved over previous titles.ESRB: M - Mature
8. DEFCON: Everybody Dies
DEFCON Everybody Dies is not an overly complicated strategy game and makes for a great start for someone looking to try out the genre. It's Global Thermonuclear War, as the role of a military commander it's your mission to attempt to exterminate your enemies before they exterminate you. The gameplay and interface are quick to learn add to the enjoyment of this "War Games" style strategy simulation. One drawback is the lack of singleplayer capability.PEGI: 7+
9. Battlefield 2142
Battlefield 2142 was another highly anticipated game for 2006. Battlefield 2142 has the same great graphics found in Battlefield 2 while adding new game modes, futuristic weapons and in-game drivable vehicles. Overall it's a solid addition to the Battlefield franchise.ESRB: T - Teen
10. Dark Messiah of Might and Magic
Dark Messiah of Might and Magic is a fantasy first person action game set in the popular Might and Magic game world. This is not the genre you'd expect from this mostly strategy/RPG based game franchise but Dark Messiah does a good job in blending the variety of monsters and magic from the game world into the first person game genre.ESRB: M - Mature
