Google set to release Nexus One phone

Gotta love January. Lots of cool tech releases including an apparent press conference from Google next week to announce details of its new Nexus One touch screen phone.

The internet is buzzing with reports it will cost $530 for an unlocked version and $180 for a standard two-year contract on T-Mobile.

That means you can get the phone and use it on any provider's GSM network, like AT&T or T-Mobile.

It looks like the phone will come with a docking station and will automatically back up data when connected to a PC as well.

Time Warner cable customers: New HD channels coming

Time Warner Cable is adding several new high-definition channels for Charlotte-area customers today (Dec. 30):

History Channel HD, RFD HD, Showtime Showcase and Showtime Extreme HD, MoreMax HD, and ThrillerMax HD.

Earlier this month, TWC added eight HD movie on demand channels and NBA TV HD.

TWC has also added a new "Whole House Movies on Demand" feature. When you order an on-demand film now, whether new release, favorite or classic choice, you can watch that show on any of the TVs in your home that have the digital cable box attached. Simply chose "All Boxes" when confirming a purchase.

Ironman 2 Trailer released. Is it smoking?

I can't wait for the videogame, but the movie looks pretty good.

Thoughts?

Click here for the trailer

AT&T cell users, is your 3G getting better?

Verizon is pounding AT&T with its commercials about superior 3G service. At least in Charlotte, AT&T says it is doing something about it.

The company released details today about expansion of its Charlotte wireless network. The company said since the start of 2007, it's invested nearly $50 million in the Charlotte area network.

Those network enhancements include (from the press release):

· Upgrades to the cell sites and switches to support higher volumes of voice and data traffic.

· The addition of more than 230 T1 lines to add more voice and data capacity between the cell site and routing switch.

· The addition of a new Radio Network Controller, a network management equipment that significantly increased network capacity.

· 20 new cell sites and eight more before the end of the year adding to the nearly 280 that already exist in Charlotte, 100% of those sites are 3G; and expanded 3G service this year to cover the I-85 corridor all the way to Greensboro and added 3G service in Hickory and Concord.

AT&T said that next year it plans to roll out faster 3G speeds in Charlotte, along with 25 other top markets, as well as a new technology, HSPA 7.2, that doubles the peak speed of today's networks.

What's all that mean to you? Hopefully fewer dropped and missed calls and faster downloads of emails and webpages.

Is anyone seeing improvement or just liked what they have now?

Our take on X-Play Games of the Year

Tonight at 6 p.m. on G4, "X-Play," a TV Show dedicated to videogames, will announce its game of the year awards.

Here's our take on the nominees:

Game of the Year

Assassin’s Creed II

Borderlands

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

inFamous

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

OUR PICK: Assassin's Creed II (Italian Renaissance game was well done and well thought out. You could interact with a huge gaming "world" with virtually anything you could see or touch. I loved it).

Best Original Game

Borderlands

Brutal Legend

Flower

Scribblenauts

Shadow Complex

OUR PICK: Flower (who knew that playing out the dreams of a flower sitting on a windowsill could be so cool?).

Best Gameplay Innovation

Borderlands (Gun Tech)

Demon’s Souls (Multiplayer)

Modern Warfare 2 (Death Perks)

Red Faction: Guerilla (New Geo-Modding)

Scribblenauts (Vocabulary)

OUR PICK: Scribblenauts (You write a word on the DS and the graphic depiction of that word, more often than not, shows up on your screen. Totally original, dude)

Best Multiplayer Game

Borderlands

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Halo 3: ODST

Left 4 Dead 2

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

OUR PICK: Halo 3 (This is my homer pick. I'd pick CofD, but I just love the Halo series. I'm sold before I play it).

Best Action/Adventure Game

Assassin’s Creed II

Batman: Arkham Asylum

inFamous

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

OUR PICK: Batman (not sure the last two movies were much cooler than this)

Best Shooter

Borderlands

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Halo 3: ODST

Killzone 2

Left 4 Dead 2

OUR PICK: Call of Duty (I didn't pick it before, so I have to pick it now)

Best New Character

Chloe (Uncharted 2: Among Thieves)

Cole (inFamous)

Claptrap (Borderlands)

Eddie (Brutal Legend)

Ezio (Assassin’s Creed II)

OUR PICK: I kind of liked Morrigan from "Dragon Age: Origins" (the dark sorcerer kind of thing), but given the choices, give me Chloe, the pretty girl you should never trust.

Best Art Direction

Assassin’s Creed II

The Beatles: Rock Band

Borderlands

Brutal Legend

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

OUR PICK: Beatles. Just amazing attention to detail. You see the band members grow up and the colors are simply amazing.

Best Animation

Assassin’s Creed II

Fight Night Round 4

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time

Street Fighter IV

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

OUR PICK: Fight Night has always been brutally realistic and the fourth version was the best of all.

Best Writing

Assassin’s Creed II

Batman: Arkham Asylum

Brutal Legend

GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

OUR PICK: Batman. See comments above.

Best Original Soundtrack

Assassin’s Creed II

Flower

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Halo 3: ODST

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

OUR PICK: How is Beatles not here? But I guess I'll have to pick Uncharted. None of the choices here excited me.

Best Sound Design

The Beatles: Rock Band

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Killzone 2

Left 4 Dead 2

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

OUR PICK: Beatles. Hands down. This is one of the best videogames ever, if you like music driven games.

Best Downloadable Game

1 vs. 100

Battlefield 1943

Flower

Shadow Complex

'Splosion Man

OUR PICK: I didn't play anything in this category other than Flower, so I couldn't vote here.

Best Role-playing Game

Demon’s Souls

Dragon Age: Origins

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor

Torchlight

OUR PICK: I'd pick against the grain here and go with the "kiddie" game. Mario was well done.

Best Music Game

The Beatles: Rock Band

DJ Hero

Guitar Hero 5

LEGO Rock Band

Rock Band Unplugged

OUR PICK: DJ Hero is a long awaited "band" type game. People who like something other than rock got represented -- well.

Best Fighting Game

Street Fighter IV

Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny

BlazBlue

OUR PICK: Street Fighter. Old school still works.

Best Handheld Game

GTA: Chinatown Wars (DS)

LittleBigPlanet Portable (PSP)

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box

Rock Band Unplugged

OUR PICK: Mario. Just plain fun.

