By Bill Hutchens
McClatchy Newspapers

It's been more than a year since Nintendo's Wii made its debut, and the bowling game that comes packed with the console still is one of the most popular party games.

What is it about knocking down pins with the Wii Remote, or "Wiimote," that remains so addictive? Normally, the term "killer app" (short for "killer application") is reserved for big-budget systems selling titles such as the "Halos," "Grand Theft Autos" and "Mario" games of the world, not bowling.

The Wii bowling game doesn't even get its own disc. It comes on a disk with four other sports games and some practice activities. But I'll bet this one game has brought more families together and gotten more nongamers playing than any other video game before it.

It's the social aspect of Wii bowling that hooks people young and old. You can throw 10 straight gutter balls and still have fun by virtue of the fact that you're playing the game with your friends or family members.

For your next party/group gaming opportunity and you're looking for something new (or just a decent party game to play on one of those other game systems), check these out:

"Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action" (Xbox 360, $59.95 rated T): It's the ultimate interactive trivia game, and it comes with four wireless buzzers, so you can set up a game-show-style movie trivia competition right in your living room. This version of Scene It? features almost 2,000 new questions and 21 types of trivia challenges and uses hundreds of photos, audio and movie clips for clues.

"Jenga" (Wii, $29.95, rated E): Wii Jenga takes a little getting used to. The Wii Remote is a technological wonder, but it might not be the best tool for emulating the fine motor skills needed during a round of Jenga. Still, even when you knock over every last piece Ð and you will knock over every last piece Ð cleanup is a snap.

"Cranium Kabookii" (Wii, $49.95, rated E): Divide into teams for creative activities inspired by the Cranium board game. You'll be playing music, acting and solving puzzles, and you can use the Wiimote for activities such as drawing and spray painting. The game includes decoder glasses that allow only the wearer to see clues on the TV screen.

"Buzz: The Mega Quiz Bundle" (PlayStation 2, $39.95, rated E10): Buzz is like the Scene It? game for the Xbox 360, only the controls aren't wireless and the game goes beyond movies to cover a broad range of pop-culture trivia topics. It comes with four controllers and several types of trivia challenges. Sometimes it's a straight multiple-choice question. Other times you'll have to name a tune or guess the subject of a fuzzy picture as it comes into focus. Also look for the Buzz Jr. Jungle Party, a collection of kid-oriented mini games.

"Mario Party 8" (Wii, $49.95, rated E): Mario Party games can be an acquired taste. Even four-player games can take a long time to finish because, for every turn, one player rolls the dice, moves across an interactive board and might have to do a little housecleaning, depending on where they land. Then a minigame involving all players takes place. Then points and prizes are doled out. Then the next turn begins. Still, the Wii brings a great new element to the series as players wave their arms like crazy trying to accomplish silly tasks.

© 2007, The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.).