Video Games for Grownups: Fall 2008

It’s video-game season! From now until the holidays, we have a smorgasbord of fun games to play with the grandkids, with your spouse, or–gasp!–all by yourself. Don’t worry about buying bad games. We’ve done the homework for you, rating each game according to important qualities, such as price, challenge level, and of course, fun!

With the Wii Balance Board, "Wii Fit" is a fun, easy way to work up a sweat. "Wii Fit" games are divided into four categories: Balance Games, Strength Training, Yoga, and Aerobics. Choose the difficulty and compete with yourself or with others for the best score. The included Wii Balance Board can be used in other games, and the in-game personal trainer can set you up with a daily routine. (Now you just have to do it!) Why you should get it: To get off the couch.



"Okami" is a thinking person’s adventure. A wolf with supernatural powers, the protagonist, Okami, must navigate Japan’s treacherous mythological underworld, fighting monsters and collecting treasure along the way. There are plenty of hidden worlds to be found, but the real fun comes in using the Wii controller: Swing the stick at the screen to cast dazzling spells and devastating attacks. The watercolor-based visuals make "Okami" hard to put down. Also on the PlayStation 2. Why you should get it: To go on a beautiful Japanese adventure.



"Death Jr." starts with the Grim Reaper’s son and his schoolyard friend, Pandora, accidentally unleashing a silly, yet powerful monster into the world. What follows is one of the funniest action game experiences of the year. Packed with comic, cartoonish humor and action, "Death Jr." has plenty of jumping, shooting, and exploring. It is not the deepest experience, but it is sure to give you and a friend a serious thumb workout. Why you should get it: To enjoy old-school arcade fun with a friend.



Most games require beating an opponent or scrambling out of a high-pressure situation. Not so with "Wild Earth: African Safari." As a photojournalist, your main job is to take cool pictures along the gorgeous, sub-Saharan landscape. Everything in the game is big: Giraffes gracefully swing their necks past your camera, rhinos snort up water by the local river, and even the ants seem active and full of life. The in-game narrator also teaches about the different creatures as you collect pictures. Why you should get it: To travel on a photo hunt.

The original "Mercenaries" was a bombastic, chaotic tour of duty that made Rambo seem tame. "Mercenaries 2: World In Flames" adds more hearty explosions and irresponsible destruction. After choosing from one of three mercenaries, you must complete dangerous missions that include destroying buildings, sinking tanker ships, and saving trapped diplomats. It is a violent, somewhat shallow game, but the two-player mode—for which you’ll need an Internet connection—is wonton destruction at its finest. Also on the XBox 360. Why you should get it: To blow stuff up.



The older version of "Rock Band" has stood the test of time, with its live instruments and deep song catalog. The highly anticipated sequel actually goes farther: four different instruments, including wireless guitars and drum set, and more than 100 songs available out of the box. The basic premise is the same: Play along to the rhythm of classic tunes from bands as varied as Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, and Blondie. It is expensive, but so worth the money; there isn’t a game this year that will get a party started more quickly. Also available on XBox 360, Wii, and PlayStation 2. Why you should get it: To start your own garage band (without learning any instruments).



Whether it be the complicated controls or the stiff animation, video games with wrestling themes are usually horrible. Unfortunately, "TNA Impact!" is no exception. Based on the popular TV series, "TNA Impact!" pits wrestlers in tag-team matches and multiplayer royal rumbles. The visuals are decent from afar—the designers definitely have the real-world likenesses down pat—but the characters move like Claymation. Controlling your wrestler is more royal pain than royal rumble. For a mindless game, it sure is complicated. It is also on the XBox 360, Wii, and PlayStation 2. Why you should get it: You shouldn't.

From "Star Wars" to "Indiana Jones," movie video games based in the LEGO universe are all the rage. The latest isn’t from any particular Batman movie, but from the long line of comics. In this two-player action-adventure, the Caped Crusader and his trusty companion, Robin, must solve puzzles, climb tall buildings, and kick superhero butt. It is packed with cameos from villains like the Riddler, Poison Ivy, and this summer’s favorite, the Joker. However, unlike the movie "The Dark Knight," "LEGO Batman" is as kid-friendly as video games get. Available for all systems. Why you should get it: To see the softer side of Batman.

When it comes to role-playing games, Namco "Bandai’s Tales" series is considered some of the best material. The highly anticipated "Tales of Vesperia" doesn’t disappoint. The story itself is the typical rebel-warrior-must-save-the-universe fare, but the graphics are gorgeous, and the adventure itself is pretty interesting. Expect lots of heated battles, though the pace is slower than the average adventure (and a bit easier on your hands). Why you should get it: To go on a deep, classic adventure.

"Spore" has a simple premise: Start as a cell and eat your way up the food chain until you are as large as a planet. Don’t be fooled. Made by the same guy behind "The Sims," "Spore" is a deep, engaging game that will have you taking care of your little monster as if it really were alive. The arcade-style challenges are easy to navigate, and the ability to share your universe with others online turns your computer into a mini petri dish. Also available on the Mac, Nintendo DS, and iPhone. Why you should get it: To watch evolution.

It was hard to avoid earlier this year—the game sold six million copies in the first week!—but the new PC version of this pop-culture phenomenon is even stronger than the original. In GTA IV, the player is an immigrant trying to climb up the underworld economic ladder by evading cops, making deals, and causing trouble under the radar. The Martin Scorcese-inspired storyline is amazing, as is the action, and the visuals and online multiplayer are even better on the PC. Definitely rated-R material. Also available on the XBox 360 and PlayStation 3. Why you should get it: To see what the hubbub is about.

Cooking games are super popular right now, but most of them aren’t based on real-life skills. Former Food Network star Jamie Oliver takes you through the paces in "What’s Cooking," offering original recipes made especially for the game. There are fun, in-game cooking challenges and super-realistic galley experiences, though those looking for something lighthearted may want something more forgiving. Why you should get it: To stop burning food up in the kitchen.

"PixelJunk Eden" has an unusual premise: Help a web-swinging creature pollinate a large bed of flowers. Five minutes in, however, and this quirky game will have you addicted. The visuals are basic, but the action is pure arcade fun. The initially simple levels turn into complex, multilayered exercises that gently increase the difficulty as you become a better player. Several of your friends can swing along with you, too, provided they also have a Sony PSP and the game. Also available on the PlayStation 3. Why you should get it: To try something different.

The biggest flaw of the "Guitar Hero/Rock Band" games is the massive amount of equipment. "Guitar Hero: On Tour" shrinks the big guitar and puts it on the tiny Nintendo DS with decent results: Press the corresponding keys to the rhythm as you pluck the screen to strum. The two dozen songs are decent, though the amount of songs pales in comparison to its homebound big brother. Why you should get it: To rock on the road.

Solitaire isn’t anything new; it goes back to at least the Middle Ages. Rarely, though, has it been done so well in a video game as in "Platinum Solitaire." Available through the Apple Store in iTunes, "Platinum Solitaire" actually has six different games: Original Solitaire, Freecell, Golf, Spider, Yukon, and Pyramid. The crisp visuals and sounds are executed well. Why you should get it: To pass the time.