Make Father's Day a day for play

— -- Some guys like ties, but all boys love toys. Whether dad's the sporting type, a race-car driver in training, an action hero, a rock-star wannabe or the more cerebral type, there's electronic entertainment perfect for him this Father's Day. Video-game writer Marc Saltzman offers a few suggestions.

Wii Fit

Nintendo; for Nintendo Wii; $89.99; wiifit.com

OK, so Dad has packed on a few pounds. With the bundled Balance Board, which looks like a bathroom scale, players can take advantage of more than 40 "exer-gaming" activities to help him stay fit and feel good. Options include yoga, aerobics, muscle strengthening, balance exercises and mini-games such as skiing, boxing and soccer heading. Who needs a gym membership?

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Konami; for PlayStation 3; $59.99; metalgearsolid.com

If Dad's the adventurous type, he can play as the legendary Solid Snake, back in his final mission deep behind enemy lines in pursuit of arch nemesis Liquid Ocelot. With new stealth moves, weapons and gadgets, the aging hero infiltrates enemy territory in the Middle East, South America and elsewhere, each rendered in HD. Play alone or go online with up to 16 players.

Crosswords DS

Nintendo; for Nintendo DS; $19.99; Nintendocrosswords.com

If Pop's a crossword aficionado, he'll love this clever collection for the portable DS system. By using the touch-screen display and stylus pen, word game fans can solve more than 1,000 increasingly challenging crossword puzzles. The game also houses more than 200 word-search puzzles and anagram brainteasers.

Million Dollar Poker Featuring Gus Hansen

Gameloft; for mobile phones; $4 to $7, depending on carrier; gushansenmobilegame.com

Dad can be a poker superstar with this cellphone game that lets him face off against smart opponents, thanks to clever artificial intelligence created with the help of champ Hansen. Play Texas Hold 'Em from a first-person perspective in three modes, including a meaty career option.