Each year Microsoft’s console giant, the Xbox 360, racks up more and more flagship titles. With the slew of new games being released in this year alone, it can be a bit difficult to decide which ones you want to see wrapped up under the tree. I’m going to give you my list of the 5 best titles for Xbox 360 this year as well as a short list of essential titles and downloadable games worth your hard drive space, as well as a list of worthwhile accessories.

If you have anything you’d like to add or if you’d like to make any suggestions to other readers, feel free to leave your ideas in the comments section below!

2009 Releases:

• Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

If you never got around to playing the original Modern Warfare, I highly recommend you play the recently released sequel. Turning up the heat on the already stellar gameplay, Modern Warfare 2 is a must have gift for any shooter fan this Christmas.
(Our review )

• Assassin’s Creed II

Gamers love to kill. It’s pretty much an indisputable fact, but how many gamers have perfected the art of the kill? Assassin’s Creed II brings back the inventive stealth concept from the original and does it much, much better. Amazing visuals, a huge open world to explore, and beautiful choices of how to kill all make for one awesome Christmas gift.

• Forza Motorsport 3

Americans have the need for speed, and Forza Motorsport 3 definitely delivers. Forza has always boasted it’s realism to buyers, and this has left the first two games with a somewhat difficult learning curve. Okay, they’re actually both really hard. But the good news is that Forza Motorsport 3 has been tuned to provide an enjoyable experience to anyone. With hundreds of killer cars to drive, and nearly infinite customization options, it’s hard to recommend any other game to racing enthusiasts.

• The Beatles: Rock Band

Everyone loves The Beatles, their music is universal. The makers of Rock Band have decided the create a new product that is just as much a tribute as it is a video game. The Beatles: Rock Band brings back the familiar gameplay of previous Rock Band titles, and adds a whole new dimension to the franchise. Compiling an impressive list of recognizable Beatles songs and creating a unique career experience, they have truly captured the spirit of The Beatles in a a game that’s an absolute blast to play.

• Left 4 Dead 2

The original Left 4 Dead was a wet dream come true for zombie enthusiasts everywhere. Lots of shooting, hordes of zombies, and a whole lot of blood. Left 4 Dead 2 builds on just about everything from the original. More guns, chainsaws, and improved gore. Take the game online and you have a whole new experience. With the Xbox Live community growing ever stronger, Left 4 Dead 2 will definitely be a top dog in the online gaming plane.

Essentials
Of course, the 360 has been around for a good long while. Here are some of the must-own titles that no library is complete without. These games have already made a name for themselves, so I didn’t even see the need to include a reason why they would make a great gift. If you or your loved one has a 360 but is lacking these games, they are no brainers.

• Grand Theft Auto IV
• Halo 3
• Fallout 3
• Rock Band 2
• Viva Pinata

Downloadable Games
One of the greatest things about this generation of gaming is the huge amount of downloadable software, and the Xbox 360’s game marketplace is bustling with quality titles for you to spend your MS Points on.

I MAED A GAM3 W1TH ZOMBIES 1N IT

This one should be a given, it’s a dollar, it’s wicked fun, you don’t even have to get up to buy it. Buy it.
(Our review)

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Simple 2D platforming action and a good amount of content for the price you’re paying. Fans of the originals should definitely check this one out.

Alien Hominid HD

Alien Hominid does enough to separate itself from other arcade shooters to make it worth checking out. The quirky graphics and fast-paced gameplay make it a solid selection from the Live Arcade.

Accessories

• Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit

In today’s economy it’s becoming more and more difficult to afford even the smallest things, batteries included. With the Play and Charge Kit you don’t have to worry about ever replacing the batteries in your Xbox 360 controller. Just plug it in to the 360’s USB port and charge up your battery pack while you play. A good investment for the hardcore gamer, since it will probably pay for itself in a couple of weeks.

• Xbox Live Messenger Kit

Now that Xbox Live offers Twitter, Facebook, and various other social services from the dashboard it’s finally worth dropping the cash for a keyboard. The kit clips into the bottom of your controller and gives you a full QWERTY keyboard. It seems a bit trivial at first sight, but go use the on screen keyboard to update your status or send a tweet. I think you’ll understand why I recommend it after that hellish experience.

• Xbox 360 Live Wireless Headset

No one likes wires these days, that much is for true. This wireless headset from Microsoft is a sleek, comfortable, and quality replacement to your wired headset. Emitting audible tones when it’s love on charge, and being rechargeable afterward, this headset is a good investment for the ones who have that extra long neck, or abnormally long arms and can’t cope with the 12 inch wire most headsets include.