Microsoft's next-generation video-game console, the Xbox 360, will be officially released on Nov. 22. That's good news for millions of kids, gizmo freaks, hardcore gamers and "Halo"-addicted zombie androids, but I'm less enthused. I mean, I have to look at a screen for eight hours a day.

That's why I'll be paying a visit to Berserk Games in Greenwood before I replace my original Xbox, which I now use only to play DVDs. Berserk specializes in board games, card games and the like. The store's stock runs the gamut from popular, independently created games like Mayfair's Settlers of Catan to old Milton Bradley stalwarts like Battleship, Operation and Twister. Berserk also stocks chess; backgammon and cribbage sets; trivia and word games; poker sets; and — yes, my planeswalker friend — Magic: The Gathering.

Yes, the Xbox 360 will deliver plenty of bang for the buck, but you have to do something if the power goes out. Check out Berserk Games and stock up against the unthinkable.

Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company