The eyes are bleary. The fingers are gnarled. The backs are sore and hunched from the hours spent tapping on controllers, steering analog sticks and clicking keyboards in front of glowing screens.

We're done in, beat, pooped, Quit Game. Only for you, dear readers, would we devote so many late nights, expend so many brain cells and even risk personal injury. Those arcade-dance pads can be slippery, you know.

But you're worth the time and effort, video game fans. For the sixth consecutive year, we've waded through hundreds of titles so you won't have to. Check out our categories before scribbling your list of holiday wishes or before hitting stores to please someone special with the gift of a game or genre of their desire.

We've stalked drooling zombies and potted game-winning slapshots from the blue line. Shot down aliens from every galaxy and tracked white-tail deer through snowy Washington County. Crashed vintage planes and creamed hostile armies present and past.

Seems like we bemoan the industry's emphasis on sequels each year, but yet again we've zipped through a slew of titles that include numerals. We've also employed more systems than ever in 2005, thanks to the launch of Sony's versatile, handheld PlayStation Portable in March and the release this week of Microsoft's powerful Xbox 360 console.

Wish we could give you a bit more of the skinny about Xbox 360 today, but Microsoft didn't grant us a sneak peek before the system hit store shelves two days ago. But we've managed a look at more than half of its launch titles on other game systems, and we'll have more to offer in coming weeks.

Games are rated from one star (the lowest) to four stars (perfect). The titles listed here were judged by your weekly game correspondents, with contributions from PG sports writer Chuck Finder.

Confused by the abbreviations in the reviews? GBA is for Game Boy Advance; GC for GameCube; PS2 for PlayStation 2; X360 for Xbox 360; X for Xbox; PC for Personal Computer; PSP for PlayStation Portable and DS for, you guessed it, the DS. Game prices start at $19.99 for GBA titles and escalate to $59.99 for new Xbox 360 titles. Most run around $50.

Worried about what the kids are playing in the basement? Peruse the parental ratings: E for Everyone, the new E10+ for young ones 10 and up, T for Teens and M for Mature.

It's your turn to play or purchase. Whichever pursuit you choose, good luck with the eyes, fingers and backs.

1 CALL OF CTHULHU: DARK CORNERS OF THE EARTH (2K Games; X; ; M) -- Call of Cthul-who? Don't worry if you're not familiar with the disturbing and hard-to-pronounce mythos created by horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. Fans of the genre will thrill to this descent into fear that is heavy on atmosphere and low on light. Seriously -- you'll need to crank the brightness or you won't be able to see a thing. Despite the darkness, this is a chilling, challenging story of slithering, shambling creatures, a race of Elder Gods and weird clannish people in a 1915 Massachusetts town. As Detective Jack Walters, you struggle to uncover the mystery behind the cult of Dagon and how your memory was wiped clean from a horrifying experience six years earlier. Conversation and your internal monologue are a bit stiff, but that's a mere trifle in this sinfully slick spectral spookfest.

2 CALL OF DUTY 2 (Activision; PC, X, X360; ; T) -- A terrific triple threat as World War II plays out from Russian, British and American perspectives across 27 rubble-strewn levels. With its excellent graphics, tense campaigns and bone-jarring sound -- listen for the Nazi sound trucks spewing propaganda in the background and watch tanks rolling overhead as you cower in a trench -- this vintage tale cracks our list of elite wartime shooters. Little interactivity with the environment and characters who move somewhat woodenly detract slightly from the immersive experience, but you still feel as if you're under heavy fire in the combat zone in the most intense wartime adventure this year.

3 F.E.A.R. (Vivendi Universal; PC; ; M) -- Have no fear, it's our pick for the best pure shooter of the year. With the crisp graphics of a "Splinter Cell" and the tension of a "Doom 3," this game boasts the most stunning lighting, explosions, gunplay and physics of any 2005 title. As a soldier in an elite special ops squad that deals with paranormal problems, you're dispatched to hunt down a military madman who is psychically linked to an army of soldiers. And what's the story with those mysterious ghosts? Your hair will stand on end as you unravel their secrets. Beautiful slow-mo action, top-notch sound, excellent pacing and devilishly clever enemies give you your money's worth. Our only gripe? Too many repetitive level designs and foes. Beware -- it takes up 5 gigs on the hard drive and sometimes stutters even on a state-of-the-art system.

4 MADDEN NFL '06 (EA Games; PS2, X360, X, GC, PC, PSP, DS, GBA; ; E) -- The standard bearer for all sports games comes through for yet another year. Choose your own DNA and build your own player in Superstar Mode, but take our advice and avoid being sired by the sports agent dad. Quarterback Vision Control endows pass throwers with better precision. Graphics, sound and gameplay, too, have been fine-tuned to inject still more realism to a franchise that, year after year, strives to improve its stats.

5 MYST V: END OF AGES (Ubisoft; PC; ; E) -- Developer Cyan hits a home run in this final installment of the outstanding Myst series that began 12 years ago with puzzles so tough they could make a grown gamer cry. This time around, you journey to four gorgeous dimensions, or "ages," to collect stone slates that will help unlock a powerful tablet. Finally, players can freely move through the stunning scenery, which is so beautiful that you will want to sit back and drink in the imaginary landscapes. The history is deep, but newcomers shouldn't worry. Manipulating machinery is still a mainstay of the game, but many of the tough puzzles partly depend on using a mouse to draw mystical symbols on the slates. Prima's game guide is a must for developer interviews, game history and help for the desperate.

6 NINTENDOGS (Nintendo; DS; ; E) -- Endearing, startlingly lifelike cyber-pooches coax you into adopting them, follow your commands and wheedle for your love by shimmying against the DS touch screen. Generations beyond those simple "Tamagotchi" egg virtual pets, "Nintendogs" look, sound and act so real that their barks sent our pets into a howling frenzy. But should you forget to feed, walk or tend them, they'll run off or pine away. And watch out for the little packets they may leave on the sidewalk.

7 PETER JACKSON'S KING KONG: THE OFFICIAL GAME OF THE MOVIE (Ubisoft; PS2, X360, X, GC, PC, PSP, DS, GBA; ; T) -- If you're looking for one all-around entertaining game this season, you've found it. Play from the perspective of screenwriter Jack Driscoll, trapped on hideous Skull Island with '30s filmmaker Carl Denham, actress Ann Darrow and shiphand Carl Hayes. Menacing settings, nuanced sound that allows you to hear Jack's fearful panting and a horde of vicious prehistoric flora and fauna will scare you nearly to death before you even lay eyes on the monkey, let alone play as him. Hang in there -- he's worth the wait.

8 PSYCHONAUTS (Majesco; X, PS2, PC; ; T) -- Call us psychic, but we predicted this would happen! This quirky platformer and its adorable hero Raz, who crashes the party at a summer camp populated by really weird kids and counselors with psychic powers, earns our best of show for the genre. It's not traditional and certainly not for everyone, but that's why we loved it so. Follow Raz as he flexes his mental muscle and travels through 10 Tim Burtonesque worlds inside others' minds to defeat an evil scientist who wants to capture students' brains. Cartoony, clever and clearly a winner.

9 RESIDENT EVIL 4:

(Capcom; PS2, GC; ; M) So-cool cop Leon Kennedy leaves Raccoon City, but not trouble, behind when he sneaks into Europe to track down the president's kidnapped daughter. Turns out they've got Spanish-speaking zombies across the sea, and they don't waste time before going after Leon with pitchforks and other nasty implements. Too bad the developers didn't stick to more Spanish -- stilted English dialogue can make you wince. But great graphics and gory combat sequences get your heart going as Leon susses out what's gone wrong with these surly townfolk. New PS2 version is no mere port of previous GameCube version but contains added material.

