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(PS3, $10, Everyone)

A hyperactive multiplayer bonanza takes the same basic formula from the early-1980s strategy game and expands it into a giddy, retro explosion.

You play as a little guy who runs around a maze and sets off bombs that clear paths and destroy enemies. Zigging and zagging through the levels, dodging opponents' bombs, collecting power-ups, slamming your controller after close calls that go the wrong way and pumping your fists in moments of narrow triumph make for endless entertainment.

As easy to pick up and play as "Pac-Man," "Bomberman Ultra" is at its best online, where you're competing against up to five other unpredictable people rather than dull computer opponents that stick to set routines.

(Wii, $60, Everyone)

A better all-around personal trainer than mega-selling "Wii Fit" in most respects, the game is aimed at women but has plenty to offer men as well.

The game comes with a flimsy resistance band and a leg pouch for the nunchuk, which keeps track of the calories you've burned as you run in place and do calisthenics in short bursts. The game is compatible with the "Wii Fit" balance board controller, but you don't need it to play.

You can set a 30-day fitness program and keep track of your progress as you go along. Thanks to the variety in the activities, the game has a longer shelf life than most other fitness videos or games.

(PSP, $40, Teen)

Although the "Guitar Hero" DS games do a better job of replicating the feel of playing a guitar, due to an add-on controller, this portable "Rock Band" blows its rhythm genre rival out of the water with better sound and presentation.

Instead of getting to sing, drum or play guitar in "Rock Band Unplugged," you tap buttons and alternate between virtual instruments, making yourself a one-man band.

As you listen to the 41 CD-quality tracks, which include, among others, Kansas, Pearl Jam and Audioslave, you press corresponding buttons on the screen to keep time with the beats and notes.

Although no substitute for the console "Rock Band," "Unplugged" is probably the best music-based title you can keep in your pocket.

(360, $20, Teen)

A humorous, downloadable Xbox 360 adventure game has you move a pointer around with the control stick and click on various objects to advance the story.

The heroes are a gumshoe dog and his wily rabbit sidekick. Designed in the format of a TV series, their mystery-solving adventures play out in episodes. Sometimes the interface feels stiff because the game was clearly designed to be played with a mouse, and I found many of the puzzles so difficult that I had to scan the online walk-throughs to learn how to proceed.

The Xbox 360 game has quicker load times and the convenience of sitting on your hard drive, while the motion-control-blessed Wii version feels less cumbersome.