Crysis, what crysis?

“Crysis 3” to be exact. This new Xbox 360 game from Electronic Arts and award-winning developer Crytek beats them all. With 12 visually stunning maps and eight gameplay modes (including two new Hunter modes), the multiplayer experience can’t be beat.

Players fight as Prophet once again, the Nanosuit soldier who not only wants revenge on his enemies, but wants to rediscover his humanity. Hunter mode enables two players to take on 10, with killed troopers taking on significant meaning as respawning as a hunter. Now that’s a twist.

More Winning Titles

Every wonder the origin of Lara Croft?

“Tomb Raider” (Square Enix) explores Lara’s ascent from a frightened young woman to a hardened survivor. This action-adventure, developed by Crystal Dynamics, includes a mysterious island loaded with ancient tombs, environmental puzzles and visceral combat. As a result, players must salvage resources and upgrade weapons to survive the island’s hostile inhabitants. A variety of multiplayer modes include Lara’s shipmates or Yamatai’s scavengers.

“The Sims” franchise is back in “The Sims 3 University Life Limited Edition Expansion Pack” (EA) for PC/Mac.

Besides achieving academic excellence, players partake in the broad scope of university life, such as partying, networking and fun activities. The limited edition includes new clothes and accessories, installation of a campus icon and much more.

“Scribblenauts Collection” (WB Games) on Nintendo DS is a sweet deal: two games for the price of one.

Players create their own interactive experience, as objects they write down in the game are limited only by their imagination. Levels can be shared via a Level Editor (DS Wi-Fi connection), and more than 340 in-depth levels include huge tasks, such as indentifying animals with shells.

This is a game that you literally can’t put down. It’s too challenging and too fun, all the while educational.