Black Friday was nothing compared to this.

We've stormed the sand of Normandy's beaches. Blasted aliens who crawled from inside the Earth and rained from the skies. Splattered undead zombies in a mall teeming with what looked a lot like, well, Black Friday's nightwalkers. Rocked out with Guitar Hero, blocked NFL behemoths and defied gravity with Tony Hawk.

Resistance: Fall of Man -- Graphics, story and gameplay are all first-rate.

Once again, dear readers, it's time for us to spare you from the woes of trigger thumb, joystick joints and briefcase-size bags under the eyes. And who knew about the aching arms that would result from too many hours waving those new-fangled hand controls shaped like wands? Wii oh.

(Note to boss: Does workers' comp cover this?)

For the seventh consecutive year, we've zipped through hundreds of the season's new releases and old staples in order to bring you, just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, everything you need to know about video games but were afraid to ask. Hey, that's what we're here for.

There are so many more game systems today than there were when we started, back in the video Dark Ages of the past century. New kids include Sony's powerful PS3 and Nintendo's motion-dependent Wii consoles that turned up for a brief moment in stores two weeks ago and just as quickly sold out. With new systems come so many more games to consider.

That's why this year we've opted to stick mostly to the flood of new or recently released titles that you're likely to confront while holiday shopping. Oh sure, you will find a couple of months-old monster hits that continue to have legs.

But you won't see reviews of other stellar games that we praised in past weeks and months on these pages -- only this brief reminder of previous recommendations.

For mature gamers, we proffer fond memories of "F.E.A.R," "Black," "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories," "Resident Evil: Deadly Silence," "The Godfather," "Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror," "Final Fantasy IV Advance," and the year's two Metal Gears -- "Acid 2" and "Solid 3: Subsistence.''

For families, 'tweens and teens, we suggest "Cars," "College Hoops 2K6," "NHL '07," "New Super Mario Bros." "Daxter," "Metroid Prime: Hunters" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth II." Visit our Web archives to jog your memory further.

Now it's out with the old and in with the new.

Not sure about abbreviations in reviews? GBA is for Game Boy Advance; GC for GameCube; PS3 for PlayStation 3; PS2 for PlayStation 2; X360 for Xbox 360; X for Xbox; PC for Personal Computer; PSP for PlayStation Portable, W for Wii; and DS for, of course, the DS. Game prices start at $19.99 for handheld GBA titles and hit $59.99 for PS3, Wii and X360 titles.

Worried about what young ones are buying with their allowances? Check out the box-cover ratings: E for Everyone, E10+ for children who are 10 or older, T for Teens and M for Mature.

We rate games from one star (the lowest) to four stars (perfect). Titles were judged by your weekly game correspondent, with contributions from staff writers Jonathan D. Silver and Philip A. Stephenson.

1 GEARS OF WAR ( ; Epic Games; X360; M): It's got us in a stranglehold, baby, and we can't get out of its way. Oh sure, PS3 and Wii launch titles have attracted much of the hype this season, but this breathtaking third-person shooter for Microsoft's machine wraps up the best graphics and action of the year. Join recently paroled warrior Marcus Fennix on a top-secret mission to exterminate the Locust Horde. Fire off enough explosive bolts from that lethal cross bow and you'll earn "The Nuge," a distinction inspired by that zany bow hunter/rocker Ted.

2 "THE ELDER SCROLLS IV: OBLIVION ( ; Bethesda Games Studios; X360, PC; T): Prepare to surrender a chunk of 2007 to oblivion, should someone adore you enough to tuck this splendid role-playing odyssey into your stocking. Carry out the Emperor's dying command by delivering a mystical amulet and closing the gates to hell. Be sure to allow enough time to wander through vast lands and appreciate exceptionally lifelike characters, interactive environments and terrific voice acting. But forget about financing your travels by picking pockets -- you'll be sorry.

3 COMPANY OF HEROES ( ; THQ; PC; M): New Essence engine creates stunning graphics in this amazingly cinematic real-time strategy look at the World War II European campaign. Gone is the detachment that usually accompanies RTS campaigns once you zoom down from your bird's-eye view of Normandy to guide squads of startlingly detailed, interactive soldiers. Feel the personal impact as you lead them through gut-churning combat and advance on Berlin. But don't try this one unless you've got a powerful graphics card and plenty of memory to ensure it will run properly.

