Now is the perfect time to start shopping, with deals in abundance and exciting new technology everywhere. Whether you are looking for ideas for yourself, or for someone else. Check out what we have to suggest for November’s Holiday Gift Guide, and be sure to check out last months suggestions too.

Woah! Activision Games

Crash 4: It’s About Time – $40 (PS4, XB1) at Amazon (Black Friday Deal) [Frank]

Crash 4 starts on a familiar beach, with a fresh coat of paint from Toys For Bob and an even deeper understanding on what made Crash the ion he was during the early days of Playstation. Crash 4 has essentially retconned everything past Crash 3 Warped, and it’s honestly for the best. We have our villains stuck in a temporal rift after the events of Crash 3, but they quickly find a way to make trouble for our favorite bandicoot again, but this time we have some new tricks up our sleeve to tackle the villains as well as help from some friends! Crash 4 might just be the best crash has ever felt, with tight controls, fantastic movement and the new mechanics seem to fit right in like they were meant to be there from the start. Crash meets other masks that have powers over switching dimensions, time itself and more, and he will need it in order to get back to the life of leisure he so desires.

If you ever fell out of love with Crash after his initial run, this is the game for you. It embraces everything we loved about the original games, while elaborating on the formula in very positive ways that ends up being an overwhelmingly refreshing experience for one of the most recognizable faces in gaming. Play this, you won’t be disappointed!

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War – $60 (PS4/XB1), $70 (PS5/XSX) [Diego]

Madden always opens the holiday season and Call of Duty closes it. With the latest entry in the Black Ops series, Cold War, you might have “another one of those” in terms of knowing what to expect out of the title but it’s still some good fun regardless. After skipping a campaign with Black Ops 4, we’re back in the world of conspiracy in Cold War and damn does it feel good. The action spectacle is on full display here with some really fun moments that call back to the earlier Black Ops games. I haven’t played a competitive COD game in years so it feels good to get back into it (and a huge relief that my muscle memory is still intact). While I still pine for the (massively underrated) changes Advanced Warfare added to the series, I’m happy to see the series back to basics with this entry. The guns feel tight, the community is just as homophobic and racist as it ever was, and laying waste from above with an attack chopper feels just as good as it used to. Admittedly, the maps do tend to favor a bit more close-quarters combat than normal, but as someone who prefers that style of play I’m all about it. And as for zombies, well look it’s zombies alright you either love it or hate it. I’ve always been of the type that it’s fun the first few attempts but gets stale really quick due to the formulaic loop and lack of maps to spice things up.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 – $25 (PS4, XB1) at Target (Black Friday Deal) [Spencer]

As someone with a lot of nostalgia for Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 and 2, I have to say I’m incredibly happy with the HD remakes. All the classic stages, characters, and songs are present, while the gameplay is perfectly in-line with the combo-based skateboarding that I remember so fondly. Some things, like how long it takes to get up and the stage design, have been noticeably improved upon, making this the definitive way to play some of the most beloved sports games around. The new levelling system and extra unlockable boards and badges make every run feel significant, and the ability to skip between songs means you’re always playing to your favorite beats. Whether you’re shopping for an old school fan or a newcomer to Tony Hawk, they’ll have a blast once they dive in.

Yummy Snax

Bugsnax – $25 at Epic Game Store (PC), FREE for PS5 Owners via PS+ Nov 2020 [Joe]

Bugsnax is full of weird combinations. From the titular Bugsnax, which finally combines bug and snak, to the gameplay being a mix between Pokemon and Viva Pinata, to the horrific food monsters you can turn the grumpuses into. There’s a lot going on in it.

But at the same time it’s a simple game, just hard to describe. It’s like a rainbow or the grand canyon; it’s something you really have to see for yourself. It’s not the most graphically intense game, but it makes up for that with a fun story and a big heart. By the end of your time with it you’ll care a lot about the grumpeses and their plight. A great time to play on your fancy new PS5 or your PS4 and PC.

Blast from the Past

Dragon’s Lair X Replicade – $120 at New Wave Toys [Spencer]

The Dragon’s Lair Replicade mini arcade cabinet is the perfect gift for any retro gaming enthusiasts in your life. It’s not only a good size and made of sturdy stuff, but Dragon’s Lair itself looks fantastic on the screen. It’s a classically hard game, but the Replicade machine lets you try as much as you like with absolute comfort. The buttons and control stick are impressively responsive for their small size, and the amount of neat details, like glowing coin slots and a glowing marquee, make it easier than ever to create your own miniature arcade in perfect detail. There’s even a mini Laserdisc player to complete your arcade setting, alongside a replica disc. The cabinet even has an HDMI slot for if you prefer a bigger screen, and a USB controller port for a variety of controllers. No matter how you want to experience the original Dragon’s Lair, the Replicade cabinet is far and away the best option for you or any of your arcade-loving friends.

Upgrade That Headset

Audeze Mobius Headset – $400 ($300 for Black Friday) at Audeze [Austin]

There are plenty of headsets to choose from this holiday season, but if you are looking for the one with the most technology you should consider the Audeze Mobius. This has to be the most advanced headset I have ever used. It features the typical 7.1/5.1 surround options, and then takes them a step further 3D audio with room emulation via head tracking. This means as you move your head sensors in the headset detect the movement, and audio changes in a way that feels like you are in the room with the sound all around you. It’s a surreal experience that you have to try to fully understand. The Mobius is compatible with an array of devices via Bluetooth (AAC and LDAC support) and wired connections for listening, as well as a detachable boom mic. If you are looking for the most technologically advanced headphones to get as a gift, or to treat yourself, you must try the Audeze Mobius.