Best Sports Game

FIFA 10

Fight Night Round 4

MLB 09: The Show

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 (Wii)

Wii Sports Resort

OUR PICK: Can we write in Madden or NBA2K? No, Tiger on Wii was ground-breaking, so we'll go there.

Is an Apple tablet in our near future?

Rumors are flying that publishers are getting products ready to launch with an Apple tablet computer. Apple has been mostly mum about plans for a tablet computer, something smaller than a laptop that could be used to read books, newspapers, play games and surf the Web.

This week, Sports Illustrated released a video showing how the magazine might be read on a product like a tablet. It looks interesting. Advertisements are much more than pictures. Readers can click them and see live video. You can easily toggle pictures, even send them to friends via Facebook or e-mail. You can read articles and all content is in full-color.

It's like reading the magazine without having the paper (but also having it come alive when you want it to).

Here's the sample video.

NBA2K10 bests Live as best basketball sim

It’s basketball season, and of course that means new NBA games from EA Sports and 2K Sports. And it’s nice to have a little competition in hoops.

EA Sports bought an exclusive license from the NFL, essentially kicking 2K out of the video football wars.

In the basketball world, however, the companies are doing major battle.
EA Sports’ new NBA Live 10 (2.5 stars out of 4) looks better than ever. Much more than even EA’s Madden, this truly looks like a television broadcast.

The players’ models are true to size, and the game plays more realistically. In recent years, EA has been more like the old American Basketball Association (the league with the tri-colored balls): there was no defense.

Live was all about running and dunking and scoring. It was not a true simulation of the NBA. It was fun, but if you wanted true NBA style play, you had to look elsewhere.

This year, defenses are ramped up. Defenses help more and slap the ball away. If you ball hog, you’re in trouble. Shooting, though, is about a one button press – thank you.

My biggest issue was that players didn’t always act the way you’d expect: multiple players running out of bounds for no reason, something that seemed to happen frequently on inbounds passes.

EA has smartly brought back the Dynamic DNA mode that allows you to play the current NBA season with current stats. It allows you to control your own version of the current season.

So while NBA Live has made some improvements, it’s still a distant second to NBA 2K10 (3.5 stars out of 4) in about everything but looks.

The 2K guys just really seem to get sports games. 2K10 just feels, looks and plays like real basketball. Take the turbo boost button. You used to be able to press it and make your player move faster up and down the court. Now, you can still press it, but using it often will tire your player. To show how much, 2K adds a stamina bar.

If you use too much energy too quickly, you’ll have to rest that player longer than you’d hoped.

And of course, you want your star at full strength in the fourth quarter.
The NBA Today feature, similar to Dynamic DNA on Live, brings live results and matchup from the NBA to your video game world. Game stats match up with real-life stats (so long as you use Xbox Live). This, combined with “Living Rosters,” basically updates based on real-time trades and moves, and keeps your game fresh. This feature is presented by an ESPN-like NBA Insider who gives video blogs.

The My Player Mode allows you to create a player, train him and bring him up through the ranks, even potentially adding him to your team.

Ultimately, though, what is amazing about 2K10 is how real it seems. I have read about some folks having frame rate issues with the game. I did not experience that on the Xbox 360 version.

The facial expressions seem like the real thing (Kobe will jut his lower jaw out and grit his teeth in a big moment). The commentary from Kevin Harlan and Clark Kellogg and Reggie Miller seems endless and I love how when you’re on the road and doing well, you can silence the home crowd.

This is one of the best sports games of the year.

Langston Wertz Jr: 704-358-5133; lwertz@charlotteobserver.com; twitter.com/langstonwertzjr; facebook.com/langstonwertzjr;

Verizon CEO: iPhone on Verizon up to Apple

Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg said Monday that bringing the iPhone to Verizon is up to Apple.

Seidenberg's disclosure came as Verizon has launched several new ads designed at touting its network's superiority to AT&T, which currently carries the iPhone exclusively. Verizon has also launched a series of ads that present its upcoming Droid phone as an iPhone killer, leading to speculation that Apple has no plans to partner with Verizon.

"This is a decision that is exclusively in Apple's court," Seidenberg said. "Obviously we would be interested if they thought it would make sense for them to have us as a partner. And so we will leave it with them on that score. We want to broaden the base of choice for customers, and hopefully along the way, Apple, as well as others, will decide to jump on the bandwagon."

New Windows 7: Fast, stable; not Vista

Today, Microsoft debuts Windows 7 after spending the past few years trying to clean up the mess it made with Vista.

The new operating system, out of the box, is pretty good. But after months of online upgrades, Vista is pretty stable now - stable enough that I'm not sure Windows 7 - while significantly faster at most tasks - is going to be a huge leap for the average Vista user. Microsoft may also be making an upgrade confusing for consumers by offering four versions of the product, ranging from $119.99 to $219.99.

I installed Windows 7 on a low-end laptop, an older Dell desktop and a cheap tower I once bought my Mom for Christmas. The operating system ran pretty flawlessly on each one. Here's some of what I noticed:

Windows 7 is not as space- or memory-hungry as Vista. Games look great and play fast on the new system, especially the 64-bit version.

7 looks really good. You can personalize your desktop with screen packages that toggle pictures. 7 is not full of the pop-up alert that makes Vista a little annoying. Parental controls allow you to limit times the kids can use the computer or limit game use by rating.

Updating is going to take awhile. Expect a few hours to get the software running, then many more to get everything up-to-date. You can upgrade from Vista, but XP users will have to do a clean install and wipe their machine. Microsoft has created a pretty easy transfer system to keep old files safe, but you'll likely need a portable hard drive, and this might be a little much for novice users to attempt.

7 ports over Microsoft's neat DVD maker from Vista. It's good enough to prevent many users from needing to buy third-party software.

You can easily launch or view which apps are running, because representative icons now appear at the bottom of the screen (rather Mac-like). If you move your mouse over them, you can get a preview window.

Windows 7 has an XP mode (in Professional or Ultimate versions), which allows you to run XP in an application window. So if you have a favorite program that won't run in 7, you can run it in XP.

Networking is painless and simple. Using a Windows Live ID, you can easily stream content over the Internet to other Windows 7 PCs in your network. Search is super fast.

I think this time around Microsoft has things right. This OS still doesn't beat Apple's version, but it's the best Windows I've tried. It seems more stable and secure than previous versions.

Apple releases new iMac, mouse and notebook, ahead of Windows 7

Two days before Microsoft unveils its new Windows 7 operating system, Apple released a slew of new products: a new line of iMacs, a new line of Macbook laptops and a new wireless mouse.

The new iMac, an all-in-one desktop unit, has a 21.5-inch or 27-inch LED-backlit display. The widescreen monitors are capable of displaying HD video. The new iMacs feature faster processors that are up to twice as fast as previous generation iMacs. A new feature, called Turbo Boost, can shut off applications that are not using system resources and give that power to applications that are in use.

Base iMacs start from $1,199 to $1,999. A 21.5-inch version with 4 gigs of memory and a 1 terabyte hard drive is $1,499.

The new wireless mouse uses Apple's Multi-Touch technology, currently seen in iPods and iPhones. It allows customers to use finger gestures over the face of the mouse instead of using scroll wheels or balls. The new mouse comes standard with new iMacs or as an accessory for $69.

The new Macbook features a battery that lasts up to seven hours. The new model is 1.08 inches and now lighter at 4.7 bounds. The new unit has a 13-inch backlit widescreen display. The new laptop starts at $999 with a 2.26 gigahertz processor, 2 gigs of memory and a 250-gigabyte hard drive.

Channel Freddie Mercury in 'Singstar Queen'

SingStar Queen
PlayStation 3, $39.99
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The latest karaoke-inspired party game is one “American Idol” runner-up Adam Lambert would love.
Up to eight players can sing along with 25 Queen songs, including the beloved “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “Somebody to Love.” More tracks are available via paid downloads.
The better you sing, the more points you amass. And you don’t have to sing in Freddie Mercury’s ridiculous vocal register – you can drop down a few octaves, where real people live, without being penalized. There are multiple game modes, including “Battle” and “Pass the Mic,” and if you really want to laugh, you can listen to the songs as you sangsung them.
This was, um, a little humbling for me.
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Disney Sing It: Pop Hits
PlayStation and Wii consoles, $39.99
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One thing about all these “Rock Band”-type games: They usually stick with a specific musical genre. So it’s nice to see one that delivers songs from popular artists like Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana.
Players sing solo, in groups, or compete head-to-head. Like with “SingStar,” you can record and play back your performances. Disney Channel star Tiffany Thornton teaches breathing techniques and how to stay on pitch.
Rating: 3 out of 4 stars (Rated E for everyone)
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Baseball Blast!
Wii, $19.99
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2K Sports delivers another one of those simple-to-play games for the Wii that will bring hours of fun. The game features actual Major League teams and players in more than 20 mini-games like “Power Pitcher,” in which you rear back with your Wii-mote and try to bring the heat, and “Pennant Race” (my favorite), where you try to navigate a would-be homer out of the park in a Pac Man-like fashion.
Radio Hall of Famer Bob Uecker and former big leaguer Rob Dibble call the action. There’s also a pretty tough trivia mode.

Most popular videogame list for week of Oct. 5

Gotten emails recently from readers who wanted to know which games were most popular. Weekly, GameFly.com -- think of its as the Blockbuster or Netflix of online game renting -- puts out lists of popular choices from its rental fleet of more than 7,000 titles.

Here is this week's list:

Most Popular Games Cross-Platform:

1 Halo 3: ODSTXbox 360ShooterMicrosoft
2 Uncharted 2: Among ThievesPS3Action AdventureSony Computer Entertainment
3 Brutal LegendPS3, Xbox 360Action AdventureElectronic Arts
4 Need for Speed: ShiftPS3, Xbox 360, PSP GamesRacingElectronic Arts
5 BorderlandsPS3, Xbox 360ShooterTake Two
6 WetPS3, Xbox 360Action AdventureBethesda
7 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS, PSP Games, PS2RPGActivision
8 Batman: Arkham AsylumPS3, Xbox 360Action AdventureEidos
9 Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2PS3Action AdventureTecmo
10 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2PS3, Xbox 360ShooterActivision

Xbox 360 Most Popular Games:

1 Halo 3: ODSTShooterMicrosoft
2 Brutal LegendAction AdventureElectronic Arts
3 Need for Speed: ShiftRacingElectronic Arts
4 BorderlandsShooterTake Two
5 WetAction AdventureBethesda
6 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2RPGActivision
7 Batman: Arkham AsylumAction AdventureEidos
8 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2ShooterActivision
9 Left 4 Dead 2ShooterElectronic Arts
10 Operation Flashpoint: Dragon RisingShooterCodemasters

PlayStation 3 Most Popular Games:

1 Uncharted 2: Among ThievesAction AdventureSony Computer Entertainment
2 Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2Action AdventureTecmo
3 Need for Speed: ShiftRacingElectronic Arts
4 BorderlandsShooterTake Two
5 Batman: Arkham AsylumAction AdventureEidos
6 Demon's SoulsRPGAtlus
7 WetAction AdventureBethesda
8 Brutal LegendAction AdventureElectronic Arts
9 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2RPGActivision
10 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2ShooterActivision

Nintendo Wii Most Popular Games:

1 Dead Space ExtractionShooterElectronic Arts
2 New Super Mario Bros. WiiAction AdventureNintendo
3 Wii Sports ResortSportsNintendo
4 Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic GamesSportsSega
5 MySims AgentsAction AdventureElectronic Arts
6 Family Feud 2010 EditionKids/FamilyUbisoft
7 Wii Fit PlusStrategy/SimNintendo
8 A Boy and His BlobAction AdventureMajesco
9 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-UpAction AdventureUbisoft
10 Punch-Out!!FightingNintendo

PlayStation 2 Most Popular Games:

1 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-UpFightingUbisoft
2 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2RPGActivision
3 Kingdom Hearts: Re-Chain of MemoriesRPGSquare Enix
4 Madden NFL 10SportsElectronic Arts
5 Kingdom Hearts IIRPGSquare Enix
6 Scooby-Doo! First FrightsKids/FamilyWB Games
7 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010FightingTHQ
8 God of War IIAction AdventureSony Computer Entertainment
9 Kingdom HeartsRPGSquare Enix
10 Guitar Hero 5Arcade/PuzzleActivision

Nintendo DS Most Popular Games:

