They are a mix of games for young and old and will sit well under any gamers’ tree. If you’re looking for party fun on Christmas day, consider Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Plus don’t discount the fun of most of the dance games coming out including Just Dance 3 that was released in October. Gamers have been spoilt for choice in the last quarter of 2011, with some of the best games seen yet to hit our consoles. Here’s a small sample, but Gametraders recommends asking your gaming retailer for advice on what games suit your friends and family.  

1. Modern Warfare 3 – a must have for anyone who combat based first person shooters. This is probably going to be the biggest selling game of 2011. Available on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 and Wii with a separate version for the Nintendo DS. Rated M – Violence.
2. Battlefield 3 – while gamers are sometimes split into two camps – Battlefield versus Modern Warfare, the truth is both games are amazing fun. Both feature a great single player adventure and excellent online gaming. Available on PC (Vista edition and later) , PS3 and Xbox 360. Rated MA 15+ Strong War Violence and Coarse Language.
3. Elder Scrolls V : Skyrim – is the role playing game of 2011. This is an action/role playing game that revolves around the players efforts to defeat the Nordic Dragon god Alduin. Amazing graphics and in-depth game play makes Skyrim a must for those who love adventure role playing. on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. Rate MA 15+ for Strong Themes and Violence.
4. Assassins Creed: Revelations – This is another role playing game where the player takes on the role of Ezio for most of the game and will experience an amazingly detailed world. Wandering along the country side, towns and cities and interacting with game characters all contributes to an immersive gaming experience that is one of the most enjoyable of 2011. Rated MA 15+ for strong violence.
5. Gears of War 3 on Xbox 360. Amazing graphics and gamelay but only for adults as there is animate violence. This one has a great storyline, multiplayer fun and has intense third-person shooting action. Rated MA 15+ for Strong violence, blood and gore and coarse language.
6. Batman: Arkham City on 360, PS3  and PC. This is one super hero game that works well as a game. Amazing game play and graphics with some fun use of Batman’s weapons. Rate M – Violence
7. Need for Speed The Run sees the player racing across the borders being chased by the police and a criminal organisation. So what’s a player to do? Get in the car and drive – fast. Rated PG for Mild Themes and Violence.
8. Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Only on Wii, from the amazing opening ceremony right through to the fun events, Nintendo have once again proven themselves the masters of this genre of gaming. Multiplayer fun sees you competing against friends and family making this the ideal Christmas Day game session. Suggested not to be played after too many celebration drinks as you will need your co-ordination to handle the Wii’s remote. Rated G and lots of fun.
9. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword – only on Wii. This is a must have game that has got top ratings across many gaming review sites and press. It’s a stunning game with beautiful visuals and the best sword play on any system yet. Get it. Rated M for Fantasy violence.
10. Super Mario 3D Land on DS. Perhaps more then any other release, this title really shows the power of the 3DS and the fun you can have guiding Mario around in a 3D world. It’s a platform game that features all the fun of Mario gaming. The 3D let’s the player jump more accurately, judge distances and depth and give new abilities to help get you through each level. If you have a 3DS you need this game. Rated G.