4 RESISTANCE: FALL OF MAN ( ; Sony Computer Entertainment America; PS3; M): Gripping shooter might have earned our top spot had it not had the misfortune to debut in the same season with "Gears of War." War sweeps over Europe and threatens the United States in this alternative-ending version of World War II. The enemy is no mere mortal army, however, but a Chimera virus that causes humans to mutate. Graphics, story and gameplay are all first-rate in a launch title that should be the first PS3 title in your library.

5 FINAL FANTASY XII ( ; Square Enix; PS2; T): From opening credits through compelling plot, we've never encountered a game that more closely resembled an interactive film. Sumptuous graphics, crystalline sound and a dramatic tale make this journey through war-torn Dalmasca a memorable trip. In an industry marked by so many tired, half-baked sequels, this role-playing series continues to stand out for its unique look and insistence on quality.

6 THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS ( ; Nintendo; W; T): Play once again as green-garbed Link while he strives to save Hyrule, this time from the evil King of Twilight, who has bathed the world in darkness. Transform into a wolf and fight with a new demon sidekick as you restore light to the world and rescue your companions. Wii launch title makes effective use of Nintendo's interactive remote by allowing you to swing the sword, aim your bow and guide the on-screen action.

7 CALL OF DUTY 3 ( ; Activision; PS3, W; T): New title from acclaimed World War II series makes the best use so far of motion-sensitive controllers for the season's new consoles. Swing the controller to bash a German infantryman or shove him while grappling on the stairs. Swivel it from side to side to steer your jeep through a barrage of bullets. Ground-up view of Normandy campaign makes a few gaffes -- "Bosch" is a German appliance, not a soldier -- but makes up for it with great sound, expressive faces and a better multi-player mode.

8 MADDEN NFL 07 ( ; EA Sports; PS3, W, X360, PS2, X, GC, PC, DS, PSP, GBA; E): A few bugs lurk inside, but it's still THE football game to match. New highlight and lead-blocker controls augment gameplay and moves. Hall of Fame mode and other additions keep it fresh for legions who've flocked to buy each of its incarnations. New Wii version is an arm-flailing hoot, packed with helpful tutorials that get you out of the chair and onto the field like you've never played before.

9 GUITAR HERO II ( ; Red Octane; PS2; E): Karaoke will seem forever lame after you've ripped through rock tracks with your own touring band. Strap on the cherry-red guitar controller and press color-coded buttons on its neck to master rhythm, bass or lead guitar lines from more than 50 monster hits. Shred "Sweet Child O' Mine" like Slash or battle big-haired metal bands. Try not to weep when your wise-acre kid doubles over laughing at your rendition of "Carry on, My Wayward Son," then asks with apparent seriousness: "So who was Kansas, anyway?"

DEAD RISING ( ; X360; Cap com; M): Gory, real-time zombie thriller draws more than a little inspiration from Pittsburgh's own filmmaker George Romero and his cult fave, "Dawn of the Dead." Intrepid reporter -- are there any other kind? -- Frank West takes a break from covering world conflicts to investigate rumors of weirdness at a domestic palace of retail. Trapped in the incongruously cheery mall by a multitude of undead, Frank must photograph the zombies and fight back with a slew of unorthodox, often giggle-inducing weapons culled from store shelves. Plenty of chills, but irritating, skimpy save system keeps it from achieving perfection.

Socom U.S. Navy Seals: Fireteam Bravo 2 -- Nonlinear gameplay permits players to decide what to do next.

ACTION-ADVENTURE

BULLY ( ; Rockstar Games; PS2; T): This year's candidate for most controversial title comes, no surprise, from the folks who also brought us "Grand Theft Auto." Despite its title and sometimes coarse dialogue, however, "Bully" doesn't instruct players to persecute others but advocates stepping up to tormentors. Dumped by your shallow family at the rigid Bulworth Academy, your student-character Jimmy can choose to attend or skip classes, complete missions, make choices that carry consequences -- and learn the merits of sticking up for friends.

