Video Games for Grownups: Newest Releases

Check out the newest great, and not-so-great, titles for gamers of all ages.

By: Damon Brown | Source: AARP.org | 2009-02-25

A heavy winter is keeping many of us inside, but at least we'll be able to catch up on the parade of new video games released over the past couple of months. Grab the grandkids, your significant other, or your favorite gaming buddy, and dig into these titles.

Why should you get it? To test your word knowledge with friends.
Many games don't test your brain, but "Word Jong Party" falls into the Scrabble board-game territory, balancing fun and education. A new take on the Chinese game mah-jongg, "Word Jong Party" requires players to use a pile of letters to create words. Not unlike Scrabble, difficult letters, like "J" or "X," score multiple points. The computer is a solid opponent, but the real fun comes when playing a four-player game—as teams or individually. No fancy graphics here, but the fun is rock solid for all ages.

Why should you get it? To play a simpler version of Guitar Hero.
"Ultimate Band" is a simple music game, a no-frills version of "Rock Band" or "Guitar Hero." Grab the Wii controls, and use your hands to play air guitar, drums, or sing through the mic. The game is made by Disney, so the visuals and the music are cute and kid-friendly. The Disney branding also means the controls are super basic–there are no real instruments and, unlike "Rock Band," "Ultimate Band" won't help anyone learn any instruments. It's hard to recommend "Ultimate Band" over the other music games, but, considering the others start at around $100, it is a solid, inexpensive alternative for the grandkids.

Why should you get it? To go on a lighthearted quest.
The premise of "SPRay" is straightforward: Use the Wii Remote to spray bad guys, create new paths, and reveal hidden treasure. Filled with secret passageways and new items, 'SPRay' plays like a wholesome "Legend of Zelda." The puzzles aren't super difficult, but the adventure is interesting and hearty. The visuals are strictly cartoon, making it suitable for kids of all ages.

Why should you get it? To have a unique gaming experience.
One of the most talked-about games this past holiday season, "Little Big Planet" lives up to the hype. You control Sackboy, an adorable hero who must run, jump, and think his way through a beautiful universe of dreams. The big twist is that you can create your own levels. Hop online and there are thousands of levels created by other players, too. The in-game instructions make "Little Big Planet" easy to pick up and play for nearly any gamer, and the multiplayer modes make it ideal for parties.

Why should you get it? To try on Superman’s tights without the embarrassment.
Ever wonder who would win in a fight between Superman and Batman? Settle it in "Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe," a fighting game that pits more than two dozen superheroes and villains against each other. Expect plenty of dramatic storylines and crazy battles. The difficulty is adjustable and the controls are solid, though, like other "Mortal Kombats," it requires some fancy finger work to really excel. Play against a friend to make the competition more even, but be wary of letting kids play; the game may be a little too brutal for tweens and younger folks. Also available on XBox 360.

Why should you get it? To hang out with other gamers online.
Virtual worlds are the new big thing, and Sony is offering its interactive world, 'Home,' for free on its PlayStation Network. All that is required is an Internet connection to your PlayStation 3. 'Home' isn’t a game per se, but an environment where you can mingle with other PlayStation players, download and play new games, and watch movies and other multimedia. 'Home' has a few quirks, like longer-than-normal download times, but this early version will be regularly updated and improved by Sony.

Why should you get it? Most gamers should pass on this adventure.
The hit action series "God of War" took from Greek and Roman mythology, but "Rise of the Argonauts"–based on the myth about Jason and the Argonauts–plays like a bad knockoff. The visuals aren't bad, but the controls are out of tune, and strange bugs—like broken levels—prevent this action game from being enjoyable. The violence is also unnecessarily graphic. Skip "Rise of the Argonauts" and pick up 2005's brilliant "God of War" (for $20) for mythology fun. "Rise of the Argonauts" is also on the XBox 360 and the PC.

