New video games put to the test

Buying a new video game may not be easy when young children will have access to the console. At great personal effort I have taken the time to play all the latest games, and by virtue of this careful research, I am confident that I can point my readers toward a few new games that will entertain the most sophisticated gamer to beginning players, along with the occasional parent.
I was a happy camper when I finally managed to secure a Wii of my very own. I plugged it in and hammered away at the excellent suite of games that ship with the console. Since that time, those are the only Wii games that get any action at all around stately Granese Manor. In fact, I’ve found the selection of Wii titles sadly deficient in the retail arena.

‘Cooking Mama: Cook Off’

“Cooking Mama: Cook Off,” features starry-eyed chef Mama in exciting culinary contests. Originating on the DS, Mama truly benefits from her big-screen rendition, whipping up a maxi menu of world dishes with surprising realism. If gamers are not careful, their dishes will burn, flop, or otherwise turn out the way they do in real life.
The two-player action makes it a great game for rainy afternoons when the little guys have nothing better to do than pick on each other. Continued play will yield the occasional unlockable to keep things interesting. All that’s missing is the aroma. “Cooking Mama: Cook Off” is rated E for Everyone, but it may be a bit difficult for youngest players.
Don’t get too far from the kitchen. When reviewing family games in the past, I have always had a kind word for THQ. Its selection of outstanding titles for children boasts favorites like “SpongeBob,” “The Fairly OddParents,” “Hello Kitty,” and “The Incredibles.” Now another new friend has joined the family.

‘Ratatouille’

“Ratatouille” was the big animated hit of the summer in theaters, and now it’s making its way into playrooms everywhere. Utilizing actual voices from the film, the game puts the player right in the thick of the action. Kids will love whizzing around Gusteau’s with Linguini and avoiding the evil Skinner, or sailing through the sewers. Django and Emile are also on hand.
Rather than just following the story of the movie, “Ratatouille” offers players new adventures through an exceptional array of minigames that are both challenging and fun. The game continues through six different worlds, maximizing play opportunities. Head-to-head action can keep a pair of players blissfully busy through the home kitchen’s dinner rush on PS3, PS2, Xbox 360 and other popular computers, consoles and portables. Have a look at www.ratatouillevideogame.com.

‘MotorStorm’

Sure, you’re waiting for “Gran Turismo 5” to be released for PS3; we all are. That does not mean that gamers will have to give up their driving games until that happy day. I got a chance to take a spin in the new off-road extravaganza “MotorStorm” for PS3 and found the experience far from relaxing.
“MotorStorm” offers some of the best graphics I have ever experienced in a video game. The off-road action is so real players can almost taste the mud. In “MotorStorm,” everybody races, from enormous diesel trucks to tiny motorcycles, and, surprisingly, everybody has a chance to win. Track selection is the key. Some racing venues favor the little guy; others are set up to suit the big rigs. To compete, a driver will need to go fast when he can and keep going when things get sticky. There’s more than that, of course. Like any good video game, the occasional roadblock, collision, wrecked vehicle, or plummet to doom can impact the outcome.
I love racing games, and I really love “MotorStorm.” To further enhance the racing experience, online play can accommodate a field of 12 racers, upping the competition to the highest levels. Rated T for Teen, the action may be a bit intense for beginning gamers, but the rest of the gang, adults included, will be glued to the controllers for hours on end.

‘MLB 07: The Show’

The show must go on, especially for the dedicated baseball fan. “MLB07: The Show,” this year’s edition of the popular MLB series, brings spectacular baseball action to the friendly confines of playroom park with first-rate game play and realistic baseball action.
The PlayStation 3 was made for games like this and shows every glittering detail in astonishing resolution. Former Phillie and all-around great guy Rex Hudler returns to the announcer’s booth along with Matt Vasgersian and Dave Campbell. While I enjoyed the PS3 version, it is available for PS2 and PSP as well.
Legalities resulted in some players being included under assumed names. Players may want to have a look at the San Francisco Giants’ left-fielder Reggie Stocker, for example, and see if they can resist the urge to boo. Fielding control has been significantly improved, allowing players to dive after balls that would otherwise go through. The pitch command system gives players even more control over their hurlers, bringing the challenge right into the batter’s box where it belongs. Add in outstanding animations, realistic umpires and a rousing soundtrack, and “MLB07: The Show” puts the essence of real baseball at your fingertips.

‘Singstar Rock’

PlayStation 2 fans that took my advice over the winter holidays and picked up the popular “Singstar Rock” will be happy to learn that a new addition to the family has hit the shelves. It brings 30 of the best pop tunes to the home entertainment center just in time for a night of musical fun for everyone in the family.
Britney Spears’ breakout hit “Baby One More Time” had me fighting the urge to shave my head, while A-Ha’s timeless “Take On Me” taxed my singing ability to the limit. More gifted players can enjoy hits from the Clash, Gorillaz, Cyndi Lauper, Alicia Keys, Franz Ferdinand and many more. The SingStar microphones are needed to use this game, so players are reminded to get the bundle if they do not already have them.

‘PaRappa the Rapper’

Finally, for those endless road trips that spark all manner of backseat battling, pick up the latest iteration of the PlayStation classic “PaRappa the Rapper,” now available for PlayStation Portable.
With PaRappa on board, one will be able to drive the family to Florida and back without a peep, save an occasional squeal of joy when a level is completed. The six original tunes are back in all their timeless glory, ready to challenge even the youngest rapper to best Joe Chin and win the heart of the adorable Sunny.
“PaRappa the Rapper” is easy enough for most kids big enough to push the buttons, but to achieve the coveted “cool” rating, true dedication and expertise must be demonstrated. Gamers of all ages can learn the answers to life’s questions from a martial arts onion and a reggae frog while promoting peace and quiet on the home front.
I am anxious to hear about favorite video games and experiences. Put down the controller for a minute and tell me what you have been playing lately via e-mail to granese@juno.com .