FULL METAL ALCHEMIST: DUAL SYMPATHY (HHH; Destineer; DS; T): Accompany alchemist Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse as they search for the Philosopher's Stone that they trust will restore their crippled, mechanized bodies to living flesh. Play as Edward, Al or others in story or character modes and learn to transform materials found along the way into useful items. First of a planned series draws its story and voices from Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" anime series. It doesn't hit stores until Dec. 12, but an advance build shows attractive settings, mystical spells and plenty of side-scrolling fighting action.

GENJI: DAYS OF THE BLADE ( ; Sony Computer Entertainment America; PS3; T): Sword-slashing Japanese epic shows promise but doesn't follow through. Pretty graphics illustrate an adequate clash-of-the clans tale, but our hero doesn't look particularly Japanese and sounds more like a veddy proper Brit. Fighting is repetitive, and so are grunting, clanging sound effects. Unintentional hilarity also erupts from one character's unfortunately spelled name and another's "Princess Leia" cinnamon-bun hairdo.

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM CROSSFIRE ( ; Namco Bandai Games America; PS3; T): Latest installment in the mechanized-warfare series, which features fighters shielded by massive armor, presents a rating quandary. "Crossfire's" textureless, fog-shrouded backgrounds were so flat and ordinary that we were baffled by its choice as a next-gen launch title. And we'd rather watch crabgrass creep than wait for those mobile suits to lurch to their destinations. But the teens in our house, who grew up on the games and cartoon series, are completely smitten. Go figure.

OKAMI ( ; Capcom; PS2; T): The year's most visually distinctive game, "Okami" is as much a work of delicate Asian art as an animated game. White wolf Okami Amaterasu and his bouncy insect buddy Issun have been called from the afterlife to save a village from marauding eight-headed dragon Orochi. Unusually long, 17-minute opening, trippy graphics and peculiar jabbering vocals make this an acquired taste. But bear with it long enough to master the art of redrawing the world with your calligraphy brush, and we bet you, too, will be hooked.

TOM CLANCY'S SPLINTER CELL DOUBLE AGENT ( ; X360, PC; Ubisoft; M): Stealthy agent Sam Fisher slips into a terrorist band to unravel and undermine its plan in this engrossing, mission-packed sequel. "Double Agent" is easier for new players to pick up, adds a trust system to keep Sam on his toes as he plays both sides and places more emphasis on shooting than in the past. New multi-player set-up pits larger teams of clever spies against vicious mercenaries in online or cooperative play.

SAINTS ROW ( ; THQ/Volition; X360; M): With its gang-banging plot, frequent gunplay and adults-only dialogue, this driving adventure may strike you as a "Grand Theft Auto" look-alike. But "Saints Row" distinguishes itself by allowing you to design and modify your character and tossing in other features to keep things lively. Join the Third Street Saints gang and vie for control of sprawling Stilwater. Then acquire a gun and some wheels, prowl the city and earn respect while you keep an eye out for police and other, less obvious hazards.

ROLE-PLAYING

KINGDOM HEARTS II ( ; Square Enix/Buena Vista Games; E10+): Parents who seek an age-appropriate but enthralling title that won't insult their children's intelligence: This is for you. Second collaboration between creators of the "Final Fantasy" series and folks at Disney is every bit as satisfying as the first. Donald Duck and scores of Disney familiars mingle with Sora and other doe-eyed Square stalwarts, all voiced by an enormous cast of acclaimed actors. Near-perfection is marred only by spots of easy gameplay and stilted stabs at contemporary dialogue.

MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE ( ; PS3, W, X360, X, PS2, PSP, PC, GBA; T): Campy fun abounds when you enlist the alliance to stymie Doc Doom. Knock out baddies with Captain America's airborne shield, bare your claws as Wolverine and create your own squad of popular Marvel heroes. Environments are somewhat uninspired but improved from "Ultimate Spiderman." PS3 and WII owners will benefit from tilting their motion-sensitive controllers to charge or dodge in combat.

NEVERWINTER NIGHTS 2 ( ; Atari; PC; T): Use a redesigned toolset to build maps and shape adventures in this solid sequel that builds on the original's graphics, gameplay and complicated story. Choose to save the land of Neverwinter or align with the enemy massing to overtake it. Dungeons and Dragons fans will adore this dense game, but it's too convoluted for folks who can't devote, say, 50 or more hours to its mysteries.

