Infinity Ward, Activision

$59.99-149.99

Let's face it, COD:MW2 is the first big holiday title of the year, and by the looks of it, Infinity Ward's latest entry in the mega-popular franchise has all other developers under the gun, and rightfully so.

Infinity Ward knows not to mess with a good story, so MW2 begins right where the first game ended. Not to ruin it, but if you thought you had vanquished the Russian-backed group of terrorists - well, you are sadly mistaken. What you will find that is new are the combat zones. The maze of ghetto slums in Rio (called favelas) and the snow-capped mountains of Eastern Europe hold plenty of baddies.

The mechanics of the game of are pretty much the same, but there is a co-op mode called Special Ops. There appear to be about 25 missions (played online or split-screen) that are different from the single-player game. Playing the single-player game unlocks an increasing number of Special Ops missions. Making things even more interesting in this mode is the addition of civilians. If you kill too many, the missions end.

Multiplayer is where most gamers will spend their time, and MW2 adds just enough new features to dominate online console gaming for a while. The biggest deal is the customization of kill streaks. Gamers get only a limited number of them, so they have to choose wisely. Predator missiles and massive ordnance from an AC-130 gunship can be used to cause a considerable amount carnage and chaos to online foes.

I mentioned before that the most expensive version of the game comes with a pair of working night-vision goggles. Now, I haven't played with these, and word is, they aren't cutting-edge. Just be careful with them. They don't give you superpowers.

Stoked: Big Air Edition
(Xbox 360)

Bongfish, Destineer

$39.99

Talk about a rookie sensation. When Stoked hit last year, snowboarding gamers were having a hard time finding a satisfying virtual slope to carve. The game passed up the bling of such games as Shaun White Snowboarding and aimed for real snowboarding techniques. Similar to what EA did with Skate.

The Big Air Edition is basically a remix of the first game, with two new mountains for a total of seven, including K2. Yes, that K2. New trails are being made available for all seven as well, so even if you have the first game, there is fresh powder aplenty here.

Aside from new downhill racing, checkpoint, and timed modes, Stoked: BAE also includes online multiplayer events.

Many people missed the ski-lift on Stoked the first time around - understandable because the hype was low. However, the word is out now. No excuses. See you at the bottom.

A touched-up graphics engine means better snow particles.