1 Kingdom Hearts 358/2 DaysRPGSquare Enix
2 Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside StoryAction AdventureNintendo
3 ScribblenautsArcade/PuzzleWB Games
4 Professor Layton & the Diabolical BoxAction AdventureNintendo
5 MySims AgentsAction AdventureElectronic Arts
6 Battle of Giants - DragonsAction AdventureUbisoft
7 Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of SkyStrategy/SimNintendo
8 The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick RoadRPGXseed Games
9 Where's Waldo: The Fantastic JourneyKids/FamilyUbisoft
10 Mario & Luigi: Partners in TimeRPGNintendo

PlayStation Portable Most Popular Games:

1 Gran TurismoRacingSony Computer Entertainment
2 Dissidia: Final FantasyRPGSquare Enix
3 Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown WarsAction AdventureTake Two
4 Soulcalibur: Broken DestinyFightingNamco
5 Assassin's Creed: BloodlinesAction AdventureUbisoft
6 PersonaRPGAtlus
7 Undead KnightsAction AdventureTecmo
8 Need for Speed: ShiftRacingElectronic Arts
9 Naruto Shippuden: Legends: Akatsuki RisingFightingNamco
10 MotorStorm Arctic EdgeRacingSony Computer Entertainment

Xbox Most Popular Games:

1 Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith LordsRPGLucasArts
2 Halo 2ShooterMicrosoft
3 Star Wars: Knights of the Old RepublicAction AdventureLucasArts
4 HaloShooterMicrosoft
5 Star Wars: Republic CommandoShooterLucasArts
6 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - 2nd EditionAction AdventureTake Two
7 Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi AcademyAction AdventureLucasArts
8 Star Wars: Battlefront IIAction AdventureLucasArts
9 FableRPGMicrosoft
10 Family Guy - Video Game!Action AdventureTake Two

GameCube Most Popular Games:

1 Super Mario SunshineAction AdventureNintendo
2 Mario Kart: Double DashRacingNintendo
3 Luigi's MansionAction AdventureNintendo
4 Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of TimeRPGNintendo
5 The Legend of Zelda: Twilight PrincessAction AdventureNintendo
6 Mario Party 7Kids/FamilyNintendo
7 Legend of Zelda: The Wind WakerAction AdventureNintendo
8 Legend of Zelda: Collector's EditionRPGNintendo
9 Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year DoorAction AdventureNintendo
10 Pokemon XD: Gale of DarknessAction AdventureNintendo

Game Boy Advance Most Popular Games:

1 Kingdom Hearts: Chain of MemoriesRPGSquare Enix
2 Pokemon Fire RedStrategy/SimNintendo
3 Pokemon EmeraldAction AdventureNintendo
4 Super Mario Advance 4Action AdventureNintendo
5 Final Fantasy VI AdvanceRPGNintendo
6 Pokemon: SapphireRPGNintendo
7 Pokemon Leaf GreenStrategy/SimNintendo
8 Legend of Zelda: Minish CapRPGNintendo
9 Pokemon: RubyRPGNintendo
10 Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3Action AdventureNintendo

Most Popular "E" Rated Games - Cross-Platform:

1 Need for Speed: ShiftPS3, Xbox 360, PSP GamesRacingElectronic Arts
2 NBA 2K10PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP Games, PS2SportsTake Two
3 Madden NFL 10PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP Games, PS2SportsElectronic Arts
4 Forza Motorsport 3Xbox 360RacingMicrosoft
5 NBA Live 10PS3, Xbox 360, PSP GamesSportsElectronic Arts
6 Kingdom Hearts 358/2 DaysDSRPGSquare Enix
7 New Super Mario Bros. WiiWiiAction AdventureNintendo
8 NHL 10PS3, Xbox 360SportsElectronic Arts
9 Wii Sports ResortWiiSportsNintendo
10 Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic GamesWii, DSSportsSega

Xbox 360 - Most Popular "E" Rated Games:

1 Need for Speed: ShiftRacingElectronic Arts
2 NBA 2K10SportsTake Two
3 Madden NFL 10SportsElectronic Arts
4 Forza Motorsport 3RacingMicrosoft
5 NBA Live 10SportsElectronic Arts
6 NHL 10SportsElectronic Arts
7 Mini NinjasAction AdventureEidos
8 FIFA Soccer 10SportsElectronic Arts
9 NCAA Football 10SportsElectronic Arts
10 Cloudy with a Chance of MeatballsKids/FamilyUbisoft

PlayStation 3 - Most Popular "E" Rated Games:

1 Need for Speed: ShiftRacingElectronic Arts
2 Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in TimeAction AdventureSony Computer Entertainment
3 NBA 2K10SportsTake Two
4 Madden NFL 10SportsElectronic Arts
5 NBA Live 10SportsElectronic Arts
6 Little Big PlanetAction AdventureSony Computer Entertainment
7 NHL 10SportsElectronic Arts
8 FIFA Soccer 10SportsElectronic Arts
9 Mini NinjasAction AdventureEidos
10 Katamari ForeverArcade/PuzzleNamco

Nintendo Wii - Most Popular "E" Rated Games:

1 New Super Mario Bros. WiiAction AdventureNintendo
2 Wii Sports ResortSportsNintendo
3 Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic GamesSportsSega
4 MySims AgentsAction AdventureElectronic Arts
5 Family Feud 2010 EditionKids/FamilyUbisoft
6 Wii Fit PlusStrategy/SimNintendo
7 A Boy and His BlobAction AdventureMajesco
8 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-UpAction AdventureUbisoft
9 Punch-Out!!FightingNintendo
10 Toy Story Mania!Kids/FamilyDisney Interactive

PlayStation 2 - Most Popular "E" Rated Games:

1 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-UpFightingUbisoft
2 Kingdom Hearts: Re-Chain of MemoriesRPGSquare Enix
3 Madden NFL 10SportsElectronic Arts
4 Kingdom Hearts IIRPGSquare Enix
5 Scooby-Doo! First FrightsKids/FamilyWB Games
6 Kingdom HeartsRPGSquare Enix
7 NCAA Football 10SportsElectronic Arts
8 NBA 2K10SportsTake Two
9 Marvel Super Hero SquadAction AdventureTHQ
10 BakuganAction AdventureActivision

Nintendo DS - Most Popular "E" Rated Games:

