Find the Right Game
Eric Gwinn - Chicago Tribune
Dec 07, 2007
The video gaming universe is exploding. October alone saw more than $500 million worth of video games sold -- 39 percent more than October 2006 -- according to the NPD Group, an industry tracker. And that's just the games, not the systems they play on. In October, Nintendo sold half a million Wii consoles. Sales also surged for Microsoft's Xbox 360, thanks to the arrival of the hit game "Halo 3," which works only on the 360.
It's a whole new world for people who may be thinking of giving games or systems as gifts this season. That's why we've made this primer on the top titles gamers want.
"Rock Band"
WHO WANTS IT? Non-musicians who've longed to join a band.
While one player sings into the microphone, another plays a toy guitar, and a third bangs on the drums (a fourth can buy an extra guitar and join the fun). It's like Simon Says -- when a color comes on screen, hit the drum or squeeze the guitar button that matches the color, while the vocalist sings, karaoke-style. If everyone does it in rhythm, you'll score points and advance from playing smoky bars to sold-out arenas.
PRICE: $170 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360; $150 for PlayStation 2, goes on sale Dec. 18
RATING: E, for everyone
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"Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare"
WHO WANTS IT? Military/news junkies who want to save the world.
The "Call of Duty" series reached legendary status as a World War II-based combat game. Now, the action shifts to the present and to fictionalized events of a world gripped in terror told from the perspectives of a U.S. Marine and a British SAS soldier. The single-player mode is way too short, so get this only if you plan to play with buddies who are in your living room or online.
PRICE: $60; PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
RATING: M, for gamers 17 and older
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"The Orange Box"
WHO WANTS IT? Adventuresome types who wonder what all the "Half-Life" fuss is about.
No orange box, just five really good, inventive games from Valve: "Half-Life 2" and its sequels, "Half-Life 2: Episode One"; "Half-Life 2: Episode Two," in which Dr. Gordon Freeman and his crowbar must rescue the world from the fate he has caused; "Portal," an ingenious puzzle game that spirits you around the "Half-Life" world; and "Team Fortress 2," a good revival of the game that started multiplayer play (but don't expect "Halo 3.")
PRICE: $60; PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
RATING: M, for gamers 17 and older
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"Super Mario Galaxy"
WHO WANTS IT? Puzzle lovers who like to be active.
Once again Mario has to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser's clutches, but this time Nintendo takes him into outer space. Wiggling and waving the Wii remote feels like second nature as you bounce baddies in this simply beautiful game for young and old alike.
PRICE: $50; Nintendo Wii
RATING: E, for everyone
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"Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition"
WHO WANTS IT? Trigger-happy horror lovers.
Fending off zombies has never been more fun than in this bleak nightmare-scape shoot-'em-up. Using the Wii remote and the Nunchuck controller, you take on wave after wave of the undead. Scary fun.
PRICE: $50; Nintendo Wii
RATING: M, for gamers 17 and older
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"Halo 3"
WHO WANTS IT? Straight-shooters who can be competitive and cooperative.
Tired of getting killed online by smirking 13-year-olds? This game shows you replays of the battle you just completed, so you can learn from your mistakes and turn the tables. Few things beat going online to play 26th Century paintball against players from across the globe.
PRICE: $60; Xbox 360
RATING: M, for gamers 17 and older
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"Ninja Gaiden Sigma"
WHO WANTS IT? Anyone who grew up playing fighting games in the arcades.
It's a bloody, button-mashing frenzy, but don't hold that against this title from Tecmo. Never mind the story. This game is about pressing the right combination of buttons to artfully dispatch a menacing ninja as others close in. It's old-school fun.
PRICE: $60; PlayStation 3
RATING: M, for gamers 17 and older
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"Mass Effect"
WHO WANTS IT? Analytical types who can think several steps ahead.
Bioware's long-awaited game stumbles in a couple of places -- could your computer-controlled companions be more accident-prone? -- but as a futuristic role-playing game built on moral choices, "Mass Effect" makes you think on your feet.
PRICE: $60; Xbox 360
RATING: E, for everyone
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"Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock"
WHO WANTS IT? Expert air guitar fiends.
Its predecessors had more whimsical charm, but "GH III" has a way bigger song list. Today's radio hits will be golden oldies by the time you master this game.
PRICE: $140-$200 with guitar controller; all systems
RATING: E, for everyone
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"Skate"
WHO WANTS IT? Skateboarders who grind everything but their teeth.
A challenging skateboarding game that uses the controller's right stick to pull off combos like a real-world rider. Your patience, persistence and practice will be rewarded with some smooth moves.
PRICE: $60; PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
RATING: E, for everyone
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"Bioshock"
WHO WANTS IT? Mystery lovers who think first, shoot second.
An intelligent game that's more about outwitting the game's enemies than blowing them up (though the game is gory). What's the deal with this strange underwater utopia created by an eccentric business titan? Test your wits to find out.
PRICE: $60; Xbox 360
RATING: M, for gamers 17 and older
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"Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure"
WHO WANTS IT? The curious and whimsical kid in all of us.
Use your Wii remote as a saw, a hammer, a bell or other tools to help a young pirate wannabe become the world's baddest buccaneer. Cartoony, but it's a game everyone can enjoy.
PRICE: $50; Nintendo Wii
RATING: E, for everyone
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