Playing through a great single-player video game like 'Bioshock' can be a rich and engrossing experience, but when it comes to fun factor and laugh-out-loud moments with a few of your friends, nothing beats a great party game like, say, 'Guitar Hero World Tour' (pictured above). The party game genre, which generally includes a multitude of pick-up-and-play mini-games designed for four or more players, has been getting more and more popular as video gaming goes mainstream. To be honest, we've never before seen as large a collection of party-worthy games -- all of which are due by the end of the year (or early next) -- as were on display at this year's E3. Here are the ones we think you should unleash on your guests at upcoming parties:

Rock Band 2 - What more can we say about 'Rock Band 2'? The music game that took players beyond the guitar and brought a whole band to the genre (minus the pain of the inevitable breakup and eventual deafness) is back for an encore with 84 new songs from original masters by everyone from Devo and the Go-Gos to Talking Heads and Motorhead. Its developers also promise compatibility with "most songs" in the original game. It's not exactly a huge step forward for the franchise, but if you've played the first version, you're probably not looking for much. 'Rock Band 2' is hitting the Wii, PS2, PS3, and Xbox 360 this fall.

Guitar Hero World Tour - 'Guitar Hero' made rocking out with a friend while holding a little plastic guitar acceptable, and 'World Tour' will extend that basic premise to the whole band, à la 'Rock Band,' by adding drums and a microphone and letting several party guests participate at once. This was the most impressive looking music game at the Electronics Entertainment Expo, with new multiplayer modes (like battle of the bands) and extensive song-creation tools, as well as the addition of 85 new music tracks from artists like Metallica, R.E.M, and even David Lee Roth, to help this aged franchise maintain its kick. 'Guitar Hero World Tour' hits the Wii, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, and PC too this fall.

You're In The Movies - Gamers are used to pushing buttons, of course. Lately, they've also become used to talking into microphones and waving their arms about to control games. Moving around in front of a motion-detecting camera, though, is still something many gamers are wrapping their heads around. After a few minutes with 'You're In the Movies,' though, and everything makes sense. The camera records you as you play through some silly mini-games like swatting flies or running in a race, then stitches recorded footage of everyone playing those games back together to make a little movie staring you and your friends. The one shown to us took the footage and made a '50s monster-movie complete with an overgrown iguana, with footage of us and the folks around us seamlessly integrated into it. The result is huge laughs for up to four players when the game ships this winter, but only if you have an Xbox 360.

Wii Sports Resort - 'Wii Sports' is a modern classic, and 'Wii Sports Resort' is a logical extension, taking you to a tropical setting and adding a handful of new games to the mix that make use of Nintendo's new MotionPlus add-on to amp up the sensitivity of the Wii controller. The full list of games hasn't been announced yet, but we eid get a chance to check out a sword fighting game, in which players have to knock an opponent off of a raised platform. It alone seemed to be a good sales pitch for the game -- it's a million times more responsive and bouncy than the lame attempt at boxing in the current 'Sports' title. And the Wave-Runner-esque game -- you see, the game takes place at a 'resort' -- was more immersive than anything else we've tried out so far on a home console. The only problem with this game is that it's not due until sometime early next year.

Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party - The little Rabbids are back, and this time your butt gets into the action. Yes, you actually use your posterior on the Wii Balance Board to control one of these white-rabbit-like creatures on a snowboard (making for a nice workout!). Other games include a music dance game and surfing. Ultimately this is just another collection of silly little games on a console that's full of silly little games, but somehow those deranged little bunnies still crack us up. And you and your party guests will certainly have shapely behinds when you're done playing this one. This will be hitting the Wii and Nintendo DS later this year.

Wii Music - Nintendo made a big deal out of this musicgame when it announced it at the beginning of E3 this year -- the idea is that this game is easier to play than, say, the super-competitive 'Guitar Hero,' which can be intimidating for the average gamer. After playing it, though, we're thinking this one's only for those who are truly young at heart. Sure, the game boasts 50 instruments (everything from marimbas and saxophones to sitars and harpsichords) to play, but most don't sound particularly good. Unlike the other music games, which require a certain ability with pitch and rhythm, Wii Music simply asks you to hit random buttons and shake the Wii controller, which is only mildly rewarding. On top of that, there's no scoring and no winner, so it's certainly not much of a competition. Still, it might be fun for a bunch of inebriated party guests who're too out of it to focus on 'Rock Band.' 'Wii Music' drops this fall.

