14 gifts gamers would actually want

One of the most original games of 2012 returns with a sequel that's improved in almost every way. The supernatural tale of revenge was set in a world that mixes Victorian-era technology with magic. The best thing about it was the freedom it afforded players to find creative solutions and take their own path. Whether you carved a bloody swathe through the world or chose not to kill a single person, Dishonored left it entirely up to players.

The sequel ($60) doubles down on this by offering two playable characters to choose from, each with a distinct set of creative powers -- like Domino, which links enemies together so whatever happens to one, happens to all. It's satisfying to stealthily link a group of enemies, before using a single sleeping dart on one to drop them into a deep sleep at the same time.