So anybody that's into games knows this upcoming holiday is going to unleash an avalanch of great games. How is one unemployed gamer supposed to handle the oncoming deluge of awesomeness? No, really, that's not posed as a rhetorical question: If you have any suggestions I'm all ears! I'm still trying to find a job because my last one was strictly a seasonal position. The only problem is nobody seems to be hiring. But I'm getting off track. I've compiled a list of my most anticipated games for this holiday season. I'm not even going to try and compile a list that incorporates my most anticipated for next year since a lot of games have been pushed back to the beginning quarter of 2010 which turned out to be a relief. The following games are what I call "Day One Purchases" that I feel are worth buying the day they come out. There are a lot of games I am interested in and want to get, but not on Day One. Very few games get marked this esteemed position by me because money is tight. So here is my list:

Week of October 4th:

Demon's Souls - This is a game that I was completely unaware of until I joined up at another PS3 forum and one of the members was raving about it. Initially slated as a Japanese-only title it is now coming to N. America curtesy of Atlus (*crosses fingers for the eventual release of Yakuza 3 as well*). This game (like many on this list) will be coming in two flavors: The barebones game and a collector's edition. The CE includes a 150+ page guide and an artistic slipcase. GameStop is also offering a pre-order bonus that includes the CD soundtrack and forty page artbook. All for the value of $69.99.

Week of October 11th:

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves - Looking to capitalize on the success of the first game, U2 promises to deliver an even more explosive and cinematic experience; as well as packing in a multiplayer mode. Pre-orders at GameStop include an exclusive multiplayer demo as well as an exclusive in-game "revenge attribute" all for the more economic price of $59.99

Week of Nov. 8th:

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - Probably the most highly anticipated game this holiday season. But I'm not jumping on the bandwagon. My intentions are strictly practical because I've always wanted a pair of nightvision goggles Coming in not one, not two, but THREE iterations, MW2 is about as premiere as you can get with the Prestige Edition* fetching $149.99 but also coming with: Steel book w/ metallic finish, artbook, token to download the original CoD, night vision goggles as well as a stand to hold your goggles.

God of War collection - The first two GoW games were fantastic. So how could they make two already awesome games even awesomner? By overhauling the graphics to 720p and throwing in trophy support for both! Yes! What will most assuredly turn out to be the definitive editions of these two games is getting star treatment for its PS3 debut. If this wasn't enough to satisfy fans of the series then nothing will. And for those three people out there that haven't played these games yet now you have NO excuse for not getting some GoW action for $39.99.

Week of Nov. 15th:

Assassin's Creed II - The first AC was a noble effort in creating a viable, new IP and, was for the most part, an enjoyable game that unfortunately got bogged down in a bunch of repetitive side missions. However ACII promises to break that boring old cycle with offering new forms of game play in virtually every department; from completing missions to new moves. And the CE* comes with an 8.5" Ezio statue, artbook, collectible metal case, two exclusive in-game maps of the Palazzo Medici and Santa Maria Dei Frari, as well as including an additional content DVD with the game's soundtrack and behind-the-scenes documentary. All for the bargain price of $79.99

*All collector's editions contents are taken directly from GameStop.com and are subject to change at any time without any notice, and do not represent other CE's contents that may be available from other retailers.