Best Video Games of 2008
If you've missed out on all of the new video games of the year and need a quick run-down of the best, then you've come to the right place.
By Christopher Healy
- Little Big Planet
- (Sony, for PS3, $60)
Even if you discount the truly stunning graphics, Little Big Planet still offers up something completely new and different in the world of video games. Your tiny, burlap-skinned rag-doll heroes can go on an adventure in a world you create. And custom-made levels can be shared online, meaning there's a truly endless supply of new material.—Ages 6 and up
- Wii Music
- (Nintendo, for Wii, $50)
It may be more toy than game, but it's also some of the most fun a Wii-owning family can have together. Turn your Wii-motes into any of over 60 musical instruments and easily play along as part of a virtual orchestra.—Ages 4 and up
- Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts
- (Rare, for Xbox 360, $40)
The bird-and-bear title duo at the heart of this adventure series add a new level of creativity to their latest game by asking players to build custom-made vehicles for them out of spare parts you find in the game world. Will your wooden submarine, spring-loaded go-cart, or otherwise indescribable mode of transport win the race?—Ages 7 and up
- Active Life:
Outdoor Challenge - (Namco Bandai, for Wii, $60)
Lots of Wii games give your arms a workout. Outdoor Challenge gets your whole body moving. Jump rope, paddle a kayak (while leaning into the turns), hop across a trail of stones, and more.—Ages 5 and up
- Order Up
- (Zoo Games, for Wii, $40)
Among a glut of cooking games, this one stands out for its whimsical art style and its keep-up-with-the-customers frantic pacing.—Ages 7 and up
- Lego Batman
- (Warner Bros Interactive, for all consoles, $30-50)
Bringing color back to the Dark Knight, the playfully creative Lego Batman mutes the violence (by making everything and everybody out of Lego blocks) and presents tons of fun-to-solve puzzles.—Ages 7 and up
- Diego, Go! &
Dora the Explorer - (2K Games, for Wii, $40 each)
The characters of Diego, Go!: Great Dinosaur Rescue and Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess are ready-made crowdpleasers, the controls are supereasy to learn and master, and the stories will keep kids from getting bored. These two games (sold separately) are your best bets for players under 5.—Ages 4 to 6
- Line Rider 2: Unbound
- (Genius Products, for Wii & Nintendo DS, $30)
Such a simple concept—draw a line to complete a track and get your sledder to the finish line—and yet the game is surprisingly challenging and supremely addictive. —Ages 7 and up
- Mario Kart
- (Nintendo, for Wii, $50)
The Mario brand—always a sign of good quality—offered up the year's best racing game for kids: colorful characters, wacky vehicles, and play control that's as easy as turning a steering wheel. —Ages 6 and up
- Guitar Hero World Tour
- (Activision, for all consoles, $99-189)
If you've wanted to join in on the fad that's sweeping the nation, but the skill level required to hit all those rapidly moving guitar notes was simply out of reach for your kids (or you), this latest Guitar Hero—which also adds drumming and karaoke-style singing—lowers the bar for you. For the first time, you can play on a beginner level that requires you to do no more than strum along to the beat. Forget about all those colored buttons and just rock out. —Ages 8 and up
