The first day of December brought a great deal of snow to our neighborhood. I think we got nearly a foot in 12 hours. The schools were closed and the roads were so bad that I had to turn around and head back home before I had gotten more than a few miles out. And when I got back, the snow had filled in the stuff we cleared from the driveway to the point that I almost couldn't get back in. At least now I know why all of my neighbors were in such a hurry to get their Christmas decorations up. Not that I had any plans to get up on the roof, but now that it's covered with ice and snow (and likely to remain that way for the foreseeable future) it's clearly impossible now. Or at least foolhardy. Just as well, my back is still aching from shoveling all of that snow off of the driveway and the walks. But on to this week's game find.

When I first heard about this, I thought it was a joke. Certainly it is not unprecedented to make a video game based on a TV commercial (witness Kool Aid Man and The 7-up Spot) but even after watching gameplay footage of Sneak King, I still couldn't believe my eyes. The concept behind the game is that you fill the royal shoes of the Burger King (yes, that guy in the mascot costume with the perpetually grinning visage and slightly creepy gaze) as he delivers assorted Burger King products to people about to pass out from starvation. But you don't just walk up to them and hand them their value meal. Nope, you've got to take them by surprise (hence the title, Sneak King). In fact, the better you are at catching people unawares and fulfilling their gastronomical needs without them catching you ahead of time, the better your score. Imagine you're a ninja, trying to move through the shadows unseen, until at last you creep up behind your prey and... deliver a tasty croissandwich. Which, I've got to admit, is probably the way I'd prefer to be treated (if even I can't eat those products, it's the thought that counts). Sneak King is one of 3 video games being sold at Burger King Restaurants between now and December 25 for a reasonable price of $3.99 (with food purchase). Both XBox and XBox 360 versions on the game are on the same disk.

As the holidays come closer, do you have any questions about what games you're about to buy for yourself or a loved one? I'm thinking of setting up a special forum just for that topic. Let me know what's on your mind.