Gamecore Holiday 2011 Shopping Guide

Holiday season 2011 is just around the corner. Chances are if you're like me you don't remember on what dates games are coming out. To help you decipher what to buy here's a handy guide to this holiday season's hottest upcoming titles and release dates.

Bellow is a list of games that people will be talking about and playing well into 2012. Just remember shop early and often and if you're not able to get exactly what you're looking for, here are some alternatives that you might want to give a try.

September 2011
Resistance 3
Platform: PS3
Release Date: Sept 6th 2011
The ending of the trilogy that began in 2006, this first-person shooter set in an alternation history of America, will determine humanity's future against the ever growing alien Chimera horde. ESRB Rated M for Mature
MSRP: $59.99

Gears of War 3
Platform: XBOX 360
Release Date: Sept 20th 2011
This highly anticipated 3rd person shooter is the final chapter in the story of main character Marcus Fenix and his teammates in their battle against the alien hordes (sound familiar?). Gears of War 3 Review
Rated M for Mature
MSRP: $59.99

Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection Platform: PS3
Release Date: Sept 27th 2011
This collection combines two of the greatest action adventure puzzle games made for the PS2 remixed in high definition and enhanced for 3D support. This collection features two hauntingly beautiful tales that are loosely connected. Both these games prove that video games can also be considered an art form. ESRB rating T for Teens
MSRP $39.99

October 2011
Rage
Platform: XBOX 360, PS3
Release Date: Oct 4th 2011
Set in a post-apocalyptic world similar in atmosphere to the Mad Max movies. Id software's latest game features a first-person shooter combined with vehicular combat and a silky smooth game engine running at 60 frames per second.
ESRB: Rated M for Mature
MSRP $59.99

NBA 2K12
Platform: XBOX 360, PS3
Release Date: Oct 4th 2011
The follow up to Visual Concepts amazing NBA 2K11 has quite a few surprises in store, especially for old school basketball fans. Legends Mode sounds like a welcome addition to the series. Now let's just hope that the NBA can end the lockout, so this year's draft picks can be included in the game! Wishful thinking we suppose.
ESRB Rated E for Everyone
MSRP: $59.99

Forza Motosport 4
Platform: XBOX 360
Release Date: Oct 11th 2011
The 4th installment in the Forza racing series will feature kinect support and the ability to carry over some in game credits and special cars from the previous game. With over 500 cars and 80 manufacturers this will please digital racing enthusiast everywhere.
ESRB Rated E for Everyone
MSRP: $59.99

Batman: Arkham City
Platform: XBOX 360, PS3
Release Date: Oct 18th 2011
The first Batman game from Rocksteady Studios was a stellar success and it looks like the sequel Arkham City will be just as good or even better than its predecessor. With a broader landscape to play with, this open world action adventure is packed with extras. Catwoman and Robin are playable characters and 6 different batman outfits (depending on where it's been preordered) are available? This game is a must have for comic book fans.
ESRB Rated T for Teens
MSRP: $59.99

Battlefield 3
Platform: XBOX 360, PS3
Release Date: Oct 25th 2011
This highly anticipated first-person military shooter will feature the ability to use tanks, boats, helicopters, and even Jets! DICE and Electronics Arts are going to go all out this holiday season to sway gamers away from their competitor Call of Duty: MW3. For more details check out our Battlefield 3 Preview
ESRB Rated M for mature
MSRP: $59.99

November 2011
Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception
Platform: PS3
Release Date: Nov 1st 2011
The sequel to Gamecore's Game of the year in 2009, the third-person action shooter, Drakes Deception, offers another engrossing storyline, even more robust multiplayer offering, improved enemy AI and a possible character creation mode for the single player campaign. From what we seen so far it will be worth every penny and the 3D mode is not too bad at all.
ESRB: Rated T for Teens
MSRP: $59.99

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Platform: XBOX 360, PS3, Wii, Nintendo DS
Release Date: Nov 8th 2011
If it follows the success of its predecessors Modern Warfare 3 will most likely break all types of sales records when it launches, and so far everything that we have seen of this game drives home the fact that it will be bigger, better and more enjoyable than Modern Warfare 2.
ESRB Rated M for Mature
MSRP: $59.99

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Platform: XBOX 360, PS3, PC
Release Date: Nov 11th 2011
Role Playing Game (RPG) fans get ready to sink hours of your life into this game. The depth that Bethesda has given the world of Skyrim is mind boggling. Using a technique called the Radiant Story system, "quests can be dynamically altered to accommodate player actions which influence the objectives." This basically means that no 2 play-throughs will ever be identical.
ESRB Rated M for Mature
MSRP: $59.99

Assassin Creed Revelations
Platform: XBOX 360, PS3
Release Date: Nov 15th 2011
The final tale of Ezio Auditore, everyones favorite renaissance assassin, is back in this 3rd installment. Revelations will tie up the loose ends stemming from Assassins Creed: Brotherhood and will feature all 3 of the main characters, Altair from the original Assassins Creed , Desmond Miles and Ezio. Third-person action adventure gameplay features new weapons and improved fighting system as well as new multiplayer modes.
ESRB: Rated M for Mature
MSRP: $59.99

Saints ROW: The Third
Platform: XBOX 360, PS3, PC
Release Date: Nov 15th 2011
Not just another GTA clone, this Saints Row will feature customizable attributes for the players distributing experience points while leveling up. Upgrading firearm skills, clothing and weapons. Don't worry, the over the top style gameplay still remains and co-op is also included.
ESRB Rated M for Mature
MSRP: $59.99

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Release Date: Nov 20th 2011
Unfortunately good games for the Nintendo Wii have been pretty scarce of late, but now we have Skyward Sword to keep us busy this holiday season. Taking full advantage of the Wii MotionPlus controller, this action adventure game takes place before the Ocarina of Time and will feature one to one motion control between your remote and the in game sword.
ESRB: Rated E for everyone ages 10 and up
MSRP: $49.99