These Got Game

7 MADDEN NFL 2003
(EA, all platforms, Everyone) There are those who, when they see X's and O's, think ''hugs and kisses.'' Well, ''Madden NFL 2003'' is not for them. This game, the latest installment in EA's best-selling football franchise, appeals to the armchair gridiron tactician for whom true joy is drawing up a play fake designed to freeze those outside linebackers and gain 17 yards off that pesky free safety. (Hug and kiss that.) With its mind-boggling depth and eye-pleasing graphics, ''Madden'''s grip on console football can be best described in a word beloved by coaches and general managers everywhere: dynasty. -- WK

8 STAR WARS JEDI KNIGHT II: JEDI OUTCAST
(LucasArts, all platforms except PS2, Teen) ''Star Wars'' games aren't anything new, but few are as good as this action title where you play lightsaber-wielding hero Kyle Katarn. (No, you're not hallucinating -- he's an original hero not found in the movies.) Set in the era of the classic trilogy, look for guest appearances by Lando Calrissian and Luke Skywalker. The Force powers are what differentiate this game: Hasn't everyone dreamed of pulling a Vader and strangling a poor Imperial Stormtrooper? -- GK

9 MEDAL OF HONOR FRONTLINE
(EA, all platforms, Teen) If there were a ''Saving Private Ryan'' game, this would be it. The comparison shouldn't surprise, since it was Steven Spielberg who conceived this World War II-themed videogame series. In this fourth installment, G.I. James Patterson takes part in authentic combat scenarios like the D-Day beach invasion at Normandy. The first-person perspective and brilliant sound design make this an in-your-face war experience in Europe -- which can last a brutal 15 to 20 hours. -- GK

10 TONY HAWK'S PRO SKATER 4
(Activision, all platforms except PC, Teen) You don't need to know the difference between a ''casper'' and a ''stalefish'' to enjoy the vertiginous thrills of this groundbreaking skateboarding title, now in its fourth edition. We like the new Career Mode, in which completing goals will let you access ''pro-specific challenges'' from such luminaries as Chad Muska and ''Jackass'' star Bam Margera (who races you in, yes, a shopping cart). There's also something to be said for creating your own dream park, where you can perfect your flips and grabs. If you're one of the three people who've never played the game, now's the time to get on 'board. -- WK