Best New Video Games for Families

3PS3, Wii, Xbox 360

A substantial upgrade from the geniuses behind the first two Rock Bands and Guitar Hero. The game will work fine with the "old" instruments if you have them, but investing in the latest keyboard, $80, which boasts a two-octave controller, ups the ante considerably. So would a new Pro guitar controller, $150, which has six actual strings and 102 buttons that mimic a genuine fretboard. Four words: Coolest party game ever. (Various bundles of the game plus instruments will be available at retailers.)