10 SUPER MARIO STRIKERS (Nintendo; GC; ; E) -- Imagine playing soccer on a pitch packed with crazies, banana peels and a gorilla lumbering about. This is how things unfold in "Strikers," which, we think, is what would result from staging a Super Smash Brothers melee in a sports arena. Mario, Donkey Kong and buddies cavort when they score, then hurl bananas and turtle shells to trip up their opponents with startling power-ups. It's irresistible.

ADVENT RISING (Majesco; X, PC; ; T) -- "Halo" rip-off, anyone? Not to mention partial "Star Wars" clone and "Starship Troopers" copycat. Yep, this one steals from them all to create a mishmash sci-fi shooter with a personality disorder. Gideon Wyeth lands smack in the middle of an alien invasion and eventually unlocks superhuman powers. It's hardly best in show, but huge cityscapes and colossal running gun battles lightened the load, thankfully, making this game a not-so-unpleasant pastime.

AEON FLUX (Majesco; PS2, X; ; T) -- Yeah, we know plenty of folks who will embark on this third-person journey for one reason alone: gorgeous Charlize Theron in that skin-tight black suit. We say, "Get a grip, people" and suggest that they look past the superficial. Spin-off from the futuristic MTV series is actually pretty gripping, with plenty of weapons and acrobatic moves to master. And yes, that ISthe lovely Charlize's voice and image oozing out of the suit.

COLD WAR (Dreamcatcher; X; ; T) -- If you thought ex-New York Times reporter Judith Miller had questionable ethics, you haven't met freelance journalist Matt Carter. He knocks out armed guards, sneaks into Lenin's tomb and fashions rubber bullets out of plastic bottles. If you can get beyond the absurd story line that has Carter framed as a CIA assassin by the KGB in a complex plot, you might enjoy this stealth shooter that relies on an X-ray camera and fashioning gadgets out of everyday objects. Basically an inferior knock-off of "Mission Impossible -- Operation Surma."

50 CENT: BULLETPROOF (PS2, X, PSP; Vivendi Universal; ; M) -- Fabulous soundtrack crammed with original songs and video may be reasons enough to pick up this bleak depiction of life on hard urban streets. But a tale drawn from a near-lethal attack and other events in the life of rap star 50 Cent, along with an effective selection of weapons and counterkill attacks, will keep you playing his game as well as his music. Dialogue is as blue as any game or movie we've ever heard, tempting us to tot up the number of times the F-word cropped up in simple conversation. No doubt "Bulletproof" soon will be the controversial game of the year. But 50 Cent's hands-on involvement in developing, starring in, scoring and convincing other names to join "Bulletproof" has produced a harsh but riveting adult title.

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (EA; GC, PS2, X, PS2; ; T) -- Hats off to Sir Sean Connery for returning as the true original 007. But sadly the old boy's raspy voice seems weakened with age and doesn't deliver the punch it once did. We had high hopes for this release but were somewhat disappointed that it wasn't more interesting. Bond flies through levels as if he's got a hellhound on his tail, as he travels to Istanbul to mix it up with the agents of Octopus. Special gadgets, check. Dinner jacket, check. Cool cars, check. The driving is great, the Bond moments are fun, but there's just something lacking here to make this one worthy of the main man.

GOD OF WAR (Sony; PlayStation 2; ; M) -- Consider yourself forewarned: Red stuff flows nigh-constantly in this otherwise stylish journey through ancient mythology on a quest for Pandora's box. Better hope she's stashed a tourniquet in there.

GRAND THEFT AUTO: LIBERTY CITY STORIES -- (Rockstar Games; PSP; ; M) So you never could understand, despite all that time you devoted to GTA III, how Liberty City became such a hellhole? Back up a few years and tag along with mobster Tony Cipriani for an inside view of the Leone crime family. "Liberty City Stories" packs astonishing action, missions, territory and options into our favorite PSP title to date. Exhilarating, raunchy and violent and the radio stations are as amusing as ever.

INDIGO PROPHECY (Atari; X, PS2, PC; ; M) -- We guarantee you haven't played anything like this excellent albeit erratic thriller about two cops chasing down a ritualistic serial killer. In a stroke of genius, you play both the police and their prey, computer technician Lucas Kane. You know things will be hairy when the game starts with you as Kane carrying out a murder in a diner bathroom. Doing away with traditional running and gunning, designers have players interact and attack by responding to on-screen prompts. If you flub, you'll miss crucial clues or even die. A cinematic approach, split screens showing simultaneous events, atmospheric music and strong characters fuse to create a unique experience. But some dull levels, a mid-game twist that didn't feel quite right and some truly useless button-pushing knocked this off our top picks list. Prima's game guide will steer you to the right choices.

KILLER 7 (Capcom; PS2, GC; ; M) -- Schizophrenic hero and his seven alter egos crowd a garish, crazy quilt of a game that can't quite figure out if it intends to be a shooter, stealth adventure or political treatise. Plot isn't always clear, subtitled Japanese translations verge on goofy and set routes prohibit exploring. And that annoying ninja sidekick must have a death wish. Yet "Killer 7's" lurid graphic-novel settings, techno soundtrack and novel premise deserve props for daring to be different.

KINGDOM UNDER FIRE: HEROES (Phantagram; X; ; M) -- This sequel to last year's "Kingdom Under Fire: Crusaders" breaks little new ground and returns with the same frustrating problems: horrific pathfinding for your units, too few fighting moves for your champion and a dense plot that takes itself too seriously. Control one of seven heroes who alternate between leading their armies into pulse-pounding battles with wyverns and giant scorpions and strategizing on still screens. Combat is uniquely exciting but marred by the awful heavy metal soundtrack. Hack-and-slashers who don't want to think need not apply.

METROID PRIME PINBALL (Nintendo; DS; ; E) -- Space bounty hunter Samus Aran's trademark move is morphing into a rolling sphere, so it makes sense that she pops ups in a pinball package with its own rumble pack. Spell Samus' name, collect trinkets and mow down enemies who abruptly rise up from glowing Metroid-themed tables. May not be typical Metroid but sure is fun.

RATCHET: DEADLOCKED (Sony; PS2; ; T) -- Gladiator premise moves this fourth installment of Insomniac Games' clever series out of the platform realm and into the combat arena. Ratchet and robot buddy Clank have been captured by mad media magnate Gleeman Vox, who plans to pit our doe-eyed leading man against other superheroes in deadly televised brawls. And "Survivor" castaways thought Guatemala was rough? Snappy dialogue and a wiseacre star are a bit too spicy for youngsters.

RAZE'S HELL (Majesco; X; ; M) -- The right way to do a weird shooter. The helium-voiced, ultra-cute Kewletts set off on a genocide mission with overtones of Nazi Germany. Raze, an odd-looking humanoid, stumbles upon special powers and is the only thing that stands in their way. Raze rolls over Kewlett shock troops, vacuums up their guts, and shoots them with guns that use bug-like creatures as ammunition. There's no real genre to describe this bizarre game, but we preferred it to this year's other offbeat offerings, "Worms 4 Mayhem" or "Serious Sam II."

SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS (Sony; PS2; ; T) -- Developed by the same team as 2001's well-regarded "ICO," "Colossus" pits a desperate young man against 16 beasts in an underdog mission to save the life of his dying love. Stripped-down plot provides mere shreds of a story, but the gulp-inducing Colossi are the stars here. With little more than a bow and arrow and your wits, you must apply your puny talents to seek out and vanquish these fearsome giants if you are to tap a mysterious, healing power.

