2. ROCK BAND
(Harmonix/EA; Xbox 360, PS3, PS2; Teen)

The music-game category has exploded faster and brighter than a pyro at a KISS show. And Rock Band has knocked long-time champ Guitar Hero off the top spot on critics' charts. It also two-ups GH by adding both vocals and (insanely addictive) drums. Put it this way: You haven't experienced gaming bliss until you get three friends together to rock out to ''Gimme Shelter.'' Encore! — GK