Our House - Another game angled toward younger gamers is 'Our House' from Majesco. In it, up to four players can use their Wii remotes or DS styluses to piece together an abode by dropping in furniture, painting walls, and getting upgrades to build faster than their friends. It's competitive, but in the end, all the gamers can enjoy the look of the new virtual house they built together -- before tearing it down and building a new one. The game hits the DS and Wii later this year.

Imagine Party Babyz - Get four toddlers in a room together in the real world and what do you get? A lot of pooping and screaming and running around, which to most folks doesn't sound like much fun. But in the world of gaming what you get is 'Imagine Party Babyz,' a little party title catering to the tween crowd of girls aged 8 - 14. They'll probably love this collection of challenges that has you playing as toddlers generally getting into mischief and playing games like red light green light while avoiding the gaze of their babysitter. Anyone outside of the tween demographic, though, isn't likely to be too into this one when it hits the Wii in a few months.

It's neck-and-neck but Nintendo looks to have just slipped past Microsoft in terms of total US sales for current generation game consoles. What's more, it's pulling away with a 3:1 sales lead for the month of June. NPD Group reports more than 666,000 Wii consoles were sold in June compared to 405,500 PlayStation 3s and 219,800 Xbox 360s. That makes for a total of 10.9 million Wiis sold in the US since it launched in November of 2006. Impressive. Even more so considering that Microsoft had a one year head-start to reach a second place position of about 10.4 million US console sales. [Source: Bloomberg]

When Nintendo announced its Wii gaming console at the Electronics Entertainment Expo in 2004, it all seemed a little quirky to traditional gamers, what with the motion-sensitive Wii remote instead of a traditional gaming controller. Even so, the system's initial strong sales when it hit retail shelves in November 2006 was no surprise (Nintendo has a kajillion fans who will buy anything it produces). Still, it's the continued success of the system is nothing short of amazing. This year at the annual E3 video game conference, Nintendo is resting on its laurels somewhat, with no groundbreaking announcements, but more of what the fans need. Here are the highlights from Tuesday's press conference:

Wii MotionPlus Controller - The Wii controller has definitely changed the way people think about video games, but for all the good it's done, it has some problems. The Wii-mote doesn't really pick up small, subtle movements and it can't detect rotation unless it's pointing right at the screen. But this will all change with the MotionPlus attachment, an extension to the original controller that greatly enhances sensitivity to movement and allows for such nuances in movement that everything from a realistic sword fighting game to chopping down trees from different angles is possible.

Wii Sports Resort - 'Wii Sports' has proven to be the most popular title on the Wii, despite being the first and, in many regards, most simple game on the platform. Nintendo's hoping to capitalize on the title's popularity with a new title that includes some more tropical-themed sports. 'Wii Sports Resort' uses the MotionPlus accessory for many of its games, including fencing, and will come with a single MotionPlus included. No word on exactly what that price will be, or how much additional MotionPlus attachments will cost, or on exact the exact release date, except that it sadly won't be until sometime early next year.

Animal Crossing - Yes, the Wii is finally getting its own version of 'Animal Crossing,' one of the most popular titles on either the N64 or the Nintendo DS, in which players arrive in a new town and must earn money by performing different random tasks. The Wii version is called 'Animal Crossing: City Folk' and will feature the same sorts of distractions found in the earlier games, like fishing and random archeology. Gamers can also now travel into the city to buy new kitsch for their characters, but the real extension comes with the online aspects. Gamers can now invite up to three other players to their towns and actually play directly with them, using the optional WiiSpeak microphone to talk. You can also send e-mails and texts from within the game, but those who have played the original may be somewhat disappointed to see that this one looks almost identical graphically.

Wii Music - One of the first titles shown for the Wii was a game in which players used the Wii Remote to conduct a virtual, onscreen orchestra. After said initial demo, the game disappeared, but it has finally re-appeared as 'Wii Music,' a music-focused game in which you can play 50 instruments, all without having the faintest idea of how they are played! Just tap random buttons on the controller and move like you're playing the instrument and, voila, you'll be part of a band. This is in sharp contrast to other music games such as 'Guitar Hero' and 'Rock Band,' in which you actually have to have some musical ability to excel, but we're not entirely sure how it differs from just getting in front of a TV and playing air guitar, but we'll take it on faith that this game is somehow compelling, since it's the brainchild of Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary creator of 'Mario Bros.' and 'Zelda.'