1 Kingdom Hearts 358/2 DaysRPGSquare Enix
2 Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside StoryAction AdventureNintendo
3 ScribblenautsArcade/PuzzleWB Games
4 Professor Layton & the Diabolical BoxAction AdventureNintendo
5 MySims AgentsAction AdventureElectronic Arts
6 Battle of Giants - DragonsAction AdventureUbisoft
7 Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of SkyStrategy/SimNintendo
8 The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick RoadRPGXseed Games
9 Where's Waldo: The Fantastic JourneyKids/FamilyUbisoft
10 Mario & Luigi: Partners in TimeRPGNintendo

PlayStation Portable - Most Popular "E" Rated Games:

1 Gran TurismoRacingSony Computer Entertainment
2 Need for Speed: ShiftRacingElectronic Arts
3 Madden NFL 10SportsElectronic Arts
4 BeateratorStrategy/SimTake Two
5 NBA Live 10SportsElectronic Arts
6 Little Big PlanetAction AdventureSony Computer Entertainment
7 Dirt 2RacingCodemasters
8 Final FantasyRPGSquare Enix
9 Half-Minute HeroRPGXseed Games
10 Cloudy with a Chance of MeatballsKids/FamilyUbisoft

Xbox - Most "E" Rated Popular Games:

1 Scooby Doo: UnmaskedKids/FamilyTHQ
2 Need for Speed: Underground 2RacingElectronic Arts
3 Madden NFL 09SportsElectronic Arts
4 SpongeBob SquarePants: The MovieAction AdventureTHQ
5 Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2RacingElectronic Arts
6 Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of CortexAction AdventureVivendi Universal
7 Star Wars Starfighter: Special EditionAction AdventureLucasArts
8 BionicleAction AdventureElectronic Arts
9 Fuzion FrenzySportsMicrosoft
10 Sonic HeroesAction AdventureSega

Gamecube - Most Popular "E" Rated Games:

1 Super Mario SunshineAction AdventureNintendo
2 Mario Kart: Double DashRacingNintendo
3 Luigi's MansionAction AdventureNintendo
4 Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of TimeRPGNintendo
5 Mario Party 7Kids/FamilyNintendo
6 Legend of Zelda: The Wind WakerAction AdventureNintendo
7 Legend of Zelda: Collector's EditionRPGNintendo
8 Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year DoorAction AdventureNintendo
9 Pokemon XD: Gale of DarknessAction AdventureNintendo
10 Sonic Adventure 2: BattleAction AdventureSega

Gameboy Advance - Most Popular "E" Rated Games:

1 Kingdom Hearts: Chain of MemoriesRPGSquare Enix
2 Pokemon Fire RedStrategy/SimNintendo
3 Pokemon EmeraldAction AdventureNintendo
4 Super Mario Advance 4Action AdventureNintendo
5 Final Fantasy VI AdvanceRPGNintendo
6 Pokemon: SapphireRPGNintendo
7 Pokemon Leaf GreenStrategy/SimNintendo
8 Legend of Zelda: Minish CapRPGNintendo
9 Pokemon: RubyRPGNintendo
10 Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3Action AdventureNintendo

Most Popular Sports Games Cross-Platform:

1 NBA 2K10PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP Games, PS2Take Two
2 Madden NFL 10PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP Games, PS2Electronic Arts
3 NBA Live 10PS3, Xbox 360, PSP GamesElectronic Arts
4 NHL 10PS3, Xbox 360Electronic Arts
5 Wii Sports ResortWiiNintendo
6 Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic GamesWii, DSSega
7 FIFA Soccer 10PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS, PSP Games, PS2Electronic Arts
8 NCAA Football 10PS3, Xbox 360, PSP Games, PS2Electronic Arts
9 Skate 2PS3, Xbox 360Electronic Arts
10 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP Games, PS2Electronic Arts

Xbox 360 Most Popular Sports Games:

1 NBA 2K10SportsTake Two
2 Madden NFL 10SportsElectronic Arts
3 NBA Live 10SportsElectronic Arts
4 NHL 10SportsElectronic Arts
5 FIFA Soccer 10SportsElectronic Arts
6 NCAA Football 10SportsElectronic Arts
7 Skate 2SportsElectronic Arts
8 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10SportsElectronic Arts
9 The Bigs 2SportsTake Two
10 NHL 2K10SportsTake Two

PlayStation 3 Most Popular Sports Games:

1 NBA 2K10SportsTake Two
2 Madden NFL 10SportsElectronic Arts
3 NBA Live 10SportsElectronic Arts
4 NHL 10SportsElectronic Arts
5 FIFA Soccer 10SportsElectronic Arts
6 NCAA Football 10SportsElectronic Arts
7 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10SportsElectronic Arts
8 Skate 2SportsElectronic Arts
9 MLB '09: The ShowSportsSony Computer Entertainment
10 The Bigs 2SportsTake Two

Nintendo Wii Most Popular Sports Games:

1 Wii Sports ResortSportsNintendo
2 Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic GamesSportsSega
3 Deca Sports 2SportsKonami
4 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10SportsElectronic Arts
5 Madden NFL 10SportsElectronic Arts
6 Wacky World of SportsSportsSega
7 Family Fun FootballSportsTecmo
8 Mario Super SluggersSportsNintendo
9 NHL 2K10SportsTake Two
10 EA Sports: Grand Slam TennisSportsElectronic Arts

PlayStation 2 Most Popular Sports Games:

1 Madden NFL 10SportsElectronic Arts
2 NCAA Football 10SportsElectronic Arts
3 NBA 2K10SportsTake Two
4 NHL 2K10SportsTake Two
5 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10SportsElectronic Arts
6 The Bigs 2SportsTake Two
7 FIFA Soccer 10SportsElectronic Arts
8 MLB '09: The ShowSportsSony Computer Entertainment
9 Backyard Football 2010SportsAtari
10 Madden NFL 09SportsElectronic Arts

Nintendo DS Most Popular Sports Games:

1 Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic GamesSportsSega
2 Mario Hoops 3 on 3SportsNintendo
3 Madden NFL 09SportsElectronic Arts
4 Skate ItSportsElectronic Arts
5 Tony Hawk's Downhill JamSportsActivision
6 The Bigs 2SportsTake Two
7 FIFA Soccer 06SportsElectronic Arts
8 Tecmo Bowl KickoffSportsTecmo
9 Diva Girls: Divas on IceSports505 Games
10 Elf Bowling 1 & 2SportsIgnition Entertainment

