For gaming evenings with friends, I prefer MKWii, but it's true, it's very randomic at times. The best thing to do (if you have the time) is to set up a 32 races chanpionship, in long run the best player wins. Also you can set up weapons to make the blue-shell appear less frequently.

If I would think of the most annoying aspect of Mario Kart Wii, I'd say it's the choppy frame rate (in 3-4 players) and the unplayable battle mode (no battle mode has yet surpassed the N64 battle mode).

Agree about UT original.

Also starseige tribes (with the user created mods shifter, annihilation, etc..) was just pure fun.

DotA and Heroes of Newerth. Both are really fun.

Oh, that are some games.

Whacky Wheels. Didn't know anything console that I time, today I have to say it was probably a ripoff of Mario Kart. But fun!
Monkey Island
Micro Machines.
Ufo. The first one. Can play this without end.
Starcraft.
Duke Nukem 3D.
Pikmin.
Super Smash Bros.
Kid Icarus: Uprising.
Etrian Odyssey.