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The Playboy.com 2007 Holiday Gift Guide

First-rate selections are available for every system and budget. At $250, Nintendo's gesture-tracking Wii (with Wii Sports pack-in) lets anyone join the fun. Recent price drops on Sony's PlayStation 3 ($400 for the 40GB model; $600 for the 80GB edition with frantic racer MotorStorm) put high-def graphics and Blu-ray film/software compatibility within reach. The online-ready Xbox 360 ships in three new flavors: the bare-bones Arcade pack ($280); fan-favorite Halo 3 edition ($400 with custom finish, wireless controller and headset); and premium Elite bundle ($450 with 120GB hard drive, HDMI and two games). Pile on a slimmer, lighter PlayStation Portable ($170) and newly crimson and black Nintendo DS's ($130) continued dominance, and it's anybody's game. Per the following special editions, you're finally sporting more killer stocking stuffer options than Santa has goodies in his sack.

Halo 3: Legendary Edition

From: Microsoft | For: Xbox 360 | $129.99

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With millions of copies sold, this groundbreaking on-foot/vehicular sci-fi shooter is a landmark industry event. Celebrate one-man army Master Chief's return to active duty throughout a newly high-resolution solo campaign and brilliant broadband-ready multiplayer showdowns. Must-see extras in the monumental Legendary Edition include a plastic replica of the hero's helmet cum collectible case and two discs crammed with bonus content. HD-quality making-of documentaries and featurettes, an audiovisual calibration utility for home theater enthusiasts, remastered movie sequences, developer commentary and eye-popping storyboard art are just the beginning. Lock and load, soldier.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Bundle

From: RedOctane | For: PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360 | $89.99 (PS2/Wii), $99.99 (360/PS3)

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Don't let your lack of musical talent dampen your stadium-headlining ambitions. Instead, enjoy instant stardom shredding to 40 years' worth of hit singles by chart-toppers like Pearl Jam, Poison and Guns N' Roses on a wireless Gibson guitar controller. The bundle includes the instrument, game, an exchangeable faceplate, sticker pack and guitar strap, letting you instantly compete against iconic thrashers like Slash or Audioslave's Tom Morello in heated boss battles. Among featured highlights: built-in online cooperative/head-to-head play and 70-plus songs from "Paranoid" to "Welcome to the Jungle." For those about to rock, we salute you.tor, a computerized "orbiter" continually shifts the entire onscreen image gradually over time. And if you must fiddle with the saturated colors, the remote control's novel "Before and After" setting lets you compare your original and revised pictures back to back.

Rock Band: Special Edition

From: MTV Games/Electronic Arts | For: PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 | $159.99 (PS2), $169.99 (360/PS3)

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Dream of playing sold-out shows and swimming in a sea of scantily clad groupies, but can't keep a tune to save your life? Then cop Rock Band: Special Edition, which packages the hard-partying game with a Fender Stratocaster controller, drum set and USB microphone peripherals. With the tools to create the ultimate garage act in your hands, aspiring virtuosos can play guitar, bass and drums or warble along to tracks like Metallica's "Enter Sandman" or Nirvana's "In Bloom." Between ample bonus song downloads and options to link up and jam with buddies via the Internet, consider it the ultimate backstage pass.

Assassin's Creed Limited Edition

From: UbiSoft | For: PS3, Xbox 360 | $69.99

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One of the first titles to illustrate the full power of next-generation consoles, Assassin's Creed shines for its eye-popping stunts and realistic crowds, the movement and mood of which can help or hinder assassination plots. Happily, those keen on stalking the battlements of 12th century Jerusalem or dueling with armored knights can count on the Limited Edition kit to really hone their killer instinct. Beyond a slick tin box, owners also receive a three-inch figure of star Altair (a superhumanly acrobatic, hood-wearing hit-man), mini-strategy guide and bonus disc with short films, trailers and interviews. Remember, it's not a crime if you don't get caught.

Mass Effect Limited Edition

From: Microsoft | For: Xbox 360 | $69.99

buy it now

Journey to the galaxy's far corners in this futuristic role-playing masterpiece from genre kingpin BioWare, whose dazzling beauty and spellbinding storyline are matched only by its unprecedented atmosphere. When not engaged in furious team-based battles using high-tech weaponry and advanced scientific discoveries, approach every conversation and exchange with care, as actions have lasting ethical consequences. Limited Edition bonuses include: a 36-page concept art book; universe guide; and bonus DVD touting supporting videos, trailers, soundtrack selections and Xbox 360 themes/gamer pics that make the journey that much more memorable.