Here's a quick glance at five second-tier titles you might not know much about. These are games that have been around for a few months and probably are gathering dust on store shelves. Or, with luck, they've found their way into the bargain bin.

"Flash Focus" (Nintendo, $19.95, rated E) ★★★

The "Brain Age" and "Big Brain Academy" games can make your brain young again - or, at least, they purportedly exercise your mind. "Flash Focus" is for your eyes. A series of quickie exercises could help you focus your peepers better. These fun DS minigames are designed to help you rapidly focus on your surroundings and gather information, and they might even improve your reaction time. One portion of the game features sports-related exercises mapped out to make you a better athlete. The game will track your progress over time and allegedly can test to see if your "eye age" is improving.

"Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow" (Sony Computer Entertainment, $39.95, Rated T) ★★★★

This is a great anti-terrorist adventure game for the PlayStation Portable. In this third-person exploration and gunplay game, Gabe Logan has to (as usual) prevent the criminal use of biological weapons. It's a little more violent and gun-heavy than the other games on our list, so please note the T (Teen) rating. But the PSP does visuals and audio well, making Logan's Shadow look and feel almost as good as a PlayStation 2 game.

If 40 bucks seems a bit steep for a stocking stuffer, look for last year's game, "Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror." It should be about half-price by now.

"Parappa the Rapper" (Sony Online Entertainment, $29.95, rated E) ★★★

Here is another summer PSP game you might have overlooked. It's an almost exact replica of the original rhythm game for the first PlayStation system. Chop Chop Master Onion is there to guide you through your rap lessons. If you can keep time and add a little spice to the funky beats and comical lyrics supplied by the game, your sensei will promote you to Rap Master. The game's hero, Parappa, has to rap his way out of some difficult situations such as driving tests, cooking exercises and winning the heart of Sunny Funny. You can also battle with up to three other PSP owners for rap supremacy.

"Drawn to Life" (THQ, $29.95,rated E) ★★★

"Drawn to Life" lets players create the game world around them in a way that no other DS game really has yet. You can start by creating your own main character (using the stylus and the DS touch screen) and then take that drawing on adventures. Need a spaceship? Draw one. Need a blaster? Draw one. How about an animal buddy? Draw one. You create it, and the game will bring it to life.

"SimCity DS" (Electronic Arts, $19.95,rated E)

"SimCity DS" (Electronic Arts, $19.95, rated E) is an older game, one that got lost amid the summer flood. But if you're into the series at all, or if you just enjoy micromanaging things, this portable installment is worth a look. Managing your city is easy with the stylus and touch-sensitive DS screen, and developers haven't shortchanged us on the options just because this is a hand-held game. You'll find most of the disasters (fire, giant monsters, etc.) that you'll find in the PC games.