PlayStation Portable Most Popular Sports Games:

1 Madden NFL 10SportsElectronic Arts
2 NBA Live 10SportsElectronic Arts
3 NBA 2K10SportsTake Two
4 NCAA Football 10SportsElectronic Arts
5 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10SportsElectronic Arts
6 NBA '10SportsSony Computer Entertainment
7 MLB '09: The ShowSportsSony Computer Entertainment
8 FIFA Soccer 10SportsElectronic Arts
9 The Bigs 2SportsTake Two
10 Tony Hawk's Project 8SportsActivision

Xbox Most Popular Sports Games:

1 Madden NFL 09SportsElectronic Arts
2 Fuzion FrenzySportsMicrosoft
3 BMX XXXSportsAcclaim
4 Disney's Extreme Skate AdventureSportsActivision
5 ESPN NFL 2K5SportsSega
6 Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4SportsActivision
7 Kelly Slater's Pro SurferSportsActivision
8 Tony Hawk's Underground (THUG)SportsActivision
9 SSX 3: Out of BoundsSportsElectronic Arts
10 Tony Hawk's Underground 2SportsActivision

Gamecube Most Popular Sports Games:

1 Mario Superstar BaseballSportsNintendo
2 Super Mario StrikersSportsNintendo
3 NBA Street Vol. 3SportsElectronic Arts
4 NFL Street 2SportsElectronic Arts
5 NBA Street Vol. 2SportsElectronic Arts
6 Mario Golf: Toadstool TourSportsNintendo
7 Mario Power TennisSportsNintendo
8 Tony Hawk's American WastelandSportsActivision
9 Madden NFL 08SportsElectronic Arts
10 NFL Blitz ProSportsMidway

Gameboy Advance Most Popular Sports Games:

1 Mario Tennis: Power TourSportsNintendo
2 Backyard Sports: Baseball 2007SportsAtari
3 Madden NFL 2005SportsElectronic Arts
4 Backyard Baseball 2006SportsAtari
5 Mario Golf: Advance TourSportsNintendo
6 Major League Baseball 2K7SportsTake Two
7 Madden NFL 07SportsElectronic Arts
8 Madden NFL 06SportsElectronic Arts
9 ESPN Final Round Golf 2002SportsKonami
10 Madden NFL 2004SportsElectronic Arts