DS - Nintendo was quick to tout the success of its DS handheld, far and away the most popular portable gaming system in the world at the moment, and bound to be more popular with the announcement of 'Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars' and a new 'Guitar Hero' game, 'Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades,' which will add more tracks and more multiplayer options. Nintendo also talked about plans to extend the functionality of the DS by letting travelers get flight info and weather updates delivered right to the device, but it remains to be seen just how that will pan out (or if it'll end up being at all useful now that most cell phones have similar abilities).

So, an understated start to E3 for Nintendo; no major announcements or shocking revelations, but when you're producing the hottest console and handheld gaming systems on the market, you don't really have much to prove.

For a play-by-play account of the Nintendo press conference, check out the Engadget/Joystiq live blog here.

We knew this one was coming, but we didn't know the details. Nintendo busted out the new MotionPlus Wiimote add-on at its E3 keynote today. The device, which attaches to the rear of the controller, will be used to tighten up and refine motion sensing on the Wii, and its tweaks will be levied in a new game that will be shipping with it called Wii Sports Resort.

The console-maker says the MotionPlus brings 1:1 sensing to the Wii, which will enable detailed control heretofore unseen on the system. We're getting more info (and hopefully a hands-on with the little guy at some point) so stay tuned.

For more, up-to-the-second coverage of E3, check out Engadget and Joystiq.

As we recall, our early school years were not that fun. We got in trouble for asking to go to the bathroom and were made to do timed math problems next to the kid who always got nosebleeds. Sometimes we feigned illness so we could stay home and watch 'Treasure Island' and play 'Ninja Turtles' on Super Nintendo.

Nintendo has come a long way since then. And so has school!? Maybe...

The Japanese have again proven their coolness by incorporating Nintendo DS into the classroom. At least in one Tokyo girls' school, the portable gaming device is now doubling as an educational tool! Seventh-graders at Joshi Gakuen Junior High play with DS as a part of their English curriculum, using a talking software program replete with spelling exercises and language drills.

The program is part of a larger course intended to emphasize English conversation and communications skills, and to break away from traditional techniques of rote memorization and boring grammar exercises. Though some dissidents are not yet convinced of the DS' value as an educator, the girls at Joshi Gakuen are into it. One student claimed the English software was her favorite game, trumping even 'Mario Kart' and 'Animal Crossing'. [Source: AOL News/AP]

Proving once again that it's always the smiley-faced, rosey-cheeked cherub that has the human skeletons in its closet, sunshine-and-rainbow-drenched video game purveyor Nintendo has come in dead last in a ranking of the world's most eco-friendly electronics companies.

The quarterly "Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics" ranks 18 electronics firms by how green their production processes and products are ... and the big N pulled up the rear at number 18.

Of course, Nintendo had its own response, claiming that it scored low because it had not provided data for the survey. "Greenpeace chose to conduct a survey and produce a report, which graded companies upon the voluntary submission of information," the firm said in a statement. "Nintendo decided not to take part in the survey and were therefore 'ungraded' in the resulting report." Which of course begs the question: Why didn't the company take part?

Oh, and pipe down over there in the corner, Xbox fanboys -- Microsoft came in at 17, a position that reflected its "low score on climate criteria". [Source: BBC]

It takes a certain kind of douchebag to secretly film his girlfriend playing 'Wii Fit' in her underwear and post it on YouTube (almost his ex-girlfriend). The video, originally titled 'Why Every Guy Should Buy Their Girlfriend a Wii Fit,' became so popular that many began to suspect it was a viral marketing ploy by Nintendo. But both Nintendo and the couple have strenuously denied this charge.

The couple's (Lauren Bernat, 25 and Giovanny Gutierrez, 30) exploits have proven particularly troublesome, however, for a 22-year-old librarian from New York City who happens to also be named Lauren Bernat. The young masters degree candidate is worried what prospective employers and schools might think now that the first result for "Lauren Bernat" on Google is the Wii Fit Girl video on YouTube. She contacted Google about the issue, but since the other woman's name is Lauren Bernat, there is nothing that can be done.

