Civilization IV

Publisher: 2K Games
Developer: Firaxis
Platform: PC

Another year, another amazing game from Sid Meier. This version follows many of the same rules as its forebears while upping the graphical ante and revolutionizing the online play. Instead of shamefully bailing on your opponents in the midst of an epic online battle, you can now retire to your bed or dinner, secure in the knowledge that a CPU player will take your place until you either jump back in or someone else comes along and fills your imperial shoes. Sounds like progress to us.

Advance Wars: Dual Strike

Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Platform: DS

Don't let the name fool you - this game can launch an assault on your spare time in more ways than two with a bevy of wireless and offline play modes, all supported by smart, addictive turn-based gameplay. Equally dangerous on a bus, in your house or on the commode, Dual Strike is truly a weapon of mass distraction.