Why it's the perfect last minute gift:

A rousing story, cinematic style graphics, plus puzzles and action makes this a hit with any gamer.

What we said about it:

Half-Life 2 has some of the best gameplay, a quality story, excellent voice acting, and extraordinary graphics. If you like first person shooters with good stories, you owe it to yourself to give Half-Life 2 a try. The river chase alone is worth the price of admission.

#1 Half-Life 2
Electronic Arts

Why it's the perfect last minute gift:

Practically everyone who has an Xbox has to have Halo 2.

What we said about it:

Each map is a more than worthy addition to the Halo 2 legend, and players are bound to find a new favorite map within this pack (Turf gets the vote in many circles). Aall of the maps contained on the disc will be available for free downloady. Those on Live are better suited to just download the available maps as they become available. If, however, you are not a subscriber and wish to be brought up to speed on your box, then by all means go right ahead. Maybe you can even find a used copy for less than the twenty dollar retail price.

#2 Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack
Microsoft Game Studios

Why it's the perfect last minute gift:

Inevitably, there is some kind of side game or mission you'll find memorable in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

What we said about it:

But damn it feels good to be a gangsta. When you’re not stuck with vehicles that simulate drunk driving, SA represents the best entry in the GTA series to date. There’s an unbelievable amount of things to do and fun to be had, much of it at the player’s whim. If developers have any sense we’ll see dozens of copycats in the future, as if there weren’t enough for GTA3. Any mistakes in San Andreas due to consumption of haggis are forgiven

#3 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Rockstar

Why it's the perfect last minute gift:

With the PSP doing music, movies and DS and PSP both doing wireless, you're bound to run out of juice.

What we said about it:

Currently, prices vary quite a bit between different retailers, but you can find one as low as $4.99 USD, which isn't a bad deal. So if you're looking for something to extend your battery power for a trip and you don't want to spend a lot of money, this is an item for serious consideration.

#4 Cellboost
Compact Power Systems

Why it's the perfect last minute gift:

Admit it – at some point in your life you've fully rocked out to some song by playing a righteous "air guitar".

What we said about it:

Damn, this is an incredibly addictive game, if for no other reason that an extremely accessible and well made peripheral and a memorable song list that just about everyone into rock and roll likes. Whether you’re a rhythm game addict, a guitarist in real life or merely curious about the game itself, you should try to get your hands on this game. Those who are about to rawk, we salute you!

#5 Guitar Hero
RedOctane

Why it's the perfect last minute gift:

Scratches, dents and cracked LCDs - those are some of the things you never want to see happen to a PSP. Vaja makes quality leather cases for high end consumers that look good and protect your PSP investment too.

What we said about it:

Vaja’s PSPouch represents a different approach to carrying the PSP. It’s designed to act like a purse (or pouch) and indeed, when it first came to us we had almost mistaken it for your typical leather goods. Vaja has opted to put their leather expertise to work for a case that will contain one PSP, two UMDs, four memory sticks, and a zipper compartment that can be used to store things like headphones.

Why it's the perfect last minute gift:

What we said about it:

#1 Half-Life 2 Electronic Arts

Why it's the perfect last minute gift:

What we said about it:

#2 Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack Microsoft Game Studios

Why it's the perfect last minute gift:

What we said about it:

#3 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Rockstar

Why it's the perfect last minute gift:

What we said about it:

#4 Cellboost Compact Power Systems

Why it's the perfect last minute gift:

What we said about it:

#5 Guitar Hero RedOctane

Why it's the perfect last minute gift:

What we said about it:

#6 PSPouch Vaja

#1 Half-Life 2
Electronic Arts

#2 Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack
Microsoft Game Studios

#3 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Rockstar

#4 Cellboost
Compact Power Systems

#5 Guitar Hero
RedOctane

#6 PSPouch
Vaja