Video game shopping guide

Featuring a breadth of killer titles, the lineup of triple-A holiday games also features a breadth of subtitles.

High-profile franchise games and heavily-anticipated sequels dominate the store shelves, with few original titles getting a heavy holiday push.

For those shopping for a gift for a video game-crazed loved one, the following games may include the perfect one – or the perfect “2.”

“Call of Duty: World at War” (PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS)

Following one of last year’s greatest games, “Call of Duty: World at War” returns to the roots of the series: World War II.

Although widely criticized for looking a little too much like its predecessor, “World at War” focuses on the Pacific Campaign as you play as American, British and Russian soldiers. Look for “World at War” to feature the industry’s premier online multiplayer experience for a game that is sure to be a must-have for first-person shooter fans.

“Gears of War 2″ (Xbox 360)

This Microsoft Xbox 360 exclusive is claimed to look, play and sound very close to its predecessor – which is fantastic when it is the sequel to one of the most widely acclaimed games in recent years.

In “Gears of War 2″ you reprise your role as the hardened killing machine of a man named Marcus Fenix, who, with the help of his Delta Squad soldiers, takes the war with the “Locust Hoard” deep into the Earth.

“Gears of War 2″ adds new weapons, new environments and new multiplayer features to culminate in a package that is easily equal to the 2006 classic. Xbox 360 fans will not want to miss the opportunity to play this gem of a game.

“Resistance 2″ (PS3)

“Resistance 2″ is another sequel that is bigger and better than its predecessor.

“Resistance: Fall of Man” was an original and notable launch title for the Sony Playstation 3 because of its stellar visuals and engaging environments. The original game had you play as Sergeant Nathan Hale as you battle through Britain after an invasion by an alien race called the “Chimera.”

“Resistance 2″ looks to take that experience further for Playstation 3 owners by taking on the persona of Sergeant Hale once again, but this time the invasion comes stateside. Featuring an eight-player cooperative mode and online multiplayer modes with up to 60 players in one match, “Resistance 2″ is a behemoth of a title.

“Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe” (Xbox 360, PS3)

The holiday season’s only high-profile fighting game is also possibly the most absurd premise in any game on store shelves.

The universe occupied by the characters of the “Mortal Kombat” series is being smashed together with the universe of DC comic book characters.

It’s Batman versus Subzero, Catwoman versus Sonya Blade, and The Joker versus Shang Tsung in this bizarre mashup of popular properties. Featuring tightly tuned, combo-heavy gameplay and next-gen production values, “MK vs. DC” is bound to be full of beat-downs and crack-ups.

“Rock Band 2″, “Guitar Hero: World Tour” (Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii)

The rhythm/music genre is nothing new. And with both “Rock Band 2″ and “Guitar Hero World Tour” featuring guitar, drum and microphone peripherals, it’s hard to go wrong with either one.

Both games feature a killer track list with plenty of modes of play to keep you busy. However, “World Tour” will allow you to record songs you create and share and share them with friends online.

On the other hand, “Rock Band 2″ compatible with all songs released for the original “Rock Band.”

lifeline@cm-life.com