Demon’s Souls (2020)
You can spot a Soulsborne player in your life by the bags under their eyes, by the muscles in their thumbs, and by the way they can’t stop talking about Dark Souls. It’s mostly the last one, actually. Even if the gamer in your life is a Dark Souls diehard, it’s quite possible they’ve never played this game. Demon’s Souls, the game that actually makes Dark Souls look kind of easy? This is the Soulsborne experience before it got all mainstream and accessible. Perfect for the Dark Souls fan in your life and anyone else who’s getting too big for their britches. Demon’s Souls will be a PS5 exclusive when it releases on November 12th, 2020.
Bugsnax
We haven’t played this one yet, but boy oh boy does it look weird. The tagline ‘you are what you eat’ is taken quite literally, with characters spontaneously developing limbs and digits made of whatever they had for lunch that day. So many questions are brought up by the initial trailers alone. How food can you get before you’re not sentient anymore? Can other people eat you, once you become food? Will Bugsnax address the magical cannibalism possibilities once it’s released? PS5 owners will be able to answer this question for free, as Bugsnax will be one of the PS Plus games on the console this November. PS4 owners can also get in on the fun when the game comes out on November 12th. This will be perfect for anyone in your life enamored with the whimsical and/or deeply distressing.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2
This entry’s got double the power, in that two generations of gamers would be thrilled to see this under the tree. Whether you’ve been a THPS diehard since the start or not, this game was a huge hit. Heck, get it for the last holdout on your friends list who hasn’t grabbed it yet. You know which one. Our review of the classic skateboarding double header is right here, in case you need any convincing. What better way to bring the clan together, than with a healthy dose of superb arcade skating action?
Borderlands 3
The Borderlands games are meant to be played in squads. You need a few teammates to get out and push this boat before the engine will turn over. Once it does though, watch out! The explosive action, snappy dialogue, and oceans of guns are a guaranteed good time for a tight-knit crew. Borderlands 3 is just perfect for the fourth member of your friend group who somehow doesn’t own it yet. That’s right, it’s like Tony Hawk, only there are thousands and thousands of guns bursting out of every crate, chest, and storage locker. Our review makes a stronger case for the game here. Why not celebrate the season with fun, guns, and also guns?
Devil May Cry V: Special Edition
The Devil May Cry franchise plays like you cornered a TV executive and demanded they explain these electronic games your nephews are so nuts over. I say ‘TV executive’ because there’s a real cocaine cowboys vibe happening, especially with this entry. DMC V‘s dial goes from one to ten, and it has been twisted right off. Get this game for anyone whose jaw needs dropping this holiday season. It also helps if this hypothetical gamer is a little – just a tiny bit – immature. The Special Edition is coming later this month, but you can read our review of the original release right here.
Doom Eternal
2016’s Doom was a high point for the franchise, breathing new life into the FPS dynasty. The kills were insane, the action never stopped, and the graphics were delicious. Doom: Eternal builds a whole murder mansion on top of this solid foundation in every way. Every element of the 2016 release has been added to and elevated. If anyone on your shopping list is in desperate need of more Doom, then this game will be a surefire hit. You can check out our review of the game here.
Controllers (And More!)
Lastly, if you’re stuck for gift ideas, why not round out the list with some extra controllers? Your gaming friends and loved ones can always use more of them, even if it’s just to keep an all-day play session going. You can’t go wrong with the stock and standard models, though there are a couple high-quality third-party alternatives. SCUF’s Infinity line is customizable and comfortable, while Custom Controllerzz come in a whole bunch of different colors and designs. Alternately, if you’re shopping for a fighting game diehard, you can grab the Fusion Wired FightPad from PowerA. Or, if you want that authentic arcade feel, you can grab a Real Arcade Pro. 4 Kai from Hori.
If the gamer in your life already has a dangerous amount of controllers, there’s always something else you can cram under the tree. Perhaps a glistening stack of PSN gift cards will do the trick? They’re almost like games, but with a dash of possibility added to the mix for good measure. Just a pinch of infinite variety in the games library gumbo. A spoonful of purchasing power. Surely you get the picture by now. Every PS4 is also a crock pot, is what I’m saying.
And there you have it! With this guide in hand, you should be more than prepared for the rigorous holiday shopping ordeal ahead. With any luck, the Sony gamers in your life will be blown away by your incredible purchasing decisions. If you need help buying gifts for other types of gamers, you can check out the rest of our gift guides. Have fun and happy holidays!
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