Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Games round up for Christmas

• Johnny Minkley - video games expert
• 18 Dec 07, 12:50 PM

2007 has been a vintage year for video games, whatever system you own. Here's a breakdown of the very best games this Christmas, as Top 3s for everybody in the family. I've tried to make the lists as varied as possible, but many games in specific categories could just as easily go elsewhere. In particular, my ultimate game of the year is Super Mario Galaxy on Wii - a brilliant, standout masterpiece every gamer should play.

KIDS:
- Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii) Loads of fun minigames based on real-life Olympic events. A bit dull by yourself, but is hilariously entertaining with friends
- Bee Movie Game (Multi)
Kids movie tie-ins are often dodgy, but here's the exception. It's a simple, fun, gorgeous take on the key scenes from the movie. Nothing original, but perfect if your kids are clamouring for more after leaving the cinema.
- Pokemon Diamond/Pearl (DS)
It's the definitive Pokemon experience and a great introduction if you've never played it before. Will keep kids playing for month. Just avoid Pokemon Battle Revolution on Wii, which is dull and very limited.

BOYS:
- Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
Game of the year. A work of genius that's never anything other than a joy to play, bursting with great ideas. One of the best platform games ever made.
- FIFA 08 (Multi)
I'm going to break with tradition and come out and say I prefer FIFA to Pro Evolution Soccer for the first time in years. Both are great games, and play very differently, but for my money FIFA is the most polished, most realistic take on the beautiful game in 2007.
- Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (DS) The classic Zelda adventure series is transformed on DS. Thanks to a brilliantly intuitive control system, you can play the game just using the touch screen. A mini-marvel and a massively enjoyable epic.

ADULTS:
- Orange Box (PC, Xbox 360, PS3)
Best value package of the year, featuring the legendary Half-Life 2, plus Episodes I and II, and multiplayer hoot Team Fortress 2. Best of all, though, is Portal: a first-person, 3D puzzle game that mucks about with the concepts of time and space in incredible ways. An essential purchase.
- Call of Duty 4 (PC, Xbox 360, PS3)
Modern warfare first-person shooter that dazzles like a Hollywood blockbuster, and keeps you gripped with scene-after-scene of thrilling, edge-of-the-seat action.
- Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3)
Finally, a game for PS3 owners to get excited about! Think cross between Lara Croft and Indiana Jones, with some of the finest graphics ever seen in a game, a compelling storyline, memorable set-pieces and varied action, and that's Uncharted.

FAMILIES:
- SingStar (PS3)
A brand new version of the ultimate home karaoke experience for PS3 owners. The basic game is the same - the big new feature is SingStore: an iTunes-style online shop from where you can download loads of new songs for 99p a pop. You may never leave the house again.
- Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (PS3, 360, DS, Wii) Episodes I-VI of the saga all in the same box, with added online play on PS3 and 360 and irresistible lightsaber swooshiness on Wii. Not worth it if you own previous versions; a must for all Star Wars fans if not.
- Guitar Hero III (PS3, 360, Wii, PS2)
Now in its third version, it lacks the 'wow' factor, but it's still the most fun I've ever had with a music game, and is unbeatable in multiplayer. That is, of course, until Rock Band comes out next year...

GIRLS:
- MySims (DS, Wii)
Charming, inventive adventure where you move into a town and live amongst the residents, becoming an active part of the community.
- SingStar (PS3/PS2)
There's still nothing to beat getting your mates over and having a good old croon to current pop hits and the classics. R&B is the latest instalment on PS2
- Nintendogs (DS)
An oldie, but in light of all the (no pun intended) copycat releases flooding the High Street, it's still the best virtual pet sim money can buy.

PC:
- Crysis
A first-person shooter exclusive to PC, because the makers say it can't be done on console. A superb game, and good bragging rights for PC gamers. But you need a nuclear-powered PC to get the most out of it.
- Orange Box
The same collection of great shooters as on console. Except the games were originally designed for PC so work the best with a mouse and keyboard - especially the peerless Portal.
- Football Manager 2008
Everybody has an opinion on football management at the moment. So put your money where your mouth is for the most detailed, hardcore and well-made simulation on the market. Beware: it may eat your life away.