gaming market, Microsoft has rolled out some titles for the Zune HD. These titles range from new properties to some existing licenses. One of the advantages right off the bat for the Zune HD as a gaming platform -- and by extension as a mobile device in general -- is that it takes advantage of Microsoft Points. While I may not agree with the system (I'd like a dollar to equal a dollar in points), I'm thankful that there aren't separate Zune points. Honestly, I'm really surprised.

These are the three free titles you should look out for:


First up is PGR: Ferrari Edition. You'll select one of 12 Ferrari cars and play in over 30 events in the game's Career Mode. Additionally, you can go head-to-head against three other players over a wireless network. The kudos system also returns here in this mini version of the popular franchise. It's motion controlled, much like several titles on the iPhone/iTouch. For those who want to see the game in action, there are several vids across Youtube that celebrate this and other new titles.




Next is AudioSurf Tilt. Once a game making its rounds across the mighty interwebz. This version has been formatted, again, to take advantage of the motion controls as well as your own music collection. Choose any song and Audiosurf will turn it into a track for you to play. The song chosen determines each aspect of the track - the shape, speed, and mood.




Lastly, is Vans Sk8: Pool Service. Not exactly a surprise, a game has made its way from the iPhone/iTouch over to the Zune HD. This is a game that seems pretty fully featured as it contains:

• Vans pro riders Bucky Lasek & Omar Hassan including their voices in-game.
• 20 different board designs including skaters official boards from Black Label and Element.
• Customized music playlist, featuring music by The Methadones, Penuckle, Base 9 and Slowride.
• 30 different Achievements.
• Compete in 10 different events ranging from easy to difficult.
• 13 different tricks including a special trick for each rider.
• And high quality highlight reel videos.

It too is controlled via tilting the Zune around to navigate. What is interesting is the trick system. For instance, to perform a Grind, press two fingers down before you hit the lip of the pool. Switching to a Boardslide entails lifting one finger up while in a grind. There are of course other combinations. Best part: it's free.



If you are looking for some solid games, these are three that I would suggest looking into. Eventually, I'm sure that Microsoft will find a use for those remaining Microsoft points that you aren't using on the Xbox 360 (and no, buying clothes for your avatar doesn't count as a 'use'). Just the fact that the games are free is pretty astounding to me.