Video game stocking fillers

Ho, ho, ho. My goodness, there are some great video games out this Christmas. Hayden Meikle picks out half a dozen for your stocking.

FOR THE KIDS
Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time (PS3)
One hesitates to label this as STRICTLY a game for the children. Big people have been enjoying the Ratchet & Clank games for a long time. Ratchet (a lombax - sort of like a bobcat) and Clank (friendly little robot) have been separated and must find each other to, you know, save the world and stuff. Fun new levels, outrageous new weapons and abilities, nifty controls and typically excellent graphics make this the must-have game for the younger set these holidays.

To play when: It's raining on Boxing Day and everyone's bored.

FOR THE PETROLHEADS
Forza Motorsport 3 (Xbox 360)
Karate Kid, Rocky and American Pie all produced awful third movies but there was never any danger of the Forza video game series going haywire. The first was big, the second was bigger and now the third takes the realistic driving simulation into "that's ridiculously big" territory. More than 400 cars (all customisable) from 50 manufacturers on 100 race track variations will keep you going all summer.

To play when: You really need to check out how the 2006 Ferrari #62 Risi Competizione F430GT handles with a slightly tweaked suspension.

FOR STAR WARS FANS
Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Hero
There are plenty of people - I am one - who get a bit sniffy and snobby when modern youngsters talk about Star Wars. To us, Star Wars means three movies filmed in the late 1970s. It means Yoda, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. Grudgingly, we accept that George Lucas added three more films to the series 20 years later. But the Clone Wars? Ahsoka Tano, Plo Koon and Luminara Unduli? What in the name of the Empire is that all about? Anyway, Clone Wars fans will love this little lightsaber romp.

To play when: Any time the sun is shining and everyone else is at the beach.

FOR HANDHELD GAMERS
Beaterator (PSP)
Boom, oonst, boom, zap, zap, zap, tinkle, tinkle, boom, oonst, oonst, oonst. Well, that's how my track sounded. Beaterator is a music mixing game released by the same people who developed the Grand Theft Auto series. Popular artist Timbaland is a co-producer. For tone and rhythm-deaf people like me, it will seem strange at first - and will still have you scratching your head half an hour later. Those with a more musical bent will enjoy its expressive capabilities.

To play when: You are in the mood for some boogie but don't feel like going to a club.

FOR ACTION MEN
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Bigger than Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter or Spiderman. Bigger than Britney, Rihanna or Lady Gaga. Big. Very big. Any gamer aged over 18 who doesn't get this for Christmas will be sulkier than a 6-year-old who sits up to see Santa.

To play when: There's no cricket on television.

FOR ADULTS AND ADULTS ONLY
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City
Many people find the Grand Theft Auto phenomenon extremely distasteful - but it shows no sign of going away. I've said this many times before: look past the violence, try not to get too offended by the sexual innuendo and don't let the kids anywhere near it. Most of all, play it before you judge it. Episodes from Liberty City is technically an add-on (two add-on stories, actually) to GTA IV, but it can be purchased and played as a game in its own right.

To play when: You've had enough of your uncle's bad jokes, you've been given socks for Christmas again and you need to unleash some frustrated energy.