Like the music and film industries, the video game industry waits until the last minute before Christmas to put out its coolest titles _ perhaps because they just like to watch gamers and parents of gamers rush from one store to another, frantic, searching for the gotta-have-it game or system.
It's like a video game brought to life: Dodge traffic, memorize complicated passwords ("Sony PSP;" "Xbox 360;" "SC3 for the PS2") and, in some cases, put up your dukes for the last Nintendo Game Boy Micro.
So here it is, our annual list of gaming necessities.
SYSTEMS
â€"Xbox 360 ($299 for basic system, $399 with bonus accessories)
What it is: Microsoft's much-touted new powerhouse, next-generation video-game system. In addition to a whole new line of video games, most of which gamers can also play online via the system's Xbox Live capability, the X360 plays some (but not all) Xbox games, DVDs and MP3s, and displays photos. Only thing it doesn't do, it seems, is cook breakfast.
Key titles: Football game Madden 06; snowboarding title Amped 3; Wild West shooter Gun; and animated fantasy game Perfect Dark Zero.
Good for: All-ages gamers, sports fans (because those are just about the only games available at launch), online gamers and those with the patience to wait till next year for all the good games to come out.
â€" Sony PSP ($250, higher with accessory/game bundle)
What it is: Sony's portable video game system and keeper of all things related to digital music/movie/ photo/Internet stuff. Whole library of movies now available for the PSP and with its 4-inch screen, you can watch 'em _ on a plane, during a meeting, in class _ without disrupting everyone. Only drag is that you can't play PlayStation or PlayStation 2 games; you gotta start all over. In terms of graphics and gameplay, those games are equal to any PlayStation 2 title, though. Accessories, sold separately or in a bundle, include earplugs, a remote control and hand grips.
Good for: Little kids are begging for this thing, but we're not sure we'd let 'em run wild with it. The PSP is quite complicated and a little fragile. It's perfect for older gamers and movie-watchers, starting around 13 to 14 years old.
â€" Nintendo Game Boy Micro ($99)
What it is: Yet another entry into Nintendo's back-pocket gaming empire. Four inches wide, 2 inches high, the Game Boy Micro is the smallest game system of its kind out there. It's able to hold its own against Nintendo's core audience: young gamers who like to drop/throw things. Weighs about 3 ounces so can fit easily in pockets, backpacks. Comes in two colors, silver and black. Compatible with Game Boy Advance games but not regular ol' Game Boy games. Can hook up with other GBA and GBM units with special cables.
Good for: Young gamers on the go; those who do not lose small items; Game Boy collectors.
GAMES
â€" The Warriors (PlayStation 2, Xbox; $49.99)
Rated: Mature for blood, violence, sexual themes, strong language.
What it is: Brought to us by the folks at Rockstar, who dreamed up the controversial Grand Theft Auto series, comes a just-as-racy game based on an old gang movie. Players prowl the streets of New York, looking for fights with rival gang members. Some parts of it are so violent and bloody, it makes Grand Theft Auto seem like Mario Party. Designers did an incredible job with the scenery, reproducing New York City circa the late-'70s frighteningly well. Of course, it's hard to appreciate that when you're getting your head bashed in.
Good for: Gamers whose parents are cool with them slashing up people; potential criminals; those already incarcerated.
â€" Tony Hawk's American Wasteland (all formats; $49.99-$59.99)
Rated: Teen for mild violence, strong language.
What it is: First Tony Hawk skateboarding title with a point: Help build a skateboard park. Yes, you can still do 180s on cars, if you'd like.
Good for: Those not disgusted by Hawk selling out; skateboarding-accident victims who can relate to spills.