We hope that prospective employers who bother to Google the librarian Lauren Bernat will dig a little deeper than the first page of results. [Source: Geek Sugar and Crave]

Yo, portable rockers: Toys 'R' Us has let the Guitar Hero: On Tour DS Bundle details out of its proverbial bag. For $179.99, you'll get a limited-edition silver and black Nintendo DS, the Guitar Hero: On Tour game, and the Guitar Grip. The DS in question has a flaming Guitar Hero logo on its silver cover and hits stores on June 29, a week after the game comes out on its own. As far as the $179.99 price goes, don't flip out just yet: this is a fair deal given the DS runs $129.99 and the game will be $49.99 on its own. So, if lime green or cinnamon red isn't your thing and you're the last gamer without a DS, this could be the bundle for you. [Source: Joystiq]

Chicks and dudes, get ready for extremely spicy, delicious, and stimulating news. Remember those new DS Lite colors we mentioned a few days ago? Apparently Nintendo has all but confirmed the forthcoming arrival of cool ice, hot red, and lime green -- at least in Europe. According to DS Fanboy, the big N has started circulating an e-teaser with the new paint jobs, which pretty much puts to rest any chance that this was just some over-eager Photoshopper's weekend art project. The landing date of June 13th seems to be holding as well, but what we really want to know is when we can see some of these provocative color schemes Stateside. Well Nintendo? [Source: ds fanboy]

Nah, the idea of using a freshly-mushroomed NES controller as your coffee table isn't new, but we've got to give props where props are due on this one. Kyle Downes has just completed a painstaking project that resulted in his very own NES controller table, complete with a removable glass top to protect the unit itself. Best of all, it's way more than just a living room centerpiece. Open it up and you'll find loads of storage room for items any Big N fanboy shouldn't be without. Remove the glass covering and you'll realize that it's a fully-functional Nintendo Entertainment System control pad. Don't believe us? Check out the video after the break.

[Via GeekLifeBlog]

For young kids, whimsical bed-stand lamps are vital survival tools, necessary for keeping the monsters that dwell in dark corners at bay. That seems to be the purpose of this lamp we found over at Apartment Therapy Unplugged. It's made up of an old 'Duck Hunt' cartridge combined with a genuine Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Zapper. The lamp is topped with a suitably pixelated shade featuring your faithful dog from the game.

We hope that those old enough to remember 'Duck Hunt' are also old enough to not be afraid of the dark anymore, but regardless, it's enough to make any retro-loving gamer swoon -- assuming they haven't grown up to join PETA, of course. [Source: Unplggd]

About a year ago, one morbidly obese (er, a tiny bit chubby) man began a quest to find out what happens when you stop being polite and try to exercise via Wii Sports (see above). Apparently after losing 9 pounds, dropping two points from his BMI, and 3-inches from his waist, he's ready to go again, this time with the Wii Fit. Sure, it sounds like a second-rate 'Super Size Me' publicity stunt -- and it probably is -- but who doesn't want to see just how lean the Wii's newest accessory can get you? Now, the tubby 191 pound man will run himself through a rigorous Wii Fit program for five shocking weeks. The stunt has already scored him an early Fit from Nintendo, so there's no telling where this could go. We expect to see an Adonis or skeleton when it's all over, pal -- either will do. [Source: WiiNintendo]

While most of the cool kids are off whizzing around courses in Mario Kart Wii, the gurus at Force Dynamics are reminiscing about the one that started it all. Apparently the firm has tweaked its 301 motion platform to actually control the kart in the SNES hit, and the rider's chair even leaps up along with Mario, Peach or any other jumping character you choose. Sure, it's missing those absolutely brain-melting Wii graphics (but not by much, if you catch our drift), but we'd probably take a ride in this over an hour with the Wii Wheel any day. Check out the full video waiting after the break. [Source: Force Dynamics]

Diane Sawyer and her companions on 'Good Morning America' got their hands (well, feet) on the hotly anticipated Wii Fit, due out May 19. The $90 package comes with a balance board used to track your weight and play a number of physically involved mini-games that test your balance, coordination, and get your heart rate up... in theory.

Despite reports of people testing the Wii Fit and losing weight with it, Diane Sawyer's performance on the balance board isn't convincing us that this is the answer to America's obesity problem. No one in this video is breaking a sweat, unless it's from the discomfort of looking like an idiot on national television. [Source: GeekSugar]