Holiday Gift Guide 2009

Square-Enix, otherwise known as "Squeenix" by its inconsolable fans, hasn't been very successful with its console outings aside from Final Fantasy, but the DS seems to its redeeming point. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days continues that tradition, though I think Square Enix Japan needs to reconsider their stance on titles in America that involve math.

Mario RPGs always serve as a great introduction to the genre for kids and the otherwise inexperienced. Even for veterans like me, it's always pleasant to take a journey back to the days when item fusion wasn't an unnecessary necessity. And really, who doesn't want to see Mario and Luigi all rumbly in Bowser's tumbly?

Not every game needs to be slaughtering indiscriminate monsters for experience, items, and gold. No, some games can be about collecting picarats instead! Okay, so you actually go around quaint villages solving people's math homework, but hey, kids (I'm also pointing at you) probably aren't using their brains enough anyway.

Let's face it, some people are so busy gaming with their DS that they don't know how to cook. And you probably know a food newbie who has a DS but hardly ever uses it (like, say, an Asian college student). Personal Trainer Cooking is the interactive recipe book that they've always wanted but never knew it.