SHOOTERS

KILLZONE: LIBERATION ( ; Sony Computer Entertainment America; PSP; T): The no-longer-human Helghast army is hanging on in parts of Vetka. Your aim: to assume the role of the soldier Templar and drive it out in this nicely tweaked sequel to 2004's original "Killzone" for PS2. New top-down, third-person camera allows you to track Templar as he maneuvers through trenches, trades red blasts of gunfire with enemy marksmen and struggles to free hostages held by brutal General Metrac. Frustratingly difficult at times, it may provoke you to stomp on your PSP after you've been killed 47 times in a row. Hang on and you'll eventually survive -- to get killed somewhere else.

SOCOM U.S. NAVY SEALs: COMBINED ASSAULT / SOCOM U.S. NAVY SEALs: FIRETEAM BRAVO 2 ( ; Sony Computer Entertainment America; "Combined Assault" for PS2, "Fireteam Bravo 2" for PSP; T): New campaign takes the SEALs to a vaguely Soviet-style country, but the location of their missions is practically an afterthought. What matters to SOCOM fans is the quality of online gameplay, and they won't be disappointed. Both feature nonlinear gameplay that allows players to decide what to do next. "Combined Assault" for PS2 also adds four-player cooperative play and, as a bonus, throws in the "SOCOM 3" online multiplayer package with updated maps and patches.

SPORTS

BACKYARD FOOTBALL / BASEBALL / BASKETBALL 2007 ( ; Backyard Sports; GBA only for Football; PS2, PC, GC, GBA for Baseball and Basketball; E): Don't you wonder what the Backyard franchise folks were muttering after their football cover boy crashed his motorcycle sans protective helmet? At least Not-So-Big Ben is wearing one in the football version of these sweet-natured, kid-friendly titles that feature pint-sized versions of Albert Pujols, Peyton Manning and other pro stars.

TONY HAWK'S PROJECT 8 / TONY HAWK'S DOWNHILL JAM ( ; Activision; "Project 8" for PS3, X360, PS2, X, PSP; "Downhill Jam" for W; T): Tony steps back from blah urban-design premise of 2005's "American Wasteland" to concentrate on what he does best -- skateboarding. "Project 8" creates an elite eight-member team of skaters who emulate those insane grinds and mid-air tricks that made Tony famous. Graphics could be better, with more clipping and choppy frame rates than you'd expect. But both titles make terrific use of motion-sensitive controllers for PS3 and Wii. Better hope your skaters have a cyber version of Blue Cross for all those $24,000 hospital bills they rack up.

WII SPORTS ( ; Nintendo; Wii; E): So you gotta buy Nintendo's new console to get this compilation of single- and multi-player sports games. You won't be sorry. Bowling, tennis, golf and other contests in this infectious package are guaranteed to prod players of all ages up onto their feet and get them guffawing as they leap and wave the controller to simulate a bat, club or racket. Go ahead, try and see how long you can stay on the sidelines.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER ( ; THQ; W, PS2, X, GC, PC, PSP, DS, GBA; E): Train yourself to bend and manipulate Earth, Air, Water and Fire in order to be named the true Avatar and employ your power to save the Earth. Play as Aang, the would-be Avatar, or his friends. Novel premise, jewel-toned graphics and elements of martial arts and role-playing should lure grade-schoolers who tune in for the Nickelodeon cartoon that inspired it.

Charlotte's Web -- An easy-to-master game down on Zuckerman's farm.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB ( ; Sega; DS, GBA, PC; E): Gentle, easy-to-master adaptation of children's book classic and holiday movie features Wilbur, Charlotte and other critters from the Zuckerman's farm. Young gamers can tend to Wilbur in the petting pen or help him weave a message into Charlotte's web while playing mini-games. Granted, she's a bitty thing, but couldn't Charlotte have been a little easier to see?

ERAGON ( ; Sierra Entertainment; X360, PS2, X, PC, PSP, DS,GBA; T): Help the young farm boy guard the odd egg he discovers in the woods, then learn to ride the dragon Saphira after it hatches. Very appealing movie tie-in, but combo fighting attacks may be too complicated for younger folks who will be drawn to it. Actors Robert Carlyle, Sienna Guillory and others reprise roles from the film, and the voice stand-in for Jeremy Irons isn't too bad.

