Christmas in July: Gamer’s Edition

In just about six months, children and children-at-heart throughout the country will be compiling their extensive list of wants and desires for that shifty fat man with the seemingly endless supply of money. The true holiday season may take place in December, but in July of 1933, a crackpot group of individuals at Camp Keystone in North Carolina thought to celebrate the year end holiday in the midst of the summer season. Since then, Christmas in July has been a coveted holiday for some, giving them an excuse to receive gifts and be jolly in the middle of the summer. With the month of August offering no holiday reprieve, it’ll be beneficial to participate in this 80 year tradition – who are you to turn down the chance at free gifts, anyway?

The December holiday season is graced with the releases of dozens of must have titles, a fact that is not so true for the summer months. Typically, in the span from the end of May through October, the library of good titles that are released is fairly slim. From that smaller library, though, there are still titles worth jotting down on your July Christmas list.

Launching on June 12^th is a game that is sure to grab the hearts of zombie lovers and horny teenagers alike. Developed by the sadistic minds behind last year’s Shadows of the Damned, Lollipop Chainsaw pits high school cheerleader Juliet Starling against a horde of undead that used to be her fellow classmates. With the severed head of her jock boyfriend Nick at her belt, Juliet will utilize a combination of magic and a flurry of chainsaw attacks to rid San Romero High of the zombie infestation. Lollipop holds the promise of the same quirky style and abundance of violence that makes up the blunt of most Grasshopper Manufacture’s releases. (PS3, XB360)

Those that purchased the 3DS may find a surprise in their stocking in the form of Pokemon Conquest. Take to the Pokemon universe as a young Warlord on a quest to expand your small kingdom. Battle with over 200 different types of the battle ready critters in a turn based, tactical battle system that will require cunning and finesse to conquer. Recruit warriors and their Pokemon to build an army that will help you defeat difficult opponents and become the greatest Warlord the world has known. (3DS)

On June 19^th, Batman and Robin will rejoin the Lego world backed by some of DC Comic’s most powerful superheroes – and voice actors – in Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes. As a series first, the loveable blocks will be able to tell their story through more than just their physical antics and limited facial expressions. Take control of the Dark Knight himself or a cast of characters that includes Wonder Woman, Superman, The Green Lantern, and the Flash in an all new adventure that pairs up the infamous Joker with Superman’s rival, Lex Luthor. Utilize unique super powers to survive through the plethora of Lego villains and the always-moldable Lego universe. (PS3, XB360, Wii, 3DS, PS Vita, Windows)

If you didn’t have the opportunity to dive into the undead world of Dead Island back in 2011, you’re getting a second chance. Come June 26^th, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 owners that have yet to square off against the tropical undead horde can do so with the Dead Island: Game of the Year Edition. Packed with the critically acclaimed original title and 3 different downloadable content. Test your skills in the Bloodbath Arena or get the truth behind the outbreak in Ryder White’s episode all with the aid of The Ripper weapon blueprint. Retailed at $30, this version of Dead Island is the perfect addition to any gaming library. (PS3, XB360)

Accompanying the release of the movie it was spun from, The Amazing Spider-Man is an extension of the film’s plot. Pitting Peter Parker against villains such as Iguana and Rhino, The Amazing Spider-Man is an all new story penned by Battlestar Galactica’s Seamus Kevin Fahey. In a completely open digitalized version of New York City, Spiderman will face off against foes big and small to clean up the Big Apple. Stop petty criminals by interrupting their crimes in progress with a flurry of Spidey’s signature fighting style. Spider-Man 2 introduced Parker to the world of Sandbox gaming and The Amazing Spider-Man is sure to keep true to the successful style. (PS3, XB360, Wii, 3DS, DS, PC, PS Vita, Windows, iPhone / Pad, Android)

Bringing a bit of the supernatural to the MMORPG genre on June 19th is The Secret World. Following a story revolved around dark fantasy, players will take control of heroes imbued with supernatural abilities to fight in the seemingly ongoing war between good and evil. In typical MMORPG fashion, players will choose between three different factions to determine which skill sets they will traverse the Secret World with. Guilds can be created by individual players and are available to those within the creators faction only. Players will square off against otherworldly beings such as vampires and demons in a vast assortment of quests and mini-games that will further The Secret World’s essential storyline. With a development time of over seven years, The Secret World looks looks to promise an extensive world of supernatural warfare worthy of joining the ranks of successful MMORPGs. (Windows)

You could, of course, put down a few things on your list that have already come out that you’ve yet to have the chance to pick up. Games like Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, Max Payne 3, Dragon’s Dogma, and, of course Diablo III will make the perfect additions to any gamers library. So now that your list is ready, it’s time to start putting it in opportune locations so your parents or significant other will get the hint. Merry Christmas to all, and to all some great gaming.