Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Rejoice, Padawan: Now you can play as Darth Vader's apprentice in a technically stunning action-adventure that allows you to shatter wood, glass, and jaws alike using magical grip, push, repulse, and lightning powers...and not just half-naked with a broom wearing Jar-Jar underoos by the TV's feeble light. Fling Jedi about like rag dolls, or incinerate adversaries while touring the galaxy's four corners from TIE fighter facilities to Wookie homeworld, Kashyyyk. Bonus: For laughs, before mangling adversaries, try making off-color references to your "lightsaber."
www.lucasarts.com / PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii
Lego Batman
Capitalizing upon LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Indiana Jones' success, this LEGO We're-Desperately-Running-Out-of-Licenses successor, nonetheless proves a satisfying foray into the gadget-laden, melee-heavy world of the Caped Crusader. Set in Gotham City and starring the Dark Knight and androgynous sidekick Robin, highlighted scenarios focus on mauling famed Arkham Asylum escapees like the Joker and Penguin. Whether socking it to Scarecrow, enjoying Riddler's rhymes, or just lusting after Catwoman, dance recitals notwithstanding, it's the most fun you'll ever have in tights.
www.wbgames.com / PC, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360
B-Boy
Hip-hop and you don't stop... Popping and locking to joints like The Black Eyed Peas' "Bringing it Back" or Cypress Hill's "The Phuncky Feel One" in this unexpectedly convincing break-dancing simulator, that is. Playing like a fighting game gone pacifist, prepare to throw down against opponents; using carefully timed button combos to freeze, windmill, and head spin like a pro. Easy to get into and enjoy, except for the last-gen visuals and repetitive action, it's booty-shaking at it's finest. www.southpeakgames.com / PS2, PSP
Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution
Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it-especially here, as the popular PC strategy series translates into a surprisingly deep and user-friendly console outing. Choose an ancient culture and then interact with the likes of Napoleon, Gandhi, and Julius Caesar while growing in stature, subjugating rivals, and enjoying near-infinite replay value courtesy of downloadable scenario, mod, and map add-ons. Albeit more involving than the average time-waster, built-in online connectivity and voice/video chat make it an engaging exercise in casual megalomania.
www.2kgames.com / DS, PS3, Xbox 360
Madden NFL 2009
20th Anniversary Collector's EditionNot a sports fan? Break out the beer and foam fingers, because the number one name in computerized football is celebrating two decades of domination with its most accessible installment yet. No experience necessary to enjoy the slickest armchair QB anthology ever, pairing the game itself-which now detects player skill level, and adjusts depth/difficulty accordingly-with top-notch tactical sim Head Coach 09 and bonus video footage. Offering 32-man online leagues, instant play do-overs, and killer commentary; it's paradise by the stadium lights.
www.easports.com / PS3, Xbox 360