HAPPY FEET ( ; Midway; W; E): Adorable film spinoff will charm kiddies and grown-up hoofers into finding the moves to their own Heartsong. Guide winsome tap-dancing penguin Mumble through rhythm contests, steer him through underwater challenges and make sure he doesn't crash while whooshing down steep icebergs. Movie cut scenes, original voice actors and

Happy Feet -- The snappy music will get you tapping your feet.

snappy music will have you grooving along.

LEGO STAR WARS II: THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY ( ; LucasArts; X360, PS2, GC, PC, PSP,DS, GBA; E): Wish we'd been inspired to come up with this whimsical combination and its predecessor. Story lines remain more or less faithful to "Star Wars" films, but the use of flat-faced Lego figures and pieces to retell Episodes IV-VI lightens up the drama. Try commandeering more Lego pieces to build weapons or reconfigure characters, then LOL at the results.

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: CREATURE FROM THE KRUSTY KRAB ( ; THQ; W, PS2, GC, DS, GBA; E): Either you get SpongeBob or you don't. Plenty of kids, growing and grown, certainly do and will revel in these new adventures under the sea with the square yellow fellow, Patrick and Plankton. Bright, cheery settings and easy-to-master gameplay will entice the cartoon set and keep their older siblings chuckling as well.

SUPERMAN RETURNS ( ; Electronic Arts; X360, PS2, X, DS; EA; T): Companion to summer film blockbuster disappoints despite ready-made plot, original voice talent and (wasted) potential for exuberant high-flying adventure. Game also draws from DC comic books, resulting in a somewhat confusing story. Our Midwestern hero swoops high above the planet and deploys nifty skills -- heat vision, cold and tornado breath -- as he fights aliens, extinguishes fires, even saves a cat or two. The Man of Steel's rippling cape looks real as it flutters in the breeze, but graphics too often are distressingly ordinary, particularly when Supe descends to explore the open world of Metropolis.

RACING

GTR: 2 ( ; PC; 10Tacle Studios; E): Hit jet-set European circuits in this realistic racing sim. But bring along a wheel or joystick peripheral or you'll hit the brakes very quickly. Beautiful graphics, lifelike physics and helpful training make this an entertaining jaunt, not to mention the choices of 144 sexy grand touring cars and 34 tracks.

NEED FOR SPEED CARBON ( ; Electronic Arts; PS3, W, X360, PS2, X, GC, PSP, DS, GBA, PC; E10+): Take over your neighborhood, street by street, block by block, to reach Mecca for street racers -- Carbon Canyon. Add and customize cars, recruit a crew and develop a career. New chapter in popular series offers speedy underground contests and a nicely expanded story line. But an obscenely touchy joystick nearly drove us 'round the bend and into walls and guardrails before we finally got it down.

RIDGE RACER 7 ( ; Namco Bandai Games America; PS3; E): Drift racing has never been more exhilarating. Sharp graphics, sharper customizable cars and pulsing, New Age soundtrack make this a joy to play, even for a lousy joystick jockey like yours truly. Boost your acceleration with a blast of Nitrous, then hurtle over stylish, futuristic courses to win a shot at purchasing more cars. Shame on us for steering 'til our fingers cramped.

TEST DRIVE UNLIMITED ( ; Atari; X360, PS2, PSP, PC; E10+): Glimpses of lovely Oahu alone make it worth looking over the diverse options crammed into a racer that eschews set tracks for open courses. Jaguars, Lamborghinis and other high-end cars and bikes aren't exactly hard to like, either. Online racing is the highlight here, offering opportunities to connect with and challenge other drivers on 1,000 miles of glorious Hawaiian roads.

FIGHTING

DRAGON BALL Z BUDOKAN TENKAICHI 2 ( ; Atari; W, PS2; T): Take your pick from more than 100 detailed warriors who are spoiling for confrontations in this anime- and manga-influenced fighting/flying venture. "BT 2" allows players to restage fights from the television cartoon that inspired it, team up with other warriors or turn to mini-game challenges. After years of playing DBZ with standard controllers, the Wii controller and plug-in nunchuck joystick bring a welcome new degree of control to battles.

