Parkour Plunderer

Fantastic graphics and sound define the environments. Exciting acrobatics are full of action. Challenging puzzles.

Intel Macs only. Occasional points where you know what to do but can't make Croft succeed. Enemy AI lamely charges for you, sometimes getting trapped behind minor obstacles.

. While the controls take practice and patience to master, Tomb Raider Anniversary pays off with unmatched action.

iPod game makes a tasty alphabet soup.

Uses nearly the same dictionary as tournament Scrabble. Several game modes include shortened rules. Controls work well to navigate tiles and zoom on the board. Supports four-players.

Could include more iPod-centric modes, like brief puzzles, challenges, and timers.

: iPod Scrabble loses a little bit of its charm, but gains great portability and solo modes over the physical game.

Ace in The Hole

Detailed simulation of golf matches and tournaments. Stroke mechanics feel fun. Variety of real-world golfers and courses. Online and single-Mac multiplayer.

Intel Macs only. Average graphics quality, especially on backgrounds. Not enough tutorial content for new players.

. Average, sometimes-glitchy graphics knock Tiger Woods into a bunker, but the deep golf sim hits the game back onto the fairway every time.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Impressive layers of simulation. Exciting, fluid action. Full catalog of real-world teams and rosters. Online and single-Mac multiplayer.

Intel Macs only. Average-quality graphics sometimes show bugs. Limited tutorials for absolute beginners. You really need a gamepad controller with analog control sticks.

. The graphical glitches disappoint, but Madden NFL 08's deep on-and off-field action wins.

Rock and Roll All Night

Great solo and party game. MacBook Pro and GH3 means you can finally rock out during your lunch break at work.

Boss battles are lame. High system requirements. Intel Macs only. No Pantera songs.

. If your Mac can handle the requirements, GH3 is a fun, addictive game that will have you wishing you could get the band back together. Even the hamfisted Boss Battles don't detract from the spirit

Sims Get Fine Seasoning

Seasons add weather patterns and engaging activities. New gardening capabilities. Universal binary.

Not truly innovative.

. Unlike other expansion packs, such as Open for Business or University, Seasons doesn't add an entirely new aspect to The Sims' gameplay. That's not a bad thing. Instead, it enhances the core game and lets you get back to the business of managing your Si...

Gets the Balance Right

Terrific balance between RTS chores and battlefield conquest. Multiple ways to play through the game. Extensive unit upgrade path. Entertainingly bad videos

Occasional bugs and interface glitches. Intel Macs only.

. Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars nails the often-elusive balance of resources and strategy that makes an RTS fun.

Revved and ready.

Responsive, fun driving. Uses real-world cars. Deep story. Single-race modes. Free exploration mode

Slow performance and occasional bugs. Lacks widescreen support. Licensed cars don't show much damage. Do we need in-game billboard for Intel and other EA games? Intel Macs only.

. If you have a high-end Mac and a good controller, you'll have a fast and furious good time with Need for Speed Carbon.

Watered-down witch's brew.

Spellcasting gestures feel fun. Detailed world and authentic voice acting add polish.

Errand-running and chores bore. Magical combat is chaotic and hard to control. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) not in the voice cast. Intel Macs only - the game doesn't work with PowerPC Macs.

. The game's dialogue uses much of the original cast, although Daniel Radcliffe (who plays Harry) is absent. These voices and the sharp graphics transport fans to Hogwarts. But for the rest of us, it feels like summer school.

Have cake and eat it, too.

Simple yet addictive. Universal binary.

Musical quirks.

. Cake Mania is a real treat for casual gamers.