El33tonline's PC Christmas Buyer's Guide for South African gamers

Many gamers have feared the end of PC gaming has finally arrived. What utter nonsense! The PC is here to stay. I have heard stories of the PC gaming scene being dead for the last 10 years. But fear not! Below is a short list of must have titles this coming Christmas. If anything, it proves that the PC is as healthy as ever, and lives in harmony with its console siblings. When all else fails, stick in a game controller.

In no particular order:

Dragon Age: Origins

This epic weapons-grade RPG will keep you entertained for months. The story is epic, the action is on a grand scale, and your decisions will make you cry. Not to be missed!

Read the review.

Dawn of War II

Easily the best strategy game on any platform this year. From its engaging single player to multiplayer that rivals that of Starcraft, this game has it all when it comes to the RTS check-list.

The Sims 3 + World Adventures

Whether you are a Sims fan or not, the direction the new expansion packs are taking will be a pleasant surprise for even the most hardened critic. It is family friendly, and chicks dig guys with a sensitive side!

Read the Sims 3 review and World Adventures review.

Batman: Arkham Asylum

Easily the best action adventure game on PC this year, with graphics far surpassing that on consoles. Batman is having the time of his life sneaking around Arkham, beating up baddies.

Read the review.

Left 4 Dead 2

The first choice co-op game this holiday season, this sequel is everything the original was, only much better. Kind of what Aliens was to Alien. Continue to cover your buddies’ backs while fighting the infected hordes.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Looking at the sales statistics you probably already own this, but it made it to the list just in case you don’t. Explosive, yet short single player with epic multiplayer. Ignore the huff about the dedicated servers and you will find a great game waiting for you.

Read the review.

Dirt 2

Not many racing games on PC with this sort of pedigree. Look past the sentimentality of still using Colin McRae’s name and you will find the best off-road game since borrowing your mate’s quad bike. So good you will have dirt in your eyes.

Read the review.

Borderlands

The genre busting Role Playing Shooter with beautiful graphics and easy control on PC. Hours of entertainment, made to play with buddies. Hope to find this under your Christmas tree.

Read the review.

Torchlight

Can’t wait for Diablo III? Well you don’t have to with this. In the same vein as Titan Quest and Diablo, classic action RPG goodness awaits! Beware the amount of time being spent on this though!

Machinarium

An indy gem, this puzzle adventurer will set your brain on fire with an overload of beautiful sights and sounds, and crazy puzzles to boot. Plus its cheap!