NACHO LIBRE ( ; Majesco; DS; E10+): What a mess. Between wrestling matches that pose few challenges, pointless mini-games, choppy cut scenes and a silly touch-screen map that sends you meandering all over Mexico, there's too much competing for your attention and not enough to hold it in this movie spinoff about a monk-turned-grappler. Even Jack Black's mugging can't save this dreary hodgepodge.

THE SOPRANOS: ROAD TO RESPECT (; THQ; PS2; M): Vulgar and violent as you'd expect, with mobsters cussing, fighting, settling back for lap dances at the 'Bing and whacking folks without regret. But this faithfully adapted spinoff, which develops a plot around a character's illegitimate son, is as addictive as the HBO hit television series that spawned it. Characters have oddly animated mouths and teeth that don't look quite right, but they certainly sound like the real deal, thanks to the voice acting of James Gandolfini and other TV regulars. Don't get talked into a Sicilian pedicure or you'll need crutches and a cast.

STRATEGY/SIMULATION/PUZZLES

SID MEIER'S CIVILIZATION CHRONICLES ( ; 2KGames; PC; E): Comprehensive box set priced at $69.99 includes all four "Civilization" titles, four popular expansion packs, an original card game, a 96-page book outlining the history of the world-domination strategy series, a DVD and a bunch of other goodies. A must-have present for series devotees.

STAR WARS EMPIRE AT WAR/STAR WARS EMPIRE AT WAR: FORCES OF CORRUPTION ( ; PC; LucasArts; T): Chart land and space campaigns as Jedi Luke Skywalker, bounty hunter Boba Fett or other beloved characters in this real-time strategy chapter from the space saga. Opt for online play around the galaxy or follow a linear story on your own, knowing you can turn to an oh-so-welcome auto-resolve feature when you're overextended in one too many star systems. "Forces" companion pack adds a new criminal element and fixes mechanical issues that plagued original "Empire at War." But we could live without that Ewok handler.

WTF ( ; D3; PSP; T): No, no, no, that's not what it means. Abbreviated title of wacky collection of mini-games stands for "Work Time Fun" and five minutes of its so-called diversions will make your own day job seem divine. "WTF" is the year's sleeper, an odd game that gets under your skin as you perform mundane tasks to earn vending machine rewards. Cap pens in a factory, sort chickens, serve indecisive diners or boil ramen noodles in a particularly bizarre segment. Just don't let your real boss catch you slacking off.

FUN STUFF

COOKING MAMA ( ; Majesco; DS; E): It slices, it dices, it chops and stirs. No, it's not a pricey Cuisinart or that professional Kitchen-Aid mixer we've coveted for so long, but the skinny plastic DS stylus. Rub it over the DS touch screen to mince garlic or whip eggs under the stern visage of Chef Mama -- what, is Rachael Ray out to lunch? -- in games disguised as kitchen tasks. It's cute and amusing for young gamers, but this smorgasbord provides little actual instruction for creating real versions of its treats.

ELITE BEAT AGENTS ( ; Nintendo; DS; E): Music cures the world's ills in this giddy trifle that is part rhythm game, part spy caper. Commander Kahn's secret agents in spiffy suits show up to assist folks in trouble and, in classic Broadway fashion, perform choreographed routines to pop tunes that get everyone smiling again. You help out by tapping or tracing the DS stylus on the touch screen to keep time. It's off the wall, for sure. But you're better off simply marveling at the fun, rather than pondering too hard about how the "Mona Lisa" ended up in one of these segments.

SINGSTAR ROCKS ( ; Sony Computer Entertainment America; PS2; E10+): Forget the hairbrush in front of your steam-fogged bathroom mirror. Pick up this set of microphones and become your own Idol by warbling solo or with a friend to actual hit tunes and videos. Plug in an EyeToy peripheral camera and critique your own performance. Pick from the works of Aretha, Marvin Gaye, Gwen Stefani or Good Charlotte -- there's a signature song waiting for you.

VIVA PINATA ( ; Microsoft; X360; E): Plant grass, cultivate a vibrant garden and nurture a flock of animated tissue-sheathed animals in this offbeat, captivating title that simulates life on Pinata Island. Build housing, encourage the romance dance and welcome paper-wrapped eggs that will hatch into more multi-hued Pinatas. Use chocolate coins to purchase items that make them happy, but lay down the law when they turn cranky. Hey, it's not like you can whack these critters with a stick.