Non-gamer’s Christmas gaming gift guide

Buying a game as a present for a gamer can be stressful if you don’t indulge in digital interactive entertainment yourself.

You may think that just because everyone is talking about Mario, Nintendo’s latest version of the plumber’s kart racer will be a logical choice for your friend who spends his or her evenings slaying orcs.

Well, you would be wrong. In fact, your friend probably does not even own a Nintendo Wii U and will punch you in the kidney if they unwrap a copy of Mario Kart 8 on Christmas Day.

To make sure you avoid peeing blood, here’s a helpful guide gift guide for all you newbs.

NB: Please find out which platform (PC, PlayStation 4, etc) your friend games on before buying the game.

For the explorer – Dragon Age: Inquisition

50 hours in and I am still going strong. Dragon Age: Inquisition is the biggest and best game of 2014 and is sure to satisfy your adventurous friend.

For the shooter – Far Cry 4

Far Cry 4 has everything you could ever ask for in a shooter: explosions, rabid eagles, elephant riding, and wing suits. Your gun-crazy friend can explore Kyrat while hunting honey badgers, clearing out outposts occupied by mercenaries, and ultimately putting an end to the enemy’s plans.

For the sociable, couch-lover – LittleBigPlanet 3

If your friend is looking for some fun adventure this December, LittleBigPlanet 3 is the best game on offer. Sackboy and his friends return to the Imagisphere to save it from complete chaos, and it will take more than one player to get the job done.

For the treasure hunter – Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition

There has never been a better time to get into Diablo 3 and its loot-filled world. Blizzard has gone out of its way to ensure your gift will keep on giving for weeks on end.

For the history lover – Assassin’s Creed Unity

The biggest Assassin’s Creed in the franchise has had a bumpy start, but thanks to the support from Ubisoft the game is now stable and is becoming fun to play. Your history-buff friend will thank you.

For the free spirit – Grand Theft Auto V

Los Santos is looking better than ever on the PS4 and Xbox One, and your mate who enjoys roaming the countryside (while occasionally murdering a drifter) will be more than content to discover it all.

For the space cadet/hard worker – Destiny

Destiny needs a gamer who is not afraid of a little grinding and farming (that means hard work), but the rewards are great. If your mate has always wanted to explore the moon, Venus, Mars, and Uranus, then Destiny is the game for them.

Okay, there is no Uranus, but that joke is still funny.