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Her cookies help satisfy three-alarm cravings Local scene : UA grad, 'Amazing Race' editor becomes filmmaker This week's video gamesSides dig in in tall-dog feudJob losses boost Food Bank volunteerismIt's Tucson toy inventor vs. Marvel, Round 2Ex-poker den owner avoids jail time, fines with plea agreementThis week's video game reviewsWrong dog has his day, thinks George, the 2nd-Greatest Dane Lobster rights on front burner at charity event

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"MLB 09: The Show" ($60, PS3, 306, Everyone)

Sony keeps pushing its incredibly accurate, continually enthralling baseball game to higher levels. In addition to including the sharpest — and most complicated —simulation of the sport on the market, "The Show" gives you a side mode that trumps the main game.

"Road to the Show" lets you work a minor-leaguer from the cowtown leagues to the bigs. Along the way, you participate in drills and complete specific challenges that get you into management's good graces. You grow a real attachment to your player as you guide him through the ranks.

The franchise mode is also incredibly intricate, rivaling its counterpart in the "Madden" series.

On the field, the game is a beauty, with a smooth, television-style flow and engaging pitcher-batter confrontations. It takes plenty of work to hone your skills enough to succeed against unforgiving computer or online opponents. Bear in mind this is not a game for novices or those unwilling to put in their time at the cages.

Other versions of the game are available on the PlayStation 2 and PSP.

"Major League Baseball 2K9" ($60, 360, PS3, Everyone)

An easy, pick-up-and-play baseball title that emphasizes reflexes and composure over strategy and complex controls, "2K9" is a reliable baseball title that can't quite match the depth and refinement of its competitor.

It's strange that 2K Sports' flagship baseball title is the weakest of its diamond franchises, which also include the cutesy, streamlined "MLB Power Pros" and the over-the-top, arcadelike "The Bigs." The most dramatic shortcoming of "2K9" is its lack of drama. It too often plays like a stale, antiseptic sim rather than down-and-dirty, lifelike game.

Myriad improvements justify an upgrade for those who own "Major League Baseball 2K8." Constant roster updates promise to keep your squads analogous to real life, but you can also create your own players and rosters and share them online.

Star players have lifelike animations at the plate, on the mound and in the field. Graphics seem improved from the previous year, and none of the bizarre slowdown and choppiness that came with fielding in "2K8" is back.

You can find other versions of the game on the Wii, PlayStation 2 and PSP.

"Resident Evil 5" ($60, 360, PS3, Mature)

Nearly every game in the survival horror "Resident Evil" series is a stunning achievement, and the fifth numbered sequel (not counting side releases, including the spectacular Wii rail shooter "Umbrella Chronicles") delivers on expectations.

Playing as Chris Redfield, one of the heroes of the original "Resident Evil," you head to a fictional African country to uncover a shady bioengineering mystery. As opposed to previous games in the series, much of the action takes place in broad daylight, which dampens the shock factor of enemies jumping you, but ups the feeling of persistent paranoia.

At your side is a surprisingly helpful female sidekick, who can be controlled by another player on the same console or a friend or stranger online. The online co-op is a colossal advancement. Another is the streamlined, modern auto-save system that's a welcome relief from the antiquated setup from previous "Resident Evil" games.

The sluggish, tanklike controls and a difficult-to-access inventory system are still there, and actually add to the tension. You need to run away and find a safe spot to sift through the stuff you've picked up, otherwise you're toast.

Usually I found myself covering for my partner as he readied his ammo and arsenal, then let him do the same for me. It's the teamwork aspect that makes "Resident Evil 5" one of the best of the young year.