Neversoft

For proof that Cinderella stories can happen even in the world of videogames, one need look no further than the Guitar Hero franchise. When the series started a few years back, it was an almost off the radar game that only the most hardcore rhythm game fanatics were following. Now, it's a pop culture phenomenon.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Lyrics, Mild Suggestive Themes

According to ESRB, this game contains: Blood, Crude Humor, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

Game Description: Tony Hawk's American Wasteland gives you the total freedom you need, to make LA your personal skate and bike park. For the first time, you'll skate or bike in a rich, expansive open environment. The sky's the limit as you progress through the Wasteland. No level, no load times—just never-ending action. You'll never skate the same line twice!

American Wasteland is something of a return to its roots for the series. After the two Underground games and their Jackass-inspired shenanigans, American Wasteland gets back to the heart of the series—skating. Story mode finds players taking on the role of a country bumpkin who hops off the bus in Los Angeles with little more than his board and some big dreams.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol

Famous for its wildly successful Tony Hawk series, they've struck out in a different direction and created a new entry in the sparsely populated Western genre. I'm sure that stuffy suits in a boardroom somewhere are nervous about Neversoft leaving the dry, over-milked teats of the Hawk cash-cow behind, but in my opinion, Gun is an extremely solid game and an enjoyable experience from start to finish, skateboards be damned.

Game Description: Gun is the story of a man's quest for revenge. When life robs Colton White of all that matters, the only thing left he can trust is his gun. Follow along with him as he seeks to exact vengeful justice on those who have wronged him. Seek retribution as you face corrupt lawmen, warring tribes, cold-blooded outlaws, and ruthless renegades.

Game Description: One of the most anticipated sequels in recent memory, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 builds on the addictive gameplay of the original by adding many new tricks and features. The idea is still to perform complicated tricks for points, and players can still ride as Tony or any of an expanded roster of pros in the new game. Now, though, players can create their own skaters from scratch, selecting appearance, gear, clothes, and more. Players can also create their own ideal skate park by instantly building ramps, rails, pipes, and other challenging obstacles. All of the old tricks remain, with hundreds of additions. Of course, with all of those new tricks to master, there are also more detailed accidents: scraped knees, broken boards, and wall and (ouch!) pole collisions.