Fall gaming season heats up for holidays

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The holiday season is still the focal point of video gaming’s year despite the medium’s maturation from child’s play to serious entertainment contender.

So why fight it? Instead, consider this list of looming releases as the gaming season ramps up for wrapping-paper-tearing Armageddon.

“Medal of Honor” (PC, PS3, X360)

First-person shooter

Competitive multiplayer

M for mature

Releases Oct. 12

After a three-year hiatus, Electronic Arts’ “Medal of Honor” series is no longer MIA.

“Medal of Honor” reboots the classic World War II series by putting players in the midst of the war in Afghanistan in its single player campaign and offers a competitive multiplayer component similar to those found in its first-person shooter brethren.

Plenty of weapons, attachments and customization options are available as players gain experience points for winning matches and fragging opponents, but the question remains whether or not “Medal of Honor” can distinguish itself from some of the recent “Call of Duty” games.

“Kirby’s Epic Yarn” (Wii)

Platformer

Single player

Rating pending

Releases Oct. 17

Everyone’s favorite cute and cuddly enemy-ingester is back after a several-year vacation from home gaming consoles. “Kirby’s Epic Yarn” features Kirby in a new world made entirely of yarn, which players must use to solve puzzles and defeat opponents.

Kirby’s traditional ability to inhale enemies and copy their abilities has been removed from this installment of the Kirby franchise, requiring players to instead use a whip-like yarn attack. The environment itself is based on an animated world of cloth and textiles, making for a genuinely unique “Kirby” experience.

If you’re a classic gaming fan, “Kirby’s Epic Yarn” will likely be a shoo-in for your game collection.

“Fallout: New Vegas” (PC, PS3, X360)

Role-playing game

Single player

M for mature

Releases Oct. 19

The next game in the “Fallout” saga takes place three years after the events of “Fallout 3” and will surely consume countless hours of anyone who enjoyed the prequel. Set in post-apocalyptic Las Vegas, “Fallout: New Vegas” promises a gritty environment, plenty of character customization and a chance to create the ultimate Vegas bachelor pad.

In addition to a whole new world to explore, new weapons, items and modifications have been added to the game. A reputation system has also been built in, allowing players to buddy-up with some factions and declare war on others. For those itching for an extreme challenge, a hardcore mode will also be available, requiring players to balance survival with advancement.

It’s time to kick some V.A.T.S. and take names — or just blow everything to pieces.

“Rock Band 3” (PS3, X360, Wii)

Music game

Multiplayer

T for teen

Releases Oct. 26

Music simulation games like “Rock Band” have given air guitarists and drummers a chance to become the real thing, at least until they quit playing. “Rockband 3” brings 83 new songs to the mix in addition to a keyboard controller and a vocal harmony feature, allowing bands to expand their repertoire and become masters of musical mayhem.

Offering a diverse set list with bands like Smash Mouth, Beach Boys and The Smiths, as well as musicians like Ozzy Osbourne and Bob Marley, “Rockband 3” promises players a shot at the rock star lifestyle.

It’s time to put down the karaoke microphone and instead sing “Crazy Train” in the comfort of your own home.

“Fable III” (X360)

Action RPG

Single player, cooperative

T for Teen

Releases Oct. 26

Fable fans will once again set foot in the world of Albion this fall in Lionhead Studio’s “Fable III.” As with its predecessors, the third iteration of the series allows players to be a valiant hero or a treacherous villain, helping those in need or fulfilling selfish desires. Character development is based on play style and the choices you make will affect the entire virtual world.

A slew of changes and additions are being made to “Fable III,” including the possibility to become king or queen of Albion, ruling over its citizens. Taxes can be imposed on your loyal citizenry, and those who oppose you can be dealt with however you see fit.

Instead of having a huge variety of weapons to choose from, players can customize base models of weapons, which will evolve as you increase your proficiency with each weapon type — players will even have a chance to trade or sell customized weapons and equipment online, making “Fable III” the most personalized installment to date.

“Gran Turismo 5” (PS3)

Racing

Competitive multiplayer

Rating pending

Releases Nov. 2

After more than five years of development, PlayStation’s most popular racing simulator series will finally hit the streets once again. “Gran Turismo 5” comes packed with more than 1,000 licensed cars and more than 70 different tracks.

A number of new features have been added to the game, including a detailed damage model, weather effects, a course creator and, for the first time ever in the series, a competitive online racing mode that supports up to 16 players.

Following the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” GT5 will stick to the features that made the franchise a classic, such as its realistic driving simulation and vehicle handling mechanics and its tendency to push the PlayStation’s graphic capabilities to its limits.

“Call of Duty: Black Ops” (PC, PS3, X360)

First-person shooter

Competitive / cooperative multiplayer

Rating pending

Releases Nov. 9

If you can’t get enough Call of Duty action, rest assured: the developers at Treyarch have promised to deliver. “Call of Duty: Black Ops” purports to offer a much grittier environment and a more story-oriented campaign than previous installments.

The multiplayer formula has been reworked: new weapons, equipment and upgrades are purchased with in-game currency instead of being unlocked through a point-based advancement system. New online modes are available, including wager matches that allow players to put their money where their mouth is by wagering their in-game currency on match performances. Now you can not only be verbally threatened by foul-mouthed 11-year-olds online but have them take your lunch money, too.

As for the return of the zombie mode made popular by “Call of Duty: World at War,” rumors are circulating that such a mode will only be included in the prestige and hardened editions of “Black Ops,” though nothing has been set in stone at this point. It’s possible any zombie modes will be released as downloadable content.

“Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood” (PS3, X360)

Action-adventure

Single player, competitive multiplayer

M for mature

Releases Nov. 16

Desmond Miles makes his return in “Asassin’s Creed: Brotherhood,” using his newly acquired fighting techniques to bring the hurt to those nefarious modern-day Knights Templar. Players will also return to Rome through the eyes of Ezio Auditore using the Animus 2.0, continuing right where “Assassin’s Creed II” left off.

The game’s combat system has been revamped to allow for faster-paced fighting with several offensive abilities, making combat less reliant on counter-attacks.

Players will also be tasked with obtaining money and rebuilding the city of Rome, similar to the village of Monteriggioni in its predecessor. Legions of assassins can be recruited and trained to assist Ezio in his tasks.

Multiplayer will be available as a series first, allowing players to engage in a cat-and-mouse-style manhunt online.

“World of Warcraft: Cataclysm” (PC)

Massively multiplayer online role-playing game

Competitive / cooperative multiplayer

T for teen

Releases: TBA 2010

If you have any friends that play “WoW,” expect not to see them for a few months following the latest expansion’s release.

Online giant “World of Warcraft” will see the release of its latest expansion, “Cataclysm,” some time this year. With the fall of the Lich King, a new evil has arisen in the world of Azeroth, threatening its very existence.

“Cataclysm” will feature an entirely rebuilt Azeroth, hundreds of new quests, weapons and items. Two new races, the Goblins for the horde and the Worgen for the alliance, will be introduced in addition to a variety of new class/race combinations and an increased level cap to 85.

Additionally, flying mounts are no longer limited to the Outlands and Northrend and new aquatic mounts will be available for underwater zones. Character stats, professions and talents will also receive a complete overhaul, and archeology, a new secondary profession, will join the host of productive pursuits.