Why should you get it? To revisit the arcade.
Few things are better than playing "Ms. Pac-Man" in the arcade. "Namco Arcade: Virtual Museum" does many times better, bringing more than a dozen classic games home, including "Galaga," "Pole Position," "Dig Dug," and about six versions of "Pac-Man" (yes, there were that many). These are arcade-perfect, though some can be played with shiny, new-millennium graphics. Anyone can pick up and play, and, like most old-school gaming, many of these games are as nonviolent as a Saturday cartoon.

Why should you get it? To be Bond. James Bond.
James Bond video games are hit or miss, but luckily, "Quantum of Solace" gets most of it right. The title is misleading; it starts like the latest 007 movie but quickly throws in surprising twists and turns. Plot aside, it's all about running and gunning, using the latest technology, and occasionally doing some cool espionage and eavesdropping. Keep the kids away from this violent adventure. Considering the quick-witted computerized opponents, too, only sharp-shooters need apply. Multiplayer is available online for the XBox 360 and the Sony PlayStation 3. Also available on the Nintendo Wii.

Why should you get it? No solid reason.
Started in the early '90s, "Sonic the Hedgehog" began as a fun, fast-paced action series, not unlike "Super Mario Bros." Unfortunately, it started to deteriorate when the newer versions became too complicated. "Sonic Unleashed" is one of the most disappointing of the lot. The Mach-speed, three-dimensional world moves by too fast to control anything, and the game's objectives aren't interesting enough to keep playing. Looking for arcade fun? You're better off waiting for the classic "Sonic Ultimate Genesis Collection" coming later this year. Also available on the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii.

Why should you get it? To do some international swashbuckling.
Lara Croft is easily the most well-known heroine in video-game history, a kind of Indiana Jones for the gaming set. The latest "Tomb Raider" puts Lara in a globe-trotting adventure in search of Atlantis. The underwater scenes are picturesque, as are the ancient subterranean caverns, but the controls are a bit stiff, and the next step isn't always clear. In short, it's a beautiful romp that could be frustrating for novice adventurers. Also available on nearly every system known to man, including the PlayStation 2 and 3, Nintendo Wii and DS, and the PC.

Why should you get it? To go on a thrilling psychological adventure.
A big hit on the XBox 360, "Bioshock" is an intense, first-person shooter. You play a soldier trapped in a 1920's-style underwater world filled with mutated people and evildoers. The game is very fast-paced and filled with surprises around every corner, so be prepared to be quick on the joystick. The PC version improves the already lush Art Deco visuals and adds extra levels to the adventure. The grandkids (and scaredy-cats) definitely aren't invited to this one. Also available on the XBox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Why should you get it? To have ‘Tetris’-like fun on the go.
The iPhone and iPod Touch have had games for months now, but most have been rather, um, bland. 'Trism' is one of the first titles made especially for the devices, and it shows. In 'Tetris'-inspired simplicity, 'Trism' is about matching like-colored triangles. Lift the iPhone/iPod Touch left or right to shift the pieces. A tightly timed mode keeps you on your toes, while the leisurely non-timed mode focuses on strategy instead of speed.

Why should you get it? To have a big adventure on the go.
The iPhone and iPod Touch don't have joysticks, but 'Toy Bot Diaries' actually controls better than the average game. A small, cute robot from a gumball machine, 'Toy Bot' must find his way through such hazards as king-sized quarters, menacing magnets, and grinding gears. It is a classic run-and-jump platform-ing game, but you actually tilt the iPhone/iPod Touch to move back and forth. The game is fun and intuitive, though the puzzles pack enough challenge for the most veteran gamer. There are three adventures in the 'Toy Bot Diaries' set, but check out the free 'Toy Bot Diaries' demo available at the Apple Music Store.

Why should you get it? To bring a new pet panda home.
Sanctioned by the popular safari corporation, National Geographic 'Panda' gives you a cute panda to protect, groom, and love. National Geographic 'Panda' is filled with fun panda facts, but the focus is on exploring the nature preserve. The DS stylus makes it easy to stroke, direct, and even tickle the little guy. Nothing extraordinary, but a solid game for fans of Nintendogs and other virtual pet simulators.