I recently got his puzzle in my copy of "Wired" this month and really enjoyed it. For us gamers, it's really easy. Many a videogame has been followed by a lame knockoff that apes the original. Something's surely missing from each imitator described here-specifically, one letter of each game's title. (tip: the digits in parentheses indicate the number of letters per word). For example, if the clue if "This toe-tapping rhythm game is all about survival of the fittest (5 5 9)" the answer would be DANCE DANCE EVOLUTION. As an added bonus, the omitted letters spell out these game's release type. 1: This action game's archaeologist-heroine robs Brokaw, Skerrit, and Bombadil. (3 6) 2: This old-school shooter lets you blast athletes' syringes into atoms (8 ) 3: This Japanese RPG features Pooh's feline friend bouncing through time. (6 6) 4: This shooter with chainsaw guns requires great power of hearing. (4 2 3) 5: In this arcade classic, you race around a maze, gobbing up Dell and Gateway machines. (2-3) 6: In this driving game, you get hit with insane government fees. (5 3) 7: In this action-adventure title, you can buy Iran--if you have the cash. (5 2 6) 8: In this puzzle game, your bagel's salmon keeps exploding. (4 3) 9: This IQ booster features continuous helpings of fiber-rich content (4 3) 10: This space combat title lets you rise to the rank of Admiral of Fake Hair (3 9) 11: This art deco shooter involves wielding electricity on Jupiter's moon. (7) 12: In this music game, it's always ladies' night. (6 3) 13: In this MMORPG, you're looking for the mother of mankind. (8 ) 14: This lightgun title takes place in your father's domicile. (3 5 2 3 3) 15: This classic FPS lets you attack with miniature Hawaiian guitars. (3 5) 16: In this sandbox game, you're stealing cars for South African cash. (4 5 4) 17: In this platformer, you play a huge fan of actresses Ryan and Tilly. (3 3) 18: In this fighting game, your cartoony characters fight with waistbands. (5 4 4.) 19: In this RPG, your character's got a Norse god's sidearm. (6'1 3) 20: This RTS lets you helm a boat carrying a cargo of viscous black liquid. (8 ) Good luck!
