DiRT (PS3, Xbox 360; Codemasters) DiRT is easily the best racing game for the Xbox 360. Sure, some areas could have been better — particularly when it comes to tweaking vehicles. There is no other racing game that can compete with DiRT in terms of tracks and landscapes. Most racing games feature a track that you circle over and over again. Many tracks in DiRT are one very long lap through varied terrain. DiRT is a blast.

Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night (DS, PS2, Wii; Sierra) If you remember fondly the early adventures of Spyro, you're in for a treat. Our little dragon's gaming capability is all grown up, with new attacks, the ability to bend time whenever he wants and some pretty sophisticated moves. He's as endearing as ever, but a lot more versatile and just plain fun. This one's not just for the little folk any more. We loved it.

Mario and Sonic at the Olympics (DS, Wii; Sega of America) Play your favorite Nintendo and Sega characters as they compete at the Olympics. Designed to tie into the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing, Mario and friends compete in track and field, swimming, gymnastics and other sports. The commands can be complex (one event has 11 separate steps), and some of the mini-games packed into this can be frustrating when the game doesn't interpret the commands properly. Still, it is entertaining for kids and adults.

Mercury Meltdown (PSP, PS2, Wii; Ignition Entertainment) There are slight variations in the name and the controls, depending on the gaming system, but the basics are the same: You have to move tricky spilled mercury through a series of labs. It's a lot easier herding cats — and a lot less fun. This game takes concentration and a firm application of logic to figure out how to get the job done. Also pleasing is the lower-than-average price.

MY SIMS (Wii, EA Games) While the Sims' games were sometimes too meticulous in creating a character, home and city, "MY SIMS" brings the simple life back to video gaming. Instead of spending hours deciding on a shirt style, "MY SIMS" lets the gamer get into taking care of the town as soon as the character is created. "MY SIMS" lies more in the "Harvest Moon" or "Animal Crossing" vein as the characters, who now look Japanese anime worthy, are able to fish, dig for fossils, plant trees, harvest fruit, build houses, design furniture and find secret passages. Heck, the characters can even sing karaoke.

Nancy Drew: The Legend of the Crystal Skull (PC for Windows Vista/XP; Her Interactive) This game's a puzzler and sometimes it moves a little slow, but the graphics, sound quality and compelling story make this a pleasing gift for the clever girls on your list.