Viva Pinata (PC, Xbox360; Microsoft) This is a great game that inspired a TV cartoon but didn't burn up the sales chart. It is available for low prices and although not new, it is still a great family Christmas item. Players must learn how to raise various pinata types and arrange gardens to welcome others.

T for Teen:

Eternal Sonata (Xbox 360; Namco Bandai) Enter an amazing fantasy world where a young girl calls out for help. On his deathbed, famous composer Chopin finds himself caught in this fantasy world, somewhere between life and death. With next-generation, high-definition animated graphics, the game moves to the original music of Chopin.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii; Activision) In the latest version of this smash-hit series, rock out to more than 70 legendary rock anthems with more available to download online. Have a friend strap on a second guitar controller and hash it out in guitar battle or co-op modes, or jump online and test your game skills against others around the globe. The third version of the rock franchise features a new guitar and is playable on the Wii for the first time. All platforms feature a wireless controller. A family game that will force kids to pry the Les Paul guitar from parent's hands.

Jeanne D'arc (PSP; Sony Computer Entertainment) Take on the role of the famous Jeanne D'arc in this fantasy game loosely based on the crusading heroine. Jeanne, along with her friends, battle demons and the king of England to save France in one of the best role-playing games for the PSP this year.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Anniversary (PS2, PC, Wii; Eidos) Lara's on the hunt for the Scion of Atlantis, and she's working her way across the globe to get it. You explore an ancient city in Peru, where you attempt to master the commands using the "Wii-mote" and solve puzzles to open new levels and layers. The nearly 360-degree camera also adds a new dimension to the game. The puzzles can be frustrating at times, if only because they don't come as easily as you think they should. The action in the game is good, and the scenes where Lara needs to use her guns to solve problems make the Wii more interactive than others.

Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar (PC, Turbine) This is a multiplayer online game that requires a high-speed internet connection, a subscription and a major time commitment. It puts players in the interactive world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth around the time of the first part of his "The Lord of the Rings" novel. Developer Turbine has shown already its desire to expand the game via free online updates.