SPARTAN: TOTAL WARRIOR (Sega; GC, PS2, X; ; M) -- Return with your shields or upon them as you take up weapons as a long-haired Spartan, one of history's toughest opponents. Third-person combat satisfies as Spartans and enemies swarm over large levels. It's not the prettiest action game, but the premium is on fun. Your Spartan swings a mean sword, shoots flaming arrows, launches catapults and unloads boiling oil as he does the bidding of Ares. Fans of Roman and Greek mythology will feel right at home.

TRUE CRIME: NEW YORK CITY (Activision; PS2, X, GC, PC; ; M) -- Your drug-dealing dad is in jail, your detective mentor has been bumped off and you've turned your back on street life to join the NYPD. Now it's up to you to unravel the mysterious threads that may connect the two most important men in your life. "True Crime" shifts coasts and entices a remarkable cast of voice talent to assist newbie cop Marcus Reed against formidable thugs.

VIEWTIFUL JOE: RED HOT RUMBLE (Capcom; GC; ; T) -- Joe's story mode is more robust this time around, hinging on movie idol Captain Blue's search for a successor. But why hold a normal audition process when a fighting competition would be so much livelier? Choose to play as Joe, his gal pal Sylvia or other characters from Joe's last two installments, although a bunch of folks are locked away at first. Joe pulls away from his platform roots but retains signature cel-shaded graphics and button-mashing gameplay.

FIGHTING

GENJI: DAWN OF THE SAMURAI (Sony; PS2; ; M) -- Try not to get beheaded or maimed while you're marveling at the delicate, warbling birds, the ethereal flute and drum soundtrack and the drifting cherry blossoms in this samurai story. Attention to detail is stunning, with elastic faces of characters, seamless melding of cut scenes into game action and film-style Japanese dialogue supported by English subtitles. Might have earned a perfect rating if it hadn't been so short.

LEGEND OF KAY (Capcom; PS2; ; E) -- Surprisingly thoughtful allegory masquerades as a kung-fu fighter while gently instructing children about the folly of totalitarianism. Kay the cat steps up to save his placid village when power-mad gorillas and their rat allies threaten to invade. Kiddies too young for "Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks" will be so enthralled with Kay's martial-arts moves that they'll never know they're learning something.

MORTAL KOMBAT: SHAOLIN MONKS (Midway; X, PS2; ; M) -- Call it Mortal Kombat Lite, little grasshopper. Dumbed down for those who hate remembering endless button combinations, the latest Mortal Kombat game makes pulling off flashy martial-arts moves easier than ever. Play as Lui Kang or Kung Lao, champions of the Mortal Kombat tournament, as their school is ambushed by demonic hordes. Minor irritations pile up to make this a must-have only for true fans, but worth a rental any day. The single-player campaign makes it impossible to get all the hidden goodies, so it works best if you play with a friend.

SOUL CALIBUR III (Namco; PS2; ; T) -- A trio of new characters join tormented souls who vie for the coveted swords. Beautiful graphics and exhilarating combo moves enhance crazy fights in long-overdue sequel. Stringing it all together is a story that's a tad flowery but generally makes sense. Character creation mode is amusing, allowing you to dream up and send forth your own fantasy fighter.

THE WARRIORS (Rockstar; PS2, X; ; M) -- It's a vintage Rockstar game -- profane, violent and hardly PC -- but believe it or not, there's no driving. Based on the 1979 cult movie about a Brooklyn gang called the Warriors who are wrongly accused of murdering a gang leader and must battle their way back home, the game starts months before the assassination. Fisticuffs and felony carry the weight here, as you switch among gang members who wield bats, bottles and even crutches to break windows and heads during rip-offs and rumbles. More linear than Grand Theft Auto and not as interesting, "The Warriors" still allows plenty of room to roam alleys and rooftops in search of loot and enemy gangbangers. Faithful to the film and devilishly fun.

PLATFORM

PAC-MAN WORLD 3 (Namco; GC, PS2, PSP, X; ; E) -- Who doesn't love the big, yellow guy? It's Pac's 25th birthday, but before he can down his cake, he's transported into another world by the evil Erwin. Pac must team up with ghosts Pinky and Clyde to get home, save the Pac world and enjoy his just desserts. If you get a charge out of playing a canary-colored ball with mittens, boots and a big smile, you can't miss with this fun platformer. Pac unleashes his groovy moves, such as wall jumping, pole swinging and -- we are not making this up -- butt bouncing to beat a motley crew of enemies. Atrocious dialogue will make you cover your ears, but fun levels will more than compensate. As a bonus, the original arcade game is included!

SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG (Sega; PS2, GC, X; ; E10+) --Tweaked and twisted, "Shadow" is a sequel of sorts to Sega's signature "Sonic" franchise, but we're not sure we approve of where he's going. Black, spike-armored hedgehog totes an AK-47 in what appears to be a heartburn-induced bad dream, where gun battles erupt in stark industrial neighborhoods. Purists will abhor so much tampering. Parents should beware that Shadow is definitely the black hedgehog of this clan.

SLY 3: HONOR AMONG THIEVES (Sony; PS2; ; E10+) -- Sticky-fingered raccoon hunts his family's lost fortune by retracing the footsteps of his larcenous father and the legendary Cooper gang. Witty 3-D platformer has some surprisingly grim plot elements, but its heart and motives are in the right place. New characters and mini-games keep the franchise fresh. Some holiday advice from yours truly: Toss out those migraine-inducing 3-D glasses. You're welcome.

TAK: THE GREAT JUJU CHALLENGE (THQ; DS, GBA, GC, PS2, X; ; E) -- Tak, a shaman's apprentice, teams up with Lok, his tribe's bluff blowhard, in a tournament to gain the favor of a goddess. There's no "i" in team, meaning these two have to mesh their different styles to beat the Grammazons, Black Mist and Jibba Jabbas in this predictable but pleasant platformer. It's just what you'd expect -- lush scenery, plenty of jumping and maximum silliness.

TORK: PREHISTORIC PUNK (Ubisoft; X; ; E) -- Tight, fun platformer that pits the plucky Tork and his bone-busting bolos against the machinations of the man who kidnapped his father. Tork is a shapeshifter who can turn into a yeti, an armadillo or a squirrel if he gets mad enough in this pleasant detour into prehistory. Hop over lava rivers and dodge avalanches as you collect crystals and sidestep evil statues. It doesn't have the humor of a "Tak" game, but soothing music provides a nice accompaniment to the tight levels. One star off for the camera, which doesn't rotate and leads to many deadly missteps.

WORMS 4 MAYHEM (Majesco; PC, X; ; T) -- Talk about a niche audience. If you've ever wanted to play as a worm who wears tams or sports an afro and wields a variety of Looney Tunes weapons, you've come to the right place. That's right, you take control of a team of wriggling creatures who look more like finger puppets than live bait in this turn-based game in which each side tries to blow the other to kingdom come. Not worth what it costs, but fun in a sick sort of way as a rental. Use baseball bats, banana bombs, air strikes, homing missiles, exploding sheep and more to rid a variety of destructible environments of the tiny terrors.

PUZZLES/STRATEGY

AGE OF EMPIRES III (Microsoft; PC; ; T) -- Nice overhead graphics that depict flying cannonballs, shimmering seas and crumbling masonry bring this real-time strategy game to life. But combat seems to overshadow tactics as players race to build armies big enough to beat the computer. A new wrinkle is the establishment of a "home city" that players can use to send resources and troops to the battlefield. The game's story line follows Scottish knight Morgan Black, who is dispatched to the New World on a quest for a mythical treasure. The game's artificial intelligence is not so great when it comes to directing units, sound is spotty and the zoom function is worthless, making this title a solid but not stellar RTS.

