And let us tell ya; with CC on your side, geek has never looked so chic.]

So your sig other is totally geeked about Punch Out coming to the Wii because it was like his favorite game ever when he was five. And while he’s standing there showing you screen shots you’re thinking “WTF?”

If the only game character you can readily recognize is Mario ( I will also take Sonic as an acceptable substitute), or if the one and only time you played a video game you quit because you “just didn’t get it,” then I have a list for you.

So what if you’re trapped in the eighties of video games , I’ve got five games for you to play that will catapult you into the 21st century.

1) Super Smash Bros Brawl (Wii)

You’re a little intimidated by all the new buttons and the lack of wires on the controllers. Freaking out already? It’s ok, calm down. Who’s that? Oh, why it’s your old friend Mario! And who’s with him? Sonic! It’s like 1992 all over again and you’re in charge of this video game war.

The Wii’s installment into the Smash Bros family is an accessible game even to those that don’t play games. The premise is simple and addictive: just knock all others off the screen by any means necessary. Whether it be with your own special innate talents or the random poke ball. A fun and easy way to waste some time.

2) Bioshock (X-Box 360)

This was one of the most anticipated games for the 360. It’s a first person shooter with an engaging storyline that will keep you coming back for more. If that’s not enough, the game itself is a beauty to look at with great graphics. The weapon system is varied and innovative.

And the best part for you noobies: there’s no multiplayer function. This is usually seen as a downside, but in your case it means that you don’t have to worry about getting fragged by your boyfriend.

3) Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3, Xbox 360)

I like to do bad things sometimes. GTA lets me do them without the fear of legal repercussions. Which is good because jail scares me. Steal cars, beat people up, run drugs – whatever you want. Rise up the ranks until you’re biggest, baddest MF out there.

In this game you don’t have to worry about wasting time or messing up too much. There are a million missions and things to complete, or you can just drive around and cause havoc until you get the swing of things. No pressure.

The game play is pretty much comparable to the others in the series. It’s easy to learn but may take some getting used to for those who don’t normally play games. Of course I’m still waiting for the GTA game that features a female main character. . .

4) Little Big Planet (PS3)

When you’re tired of smacking ho’s around and stealing fast cars then you can take a vacation in the playground that is Little Big Planet. It’s no Katimari or Pikmen but as far as cute ‘n quirky goes, it’s a win.

In this game you control little people and help them build their world, or just explore the one already around you.

The game starts off small limiting your options to only three types of game play, but as you go along you will unlock new things and will become able to use the multiplayer sharing features.

The game is very user-friendly and there is a tutorial level to help you get aquatinted with the game play and the world that you’ll be inhabiting. A fun and possibly addictive little game.

5) Eternal Sonata (Xbox 360, PS3)

RPGs are addictive because it’s like living a story through your controller and TV. Maybe interactive movie is a better way to describe it. Eternal Sonata is no different. This is a visually stunning RPG with engaging characters. And bonus if you enjoy music because it plays a huge role in this game.

The fighting system is a combination of action and turn based fighting. Meaning you wait for your turn to attack. It’s very flashy and keeps what can become an otherwise monotonous aspect of the game fun and exciting.

The story is simple to follow but well worth it. It’s a beautiful way to break into RPGing for someone who has never played or just hasn’t in a long time.

*Extra Bonus!* You should also try a fighting game like Soul Caliber IV. Fighting games are fun even when you’re not feeling aggressive (and especially fun when you are). I suggest you practice while your boy isn’t around and get really good. Next time he ticks you off, play against him in front of his friends. He’ll never live down the shame.

Don’t ever let anybody say girls aren’t good at video games. We’re good at everything.

My boyfriend and I decided to live together- crazy idea, I know! When we weren’t at classes or work I would be cleaning and doing laundry. He, on the other hand, would throw in a big dip and attempt to master Halo 1, 2 or 3 – like I cared what he was playing. All I knew was he was always shooting at things and the game never seemed to end.

My lack of interest completely frustrated him to the point where we took a field trip to the Game Stop. He told me I could choose a game for us to play, and so he bought me whichever ones I had shown the slightest interest. I know he was hoping to bring our relationship to the next level, true love, XBOX-love. I chose some stupid car game and pretended to like it for all of a day and then went back to cleaning and bitching on my days off.

In December, my boyfriend began talking about Nintendo Wii, lucky ME!!! Now, I of course already bought his present and surprise- it wasn’t a Nintendo Wii. Naturally, all I heard about was this Wii each day until he finally ordered one from Amazon.com.

I had seen the game on commercials and even watched some people play at a party once but in the end, I truly lacked the interest that a new Wii owner should possess. Deep inside I thought it was just another video game that was going to keep him from picking up his dirty underwear or loading the dishwasher. So Christmas Eve, while my boyfriend was taking a snooze on the couch, his Wii is delivered.

I have to be honest, the thought of hiding it until after the holidays did run through my head. I feared that it would be a Merry Christmas with his ass plastered to the couch playing games. I couldn’t hide it though knowing how he had been checking the UPS tracker every day, hell two or three times a day. He had to see how close the Wii was from our apartment, and then update me on its location. He probably would have freaked out if the tracker said delivered and I hadn’t given the damn thing to him. So, I woke him and I will never forget his face. It was the second time that I had ever seen him so excited. The first time is for a different article.

It took him all of 10 minutes to have the system out of the box, up and running. His speed was actually quite impressive. He played the game for the rest of the day and even brought it with him to my family’s house and had them all playing and enjoying it. I refused to play it until we were back home the day after Christmas. I decided then that I would like to try Wii bowling. I am really a horrible bowler, at the alley, but thought this may be a bit different. I was right!

I have continually kicked his ass at Wii bowling for almost a month now and never been happier. We are even having a Wii bowling party later this month so I can beat all his friends too. I mean how cool is it to bowl in your living room? No more podiatrist bills from wearing those disease breeding bowling shoes, or worries of how you will get home after too many drinks at those classy bowling bars. I can now bowl in my pajamas and slippers in the privacy of my home. Hell, I don’t even have to wear my pajamas and slippers to bowl, I can wear nothing at all. There are so many positives to the Wii. There are so many other sports games that come with the system too- so if your thing is tennis, golf, or baseball you can beat your guys at all those games too! Our apartment may not be as clean as it was in the Halo3 days but at least I am having fun now and my man is so happy there is a game we can play together!

Don’t settle for your boyfriend’s Halo3 rut, be the cool girlfriend with interest in the newest game system. Talk up the Wii! Not only will he think it is a great idea but it is something you will actually enjoy doing together. The days of sitting on the couch playing video games is something of the past. It’s time you get up, play with him, and most importantly kick his ass!