Happy feet, cars, and snoopy lead the way

The number of video games on the market is dizzying. With so many based on popular movies, TV shows, beloved characters, and the newest entries--those promising to increase our intelligence--it's easy to select some favorites.

Capitalizing on the Warner Bros. Pictures' very successful theatrical run, Happy Feet--The Video Game, puts players into the tap-dancing shoes of Mumble, the penguin, as he swims, dances, and belly-sleds across Antarctica. Featuring a lively soundtrack, the game allows for two-player mode with dance-off competitions, swimming challenges, and other cooperative action. From Midway Home Entertainment, Happy Feet is rated E and available on PC, PS2, Wii, GC, DS, and GBA.

In the racing adventure game Cars, players relive the excitement from the Disney Pixar film as they experience all the major environments from the movie, including Radiator Springs and Ornament Valley. There are 10 playable characters and more than 30 races and minigames. From THQ, Cars is Rated E and available on PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360, GC, PSP, DS, GBA, and PC/Mac.

Once again, Nickelodeon has grouped its most popular characters together in a quest to conquer evil, this time in Nicktoons: Battle for Volcano Island. Players can assume the roles of SpongeBob SquarePants, Danny Phantom, Timmy Turner, Patrick Star, Sandy Cheeks, and Samantha Mason as they encounter untold dangers while trying to stop Mawgu from taking control of Volcano Island. From THQ, the game is rated E and available on PS2, GC, DS, and GBA.

With Avatar: The Last Airbender continuing to gain in popularity on Nickelodeon, the video game brings this adventure to life as players take on the characters of Aang, Katara, Haru, and Sokka and can master bending powers to manipulate the elements of Water, Air, Earth, and Fire. From THQ, rated E10+ and available on PS2, GC, Wii, Xbox, PSP, GBA, DS, and PC.

Another of our all-time favorites is back in Scooby-Doo! Who's Watching Who? Here, the gang from Mystery Inc. is starring in a reality TV show about ghost hunting. Challenged by a rival show team, Scooby, Shaggy, and the rest of the crew travel cross-country visiting spooky locations and unmasking classic ghosts. From THQ, Scooby-Doo features the original voice talent from the animated series and is rated E. Available on PSP and DS.

Speaking of beloved characters ... in Snoopy vs. The Red Baron, we jump into Snoopy's dream as the World War I flying ace attempts to foil the plans of his archenemy, the Red Baron. Players can pilot the famous Sopwith Camel and other aircraft in sky-high dogfights and air races. From Namco Bandai Games America, Snoopy vs. The Red Baron features cameos from 12 beloved characters including Charlie Brown, Woodstock, and Lucy. Rated E10+ and available on PS2, PSP, and PC.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab lets players experience Bikini Bottom in a new way as players experience nine extremely bizarre and unusual worlds which come alive through dreams or nightmares. From THQ, SpongeBob features five new gameplay mechanics: rampaging, flying, skydiving, chase, and hot rod racing. Rated E and available on PS2, GC, Wii, GBA, and DS.

When the Nintendo DS came along, it came with a different category of games --those designed to help stimulate the brain. The latest additions, from Majesco Entertainment, are Brain Boost Gamma Wave (to improve memory) and Brain Boost Beta Wave (to improve concentration). Both help increase memory, concentration, and judgment through progressively more difficult training games where speed and accuracy count. Beta Wave stimulates the right brain, which is associated with active concentration and busy thinking. Games include matching, shape recognition, and sequencing. Gamma Wave involves higher mental activity, including perception and problem solving, with games such as remembering circumstances, faces, etc. Warning: these games are addictive. Rated E.

Also for the DS is My Frogger Toy Trials, a 25th anniversary celebration from Konami. Players can enter a tournament where they create a toy pet and compete in a series of challenges. For up to four players with classic hop and dodge gameplay, My Frogger is rated E.

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COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning