Best New Games This Week

After the chaos of Grand Theft Auto IV, the standout title in this week's releases couldn't be more different to Rockstar's M-rated crimefest. Boom Blox, developed in cooperation with Steven Spielberg, is an instantly appealing, family-friendly Wii game that's (literally) going to be a smashing success. A quirky shooter spin-off and a beautiful hidden-object game round out our favorites, and a clutch of awesome re-releases fill out the list.

Top Three:

BOOM BLOX

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Imagine crossing Jenga with Tetris, adding a detailed, realistic physics system and mixing in the Wii's unique motion-sensing controls, and you'll have the general idea behind BOOM BLOX. Releasing this week to rave reviews, it's the first in a planned three-game collaboration between publisher EA and legendary director Steven Spielberg, and if the rest are as good as BOOM BLOX, Spielberg could be the best thing to happen to gaming in years. Incidentally, if you're looking for a way to get a head start on your multiplayer opponents, check out our selection of multiplayer tips straight from the developer.

Miss Teri Tale

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Dognapping in Peeking Town?! Hunt for a purloined pooch in this sumptuously presented hidden-object game. Which of your shady neighbors is responsible? As the eponymous mystery writer Teri Tale, it's up to you to find out - and hopefully get some inspiration for your latest book along the way.

R-Type Command

Ever wondered what a classic side-scrolling shooter crossed with a turn-based tactical strategy game would be like? Us neither, but R-Type Command gives us all the chance to find out. 1987 arcade release R-Type is probably the genre's most celebrated title, so there's bound to be plenty of interest in this spin-off. But in case you're dying to play the original game again, it's available on the Wii's Virtual Console service.

Best of the Rest

• Speed Racer
  Accompanying the movie's release this week, the Speed Racer game brings futuristic, high-velocity racing to the Wii and DS.
• COD4: Game of the Year Edition
  It's the PS3's turn for the re-release of this outstanding FPS.
• Tiqal
  Half Tetris, half Lumines, block puzzler Tiqal promises to be seriously addictive.
• Neverwinter Nights 2 Gold
  Get RPG Neverwinter Nights 2 together with its expansions for one great price.
• Farm Frenzy
  Animal lovers will go berserk for this farm sim.
• Supreme Commander Gold Edition
  Bundling awesome sci-fi strategy hit Supreme Commander with its expansion Forged Alliance, this re-release is an outstanding value.
• The Hidden Object Show
  Compete for $8 million in (virtual) prizes in this reality show challenge.