It's traditionally the time of year that forces you to endure weeks of shopping madness and kitchen chaos, but in exchange rewards you with a nice dinner and some new toys. As a result of the impending festivity, I (albeit at the request of my mum) have been considering what kind of digital entertainment I want to receive on this most jolly occasion. Here are my top five Christmas game wishes.

1. Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC)
Leading in with a heavyweight here, this is the game that threatens to finally take a chunk out of Blizzard's World of Warcraft MMORPG champion. Promising a truly interactive story experience, as well as frantic multiplayer battles, this is going to be top of any Star Wars fan's list. Playing as a Jedi may prove addictive enough to make you forget to watch the Queen's speech. Out 20/12/11.

2. Mario Kart 7 (Nintendo 3DS)
The latest instalment of the classic series is bringing karting to the 3DS. Die-hard fans who don't already own the handheld console are likely to pick up one up just to experience this killer franchise in outrageously bright 3D. A perfect way to astonish, and possibly provoke car sickness in, older relatives. Out 04/12/11.

3. Saints Row: The Third (Xbox 360 / PS3 / PC)
This cheeky GTA-esque game is, as the name suggests, the third in the series. Readers of my previous post will know that I usually insist on playing games in sequence, however I may just make an exception in this case. The game promises to dish out guns, gore, and general chaos by the sleigh-load, and frankly, after Christmas shopping, that seems like light relief. Probably best not to play with granny in the room, mind. Out now.

4. LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 (Everything)
I utterly adore LEGO games. In fact, I adore LEGO. But the fact that they manage to take a hugely successful franchise, strip out all the essence and charm, and then inject it into their block based world, is a trick worthy of Santa Claus himself. I never get tired of picking up a new LEGO game, and let's face it; they are all basically the same. There is just something about those little people that makes me want to leap around and sing, which is probably why I won't be receiving this game for Christmas. Out now.

5. Dance Central 2 (Xbox 360 Kinect)
Well, if I am going to be denied singing, then at least I might be permitted to dance. I have really enjoyed the original Dance Central, despite its peculiar refusal to appreciate my Travolta-esque levels of skill. This new version brings new songs to the mix, as well as a much needed simultaneous multiplayer mode. Now I can finally prove that I move better than my dad. Out now.

So there you have it. Five games that will keep you well and truly entertained into the New Year and beyond. And if you have any suggestions for Christmas console crackers, by all means drop me a line.

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