What better way to celebrate the arrival of PlayStation’s most anticipated game of the year than with a blowout review? PTOM’s holiday issue cover feature breaks down the highs (many) and the lows (not many) of UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception. Yes, it’s bigger and better than its predecessor in nearly every expected way, but even we were surprised by what emerged as the game’s defining trait.

The holiday season always means a deluge of games to review, but the quality of titles available this year is unprecedented. Check out our verdicts on Batman: Arkham City, Saints Row: The Third, and Rayman Origins and you may come to same conclusion we have: Our friends and family had better be generous this year ’cause we can’t afford all this gaming goodness.

But if your thoughts run more toward giving than getting (sucker), PTOM’s annual Holiday Gift Guide offers up the best gamer loot..er, presents of the season. The PTOM staff even makes personal appearances in the feature and share their most precious memories of Christmas’ past for your mocking pleasure.

Previews? You want previews? How about our first play impressions of Rockstar’s Max Payne 3? We also go hands-on with Final Fantasy XIII-2, Mass Effect 3, and Syndicate, along with extended play sessions on a bevy of PS Vita titles including Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Resistance: Burning Skies, and up-and-comer Gravity Rush. The Vita preview barrage continues with 10 reasons why RPG fans should love the new portable system.

But we’ve saved the best for last…the last page of the magazine, that is. PTOM has been smitten with the holiday spirit and we’ve teamed with Mad Catz to give away three spectacular prize bundles. Flip to page 96 of PTOM’s Holiday issue, available on newsstands November 22, for entry details. Oh, and Happy Holidays everyone!