Gaming zone

From Puzzles to Princes, here are the top video game picks that will make it to our holiday wish list.

Lego Batman
Everyone's favourite Caped Crusader is back, this time in the Lego world. In this game, based on the popular comic book rather than the recent movies, players must capture the escaped foes from Arkham Asylum, including the Joker, the Penguin and Poison Ivy. With the help of his trusty gadgets and his pal Robin, Batman swiftly brings justice to Gotham City.

Mario Kart Wii
Mario Kart is back, and it's better than ever. With the Wii Wheel (included with the game), racing is now more fun. Just place your Wii-mote in it and you're off. With 16 new courses and 16 classics from previous Mario Kart editions, there is more than enough here to keep the most seasoned racer busy.

Mirror's Edge
Set in the not-too-distant future, Mirror's Edge puts players in the role of a "runner", a person who transmits messages while evading government surveillance. Played from the first-person perspective, this action adventure has you running, jumping, vaulting, climbing and grabbing your way through obstacles and sticky situations.

Naruto: The Broken Bond
Picking up where Naruto: Rise of a Ninja left off, the Broken Bond is a brilliant action adventure that lets you play through the popular anime series. Not only will you explore the world of Naruto, but you will also engage in one-on-one battles against enemies using your powers and special abilities. The story is rich and the action exciting.

NBA Live 09
Want to take it to the hoop? With EA Sports' latest, you can make use of Dynamic DNA, which analyses players and teams from their real-life stats and affects the way they play in your game. New pick-and-roll controls let you set up screens and run two-man plays much easier.

Prince of Persia
When the Tree of Life is destroyed by evil forces, it's up to the prince and a new ally, Elika, to help bring peace and harmony back to the land. Fans of the series will notice the game has gone in a different direction. No more Sands of Time; instead players must rely on quick reflexes and acrobatics to battle foes.

Pure
Who would've thought that ATV (all-terrain vehicle) racing would be this much fun? From the beautiful tracks to the responsive controls, this is what racing games should be all about. With a unique trick system, it's unlike anything you've played before. As you race through 30 tracks, you'll unlock new ATVs and performance upgrades.

Skate It
Using cool new "Flickit" controls, players can execute real-world skateboarding moves with their Wii-motes. Simple gestures mimic moves you can do on a skateboard such as ollies and jumps. Still not satisfied? Get the Wii balance board (sold separately) and perform tricks as if you were on a real skateboard.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
This is the third installment of the popular Nintendo fighting game Super Smash Bros. Among the 35 playable characters, all of your favourites are here, including Mario, Zelda, Samus, Pikachu and Donkey Kong. Players can battle in 41 stages.

LittleBigPlanet
What may look like a typical game proves to be much more than meets the eye. Players solve puzzles while controlling adorable characters called Sackboy and Sackgirl as they interact with their environment. You can play alone or with friends.