GameFly Coming Soon

1 Wii Fit PlusWiiStrategy/SimNintendo
2 Spore HeroWiiStrategy/SimElectronic Arts
3 Disney Sing It: Pop HitsWiiArcade/PuzzleDisney Interactive
4 Chicken BlasterWiiArcade/PuzzleZoo Games
5 Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic HeroesNintendo DSAction AdventureLucasArts
6 Spore Hero ArenaNintendo DSStrategy/SimElectronic Arts
7 Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic HeroesPSPAction AdventureLucasArts
8 NBA Live 10PSPSportsElectronic Arts
9 Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic HeroesXbox 360Action AdventureLucasArts
10 NBA Live 10Xbox 360SportsElectronic Arts
11 Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic HeroesPlayStation 3Action AdventureLucasArts
12 Disney Sing It: Pop HitsPlayStation 3Arcade/PuzzleDisney Interactive
13 NBA Live 10PlayStation 3SportsElectronic Arts
14 Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic HeroesWiiAction AdventureLucasArts
15 NBA 2K10PlayStation 3SportsTake Two
16 SAWPlayStation 3Action AdventureKonami
17 AfrikaPlayStation 3Action AdventureNatsume
18 BCFX - The Doug Williams EditionXbox 360SportsAspyr
19 NBA 2K10Xbox 360SportsTake Two
20 SAWXbox 360Action AdventureKonami
21 Naruto Shippuden: Legends: Akatsuki RisingPSPFightingNamco
22 NBA 2K10PSPSportsTake Two
23 NBA '10PSPSportsSony Computer Entertainment
24 Biggest LoserNintendo DSStrategy/SimTHQ
25 Dreamer: Top ModelNintendo DSStrategy/SimDreamcatcher
26 Obscure: The AftermathPSPAction AdventurePlaylogic
27 NBA 2K10PlayStation 2SportsTake Two
28 Disney Sing It: Pop HitsPlayStation 2Arcade/PuzzleDisney Interactive
29 Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2010WiiKids/FamilyMajesco
30 Biggest LoserWiiStrategy/SimTHQ
31 Game Party 3WiiArcade/PuzzleWB Games
32 Pet Pals: New Leash on LifeNintendo DSStrategy/SimLegacy Interactive
33 Animal Paradise 2: WildNintendo DSStrategy/SimZoo Games
34 Operation Flashpoint: Dragon RisingXbox 360ShooterCodemasters
35 A Witch's TaleNintendo DSRPGKoei
36 Demon's SoulsPlayStation 3RPGAtlus
37 Operation Flashpoint: Dragon RisingPlayStation 3ShooterCodemasters
38 Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of SkyNintendo DSStrategy/SimNintendo
39 Brutal LegendXbox 360Action AdventureElectronic Arts
40 Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic GamesNintendo DSSportsSega
41 Where the Wild Things ArePlayStation 3Kids/FamilyWB Games
42 A Boy and His BlobWiiAction AdventureMajesco
43 Uncharted 2: Among ThievesPlayStation 3Action AdventureSony Computer Entertainment
44 Brutal LegendPlayStation 3Action AdventureElectronic Arts
45 Where the Wild Things AreXbox 360Kids/FamilyWB Games
46 Where the Wild Things AreNintendo DSKids/FamilyWB Games
47 Petz: Pony Beauty PageantNintendo DSKids/FamilyUbisoft
48 Where the Wild Things AreWiiKids/FamilyWB Games
49 Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic GamesWiiSportsSega
50 Cars Race-O-RamaPSPKids/FamilyTHQ
51 Cars Race-O-RamaWiiKids/FamilyTHQ
52 Cars Race-O-RamaXbox 360Kids/FamilyTHQ
53 Cars Race-O-RamaNintendo DSKids/FamilyTHQ
54 Cars Race-O-RamaPlayStation 3Kids/FamilyTHQ
55 Cars Race-O-RamaPlayStation 2Kids/FamilyTHQ
56 DreamkillerXbox 360Action AdventureAspyr
57 Half-Minute HeroPSPRPGXseed Games
58 Sushi AcademyNintendo DSStrategy/SimCity Interactive
59 Cake Mania 3Nintendo DSStrategy/SimMajesco
60 Ju-on: The GrudgeWiiAction AdventureXseed Games
61 Laevatein TacticsNintendo DSRPGAksys
62 Way of the Samurai 3PlayStation 3Action AdventureAgetec
63 Way of the Samurai 3Xbox 360Action AdventureUFO Interactive
64 MagnaCarta IIXbox 360RPGNamco
65 Sudoku Ball DetectiveWiiArcade/PuzzlePlaylogic
66 Medieval GamesWiiArcade/PuzzleBethesda
67 Littlest Pet Shop: FriendsWiiKids/FamilyElectronic Arts
68 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010WiiFightingTHQ
69 Charm Girls Club: Pajama PartyWiiKids/FamilyElectronic Arts
70 Safari AdventuresWiiAction AdventureConspiracy
71 Dr. Fizzwhizzle's Animal RescueWiiAction AdventureConspiracy
72 BakuganWiiAction AdventureActivision
73 Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th SunWiiAction AdventureD3P
74 AstroboyWiiAction AdventureD3P
75 Marvel Super Hero SquadWiiAction AdventureTHQ
76 Shimano Xtreme FishingWiiSportsMastiff
77 Horse Life AdventuresWiiStrategy/SimValcon Games
78 FIFA Soccer 10WiiSportsElectronic Arts
79 AstroboyPSPAction AdventureD3P
80 BorderlandsXbox 360ShooterTake Two
81 FIFA Soccer 10Xbox 360SportsElectronic Arts
82 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010Xbox 360FightingTHQ
83 BakuganXbox 360Action AdventureActivision
84 Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2010Nintendo DSKids/FamilyMajesco
85 Imagine: Fashion Designer World TourNintendo DSKids/FamilyUbisoft
86 Charm Girls Club: My Fashion ShowNintendo DSKids/FamilyElectronic Arts
87 Charm Girls Club: My Perfect PromNintendo DSKids/FamilyElectronic Arts
88 Charm Girls Club: My Fashion MallNintendo DSKids/FamilyElectronic Arts
89 Littlest Pet Shop: City FriendsNintendo DSKids/FamilyElectronic Arts
90 Littlest Pet Shop: Beach FriendsNintendo DSKids/FamilyElectronic Arts
91 Littlest Pet Shop: Country FriendsNintendo DSKids/FamilyElectronic Arts
92 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010Nintendo DSFightingTHQ
93 BakuganPlayStation 3Action AdventureActivision
94 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010PlayStation 3FightingTHQ
95 BorderlandsPlayStation 3ShooterTake Two
96 FIFA Soccer 10PlayStation 3SportsElectronic Arts
97 Cooking Mama 3: Shop & ChopNintendo DSStrategy/SimMajesco
98 Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown WarsPSPAction AdventureTake Two
99 Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th SunPSPAction AdventureD3P
100 Marvel Super Hero SquadPSPAction AdventureTHQ
101 FIFA Soccer 10PSPSportsElectronic Arts
102 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010PSPFightingTHQ
103 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010PlayStation 2FightingTHQ
104 BakuganPlayStation 2Action AdventureActivision
105 Marvel Super Hero SquadPlayStation 2Action AdventureTHQ
106 Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th SunPlayStation 2Action AdventureD3P
107 AstroboyPlayStation 2Action AdventureD3P
108 Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th SunNintendo DSAction AdventureD3P
109 AstroboyNintendo DSAction AdventureD3P
110 Jam Sessions 2Nintendo DSArcade/PuzzleUbisoft
111 FIFA Soccer 10PlayStation 2SportsElectronic Arts
112 BakuganNintendo DSAction AdventureActivision
113 Marvel Super Hero SquadNintendo DSAction AdventureTHQ
114 FIFA Soccer 10Nintendo DSSportsElectronic Arts
115 NBA 2K10WiiSportsTake Two
116 Backyard Football 2010WiiSportsAtari
117 Buck FeverWiiShooterDestineer
118 Walk it OutWiiStrategy/SimKonami
119 Army RescueWiiAction AdventureUFO Interactive
120 Dragonball: Revenge of King PiccoloWiiAction AdventureNamco
121 DDR Disney GroovesWiiArcade/PuzzleKonami
122 We Wish You a Merry ChristmasWiiArcade/PuzzleDestineer
123 Pop'N MusicWiiArcade/PuzzleKonami
124 Jakers! Let's ExploreWiiKids/FamilyGraffiti Entertainment
125 DDR Hottest Party 2WiiKids/FamilyKonami
126 Geon CubeWiiArcade/PuzzleUFO Interactive
127 DDR Hottest PartyWiiArcade/PuzzleKonami
128 Balloon PopNintendo DSArcade/PuzzleUFO Interactive
129 Space Invaders Extreme 2Nintendo DSArcade/PuzzleSquare Enix
130 Reversal ChallengeNintendo DSArcade/PuzzleUFO Interactive
131 Montessori MusicNintendo DSArcade/PuzzleSouth Peak Interactive
132 MotorStorm Arctic EdgePlayStation 2RacingSony Computer Entertainment
133 Backyard Football 2010PlayStation 2SportsAtari
134 SideswipedNintendo DSRacingMajesco
135 Mytran WarsPSPStrategy/SimDeep Silver
136 Backyard Football 2010Xbox 360SportsAtari
137 Alien Monster Bowling LeagueWiiSportsDestineer
138 SpongeBob's Truth or SquareWiiKids/FamilyTHQ
139 SpongeBob's Truth or SquarePSPKids/FamilyTHQ
140 SpongeBob's Truth or SquareNintendo DSKids/FamilyTHQ
141 SpongeBob's Truth or SquareXbox 360Action AdventureTHQ
142 SimAnimals AfricaNintendo DSStrategy/SimElectronic Arts
143 CSI: Deadly Intent - The Hidden CasesNintendo DSAction AdventureUbisoft
144 Drawn to Life: The Next ChapterNintendo DSAction AdventureTHQ
145 Press Your Luck 2010 EditionNintendo DSArcade/PuzzleUbisoft
146 100 All-Time FavoritesNintendo DSArcade/PuzzleUbisoft
147 Madagascar KartzNintendo DSRacingActivision
148 Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell and the Lost TreasureNintendo DSKids/FamilyDisney Interactive
149 Petz: Dolphinz EncounterNintendo DSKids/FamilyUbisoft
150 ICarlyNintendo DSKids/FamilyActivision
151 CSI: Deadly IntentXbox 360Action AdventureUbisoft
152 Tekken 6Xbox 360FightingNamco
153 Madagascar KartzXbox 360RacingActivision
154 Forza Motorsport 3Xbox 360RacingMicrosoft
155 Petz: Saddle ClubPSPStrategy/SimUbisoft
156 NostalgiaNintendo DSRPGIgnition Entertainment
157 Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in TimePlayStation 3Action AdventureSony Computer Entertainment
158 Tekken 6PlayStation 3FightingNamco
159 Madagascar KartzPlayStation 3RacingActivision
160 Petz: Dogz FamilyPSPKids/FamilyUbisoft
161 Petz: Hamsterz BunchPSPKids/FamilyUbisoft
162 SimAnimals AfricaWiiStrategy/SimElectronic Arts
163 Monster 4X4 Stunt RacerWiiRacingUbisoft
164 Ski-Doo: Snowmobile ChallengeWiiRacingValcon Games
165 Madagascar KartzWiiRacingActivision
166 All Star Cheer Squad 2WiiKids/FamilyTHQ
167 Water SportsWiiSportsActivision
168 Mountain SportsWiiSportsActivision
169 ICarlyWiiKids/FamilyActivision
170 Drawn to Life: The Next ChapterWiiAction AdventureTHQ
171 Press Your Luck 2010 EditionWiiArcade/PuzzleUbisoft
172 CSI: Deadly IntentWiiAction AdventureUbisoft
173 Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: Super Game DayWiiKids/FamilyTake Two
174 Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? Game TimeWiiKids/FamilyTHQ
175 World of ZooWiiKids/FamilyTHQ
176 Hasbro Family Game Night 2WiiKids/FamilyElectronic Arts
177 Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? Game TimeXbox 360Kids/FamilyTHQ
178 BackyardigansNintendo DSKids/FamilyTake Two
179 Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? Game TimeNintendo DSKids/FamilyTHQ
180 World of ZooNintendo DSKids/FamilyTHQ
181 Hasbro Family Game NightNintendo DSKids/FamilyElectronic Arts
182 Fighting FantasyNintendo DSAction AdventureAspyr
183 Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: Super Game DayPlayStation 2Kids/FamilyTake Two
184 Ben 10 Alien Force Vilgax AttacksPlayStation 2Action AdventureD3P
185 Ben 10 Alien Force Vilgax AttacksNintendo DSAction AdventureD3P
186 Touchmaster 3Nintendo DSArcade/PuzzleWB Games
187 Diner Dash 3: Flo on the GoNintendo DSArcade/PuzzleZoo Games
188 Ben 10 Alien Force Vilgax AttacksPSPAction AdventureD3P
189 Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty CityXbox 360Action AdventureTake Two
190 Ben 10 Alien Force Vilgax AttacksXbox 360Action AdventureD3P
191 Ben 10 Alien Force Vilgax AttacksWiiAction AdventureD3P
192 Atelier Annie: Alchemists of Sera IslandNintendo DSRPGKoei
193 Reader Rabbit KindergartenNintendo DSKids/FamilyGraffiti Entertainment
194 101-in-1 Party MegamixWiiArcade/PuzzleAtlus
195 Remington North American Bird HuntWiiShooterMastiff
196 Bass Pro Shops: The StrikeWiiStrategy/SimPsyclone
197 Fairytale FightsPlayStation 3Action AdventurePlaylogic
198 Bass Pro Shops: The StrikeXbox 360Strategy/SimPsyclone
199 Fairytale FightsXbox 360Action AdventurePlaylogic
200 Wedding DashNintendo DSStrategy/SimZoo Games
201 Agatha Christie: ABC MurdersNintendo DSAction AdventureDreamcatcher
202 Chronicles of Mystery: Curse of the Ancient TempleNintendo DSAction AdventureCity Interactive
203 Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's QuestPlayStation 2Action AdventureWB Games
204 Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's QuestPSPAction AdventureWB Games
205 Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's QuestWiiAction AdventureWB Games
206 Rabbids Go HomeNintendo DSAction AdventureUbisoft
207 Rabbids Go HomeWiiAction AdventureUbisoft