ANIMAL CROSSING: WILD WORLD (Nintendo; DS; ; E) -- Quirky critters from a Top Pick of 2002 form new communities so handheld players, too, can obsess over building homes, forging friendships and exploring in real time. Use one screen to make selections, send or access messages on the other and catch fish with the DS stylus. Welcome friends to visit your 'burg or 'burb by way of your DS wireless connection, but don't worry about intruders or thieves -- only invited guests may stop by.

BLACK & WHITE 2 (EA; PC; ; T) -- This clever "god game" is still all about bringing up baby. As an omniscient deity who appears to your needy villagers as a disembodied hand, you do many of your good works -- and bad -- through an oversized animal on two legs. Choose from a cow, a gorilla, a lion or a wolf to raise as the all-powerful pet that plays, poops and tries to please its master by exercising its independence. With few notable changes over the original, we see little need for old hands to shell out for this sequel unless you want more. Newcomers should be prepared for an excellent game packed with various tasks and quests, but one with a steep learning curve, lengthy tutorials, frustrating camera controls and endless resource management.

EMPIRE EARTH II (Sierra; PC; ; T) -- Bigger is better, as this real-time strategy sequel literally expands on the original by offering larger maps, more units and more than a dozen civilizations. Although skimpy on the graphics, this game gives players the thrill of taking your society from nomads to nanotechnology.

LUMINES (Ubisoft; PSP; ; E) -- Glowing puzzle package might present at first as a "Tetris" rip-off for Sony's fledgling handheld system. So just try to quit once you've started shuffling those frenetically falling blocks in this instant classic. Even harder? Staying focused when background silhouettes begin to shift and morph, turning the screen into a swirling kaleidoscope.

METAL GEAR ACID (Konami; PSP; ; M) -- We had mixed feelings about sardonic commando Solid Snake's switch to turn-based card battling when he showed up on PSP. But check out this handheld entry in the successful series if only to get a gander at the most troublesome dolls since "Wait Until Dark." Strong story and emphasis on strategy, along with a dollop of inside-baseball humor, keep "Acid" from straying too far from "Metal Gear's" formula.

SID MEIER'S CIVILIZATION IV (2K Games; PC; ; E10+) -- A terrific strategy game spanning the length of human civilization but one that moves at a slower pace than "Empire Earth II" because of its turn-based nature. With no need for resource gathering or building massive armies, fleets or firepower, players can concentrate on settling their world instead of constantly worrying about the enemy's next attack. However, those differences sanitized our gaming experience a bit. We missed the sounds of picks and saws, and yearned for guiding our fleet of galleons to war.

TRACE MEMORY (Nintendo; DS; ; T) -- Gamin-faced orphan Ashley Robbins is plagued with sinister dreams about her slain parents in this rare, intriguing title aimed at girls. Then on her 14th birthday, Ashley discovers that her scientist father is likely still alive. Now she must travel to creepy Blood Island to sort out why her parents disappeared and what happened to their memory experiments. We'd be wondering why they never bothered to show up for a decade's worth of soccer games.

WE KATAMARI (Namco; PS2; ; E) -- Flying fruit, airborne pandas and an egotistical king who's wiped out the cosmos on a whim. Confused so far? Nah, anyone can roll a ball, which is all this bizarre but charming title requires. Form ever-larger balls of all kinds of objects to be used to replace the planets and stars. Avoid bugs, keys, clothes pins and everyday hazards that threaten to dismember your unwieldy sphere. Don't even try to make sense of the soundtrack, which mingles the King's scratchy squeaks, finger-popping swing tunes and vaguely Elizabethan chants. Just try the game. Really.

RACING

187 RIDE OR DIE (Ubisoft; X, PS2; ; M) -- We call it "187 Ride or Cry." This arcade racer that spits out swear words as much as an Escalade guzzles gas follows Buck, a thug who works for crime boss Dupree. He represents through his car, racing against other bad guys. Not content to just drive well, Buck pulls out the big guns and tries to blow away his competition. Bling, bling, blah, blah.

CRASH TAG TEAM RACING (Vivendi Universal; PS2, X, GC; ; E) -- Crash racing karts into each other on the track and what do you get? Not a heap of wheels and bolts, but some of the wackiest, armed and dangerous vehicles you've never imagined. Crash meanders through an amusement park, gathering gems and coins, spinning over platforms and jumping behind the wheel to race in some attractions. Whimsical touches: cranky ninja penguins and an announcer who channels Howard Cosell.

FLATOUT (Vivendi Universal; PC, PS2, X; ; T) -- Drivers who scream as they're ejected through their windshields are the gruesome high point to this thoroughly pedestrian racer. Wreck, race and wreck again through 36 tracks in five washed-out environments that offer nothing we haven't seen before.

JAK X: COMBAT RACING (Sony; PS2; ; T) -- Yet another former platformer evolves into a combat clash, this time set in a race-or-die demolition derby. A Jabba the Hut doppelganger tricks Jak and Daxter into racing by poisoning them and withholding the antidote. Back story doesn't amount to much, but racy chatter in this "Mad Mex" cousin warrants keeping it out of earshot of the under-12 set.

MARIO KART DS (Nintendo; DS; ; E) -- Old pals at the wheel, vibrant new and revamped tracks from past "Mario Kart" games and a shot at beating DS owners all over the world should appeal to tykes and 'tweens. Silly LOL visuals are reminiscent of old N64 title, but this "Mario Kart" also makes use of Nintendo's new easy-to-use wireless connector. Share your game with up to seven other DS players, or challenge other players in huge online events. No Wi-Fi at home? Good chance the nearest Golden Arches is one of 6,000 that now are Wi-Fi enabled and Mario-friendly.

NEED FOR SPEED MOST WANTED (EA Games; PS2, X360, X, GC, PC, PSP, DS, GBA; ; T) -- Edge to the top of the Blacklist by conquering the dodgy underground world of street racing while avoiding cops who itch to take you in. Build up your rap sheet by outrunning the pesky police in wicked urban pursuits. As you'd expect from this racing franchise, custom-car features offer myriad options to jazz up the inside and outside of your ride. Steering is blessedly improved from last year's touchy "Underground," where we spent way too much time careening from side to side before crashing.

ROLE-PLAYING GAMES

DUNGEON SIEGE II (Microsoft; PC; ; T) -- Return to the land of Aranna wielding swords and spells as you turn against your onetime boss, the evil Valdis, in this sequel to 2002's top RPG. Freeze the action and zoom in to see lightning bolts and fireballs in mid-air as they target your foes. Rotate the camera for a top-down view to better plan your attack. There's little not to love in this terrific dungeon crawler.

JADE EMPIRE (Microsoft; X; ; M) -- BioWare, the group that created the outstanding "Baldur's Gate" series of fantasy role-playing games, dreamed up this Asian-inspired martial arts game that's part RPG, part action/adventure. But compared to BioWare's other fare, this offering just doesn't cut the sushi. You begin as an orphan at a martial-arts school, and you quickly learn your destiny and the fate of the world are intertwined. It's fun, fast and philosophical, but not as deep or satisfying as the developer's former sword-and-sorcery work.

KINGDOM OF PARADISE (Sony; PSP; ; T) -- Challenge the formidable Kirin clan as Shinbu, a warrior who overcomes his pariah past with martial-arts prowess. Revel in the vast choice of combat moves, sharp cinematics and convincing scenery. But those pluses don't overcome truly dopey dialogue. Any illusion of living in feudal Japan shatters when Shinbu starts uttering "ain't," "betcha" and too much current-day jargon.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: TACTICS (EA Games; PSP; stars; T) -- Battle with classic turn-based gameplay to complete your quest across Middle-earth. Revisit sites from LOTR lore while leading The Fellowship or the Minions of Mordor. Graphics are quite good for a handheld, and you'll appreciate the use of film clips and the detail that distinguishes tiny faces of Gandalf, Aragorn, Frodo and the Balrog.

