Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (DS)

Release Date: Dec. 7

You know you loved Phantom Hourglass! Well, lucky for you, this Zelda game takes place in the same setting (though a century later), with some train tracks and ghosts helping you out. Actually, the spirits are a big deal – you control them to help you get through obstacles and fire (they’re fireproof!).

So, this game is looking much more puzzle-oriented than the previous installment. The steam train is very much like the steam boat from Hourglass, and it has a cannon… woo! The game’s already won the “Best Handheld Game” award at Gamesom 2009, so grab it as soon as you’ve got time to kill.

The Saboteur (XB 360, PS3, PC)

Release Date: Dec. 8

With a word like “Saboteur” in the title, you know it’s going to be another WWII game. That being said, the game jumps into fresh soil from the get-go. It’s a third-person action/stealth game that follows an Irishman in France whose goal is to get revenge on those Nazis who specifically killed his friends – hey, I’m always up for killin’ Nazis, no matter how many games give me the chance.

And, this game might make gamers more appreciative of the French Resistance. As you take action against the bad guys, the black-and-white city of Paris becomes more colorful as the city’s “will to fight” rises. Some say this gives the game a Sin City look, but I see more similarities to Hellsing Ultimate. Either way, it is very cool.

Guitar Hero: Van Halen (Wii, PS3, PS2, X360)

Release Date: Dec 22

There’s not much to say here: Guitar Hero has already released artist-specific games (Aerosmith and Metallica) and Van Halen’s another good choice. There are 25 songs by Van Halen, as well as three guitar solos. And if you needed any more “shrevidence” to buy the game, there are 19 other classic songs by other bands. Rock on!

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers (Wii)

Release Date: Dec 26

Yaaaaay! Crystal Chronicles made it to the Wii – this had better boost Nintendo’s stocks or I’m in trouble!  If you don’t remember the previous GameCube version, that’s ok… like that version, Bearers will have real-time combat. Unlike that version, the enemy AI has been ramped-up, so baddies don’t just do more damage as the game progresses; they use better tactics, too!

There’s going to be telekinesis, airships, a bit of rail-shooting and quick-time events; basically, everything you could ask for in a Final Fantasy game (yeah, there are also chocobos and effeminate dudes who hardly talk).