Looking ahead in the video-game world: What's building buzz for 2007

So, you got a new video-game console for Christmas. You're still probably busy playing "Gears of War" or "The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess" or "Resistance: Fall of Man." But in the back of your head, you're wondering: What's next?

— X PRIZES: The Xbox 360 has the strongest lineup this year for the hardcore gamer. Microsoft Game Studios has been assembling a crew of first-rate designers, and the result is an assortment of promising 360-only titles. Top of the list is "Mass Effect," a futuristic role-playing game from "Jade Empire" developer BioWare. Other potential system-sellers include the sci-fi shooter "Too Human" and two RPGs from a team of "Final Fantasy" veterans, "Blue Dragon" and "Lost Odyssey." Beyond Microsoft's in-house operation, the most eagerly awaited title is 2K's eerie undersea adventure "BioShock," the spiritual sequel to the much-loved "System Shock 2."

— PS3 FOR ALL: The PlayStation 3 original that's getting the most attention is "Heavenly Sword," a gorgeous-looking swordplay adventure, but the racing game "MotorStorm" and the card game "The Eye of Judgment" also hold promise. We're actually more psyched about "Rogue Galaxy," a PlayStation 2 space opera from the creators of "Dark Cloud 2."

— CHOOSE YOUR POISON: Most of the publishers who are focused on high-definition games are hedging their bets and planning to release their games on both the 360 and the PS3. Rumors are rampant that "BioShock" will go that route. Meanwhile, other potential multiplatform gems include the medieval drama "Assassin's Creed" (Ubisoft); the comic-book-inspired "The Darkness" (2K); the crime story "Stranglehold" (Midway) from director John Woo; and an intriguing global-conspiracy tale called "Haze" (Ubisoft).