Best video games of 2006, in no particular order -- except for the first listing that is truly an exceptional load of fun.
1) Guitar Hero 2 from Red Octane/Activision (for Playstation 2, Rated T, $79.99)
The ultimate air guitar fantasy comes to life as players get off their butts, strap on a guitar and match the notes to some classic tunes as they fly by on screen. Last night I conquered an Anthrax and Megadeth song and my hand fell off. And as a father, I could not have been prouder after watching my 7-year old flawlessly execute "Freebird" during a performance at Stonehenge. Rock on little fellow.
2) Gears of War from Microsoft (for Xbox 360, Rated M, $59.99)
This way-too-realistic, third person sci-fi war game offers a stunning cinematic package never really seen in a video game before. My first encounter with a gigantic blind monstrosity called a Berserker left me visibly shaken and forced my wife to up my dosage of Xanax.
3) Dead Rising from Capcom (for Xbox 360, rated M, $59.99)
Zombies invade a mall and the player must fight to survive. It was a pulse pounding, stroke inducing experience that made me equally appreciate the use of a chain saw as well as a hedge trimmer as a potent weapon.
4) LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy from LucasArts (for Xbox 360, rated E, $49.99)
A game that refuses to take George Lucas' goofy mythology seriously and will delight the entire family. Moments with naked stormtroopers, a slap-happy Princess Leia and a Gamorrean-munching Rancor brought tears to my eyes.
5) Marvel Ultimate Alliance from Activision (for Xbox 360, Rated T, $49.99)
Both over the top in the action and gorgeous presentation, the game allows players to cooperatively control the mightiest of Marvel heroes to challenge a cabal of villains assembled by Dr. Doom. Sequential art readers will appreciate the care taken by developer Raven Software as it delivered an exceptional comic book video game.
6) Rayman Raving Rabbids from Ubisoft (for Wii, Rated E, $49.99)
Nintendo's fantastic game system that demands the player interact through wireless control and motion sensing technology got a very silly but hilarious adventure to compliment its potential. A group of minigames spearheaded by the legendary hero Rayman allow humans to shoot rabbits with plungers, shot put a cow, sheer some sheep, whack a bunny and jump rope. The title will reduce wrists to Jello but plant a big smile on the ole' kisser.
Extra pop mention
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth II from Electronic Arts (for Xbox 360, Rated T, $59.99) The ultimate real time strategy and micro management game for Tolkien fans delivered a gorgeous war game as player can maneuver goblins, dwarves elves and those Men of the West through massive battles and campaigns.
- Joseph Szadkowski
