As we go through our last moments of annoying bubble sheets, papers and projects, the most important thing to think about is how to spend summer 2006. Why not spend the summer curled up with a good Playstation controller? Instead of hanging out with two or three friends, have an online bash with hundreds of people with an Xbox. It’s impossible to begin to describe all of the hot games coming out over the three-month break in just a few pages, but here are a few titles that are worth trying out.

Xbox 360

Croft is back in “Tomb Raider: Legend”

Spend the summer in exotic locations discovering secrets, swinging from ropes and shooting bad guys. Join Lara Croft as she travels the globe in search of one of history’s greatest artifacts that unleash unwelcome figures from her mysterious past. With nothing but her trusty guns, athletic ability and intellectual wits, Croft returns to explore vast, treacherous tombs riddled with challenging puzzles and deadly traps.

Other hot releases:

“Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis;” May 22

“Chromehounds;” June 30

Xbox

Mutants unite in “X-Men: The Official Movie Game;” May 16

This game is an official bridge between the events of the movies “X2: X-Men United” and “X-Men: The Last Stand,” acting as a back story to the newest X-Men movie. The game follows main characters Wolverine, Nightcrawler and Iceman as they embark on a 28-mission journey to defeat Hydra, the Brotherhood and a collection of other villains from the X-Men universe. The game was co-written by Zak Penn, the screenwriter of the movies, and famous comic-book writer, Chris Claremont. The game also features voices of actors from the movies, including Patrick Stewart as professor Xavier.

Other hot releases:

“Painkiller: Hell Wars;” May 2

“Hitman: Blood Money;” May 30

Playstation 2

Mickey Mouse meets Sephiroth in “Kingdom Hearts 2;” out now

In 2002, SquareSoft – now Square Enix – and Disney combined to make the hit action role-playing game, “Kingdom Hearts.” 14-year-old Sora travels through different worlds to try and find his two friends, Riku and Kairi. He gets assistance from Donald and Goofy, who are in search of King Mickey. Nearly four years later, Sora and his friends return in this sequel to the hit game. New worlds are explored, including the classic, “Tron,” and old worlds are revisited. “Kingdom Hearts 2” promises to live up to its predecessor.

Other hot releases:

“MotoGP 4;” May 23

“Grand Theft Auto:

Liberty City Stories;” June 6

Sony PSP

Heaven or hell? “Guilty Gear Judgment;” May 30

“Guilty Gear Judgment” is one of the most original fighting games out there, with all types of characters, fight styles, weapons – ranging from a giant anchor to a teddy bear and yoyo – and a soundtrack loaded with rock music. It also has a new gameplay experience for “Guilty Gear” – a beat-em-up, side-scrolling, action mode featuring 20 “Guilty Gear” characters battling through 18 levels of story and brawling.

Other hot releases:

“NBA Ballers: Rebound;” May 9

“Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII;”

June 6

PC games

Say good-bye to a social life in “Elder Scrolls VI: Oblivion;” out now

In one of the most open-ended video games to date, “Elder Scrolls VI: Oblivion” sends players on a winding journey to thwart the efforts of an evil force known as Oblivion. With only the highest-end machines capable of displaying its lush environments, players will have control of what they eat, wear, where they sleep and hundreds of other details. Who needs a life when you can live it in Oblivion?

Other hot releases:

“Heroes of Might and Magic V;”

May 23

“Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War;”

June 12

ÿGameCube

Believe it – the first American Naruto game is here with “Naruto: Clash of Ninja;” out now

Ever since the hit anime series “Naruto” hit American television, it has been a force to be reckoned with. Characters such as Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha wait at the Ninja Academy where they will be instructed in powerful and deadly subjects in their quest to become ninjas. The game starts with seven playable characters who can fight in an arena-style competition. Players can battle against rivals, friends and villains in one of the biggest anime games in America.

Other hot releases:

“Odama;” out now

“Major League Baseball 2K6;” May 8

Nintendo DS

Mario and Luigi are at it again in “New Super Mario Bros.;” May 21

For a while now, Mario and Luigi have been sitting pretty. No new games have been introduced, simply sequels to “Mario Kart,” “Mario Party” and Mario sports spin-offs. This May, Mario and Luigi return in a brand-new game. Romance is in the air with Valentine’s Day approaching, but Princess Peach isn’t able to celebrate with her special someone since she has – once again – been taken prisoner by Bowser and Bowser Jr. Players can also link with a wireless connection with a friend to play as Mario and Luigi in multiplayer mode. Get your mushrooms and stars ready – the red and green duo is back.

Other hot releases:

“Big Brain Academy;” June 5

“Harvest Moon DS;” June 6