Now that all the next-generation consoles have been released, 2007 is a year full of upcoming software titles that promise to add depth and diversity to each system. So FYI decided to help sort through the long lists and come up with a couple games to look forward to this winter for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and the Wii.

Nintendo Wii

Some of the big releases for the Wii this winter include “Mario Party 8” and “Medal of Honor: Airborne.”

Mario Party 8 follows the footsteps of the previous Mario Partys, but is offering a completely different playing style because of the revolutionary Wii remote. Some of the mini games included include “Barrel Lasso,” “Can Shake,” “Colored Ball Game,” “Flag raise,” “Jet Ski” and a “Shooting Gallery.”

“I’ve become very familiar with the series and it’s challenging but kept within a simple context,” said Jason Foley, Iowa State alumnus, “Furthermore, with the popularity of the games, Nintendo has diversified the Mario series by incorporating the characters and other features into other genres, i.e. Mario Kart, Smash Bros., Tennis, Mario Party, Baseball, etc. Mario has also been a trademark of Nintendo ever since its inception.”

If Mario Party isn’t the type of action you’re into, Nintendo is also releasing another title that will feature the user-created Mii’s.

“Wii Play,” which is more of an update to “Wii Sports” will offer several new multiplayer games, while also including an additional Wiimote in the package. Some of the games announced include pinball, laser hockey and billiards pool.

Sony Playstation 3

The PS3 is by far the beefiest system when it comes to raw power, but unfortunately, the system has fewer games available compared to the other consoles.

“I love the PS3, to start off the graphics are insane, they are so good,” James Foley, freshman in L.A.S. open-option said “What I found interesting was the motion sensitive controllers. It’s kind of hard to get used to, but it makes playing a lot more interesting.”

The first game, “Sonic the Hedgehog,” promises to please old Sega fans while offering the franchise the most graphically-advanced platform it has ever seen.

Another game to look for is “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent.” Those familiar with the series will be happy to know that you again take control of agent Sam Fisher, making your way through another terrorist organization. Like the other Tom Clancy titles, this game is for the gamer who likes and strategy games.

Microsoft Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 has a bit of an edge on its competitors considering it was released nearly a year before the Wii and PS3 and it offers the largest selection of games available.

“My favorite part about the 360 would have to be the games it has,” said Ashley Byers, sophomore in biochemistry.

Yet while most Xbox fans may be eagerly awaiting the release of “Halo 3,” here are a few games to pass the time with.

The first is “Battlestations: Midway,” which is a real-time strategy game that puts the player in charge of battleships, submarines, fighter planes and more.

The game also is offered on Xbox Live, so naval battles can actually be fought between friends and foes.

But if directing an entire naval fleet from your couch isn’t what you’re looking for then the game “Crackdown” may be more your style.

“Crackdown” is a game that combines the approach between “Grand Theft Auto” and “Superman.”

Gameplay has players battling gangs, both with weapons and superpowers.