Fun Games Can Be Found Without Carnage

Now that you have invested in a gaming system for you and your child, you realize the little tykes aren't ready for the virtual carnage of popular titles like Halo 3 and Half-Life.

Regardless of the age of your child or console, there is a game for your family. Some are due to hit store shelves soon, some are priced to move -- all are guaranteed for hours of gaming fun.

Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock (Xbox 360, Wii, PS2, PS3)

Always wanted to be a rock star but have motivation issues?

If so, you have probably already taken on one of the "Guitar Hero" iterations.

You won't find too many gamers out there who haven't wielded the virtual axe and wailed out a set or two for an unappreciative pet or friend -- but this game isn't just for grownups. Fans will be pleased with the third installment, "Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock." It is due to hit shelves at the end of October.

The franchise offers fun for all ages through an unbeatable blend of frantic button pressing and a cool proprietary guitar controller. Featuring varying degrees of difficulty and licensed music, kids and adults alike can rock out to a variety of today's top tunes.

For added realism, allow your kids to smash the guitar and trash a hotel room after completing the game.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)

The "Smash Bros." franchise has been a favorite of Nintendo loyalists for some time now, enjoying widespread popularity and even a stint on Major League Gaming's Pro Circuit.

"Super Smash Bros. Brawl" will mark the debut of an anticipated addition to the Smash Bros. cast, welcoming Sonic from Sega's famed Sonic The Hedgehog franchise to the mix.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the launch of "Brawl," as it will not only mark the third installment in the popular and kid-friendly franchise, but is also the first iteration developed for the next-generation Wii console.

Features include cooperative play in adventure mode that allows two players to take on a host of characters with a storyline that develops based on the choices the users make as the game progresses.

Pretty much anything published by Nintendo is safe for the little ones, but this is one title that is noted for its long lifespan and appeal to gamers of all ages.

Skate. (Xbox 360, PS3)

For years, Tony Hawk and his never-ending line-up of games have dominated the skateboarding genre. In fact, with the exception of a few failed attempts, Tony Hawk constituted the skateboarding genre -- until now.

"Skate." debuted in late September and is noted for its unique control scheme that offers easier access to quick moves, as well as a heightened sense of accomplishment when successfully executed. Tony Hawk aficionados might have a bit of difficulty adjusting to "Skate." but the fresh controls and environmental detail developed by EA Black Box will have you coming back for more -- or trading in all those "Tony Hawks" that have been collecting dust.

Kingdom Hearts 2 (PS2)

The follow-up to Square Enix's crossover that teamed up beloved Disney characters with the cast of the "Final Fantasy" franchises, "Kingdom Hearts II" is not the newest game on the shelf, but as one of "PlayStation 2's Greatest Hits" it is available at a wallet-friendly MSRP of $19.99. Rated "E for Everyone," "Kingdom Hearts II" lacks some of the defining features of the franchises' first installment, but still delivers hours of fun and brings closure to many of the storylines left open in "Kingdom Hearts."

If you or your child was a fan of the "Final Fantasy" or the Disney characters, you will clearly enjoy Square's latest "Kingdom" offering.

Warhawk (PS3)

Perhaps the most impressive title on PS3 to date, Warhawk might be a bit on the violent and complex side for a young child, but for an teen with a PS3 hungry for new games, you might not find one better.

Built off of a concept that first debuted with EA's powerhouse "Battlefield" franchise, "Warhawk" lets you take a stab at controlling of fighter planes, mechanized armored vehicles as well as good old-fashioned infantry combat.

One important fact about "Warhawk" is that it possess no single-player campaign mode, so you will only be able to compete online. But with room for up to 32 players and a slew of death-dealing toys, "Warhawk" delivers big time with minimal blood and gore.

Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, PS2, PSP, PC, Nintendo DS)

It's a good thing that evil always seems to lurk somewhere -- at least for you and your gaming console.

Typically, poorly-crafted and rushed movie tie-ins often find their way to used game bins in record time. While this may prove to be another one of those, your child can bask in the glory of defeating villains like Doc Ock and Venom, and then teaming up with them to fight global evil.

While this isn't the most groundbreaking of titles and certainly won't win any awards this year, the Spider-Man titles remain popular with kids nationwide. Adults may find the game play a bit repetitive and watered-down, but if you are searching for a family-friendly title that will keep your child busy for hours, this may be the one.

Brain Age 2 (DS)

Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS handheld system, "Brain Age 2" is the second installment in the unique and surprisingly popular brain-training series.

While this may sound like the equivalent of purchasing your kid "Finish Your Broccoli 3" or "Lawn Mowing Fever 6," I can assure you that Nintendo's stab at a competitive and fun learning experience is a blast.

Marketed to adults wishing to increase their mental sharpness, "Brain Age 2" is ideal for the advanced or gifted youngster. Faced with tasks ranging from simple math to musical note recognition, "Brain Age 2" challenges you from a plethora of different angles.

After completing a game, you will be given a score which is intended to identify the true age of your brain. Give it a shot, you might learn something -- literally!

FIFA Soccer 08 (Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, PS2, PSP, Nintendo DS, PC)

Be the ultimate soccer mom (or dad) and bring home "FIFA Soccer 08" for your sons or daughters.

Just watch out -- you may have to fight them for it!

Once again, EA delivers an excessively robust management and team experience with soccer game play so realistic about the only thing you can't do is start a bar brawl with a Manchester United fan.

Whether you are an avid soccer fan or player, or just a casual gamer, "FIFA Soccer 08" is perhaps the best installment ever in the prolific EA franchise. Fans can go in-depth and manage their own soccer clubs or just pop in the title for a quick game between teams from around the world. Rated "E for Everyone," "FIFA Soccer 08" is as real as it gets.