"Spore" — is a a fairly complex game where you play a god by creating life and helping it evolve from a cell to a full-blown, thinking creature. It's your baby, and you get to decide how it looks, what it eats and how it interacts with other creatures. It takes simlike games to a new level of real fun and excitement. Do you want a large mouth and hooks for battle or the ability to sing and dance to impress other tribes? Spore is as much fun for adults as kids. Better yet, it's something parents can play with their children. PC and Mac; rated E for Everyone

"Animal Crossing City Folk" — A great addition to the "Animal Crossing" game family. This time gamers not only dig up fossils, design house floor plans, go fishing, write and receive letters, catch insects and visit a museum, but they can also take a bus ride to the city. There they can get their fortunes, get a makeover, which incorporates the use of the Wii's Mii gallery, and auction off or buy items placed in the auction house. Or hook up to Wi-Fi and visit other towns across the globe. Wii; rated E for Everyone.

Teens and older

"Fallout 3" — A deep, rich role-playing game set in the wide-open radioactive wastelands of Washington, D.C., this title contends for best of the year. It isn't for kids because of the vivid violence, strong language and the horrors of the apocalypse. But its pitch-perfect design, strong plot, cool customization and an excellent combat system (not the focus of the game) make the game hard to put down. PC, PS3, Xbox 360; rated M for Mature for blood, violence, gore, adult themes, language.

"Mirror's Edge" — Only rarely do games really innovate in style and game play rather than improve on or tweak previous ideas, but when they do they are difficult to ignore. "Mirror's Edge" runs players through obstacle courses atop and inside skyscrapers with innovative game controls and action but also a plot that sucks you in. The game is brilliant in design and execution with some gunplay and PG-13 curse words. The stakes are intense, making it a great game for older teens and adults. Xbox 360, PC, PS3; rated T for Teens

"Guitar Hero: World Tour" — "Guitar Hero" was out in front on the incredibly popular rhythm gaming front, but "Rock Band" answered the bell and left the innovators behind. With "World Tour," the franchise picks up a lot of ground, and this is a great party game. The great news is that for some consoles, your "Rock Band" instruments work with "World Tour" and vice versa. Check with a game-specialist retailer if that is important to you. Xbox 360, PS2, PS3; rated T for Teen

"The World Ends With You" — Thisaction/role-playing game glows with graffiti-infused style, an intricate plot and complex game play. Set in a trendy district of Tokyo, players control Neko as he battles various fantastic monsters and shops for the latest fashions. It sounds like a strange mix, but it works. A unique experience. Nintendo DS; rated T for Teen