LOST IN BLUE (Konami; DS; ; E) -- Rub sticks until fire blossoms. Collect coconuts or construct rude tools to hunt and fish. Spit out that nasty seaweed -- it won't nourish you, no matter how desperately hungry you are after being shipwrecked on a nameless dot of rock. Travel the island as a boy or girl, both of whom need courage, stamina and smarts to figure out how to stay alive out in the blue.

MARIO & LUIGI: PARTNERS IN TIME (Nintendo; DS; ; E) -- Our plumbers plunge through a hole in time to help their younger, droller selves restore peace to the Mushroom Kingdom. "Partners" makes good use of the DS's screens, plunking a useful map on top and unspooling the action on the bottom.

SHOOTERS

AREA-51 (Midway; X, PS2, PC; ; M) -- Ugly to its core, this dull, dreary shooter pits a government special operative against a rampant infection that has mutated the human inhabitants of the Area 51 facility. David Duchovny of "X-Files" fame serves up the vocals. His monotone reflects the one-note style of this forgettable flop that should be buried in the New Mexico desert.

CABELA'S OUTDOOR ADVENTURES (Activision; PS2; ; T) -- Outdoors giant Cabela's kicks off its intended franchise by plopping its deer hunter in the rolling hills of ... our own back yard of Washington County. Join an ongoing hunt in open season or plan your own woodsy foray with a guide. Love it or hate it, depending on your views on real-life hunting and fishing. But from a strict gameplay standpoint, we admire the emphasis on following safety rules but hate the weird way our hunter's torso seems to lurch and swivel before his legs start walking.

DOOM 3 (Activision; X, PC; ; M) -- From the visuals to the pacing to the music to the fear factor, a near-perfect shooter in every regard. A scientific outpost on Mars becomes a portal to hell when experiments in teleportation go awry. You're a marine for the Union Aerospace Corp. who penetrates the gory secrets of the blood-spattered facility until you reach the final confrontation in hell itself. For a first-person shooter boasting marvelous munitions, the game also offers humor and humanity in the form of e-mails, videos and audio logs you scoop up on the way. Not for the faint of heart but a must-have for most. Debuting in 2005 for Xbox, it would've made our Top Picks had it not appeared last year on PC.

DOOM 3: RESURRECTION OF EVIL (Microsoft; PC, X; ; M) -- It's back to Mars two years after the events of "Doom 3," and clearly the Marines of the future have never heard the expression "Once bitten, twice shy." Responding to a beacon as part of a research team, you plunge into the depths of the Red Planet only to encounter hordes of chilling hellspawn. Dr. Betruger has plans for you! Anyone yearning for a continuation of the original with a few new weapons tossed in can't afford to miss this disturbing sequel.

FAR CRY: INSTINCTS (Ubisoft; X; ; M) -- Our cry: Keep a far distance from this garish, dull shooter. As Jack Carver, a dive boat captain chaperoning a photographer in the Pacific, you suddenly fall under assault by a helicopter gunship that blows your ride to smithereens. From there, the chase is on as a South African mercenary comes after you with everything he's got. As you run for survival, you pick up weapons and superpowers and a bad case of been here-done that. Don't say we didn't warn you.

GUN (Activision; GC, PC, PS2, X360, X; ; M) -- This cinematic take on the Wild West marries the gunslingers of yesteryear with a bit of the free-roaming element of today's Grand Theft Auto. A solid shooter thanks to decent voice acting, the best horseback riding we've seen and a distinctive visual style. But the game mechanics can't match the designers' ambitions, leaving you with an arcade-style shoot-'em-up that doesn't completely satisfy. PETA supporters beware, buffalo and wolves get trampled beneath your mount's hooves. Don't miss the Kris Kristofferson vocals as a grizzled old cowpoke.

INFECTED (Majesco; PSP; ; M) -- Don't be fooled when you spot Santa Claus roaming through this zombie shooter. He's seeking little tykes, 'tis true, but he plans to gobble them up with his figgy pudding. As Officer Stevens of New York's Bio Squad, you track virus-laden zombies through Central Park, Times Square, Chinatown and the subway system. "Infected" is a dark parody of old zombie films, and its mock newscasts can make you chuckle. But it's jammed with profanity, gore and bloodshed and is completely unsuitable for children.

PARIAH (Groove Games; X, PC; ; M) -- Derivative at best, this standard sci-fi shooter puts you in the shoes of Dr. Jack Mason as he escorts an infected, cryogenically frozen prisoner aboard a spaceship. The ship is shot down on Earth, the prisoner thaws and doc gets a nasty case of the virus. So what? We didn't care after a while, and neither will you. Go play "Halo" for the thousandth time.

QUAKE 4 (Activision; PC; ; M) -- It's "Doom" deja vu, not that we're complaining. Id Software, designer of "Doom 3," goes to work in the latest "Quake" title. It looks, feels and plays like its shooter cousin, but the graphics aren't quite as crisp. No PDAs, videos or complex machinery here, but there are vehicles you can take for a spin. As a spaceborne marine and member of the elite Rhino Squad, you and your mates invade the evil alien world Stroggos with big guns and bad attitudes. Featuring frenetic frag action below ground and planetside, "Quake 4" is a must for fans of "Doom 3" or any other offworld first-person shooters.

SERIOUS SAM II (2K Games; PC, X; ; M) -- A tongue-in-cheek first-person shooter that thrusts musclebound Sam Stone into a quest to save the universe by retrieving pieces of a broken medallion. His goal: to defeat the evil Mental. Silliness abounds in the cartoonish environments that are painted from a palette of vivid colors. Sam is equipped with quite the arsenal, which he unhesitatingly unleashes on swarms of oddball foes. The offbeat sense of humor didn't tickle our funnybone. Recommended only for fans of the original.

STAR WARS: BATTLEFRONT II (LucasArts; PS2; X; PC; ; T) -- Sprawling sequel sends you onto the field of combat in the role of Luke, Han, Leia or other characters from the galactic saga. Join the troops or build your own fleet, then swarm in noisy, deadly engagements over Endor, Hoth and Tatooine. Online play furthers the sensation of piloting your fighter into the midst of space skirmishes to decide the fates of the Empire and Republic.

SPORTS

BLITZ: THE LEAGUE (Midway; PS2, X; ; M) -- Hear us, parents: Profanity is found in both music and trash-talking audio, and gameplay is closer to violence than football. The Main Menu provides a harbinger, with its portrait of a locker room with a large amount of blood on the floor. Then there's the segment where a gruesomely injured combatant gets Juiced by a spinal injection and returns to play. Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, huh?

FIFA SOCCER 06/FIFA SOCCER 06 ROAD TO 2006 FIFA WORLD CUP (EA Sports; PS2, X360, X, PC, PSP, DS; E) --The crowd appears a bit stiff, but each match otherwise appears as polished as a live-TV broadcast in this game. The bottom of the screen contains a colorful and easy-to-read graphic where the players are on the pitch. Twenty-one leagues, 10,000 players, new tackling and dribbling and Manager mode all make this the virtual standard in the sport the rest of the world calls football. World Cup version is among first titles for X 360.

GRETZKY NHL06 (Sony; PS2, PSP; ; E) -- My, how the Wayne Gretzky behind the bench looks like he's put on a few pounds. But on the ice, he's trim and tall, towering over every other player (he's 5-10, not 6-10). Yes, the Great One can join your team, if you amass the correct points. Play here also is a bit illogical, again rosters are outdated, and for some reason there are hardly any players on the benches. For those young NHLers who were exiled during the lockout, you can still play in the AHL in this game.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL 2K5 WORLD SERIES EDITION (2KSports; PS2, X; ; E) -- Two-disc package -- the other disc is a DVD of "greatest moments" in Series history, most of them Dodgers moments -- actually was based on play through mid-August and released in mid-October. Pennant Fever Mode is designed to favor 2005's hot teams, but our virtual season ended with the Yankees winning the World Series in five games over Philadelphia, which didn't even make the real playoffs. Weirder still, the Pirates updated roster included Chris Duffy and Zach Duke, but also long-gone pitcher Todd Ritchie and three fictional left fielders: Vladimir Norton, Thurman Hurt and Chris DeBenedetti.

NBA LIVE 06 (EA Sports; PS2, X360, X, PC, PSP, GC; ; E) -- If you or your resident gamer is handy with multiple buttons, then dunk away. This edition's updated Freestyle Superstars mode, which announcer Marv Albert says will allow you to "express your reality," turns you into a High-Flyer, Playmaker, Sharpshooter or Stopper. Retro NBA Live 95 is here, too (sooo last decade), but overall this game is still a step ahead of "NBA 2K6," which has a shade better gameplay but loses points for going commercial (the insert-car-brand-here matchup of the game).

NBA 06 FEATURING THE LIFE, VOL. 1 (Sony; PS2, PSP; ; E) -- This is an intriguing idea, wrapping sports inside the theme of a movie that takes you, as a prospect, through the draft process while giving you a game tutorial. It's a cool look, and NBA gameplay itself is neat, even down to the on-court audio ("I'm open, man"), but it's also slow to load and the movie is ploddddddding. Give the makers a couple of years to fine tune it, and "The Life" could be a champion.

NCAA MARCH MADNESS 06 (EA Sports; PS2, X; , E) -- Like NHL 06, this game includes the old-school NCAA video mode; as omnipresent announcer Dick Vitale would say, "You've come a long way, bay-bee." This glossy game -- which provides details down to the reflections in the polished hardwood court -- added a two-stick defensive lockdown mode. Relive great hoop moments from the past, like the '79 title game between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. In our simulated season, mighty Connecticut started 3-6 and West Virginia -- playing a schedule that wasn't close to reality -- moved up the polls with victories, including a 110-106 triumph at Pitt.

NHL06 (EA Sports; PS2, X360, X, GC, PC; ; E) -- It gets for looks, and H for including the NHL Hockey '94 game in its modes -- man, does that sucker look like virtual cave drawings now (back when there were Winnipeg Jets). Back to the future: Rosters were quickly outdated, the Penguins' ranks including Sergei Gonchar and Andre Roy, but not Ziggy Palffy, John LeClair, Jocelyn Thibault and Sidney Crosby. Play is illogical, players (and pucks) hard to control, and there are no offsides or icing. Sticks cut through players, although luckily nobody gets hurt.

NHL 2K6 (2K Sports; PS2, X360, X; ; E) -- Here's a game for you budding Scotty Bowman geniuses: full of complexity, nuance and intricate control movements. Play your goalie with the puck, without the puck, while holding the puck. You can fight -- yep, that's what hockey's all about -- in the classic, intermediate and advanced categories. Power-play and penalty-kill formations/systems, forecheck, backcheck, breakout -- it's all here. It has the second-best looking action, behind Gretzky, and you can easily add free agents.

SSX ON TOUR (EA SPORTS; PS2, X, GC, PSP; ; T) -- Rougher and ruder than its older brothers, new addition to the "SSX" family dispatches you to the performing circuit to flaunt skiing or boarding skills. Polish tricks, perform mini-missions and earn money, medals and fame when you've picked up the mountain masters' moves. New courses and tricks, but why no online competition?

TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 06 (EA Sports; PS2, X360, X, PC, PSP; ; E) -- It's amazing how a game so big and sprawling -- after all, they are in real life lengthening courses to combat Tiger -- can translate so well to this small screen. Tiger looks realistic, courses look lush, and our strokes look positively dreadful. The analog putting update doesn't help us duffers, but you can tell this game could become addictive.

TONY HAWK'S AMERICAN WASTELAND (Activision; PS2, X360, X, GC; ; T) -- Chase your Dogtown dreams, help to re-create the best-ever skate park and win the approval of Tony himself. Hone your skating and BMX skills as you explore L.A., complete missions and align yourself with other skaters to restore the trashed park. Load times have been shaved, but could that be why "Wasteland" feels so short?

TOP SPIN (2K Sports; PS2, X, PC; stars; E) -- Use the EyeToy camera and you can play the pros: Roger Federer, Carlos Moya, Maria Sharapova and Venus (but not Serena) Williams. Gameplay isn't as advanced as other sports titles, but it looks crisp and professional. The old tennis player of the house found the controls difficult, which explains him winning one point in three games.

SUPERHEROES

BATMAN BEGINS (EA Games; PS2, X, GC, GBA; ; T) -- Engaging stealth tie-in to summer blockbuster draws from film cut scenes and plot to good effect but also stands on its own. Film stars loan voices and faces, and excellent sound throughout brings added realism. Too bad the Batmobile turned out to be more bummer than Hummer.

THE INCREDIBLE HULK: ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION (Sierra; X, PS2; GC; ; T) -- What the shark is to killing, the Incredible Hulk is to destroying: perfect. You'll hoot and howl as old Jade Jaws unleashes his array of patented moves, from sonic claps to mile-high leaps, as he skillfully obliterates literally everything in sight. Buildings, tanks, helicopters, puny humans -- nothing is sacred. One of our favorite superhero releases in years, though the graphics are rather basic and the gameplay is one-dimensional. If you love the idea of running up buildings, leaping across streets and then pounding the daylights out of everything you meet, you should buy this title. Hulk smash!

MARVEL NEMESIS: RISE OF THE IMPERFECTS (EA Games; PS2, X, GC, PSP, DS; ; T) -- Ah, the satisfaction of stepping into the shoes of The Thing and tossing cars, buses and other superheroes to smash destructible environments all over the place. Comic-book caper looks and feels like the real deal. But the glee it delivers is tempered by too much clipping, repetitive levels and a tedious single-player mode.

THE PUNISHER (THQ; X, PS2, PC; ; M) -- Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, is the dark underbelly of the Marvel Comics universe. He's bad, he's brooding and he's got a big skull on his chest. Castle uses guns, fists and even electric drills in endless interrogation sequences as he takes on the mob in this violent third-person shooter. No one makes it out alive, and neither will you if you play until the end.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN (Activision; X, PS2, GC; ; T) -- Webhead's back, but it's a younger, cooler Peter Parker who inhabits the spider suit. Based on Marvel Comics' Ultimate line, which tweaks comics continuity to present variations on venerable characters, this game pits Spidey against arch-nemesis Venom, a humanoid whose head is one big jaw. Friends and foes from the Marvel universe make guest appearances as you swing and clamber through the cel-shaded graphics of a virtual New York City. Repetition and dull attacks drag this down, but the upside is getting to play as both the wall-crawler and Venom.

X-MEN LEGENDS II: RISE OF APOCALYPSE (Activision; X, PS2, GC, PC; ; T) -- Patrick Stewart's silky smooth voice-acting aside, this sequel based on the top-selling Marvel Comics mutant superheroes left our genes feeling faded. There are DNA-fueled superpowers galore, as the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants -- 16 in all -- split up in teams of four to fight the ancient scourge known as Apocalpyse. But the only superpower that the look, plot and play of this title evoked in us was a super yawn.

