Next-gen turns on ‘Gears,’ Wii

In the accompanying stories, our most frequent video-game reviewers name their favorites of the year.

1. “Gears of War” (Xbox 360). The best next-generation game to date. Extraordinary graphics and strong enough to ease the wait for Halo 3.

2. “Superman Returns” (Xbox 360, Xbox, PS2, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance). For no other reason than it’s the first Superman video game to not completely stink. The graphics on the next-gen version could be better, but it makes up for it with fun gameplay and easy use of all of Supe’s powers. Just flying around Metropolis is a game in itself.

3. “Madden 07” (Xbox 360, Xbox, PSP, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, PS2, Nintendo GameCube, PC). For football gamers, it will always be a must-have. The current-generation version outshines the next-gen version with better controls, gameplay and more options.

4. “NHL 07” (Xbox 360, Xbox, PS2, PSP, PC). The Xbox 360 version is the first sports game on a next-gen console that is, hands down, better than its current-gen counterpart. The game speed is fast and realistic (unlike most next-gen sports games).

5. “MVP 06 NCAA Baseball” (Xbox, PS2). The best baseball game on the market, period. Gameplay is quick; controls are smooth. Even the ping is authentic. It’s a shame EA lost the rights to make MLB games, because this game outshines any pro baseball game competition, current or next-gen.

– David Betancourt

1. “Oblivion” (PC, Xbox 360, PS3). Easily the best role-playing game ever and possibly the best overall title, Oblivion is the only game to create a massive living world that looks gorgeous to boot. The non-player characters are so real; it’s almost like a massively multiplayer game, only without all the idiots breaking character. In fact, my only complaint is that having all the responsibilities to the game’s various factions comes a little too close to mirroring the stresses of real life.

2. “Hitman: Blood Money” (PC, PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360). Most shooters rate you by the body count you rack up, but the ideal assassin here can slip past electronic security efforts and an army of guards, eliminate the target and leave without anyone noticing. Part MacGyver and part murderer, antihero Agent 47 raises killing to an art form, but only in the hands of an intelligent player. And three words describe the ultimate assassination mission the game closes with: the White House.

3. “Company of Heroes” (PC). This gets my nod for best real-time strategy game this year. Excellent voice acting, beautiful graphics, a fully destructible environment, difficult missions, a great World War II setting and exciting gameplay make every level thrilling as you push Able Company from the beaches of Normandy to Berlin.

4. “DarkStar One” (PC). A big fan of non-linear gameplay, I was overjoyed to find this simulation game, which opens the universe for exploration in a spaceship that you can upgrade in different ways, making it anything from a speedy fighter to a lumbering battle cruiser. DarkStar One lets you set your own career path as well, from a peaceful trading merchant to a bloodthirsty mercenary.

5. “Star Wars: Empire at War” (PC). Considering LucasArts has tried for years to make a real-time strategy game based in the “Star Wars” universe, this deserves special mention because the creators finally got it right. Forget “Rebellion,” “Force Commander” and “Galactic Battlegrounds” (all failures), and jump right to “Empire at War.” A great mix of beautiful fleet space combat and ground missions, the game will have you conquering planets and trying to rule or liberate the galaxy. The recently released “Forces of Corruption” expansion pack adds pirates as a playable army and further expands the game world.

– John Breeden II

1. Nintendo Wii. No gaming system is likely to expand video games to the mass market more than Wii. Despite the weird name, it’s the most accessible game platform out there, thanks to its motion-sensor controls that entice gamers to get off the couch and physically get into the games. The included Wii Sports games alone make this $250 system worth the price.

2. “Guitar Hero II” (PlayStation 2). A game aimed at the non-traditional gaming audience, this sequel allows anyone to become a virtual rock star. The key to this rhythm-based game’s success is the guitar controller, which is just plain fun to use. The soundtrack of more than 55 hard-rocking songs and two-player cooperative support is like selling out Madison Square Garden.

3. “Gears of War” (Xbox 360). There are many reasons to buy an Xbox 360, but none better than Epic’s sci-fi shooter Gears of War. This game introduces a new franchise for Bill Gates’ company and revolutionizes online multiplayer gaming with four-on-four skirmishes that include guns with chain saws on the tip.

4. “Brain Age” (Nintendo DS). This game franchise has been helping sell Nintendo’s dual-screen gaming device to both hard-core and casual gamers. These games train your brain to think better in fun and innovative ways. Play these and you will get smarter.

5. “Resistance: Fall of Man” (PlayStation 3) Insomniac Games’ first-person shooter shows the potential of the PlayStation 3. Set in an alternate-universe 1952, players engage aliens and hybrid enemies using World War II-era weapons and high-tech gadgets.

– John Gaudiosi

1. “Gears of War” (Xbox 360). With its breathtaking visuals, hard-core action and brilliant multiplayer option, Gears of War is the reason to own an Xbox 360. After you let your chain saw rip through your first bad guy, it’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

2. “Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas” (Xbox 360). This latest in the venerable franchise takes tactical shooters to the next level. Don’t let the game’s difficulty deter you; you’ll get better as you go. Saving hostages has never been this much fun.

3. “Need for Speed Carbon” (Xbox 360 and PS3). Once again, EA has created the ultimate in racing games. New cars, new tracks and new competition – it’s all about speed, baby, and Carbon takes it to you. Canyon races are the bomb!

4. “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” (Nintendo Wii). Our hero, Link, is back, and his magical land of Hyrule has never looked so good. Coming to the Wii brings new control dynamics that put players right smack into the action. This truly is a magical title.

5. “Resistance: Fall of Man” (PS3). Easily the best game on the PS3, Resistance has players taking down the evil chimeras that have overtaken Europe. Fantastic graphics, superb audio and multiplayer games with more than 40 players – that’s right, 40 players. Good times.

– Tom Ham