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.

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SYSTEMS

-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.

-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.

-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.

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GAMES

-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.

-Soul Calibur III (PlayStation 2; $49.99)

Rated: Teen for violence.

What it is: "SC3," as it's known to fans and schooled-in-finding-it parents, is one of the most-wanted, medieval-like fighting games of the season. Justly so: Graphics are beautifully rendered, and it's not just a stand-around-and-fight game - there are several playing modes, including a real-time role-playing game.

Good for: Fighting-game fans; those who go to Scarborough Faire.

-Star Wars: Battlefront II (PC, PSP, Xbox, PS2; $49.99)

Rated: Teen for mild violence.

What it is: Star Wars game in which players can do battle as good or evil. It's fun to use the dark side of the force - where's that pesky Yoda?

Good for: Star Wars fans; Darth Vader wannabes; those tired of Luke Skywalker always winning.

-The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer (all formats; $29.99-$39.99)

Rated: E for everyone.

What it is: A fun, little all-ages title based on characters from the Disney/Pixar movie The Incredibles. Typical good-vs.-bad story but a hoot, nonetheless.

Good for: Admirers of Pixar; little kids who have yet to graduate to Grand Theft Auto and after-school detention.

-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.

-Quake 4 (PC, Xbox 360; $49.99-$59.99)

Rated: Mature for blood and gore, violence, strong language.

What it is: Latest first-person, shoot-everything-in-sight bloodbath spewed forth by Doom creators id Software.

Good for: Target practice; alien-haters; anger-management classes.

-Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix (Nintendo GameCube; $44.99)

Rated: E for everyone.

What it is: Nintendo mascot Mario's own version of the extremely popular Dance Dance Revolution game, in which gamers mimic dance steps, on included electronic floor pad, to rack up points. It's a heckuva lot of fun - for kids, adults, family pets, etc.

Good for: Kids and adults of all ages; making fool of one's self; a little revelry after kids go to bed.

-50 Cent: Bulletproof (PS2, PSP, Xbox; $49.99)

Rated: Mature for drug use, sexual themes, strong language, violence, 50 Cent's music.

What it is: Rapper 50 Cent makes a big deal out of the fact that he was shot, in real life, nine times and survived. His self-named video game is sort of his Death Wish retribution: 50 and his posse set out on a scavenger hunt for those who pulled the trigger. Fellow rapper Eminem is along for da ride.

Good for: 50 Cent fans; rappers with big TVs and surround-sound (don't call the police, neighbors; it's just a game!).

-The Movies (PC; $49.99-$59.99)

Rated: Teen for blood and gore, crude humor, strong language, sexual themes, use of alcohol and tobacco, violence. Whew.

What it is: Cool "simulation" game in which players build their own unique movie studios, complete with Russell Crowe-like, tantrum-throwing stars. Players can steer the direction of their movies, right down to lighting and sound effects. Depending on how well the movie is made, it could be a big hit or a big flop. Lots of fun.

Good for: Novice filmmakers; movie buffs; stars in rehab planning their "big comeback."

-NBA 2K6 (Xbox 360; $59.99)

Rated: E for everyone.

What it is: Super-realistic b-ball game from 2K Sports, unleashers of the equally fantastic NHL 2K6, another great title for the new Xbox 360. New features include players going to training camp and landing endorsement deals. Best thing: the improved graphics. You'll swear you're watching a real game.

Good for: Basketball fans; onetime NBA players wanting to relive their glory days; Dennis Rodman.

-Need for Speed: Most Wanted (all formats; $49.99-$59.99)

Rated: Teen for violence, cars blowing up.

What it is: Illegal street-racing at its finest and fiercest. Blows away just about any other racing game, period. Incredible chase scenes that seem like they're straight out of a Jerry Bruckheimer film.

Good for: Perpetrators of traffic violations, lawyers and bail bondsmen on speed dial.

-Call of Duty 2 (Xbox 360, PC; $49.99)

Rated: Teen for blood, violence, gore.

What it is: Cinematic World War II game seen through the eyes - and shot through the rifles of - various soldiers. Great game but about as intense and graphic as Saving Private Ryan.

Good for: War veterans not prone to flashbacks; kids researching World War II papers; military trainees.

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Malcolm Mayhew: mmayhew@star-telegram.com

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© 2005, Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

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