SURVIVAL/HORROR

CASTLEVANIA: CURSE OF DARKNESS (Konami; PS2; ; M) -- Venerable vampire franchise slips a bit with the introduction of a new hero, Hector, whose loss of his lover sours him against former mentor Dracula. Confusing plot and repetitive levels disappoint, and we're still trying to figure out exactly what constitutes an "innocent devil."

CASTLEVANIA: DAWN OF SORROW (Konami; DS; ; T) -- Handheld version picks up after 2003's "Aria of Sorrow," once again pitting Soma Cruz against Drac and his cult. Sketch magic seals on the DS's touch screen to overpower enemies or employ its wireless connection to trade captured souls with other players.

COLD FEAR (Ubisoft; X, PS2, PC; ; M) -- A better camera and more save points would have done wonders for this clever horror game set on a whaler amid an Arctic storm. As the boat sloshes from side to side, the angry sea spewing over the gunwales, your Coast Guard hero squares off against suspicious Russian sailors and an alien species that has overrun the ship. The environments feel authentic -- cold, wet and wind-whipped. Don't forget to climb to the crow's nest for a great view. An offbeat and intriguing entry into the annals of horror games, but one not worth buying.

DARKWATCH (Capcom; X, PS2; ; M) -- Cowboys and the undead are a goofier combination than Felix and Oscar, but it works in this quirky Western shooter set in the 1800s. Gunslinger and outlaw Jericho Cross picks the wrong train to rob and unleashes the evil Lazarus Malkoth. Cross begins to turn into a vampire, but he gets help from a secret society known as the Darkwatch. Inventive enemies and tons of guns make the game modestly enjoyable. For gun-slingers looking for a twist.

EVIL DEAD: REGENERATION (THQ; X, PS2, PC; ; M) -- If you loved the "Evil Dead" movies with slapstick anti-hero actor Bruce Campbell, you'll love this humorous horror tale. Campbell's one-armed character "Ash" and his fistful of boomstick (a trusty shotgun) team up with a pint-sized, foul-mouthed, undead know-it-all named Sam to battle evil Deadites. The blood flows freely and so do the one-liners. Join us!

THE SUFFERING: TIES THAT BIND (Midway; X, PS2; PC; ; M) -- He's mad, he's bad and he's back in Baltimore. Say hello to Torque, an ex-con who can turn into a monster when he gets ticked off enough. And, boy, is that often. Gory to the max, this sequel follows Torque on a quest to uncover the machinations of the man who set him up and caused his family's murder. Gratuitous violence rules as players maneuver through squalid settings. Basically a rehash of the original.

WAR GAMES

BATTLEFIELD 2/BATTLEFIELD 2: MODERN COMBAT (EA Games; PS2, X, PC; ; T) -- Terrific follow-up to last year's "Battlefield 1942" shifts the field to modern-day Kazakhistan in single-player campaigns or online contests for up to 24 soldiers. Combat zones are gigantic, graphics and sound are stellar and players can switch seamlessly between onscreen characters. Propaganda may influence the outcome of this new world war, so think fast and stay sharp in this thoroughly absorbing venture. PC version is best, but console versions are well worth the time.

BROTHERS IN ARMS: ROAD TO HILL 30 (Ubisoft; X, PS2, PC; ; M) -- Cinematic, dramatic and rat-a-tat-tatic, this solid World War II game takes shooter tactics to a new level. Players can freeze the action and tilt the camera to plan how to flank and suppress entrenched German troops. While an interesting departure from most shooters, the strategy is hardly necessary since common sense will usually do the trick. That said, you'll grow fond of Sgt. Matt Baker and his buddies thanks to the top-shelf voice acting and gripping story line. History buffs and war gamers can't go wrong.

CLOSE COMBAT: FIRST TO FIGHT (2K Games; X, PC; ; T) -- Excellent visuals but spotty sound serve as counterpoints to this generally solid squad-based war game that follows a four-man Marine squadron through 2006 Beirut. Authentic tactics form the mainstay of this urban-combat game, but wooden human animations and repetitive tactics whittled down our rating.

CONFLICT GLOBAL TERROR (2K Games; PC, PS2, X; ; M) -- It's squad-based combat as an elite unit is ambushed upon dropping into a hot zone. Help them fight their way out of a prison compound in the jungle as they take on tanks and tons of well-armed captors. Missions take you around the globe, from Colombia to South Korea to Kashmir. We found our squad's AI erratic and the controls burdensome; forget about issuing the delayed orders. Limited save points vexed us. Levels are good and big, the environments are fun and the armaments are plentiful.

DELTA FORCE: BLACK HAWK DOWN (Novalogic; PS2, X; ; T) -- Unremarkable shooter based on U.S. action in Somalia in 1993. Our advice: Rent the gripping movie of the same name, based on the book detailing the botched American effort to capture a warlord in Mogadishu.

HEROES OF THE PACIFIC (Ubisoft; PC, PS2, X; ; T) -- Every year brings a flight sim, and 2005's solid entry takes place in the Pacific Theater during World War II. As Lt. William Crowe, your brother is killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor and you have one big axe to grind. Take to the skies in one of 36 aircraft to strafe, dive-bomb and torpedo enemy aces and warships into oblivion. History buffs will thrill to 26 missions and dogfights in skies dark with yawing fighters. We loved the human element, vintage comic-book look and variety. Hardcore pilots will be bored, but average Joes will appreciate the easy controls.

SNIPER ELITE (Namco; PS2, X; ; M) -- At first we groaned. A sniper game? How boring. Then we played. And we were impressed. Tense sniper action is the hallmark of this tale that takes place at the end of World War II in a devastated Berlin. As an elite American sniper who speaks fluent German, you go deep behind enemy lines to prevent Stalin from retrieving Germany's A-bomb secrets. Crawl and stake out the high ground as you use your rifle to pick off enemies from afar. Adjust for gravity, wind and your breathing before squeezing the trigger. Pistols, machine guns and grenades are also included to fight back if the enemy gets the drop on you. Patience is a must as you play through 28 excellent missions. Repetitive strategy, a balky camera and mediocre graphics detract, but the feeling of being on your own in a war-torn city outweighs the bad.

SOCOM 3: U.S. NAVY SEALS (Sony; PS2; ; M) -- Ominous news reports set the stage effectively for covert missions that only our squad of stealthy heroes can pull off. Drivable vehicles are a hoot, the corner radar meter is helpful and combat scenes convey the chaotic, claustrophobic sense and sounds of danger in a congested unfamiliar city. Gripping online play is the strong suit here and supports up to 32 players, but don't forget the headset.

SOCOM: FIRETEAM BRAVO (Sony; PSP; ; T) -- The screen is smaller and your two-man squad is 50 percent smaller, but this handheld version still handles like a SOCOM shooter. You and your SEAL partner play favorite missions or take on enemies in online play. Or connect by USB cable with a PS2, then swap information and objectives that can alter outcomes in "SOCOM 3" and vice versa.

TOM CLANCY'S GHOST RECON 2: SUMMIT STRIKE (Ubisoft; X; ; T) -- Of all the Ghost Recon titles, we liked this one the best, but that's not saying much. Levels are varied as you hunt down a terrorist madman, but they're so large that too much time is spent huffing and puffing. Running your squad is easy, although the overly simplistic commands sometimes frustrate. Not the best war game, but not the worst either.

TOM CLANCY'S RAINBOW SIX: LOCKDOWN (Ubisoft; GC, PS2, X; ; M) -- Domingo "Ding" Chavez leads his squad of black ops soldiers against terrorists who seize a deadly virus during an attempted coup in South Africa. The easy control scheme is nice, but mediocre graphics, horrible enemy AI and a lack of tension deaden the impact. Sure, you can order your team to toss flash-bang grenades into dark rooms before storming in with your gun chattering away. But things feel dangerously routine after no time at all.

