Got a young video gamer on your Christmas list -- but don't know what to buy? Chris Olsen shows you the top video games rated "E" for everyone.
Nine-year-old Ben and his friend Zoe love video games. A new game tops his, and many other kids', wish list for Christmas.
For the Nintendo DS, Victor Lucas, a grown-up games expert from The Electric Playground recommends
Dragon Quest IX, a well-made role-playing game with some of the best looking visuals on the DS.
"There are all kinds of cool downloadable challenges that you can add to the core experience," Lucas said.
And it wouldn't be Christmas without a Lego video game. This time it's Harry Potter years one to four. It's surprisingly addictive as you can play as all the Harry Potter characters.
Every platform has exclusive games. For the Wii, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Kirby's Epic Yarn and Donkey Kong Country Returns are standouts.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 is so good, Victor Lucas calls it "the best game on the Wii."
"It's a treasure and a beautiful game to be playing during the holidays," he said.
Kirby's Epic Yarn looks like a kids' game but adults will like it too. And Donkey Kong Country Returns is a revitalized Super Nintendo classic
"[It's] so difficult, so challenging, it's such a hard-core gamer's game. It's accessible, easy to get in to, but really tough to beat."
For the PlayStation 3, Mod Nation Racers was built in Vancouver and is now a worldwide phenomenon.
"They built technology for this game that just blows me away," Lucas said. "I can't believe what you can do. It's all about custom creating your world, your cart, your racer."
There are about a million tracks available for download or you can build your own and be racing on it in about five minutes.
Need For Speed Hot Pursuit is a cops-vs.-racer game that has created almost its own social network with the website called "Autolog."
"Boast about your accomplishments, do all kinds of trash-talking, and send photos of what you've done," Lucas said.
There is even an iPhone app.
For sports lovers, NBA 2K11 captures the heyday of basketball around the biggest NBA icon Michael Jordan.
"This is the best sports game I have ever played." Lucas said.
And NHL 11 is a must for hockey fans. It's another popular "made in Vancouver" game.
And even though Rock Band 3 is rated Teen, it's worth a mention because it's just so much fun as a group activity.
"This game was a real innovation and revolution because it's a game that can teach you how to play these instruments for real," he said.
Aspiring bands can even upload music to the Rock Band network and sell their music!
And with gaming there is always something new. In a few months there will be a new Nintendo DS that will bring 3D gaming to the palm of your hand -- and you won't even need to wear glasses.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen