Peggle

How did I get addicted to this? The graphics are utter plop; they look like a VGA DOS game circa 1994!

Because it's bloody good; fiendish yet simple to control!

Peggle Extreme, a cut down, half-life themed (e.g. the unicorn character has a headcrab covering its face) version of the game was given to people who pre-ordered Valve's Orange Box (Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Episode 1, Half-Life 2: Episode 2, Team Fortress 2, Portal) via their Steam distribution system.

I had a lot of fun with this and as the pre-order also came with an offer of $10+tax for the full Deluxe version, I decided to take them up on this offer.

I installed it, opened it and suddenly it was 3 hours later and way past my bedtime.

I'm actually more interested in playing this, when I get home, than Portal and Half-Life 2: Episode 2! Though I'll try and resist this urge and at least give these games a chance.

There are online playable, downloadable demo and purchasable (about £15) full non-steam versions at http://www.popcap.com/peggle - highly recommended.