10 Last Minute Gifts To Get Your Gamer Dad

Once again, PC gamers are able to leap into the world of sword-and-sorcery. One of the most critically acclaimed games this year, Skyrim may be the game that splits your parents! Dad will get his chance to beat an evil dragon god with sights on the end of the world. Noted for its story, game play and customization, Skyrim is one of the best-selling RPGs to date. Make sure you take a good look at dad’s PC so that it meets the system requirements though. If your father longs for lands of warriors, dragons and arrow to the knee jokes, this will surely leave a smile on his face.

Cost: $59.99
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The only thing better than golfing is a great golfing simulator. Pops may not play like Tiger but with PGA Tour 13, he may feel like he can. Available for both PS3 and the Xbox 360, the golfing game allows gamers to play some of the best courses in the world including the National Champion Course and Royal Birkdale. In the “Legacy Challenge” mode, Dad will get to play as a young Tiger all the way up to his run at Jack Nicklaus’ record. Tell Dad you’ll even caddy for him (just bring beer to the console.)

Cost: $39.99
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Your father may be dad during the day but you can also give him the chance to live out his fantasy of being a crimefighter by night. Rocksteady’s Award winning video game adventure puts players in the role of Gotham’s Dark Knight. Bruce Wayne once again jumps into the cape and cowl to stop his rogue’s gallery including Mister Freeze, the Penguin, Two-Face and the Joker himself. Far more extensive than its predecessor, Arkham City has won the highest praise of critics everywhere. You’ve called your dad a superhero in the past, let him prove it now.

Cost: $49.99
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Just like the Microsoft point option, you can go a similar route for the Playstation. The Sony network, via the Playstation 3, can offer the man of the house a chance to buy movies, games and other downloadable items. Cards come in denominations of ranging from $10 up to $50. These are also great ways to protect credit card information by using the gift card instead of your own plastic. You can purchase the PSN gift cards just about anywhere where video games are sold.

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Gaming is great but gaming online and kicking some multiplayer ass is better. Points once only allowed Dad to put cool clothes on his avatar but now he can add-on the ever-growing apps available on Xbox Live. He’ll be able to watch ESPN, Hulu, rent movies as well as call in air strikes on someone else’s dad playing across the world online. Points come in varying amounts and paid memberships will differ in time (e.g. three months, one year, etc.) Give him the chance to sit back in the chair and enjoy the Xbox for more than just games.

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Microsoft’s controller-less motion sensor would let Pops go bowling, fight Darth Vader or even get in a good workout. In addition to gaming, the Kinect offers great connection with the Xbox dashboard and its growing gallery of apps. Dad will be able to just wave his hand and stream a movie or browse the Internet. The Xbox 360’s Kinect is a proven crowd pleaser and with the additional titles that are being released for the sensor, Dad will go wild over the chance to play ping pong while still holding his beer.

Cost: $179.97
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Father’s Day can also be a day of invasion: annoying relatives, gas from dinner or the alien Chimera. If he had to pick the lesser of evils, Daddy will probably choose the Chimera! Following in the popular long series of a decimated alternate history, Resistance: Burning Skies puts you in the control of Tom Riley. Out to survive the extraterrestrial attack, Riley just wants to find his family…and kill some space thugs along the way. It's totally a game that says “I Love you, Dad.” Be prepared however; if daddy gets hooked on Resistance: Burning Skies, you may end up buying him the rest of the series. That’s okay, there’s always Christmas.

Cost: $39.99
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Nothing says Happy Father’s Day like playing as a girl who can control gravity. The cel-shaded adventure pushes the Vita’s hardware to new and exciting possibilities as Kat (your dad’s inner girl adventurer) runs and shifts what’s up down and what’s down up. Along the way, she’ll join up with mysterious black cats and fight the monstrous villain Nevi. Gravity Rush will also allow your Dad to experience the touchscreen power of the Vita as well as its gyro sensor when the handheld is tilted and gravity goes awry. While Sony continues to build its Vita line up, consider Gravity Rush a worthwhile gift and a mind-tripping experience.

Cost: $39.99
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When the first Diablo came out, you may have been a little guy but Dad was suited up in armor and whipping out spells against the devil himself. Now that Blizzard’s record shattering PC game is burning up computers worldwide, it’s time you help Dad return to Tristram. With eye-dropping graphics and addictive gameplay, the role playing game will give your father months of new experiences as gruff barbarians, powerful wizards, spooky witch-doctors and more. Consider the Collector’s Edition or the digital download and skip the "Kiss the Cook" apron.

Cost: $59.99
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Sony’s newest handheld rocked the market with its release. With dual cameras, Wi-Fi and 3G capability and an impressive line of games, the Vita is a welcome addition to Dad’s time between meetings, flights or commute to work. The device features a 5-inch capacitive touchscreen, two analog sticks, a direction pad, a rear touch pad, two cameras (a front and a rear), microphone and stereo speakers. You’ll need a proprietary memory card to get the gaming experience up and running but it’s worth it. Let the old man kick ass as Nathan Drake or lay the smack down as Ryu fighting Wolverine.

Cost: $299.99
Buy it here