CHILDREN/FAMILIES

BRATZ: ROCK ANGELZ (THQ; PS2, GC, GBA; ; E) -- Ugh, ugh, ugh. Surely there must be a better concept for a game aimed at 'tween girls than a smoothie-swilling, clothes-swapping jaunt to the mall? We hate the shallow messages flashed by these fashion-doll heroines who come off as, well, brats. Even the loading screens gush, "It takes time to look this good."

CHICKEN LITTLE (Buena Vista Games; PS2,X,GC,GBA, PC; ; E) -- You gotta love a plucky little chick who squawks "Yee-Haw!" each time his attempts to fly send him plummeting to Earth. Clever film adaptation shifts levels with "hatching" screens and measures spent lives in a carton of diminishing eggs. Plenty of instructions and slickly integrated movie scenes make this a perfect outing for small fry.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE (Buena Vista Games; PS2. X, GC, PC, DS, GBA; ; E) -- Companion to fantasy film and much-beloved book creates believable incarnations of the Pevensie children and sustains suspense in their battle against the White Witch. Gameplay is simple enough for young players to pick up without frustration, although those Ankleslicers and other minions might scare them. Thanks to characters with discernible personalities and skills, "Chronicles" is layered enough to hold the attention of older sibs as well.

HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE (EA Games; PS2, X, GC, PC, PSP, DS, GBA; ; E10+) -- Cast spells with Hermione and Ron to shove aside fallen trees, do away with heavy obstacles or deposit those miserable snapping dogs in the nearest rocky ravine. Console versions replicate film action, although some dialogue is flat and repetitive. But the first glimpse of Voldemort's face in the steel gray storm clouds is chilling. Handheld versions are pared-down but serviceable and offer a welcome array of language choices, including U.S. English or "real" English.

KIM POSSIBLE: KIMMUNICATOR (Buena Vista Games; DS, GBA; ; E) -- Bratz, listen up: Here's a young heroine who's worth emulating. Disney Channel's cheeky crime-busting cheerleader stands up to evil Drakken to rescue a kidnapped male pal. DS version lets her use the touch screen to communicate, manipulate locks and operate handy gadgets. We could do without that weird naked mole rat, TV sidekick or no. But rah-rah for gutsy Kim.

MADAGASCAR (Activision; PS2, X, GC, PC, DS, GBA; ; console/PC versions E10+, handheld versions E) -- Sweet-natured spin-off from the animated film gives zoo fugitives just enough bite -- oh, those defecating pigeons! -- to keep them from inducing tooth decay. Easy gameplay and jelly bean-hued settings should please little gamers and their parents, too.

MARIO PARTY 7 (Nintendo; GC; ; E) -- Plug in the voice-activated microphone and cruise around the world with Mario and his fellow passengers. But not all goes as planned -- does it ever when Mario steps out of the house? -- and he and Luigi, Peach and other pals must work their way through about a gazillion games and challenges. Less than a year has passed since "Mario Party 6" hit stores, so you may wonder how fresh it seems. But fear not -- expansive new game boards and plenty of ever-sillier contests will keep them from nodding off at holiday sleepovers.

TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: OOGIE'S REVENGE (Buena Vista Games; PS2, X; ; E) -- Captures the look and atmosphere of original stop-action film and borrows liberally from its soundtrack. But unless you're among the youngest of gamers, we suspect you'll find that Jack doesn't have all that much to do in his quest to remain big man in Halloween Town.

SHREK SUPERSLAM (Activision; PS2, X, GC, PC, DS, GBA; ; E) -- Ah, how it does one's heart and funnybone good to watch the Gingerbread Man beating Puss in Boots with a ham. Deranged moments of that ilk pack "SuperSlam," which borrows Nintendo's "Super Smash Brothers" concept and repopulates the melee with the green ogre, Princess Fiona and fairy-tale friends.

SPYRO SHADOW LEGACY (Vivendi Universal; DS; ; E) -- Spyro the Dragon lacks personality, and he's too hard to see in this ho-hum sequel. This RPG for little people is cute and harmless, but the plot is ordinary and Spyro is just too tiny for his powers to create much of a stir.

ZATHURA (2K Games; PS2, X; ; E10+) -- Based on the new movie, "Zathura" goes up against some stiff competition for kids' gaming dollars: Harry Potter. We give the edge to the Boy Who Lived. Bickering brothers Danny and Walter turn to each other for support when they become stranded in outer space, courtesy of a mysterious game discovered in a basement. Play as either sibling or a robot in this combination of platforming and shooting that winds through 15 levels. Nothing stellar, but youngsters will approve.

GADGETS

THE APPRENTICE/WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE (Senario; ; E) -- Self-contained consoles plug directly into your TV's AV jacks, turning your living room into the set of popular TV games. Easy to operate and easy to delight a holiday crowd of relatives with interactive diversions that will have them clamoring to answer questions and vying for fantasy millions or The Donald's favor.

DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION (Konami; PS2, X, GC; ; E) -- Seems like there's a pop-fueled version of the interactive dance game to suit all abilities and tastes. "DDR Ultramix" for Xbox gets you shaking alone or with other online and offers new freestyle mode that eliminates on-screen arrows in favor of your intuitive moves. "DDR Mario Mix" for GameCube, which comes with its own well-constructed dance mat, tosses in a story mode and visual jokes more likely to appeal to kids. "DDR Revolution Extreme 2" for PS2 also builds in online play and uses EyeToy plug-in camera to put your moves on screen. As if stomping around on those floor mats didn't inspire enough initial self-consciousness.

DANCE MATS -- Worn out your first, flimsy version? There are plenty of replacements available and for all prices. But we like Gamesis' two-piece version, with its snap-together foam layer to cushion impact when plugged into a PS2, Xbox or PC. Mastiff offers a choreographer-designed pad with additional buttons to encourage more natural movement with its spirited "Pump It Up: Exceed" dance package. (Both around $50.)

EYETOY: KINETIC (Sony; PS2; ; E) -- Why didn't they think of this sooner? Sure, you can work up a sweat with "DDR," but we don't know too many folks over 18 who don't feel silly doing it. A video personal trainer, "Kinetic" uses the plug-in "EyeToy" camera to show your moves on TV, then provides feedback as you huff through cardio, martial arts and toning exercises. We thought we would collapse and die from this workout -- until we discovered that our wretched teenage offspring had secretly adjusted our profile, directing "Kinetic" to work us as if we were 4 feet, 8 inches tall and weighed 475 pounds. Wait till he gets pummeled with our "Kinetic-toned" muscles.

EYETOY: PLAY/OPERATION SPY/THE SIMS 2 (Sony; PS2; ; E10+) -- Kids, too, get more arm-waving, grin-inducing offerings for the plug-in camera that turns them into TV stars. Strut your air guitar moves, give Emeril a run for his money as you chop and dice as "Mr. Chef" or try other new games in "Play." Test your potential for secret-agent success and trap sneaky sibs who try to penetrate the sanctity of your room, with "Operation Spy." Or plaster your face onto a character in the enhanced version of "Sims 2."

GIZMONDO (Tiger Telematics; $229 and up; ) -- Others have tried and, until Sony rolled out its powerful PSP last spring, others have mostly failed to challenge Nintendo's longtime dominance in the handheld gaming market. Add Gizmondo to that list, despite its attractive black and silver oval design, built-in camera and other features. Things aren't going well when the first step --installation of the SD memory card -- must be repeated several times because the device won't interface with it. After we checked out Gizmondo's 14 accompanying titles -- the double entendre-titled "Pocket Ping Pong" being the most dismal -- we were sorry that it had.