Check out our top-rated video games for kids

Video games are a $14 billion-a-year business. To make sure consumers get the best bang for their buck this holiday season, “Today” contributor and consumer specialist Herb Weisbaum put dozens of new titles to the test. Here is the fourth installment of his special report, “Today Toy Test 2004.”

There's no doubt about it. This year's crop of video games has the best graphics ever. Designers are doing some amazing things. For instance, watching "Madden NFL 2005" is almost like watching a TV broadcast of a football game! This year, in addition to all the on-field antics, the fans in the stadium really come alive.

Good graphics are important, but to rate "most excellent," a game must also be fun. As always, we let game players tell us which titles are the best. To do that we built a one-of-a-kind arcade at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle and filled it with brand new games for the big three game systems: GameCube, Xbox, and PlayStation 2.  In all, we tested 83 titles! All the big names were there — Spiderman, Catwoman and Tiger Woods. And for the younger crowd, we had Harry Potter, Shrek, and Spongebob Squarepants.

We let Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft decide which titles to test. There were only three rules: Games had to be new for the year, nothing could be rated higher than teen and, to keep this a family-friendly event we did not permit realistic shooter games with animated blood. Once we opened the doors, our exclusive arcade was filled for two straight weeks, with kids (young and old), and quite a few parents. These players are tough critics. Believe me; they have no problem telling us a title is "terrible." Based on more than 10,000 ratings, here are the top titles for 2004:

"Burnout 3"
The winner and runaway favorite is "Burnout 3." As one kid told us “It’s one of the coolest games that I’ve ever played!” The Xbox version takes first place; the PS2 version was right behind, taking second place. This is not your typical racing game. With "Burnout 3," aggressive, even reckless driving is required! When asked to describe the game, one player put it this way, “You basically drive around and try to run people off the road!” Parents take note: Because of all the violent crashes, and some of the language, "Burnout 3" is rated “Teen,” for those 13 and up.

"Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal"
At number three, the latest installment in the "Ratchet & Clank" series is titled "Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal." Once again, our dynamic duo needs to save the galaxy — this time from the evil Dr. Nefarious who wants to eliminate all organic life. One of the kids who liked the game told me the goal was to “destroy all the alien guys … and get back to your ship and save people.” And that’s no easy task! "Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal" is a PS2 exclusive. Because of the crude humor and fantasy violence, it's rated “Teen.”

"EyeToy: Antigrav"
At number four is "EyeToy: Antigrav" for PS2 with EyeToy. This is the second year in a row that a title using Sony's new EyeToy technology makes it into the winner's circle. The EyeToy is a digital camera — a $50 add-on to the basic PS2 system — that turns your body into the controller. (Note: For that price, you get the camera and the game.) In "EyeToy: Antigrav," you're riding a hoverboard. Even though you don't see yourself on screen, you've become the racer; he does what you do. It takes a while to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, it almost feels as if you’re on that hoverboard. It's fast, it's fun and it’s different. "EyeToy: Antigrav" is rated “E” for everyone.

"Metroid Prime 2: Echoes"
In fifth place is "Metroid Prime 2: Echoes," for the Nintendo Gamecube. This highly anticipated sequel delivers both action and adventure. Samus — the bounty hunter behind the visor — battles a warring race called the Ing. But be careful! You never know what danger lies around the next corner. It’s a lot of fast-paced action, but as one kid told me, “You don’t die that easily, which is pretty good.” Because of all the fighting, it's rated “Teen.”

"Tony Hawk's Underground 2"
Once again, a perennial favorite — skateboard champ Tony Hawk — makes it to the winner’s circle. This year’s game is called "Tony Hawk's Underground 2." As always, the game play is fast and intense. There are new moves, expanded levels and numerous ways to customize the play. The Nintendo Gamecube version of "Tony Hawk’s Underground 2" comes in at number six, while the PS2 version takes seventh place. Because of blood, crude humor, language, suggestive themes and violence, both versions are rated “Teen.”

"Mario Power Tennis"
Tying Tony Hawk for seventh place is a game appropriate for any age — "Mario Power Tennis." Mario and Friends are back and ready for some crazy tennis on some very strange courts; on the one outside Luigi’s mansion you aim at ghosts! There are 14 characters in this game, each with a different strength — for instance, Donkey Kong and Bowser can hit powerful megaton balls. Besides tennis balls, you can also whack paint balls or smack balls of water. "Mario Power Tennis" is rated "E" for everyone.

Consumer expert and “Today” contributor Herb Weisbaum has been helping people across the country for more than 25 years. His award-winning reports have exposed everything from quack medications to bogus investments. Since 1990, his Toy Test has helped millions of parents and grandparents select the best toys for their kids. To learn more about Herb Weisbaum and his latest consumer reports, you can visit his Web site, www.consumerman.com

MORE FROM 'TODAY' HOLIDAY GUIDE

'Today' Holiday Guide Section Front

Read my hips! How to interpret body language How to become a tequila connoisseur Got a fear of riesling? Here’s how to overcome it Spicing up your guacamole How to care for your beautiful clothes Embrace your inner style diva Serve up a sizzling steak this holiday Make elegant appetizers for an open house The Scottos bake up Italian holiday cookies Whip up a delicious holiday brunch 'Today' Holiday Guide Section Front   Add 'Today' Holiday Guide headlines to your news reader: