By Scott Jones
THE ALPHA BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL GAMERS
-- Go for the strategic shooter games and action titles that allow them to reign over a virtual world.
-- Note in the Honors section of their resume that they finished the "Titan" level on "God of War II."
-- Discuss hedge funds via an online gaming headset while waiting for a game to load.
-- Are most at peace with the world when blowing up members of the covenant with a rapid-fire plasma rifle.
Gift ideas: The Xbox 360 Messenger Kit ($29.99) lets players text during gameplay. Toshiba's REGZA Super Narrow Bezel LCD TV (40-inch is $1,899.99) has three HDMI inputs for multiple consoles and a "Game Mode" that minimizes the normal lag between button pressing and onscreen action.
THE DAD-WHO-WANTS-TO-PLAY-MORE-THAN-HIS-SON GAMERS
-- Are addicted to military simulations, racing and rhythm games.
-- Tell their spouses they're "staying late for work" and then come home with tell-tale blisters on their fingers.
-- Consider a few hours of two-player missions on "Star Wars Battlefront II" "quality time" with their 10-year-olds.
-- Tend to go by screen names like "RhodeIslandDad2000."
Gift ideas: ArtGuitar's RiffMaster Guitar Controller ($399.99) is a real Peavey guitar that works with the PS2. If your gamer drives a Hyundai to work, the Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel ($350) is a to-spec reproduction, designed by Porsche for the PC and PlayStation 3.
THE TRASH-TALKING VIRTUAL ATHLETE GAMERS
-- Work up a sweat playing survival horror games and sports titles (usually inebriated).
-- Actually do "warm-up laps" around the living room before facing an opponent online.
-- Can't point to Afghanistan on a map. Can name all 279 offensive plays for their favorite team in Madden.
-- Stand on the sideline of their children's pee-wee game yelling the playground slang they picked up from "NBA Street Homecourt."
Gift ideas: Creative's Fatal1ty Gaming Keyboard ($59.99) has an eerie glow and shorter keystrokes for quick action. The design of Heelys Gamer shoes ($44.99) is inspired by game controllers. The sneakers come with controller-like buttons embedded into their soles.
THE IRON-ON T-SHIRT-SPORTING NERD GAMERS
-- Pull all-night marathon sessions playing fantasy and online role-playing games that feature interworld travel and fully customizable avatars.
-- Typically respond to "How are you doing?" from a total stranger on the street with "Level 57."
-- Think the only thing worse than going on a date is an outbreak of the deadly T-Virus.
-- Despise social gatherings, unless they're part of the annual festivities at Gen Con.
-- Favorite reading material: a book of cheat codes for the latest It game.
-- Their idea of getting some fresh air is traipsing through the forest in Zelda.
Gift ideas: Logitech's G51 Surround Sound Speaker System ($199.99), designed specifically for gamers, offers high-performance audio and custom designs. WizKids' Halo ActionClix (from $9.99) shrink the Master Chief, the Covenant, even the Flood into miniature game pieces.
THE SENIOR CITIZEN GAMERS
-- Prefer familiar brands and are into puzzle, casino and arcade games.
-- Believe that ColecoVision is when video games got "too fancy" and that memory sticks are made of real wood.
-- Keep a photo album of shots from a "pilgrimage" to Tokyo's Akihabara district to buy obscure electronics.
-- Will argue for hours that the movie "Tron" is a documentary.
-- Hang out at the nearby Dave & Buster's, challenging random teens to "bring it" in two-player modes of "Frogger" and "Asteroids."
Gift ideas: Nintendo's Flash Focus ($20) is an adult vision training game for the DS hand-held system and includes eye exercises and fun mini-games. Microsoft's Xbox 360 Live 12-Month Gold Card ($49.99) lets gamers keep in touch with the grandkids through online play.