NHL videogame battle: EA vs 2KSports

The 2009-10 NHL season kicked off recently, so now is the perfect time to look at the two big new pro hockey games.

NHL 2K10

***1/2

When 2K Sports lost its NFL license a few years back, it was a blow to gamers - after all, the company really knows how to make a sports simulation. Need proof? Look no further than the latest installment of its hockey franchise.

This year, 2K Sports has made the game easier to play (thankfully) with an entirely new artificial intelligence. There are new animations, and you get more control on defense. There are new introductions for each arena. There are better - and longer - goal celebrations, plus a much deeper franchise mode. There's a new contract/free agency system, and in the Wii version, some neat mini-games that anybody can pick up and play easily.

But more than all that, "NHL 2K10" just looks and feels like you would want a hockey game to look and play like. The players are bigger and more realistic than before. The speed is just right. San Jose Sharks announcer Randy Hahn adds to the realistic experience with his excited and varied commentary. There's a complete online suite of features to track individual performances and join leagues.

Not much to dislike here.

NHL 10

***

EA Sports has tried to emphasize little things: Bigger players can easily hold off smaller ones. You'll see fans banging on the glass. Your players will get noticeably fatigued. You can bank passes off the wall. In fights, you can pull your opponent's jersey over his head to try to give yourself an advantage.

And I loved how, once you reach the playoffs, arenas are louder, fans more passionate.

EA Sports' new hockey game also has added a neat feature that allows you to easily toggle your game experience from a pick-up-and-play casual mode with lots of big hits (but soft defense) to a hardcore mode that gives you complete control over passes (and is much harder than I anticipated). It's like driving a car without power steering.

It doesn't look or play quite as well as the stellar "NHL 2K10," but it's still a winner.

L