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Next Gen Consoles: Wabbits, Worms and Ping Pong

Sad news: There is neither real nor virtual candy in the game 'Viva Pinata'
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Sad news: There is neither real nor virtual candy in the game 'Viva Pinata'

Microsoft's Xbox 360 is hitting its stride with the non-kid-friendly Gears of War, which might overshadow some good E-rated games. More recently, Sony's Playstation 3 (PS3) was launched with an underwhelming set of titles. Nintendo -- a company that generally caters to a family-friendly crowd -- fares only slightly better with games for the Wii. By next holiday season, catalogues will surely fill out. In the meantime, here are a few titles to pass the time.

Viva Pinata (X360, $50)

At first glance, the bright colors and funny creatures seem to push the cuteness envelope a little too hard. Plus, it is a tie-in game for a children's TV show. But if your gamer dismisses this title because she's just "too cool," she'll be denying herself one of the best X360 games yet. The game fits in the "sandbox" category – there's no goal, no definitive ending. You just play around, manipulating a virtual garden to attract various "Pinatas" -- worms, birds, sheep and other creatures. That sounds simple, but it turns out that the animals have different -- and sometimes contradictory needs. Do you want to keep your worms happy or breed them to be bird food?

Bottom Line: Very pretty, very entertaining. Gamers who can swallow their pride will be treated to one of the best gaming experiences this console has to offer while the wee ones will enjoy the worms.

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Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis (X360, $38)

This excellent simulation is brought to you by Rockstar, the folks behind the much-maligned (but technically fabulous) "Grand Theft Auto" series. The only similarities are a high level of quality and vigorous attention to detail. The basic controls are simple: The four face buttons correspond to a top, bottom, left or right spin shot; holding down any button increases the force of the shot, which is gauged by a handy power meter. That's all you need to know to get started, but by experimenting with button combinations and by learning to watch your opponent, you can greatly improve your game. While this is definitely a no-frills interpretation of the often overlooked Olympic sport, it's a blast to play, either as a single player, in a one-on-one match with a friend or online with Xbox Live.

Bottom Line: Generally appealing game, and the best table tennis adaptation since PONG, all at a budget price (for the X360 anyway).

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F-Zero (Wii Virtual Console, $8 or 800 Wii Points)

Those racing hovercrafts from the 1991 game are back, along with some of the catchiest video game music ever written. The inventive race tracks, crazy speed and challenging opponents will surely hook the uninitiated while satisfying those who remember the original version. This game must be purchased with the Wii's online service through The Shop Channel for 800 "gamer points" (which turns out to be about eight bucks). For details, check the Web site.

Bottom Line: Show those whippersnappers how great gaming used to be done back when Bush the elder was at the helm.

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Rayman Raving Rabbits (Wii, Xbox, PS2, X360, $40- $50)

You are Rayman (which means you have a lot of floating appendages). And you have been captured by an army of raving mad, goofy and yet strangely endearing rabbits. Though all of the previous Rayman games have been straightforward action platformers, this fourth installment changes things up by offering a collection of mini-games: challenges you must win to escape from the bunnies. You have weapons (along the lines of rubber plungers). You engage in athletic competitions. The 70 games would become a bit tedious except for those cwazy wabbits. One caveat: Some games require a long wait between turns.

Bottom Line: Not perfect but, for now, the best party-game on the Wii.

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