Dogs, aliens, Aston Martins and Simon Cowell are coming to a gaming system near you.

While most new video games are announced at E3 in Los Angeles with fanboyfare, the much-smaller DigitalLife consumer event at New York's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center gives the public and press more opportunity for hands-on action — with titles that are closer to completion.

Developers such as Electronic Arts, Sega, Ubisoft, Konami, THQ and Vivendi shared their latest offerings.

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"Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops" (PSP)

Following the events of "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater," this stealth-focused action game from Konami packs a punch on the lil' PSP with inventive maps and fiery gameplay. Although the controls are unfortunately awkward, a compelling narrative set before most of the "Metal Gear Solid" series makes up for kooky angles.

Players assume the role of Snake Eater and recruit their own squadron of mercenaries. The game's winding multiplayer mode features unique levels that allow players to compete against each in Capture the Frog -- yes, frog -- and White Flag battles.

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"The Sims 2: Pets" (PC)

Sims can go to college, out on the town and open their own businesses. Now, they can finally handle pet ownership in this new expansion pack for the hugely popular "Sims 2" series. The Sims can buy or adopt dozens of different breeds of cats, dogs, birds and hamsters. Ausiepoo? No prob. They can create pets from scratch.

Outside of furry and feathered friends, the adorable "Sims 2" addition includes new pet-friendly furniture and toys. Just like your human Sims, their pets can attain jobs and -- gulp! -- procreate. Unfortunately, just like real pets, the four-legged friends eventually die.

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"Resistance: Fall of Man" (PlayStation 3)

Europe and Russia are in ruins. Aliens have invaded. Humanity is destroyed. There's more doom and gloom in this game than, well, "Doom." While the premise -- heck, even the title -- of this first-person shooter is decidedly depressing, the gameplay and graphics deliver surprising drama and depth.

"Resistance" utilizes the PS3's supercharged processing power to equip players with glowing, pulsating weaponry that's more advanced than anything you've ever seen on "Star Trek" to blast at a monstrous alien race that has more military power than the Axis of Evil.

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"Street Trace: NYC" (Xbox 360)

Remember that adrenaline pumping scene from "Back to the Future Part II" when Michael J. Fox is zooming around downtown Hill Valley in 2015 on a hoverboard? Imagine Fox armed with a machine gun and Hill Valley in post-apocalyptic ruins. Now you've got the highly addictive "Street Trace: NYC."

Sounds complicated, but navigating around on your customizable board while aiming at foes is easier than you might believe. And with Xbox Live capability, a four-player split screen, four battle modes and three racing modes, "Street Trace" is immensely replayable.

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"Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol" (PlayStation 2)

Don't ditch your PS2 just yet. You can skip the long audition line and the invasiveness of instant fame to become an "American Idol" at home. While previous "AI" games have been totally boo-worthy, Konami's effort to translate the reality TV megahit into a game is a high note.

There are 40 new pop songs to croon for Randy and Simon's approval. (That's right. No Paula Abdul.) Cartoony avatars are completely customizable. Just like the show, wannabes have to make it through multiple rounds and impress the judges to actually become an "Idol." Eat your heart out, Clay Aiken.

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"Need for Speed: Carbon" (Wii)

There are a few things we all know about racing games. Most take place in the blazing daytime. Cars are only superficially customizable. And the controls feel less like driving and more like microwaving. The latest entry in Electronic Arts' "Need for Speed" series zooms past those genre conventions.

Much of the action in "Carbon" is at night. The new Autosculpt feature allows the depth and shape of everything on a vehicle to be changed. And with the Wii's stick controller, driving through the canyons of "Carbon" actually make the racing genre feel fresh again.

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asap reporter Derrik J. Lang's thumbs hurt.

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