Just when we thought that last year's edition was the peak of the summit, the guys at EA Canada have proven there is even more to the mountain. This year stands-out as a must own title and once again, the pressure is on the competition to try to catch up.

Overall, it can be said that NHL 13 is the best iteration of the franchise to date, and probably the best sports game I have ever played.

Aion is very close to being a perfect example of the current idea of how a fantasy based MMO should be implemented. I would even suggest Aion might be the climax of the typical design elements of the genre. There was room for 1 more player in fantasy based MMO’s (as long as they were a major player) and Aion has taken up that spot, and definitely pushed some competitors out of the picture by doing so.

For ten bucks you cannot go wrong.

Bloody, gory, ridiculous...no matter how hard you try to put it down, you will soon find yourself picking it back up. It immerses players in ways few fighting games - aside maybe from the last Capcom console outing - have ever done before. A tour de force!

Bloody, gory, ridiculous...no matter how hard you try to put it down, you will soon find yourself picking it back up. It immerses players in ways few fighting games - aside maybe from the last Capcom console outing - have ever done before. A tour de force!

This is without a doubt the most enjoyment I have had with an online-focused game in a long time and cannot wait to go back and play some more. There is something for everyone and it will not take you long to get accustomed to the controls and be essential on the battlefield. It might only be August, but what we have here is by far the best downloadable game of the year and one that should not be missed.

The fantastic story, great cast of characters and open world nature will keep you occupied for a very long time. Even with all that is remarkable about it, it still is not the picture perfect title. If you are not familiar with this style of RPG or don’t enjoy having to micro-manage your characters, this coupled with the difficulty will most certainly put you off. But if you are willing to learn and are ready to invest the time needed you will not be disappointed.

Whether you buy this game for the excellent single player or as the perfect platforming battle for the friends you’re ready to lose (as it can get more than a little combative), this is one of the games I didn’t know I needed for my Wii. Unless you completely hate the original Mario games or you only play games in 3D, this is a must-buy for Wii owners.

Dead Space 2 is the definition of a "if it's not broken, don't fix it" type of game. A sequel that improves upon its predecessor without changing the winning formula, only improving upon it. It's rewarding, unsettling, addictive, shocking, and gory...in other words, a game that your mom would hate.

Dead Space 2 is the definition of a "if it's not broken, don't fix it" type of game. A sequel that improves upon its predecessor without changing the winning formula, only improving upon it. It's rewarding, unsettling, addictive, shocking, and gory...in other words, a game that your mom would hate.

Darksiders II takes just about everything that was great in the first game and made it better, which is exactly what a proper sequel should do. Even switching to a new character could have spelled disaster, but instead Death casts his shadow to such a degree that you will be saying "War who?" before you even leave the Forge Lands.

After being released on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 back in June, we are glad to see that the same greatness and fun has been brought to the PC version. Plus, all the premium content released for the consoles versions is being offered here for free Being priced $40, the PC version is certainly a very good deal.

NHL 10 continues to keep the long-running franchise a success and a delight to play. The additions to this year are certainly not as drastic as NHL 09 were, but the fine tuning does enough to make the overall product an enjoyable one.

Even though you can finish all four chapters in just over four hours, the amount of replay value is immense. Weapon and ammo stations change, zombies will pour out of one area the first time through and another the next time and if you stay still you will get swarmed by a ton of zombies. This is a must buy for any action fan.

Even though the gameplay doesn’t re-invent anything and the visuals aren’t as impressive as they once were, Rockstar manages to give you so much for such a little price that seeing past the little nuisances won’t be a difficult task. Both The Ballad of Gay Tony and the standalone disc Episodes from Liberty City are great expansions and we can’t do otherwise than recommend.

It is the quintessential rallying experience and really your only option for a racing game that not only gets the spirit of rally right, but also features it as the primary game mode. It’s fun, exciting, and the first game in five years to get me perched on the edge of the couch, coaching my car through turns by twisting my controller in the air. It’s brought out my inner five-year-old and I couldn’t be much happier.

NHL 10 continues to keep the long-running franchise a success and a delight to play. The additions to this year are certainly not as drastic as NHL 09 were, but the fine tuning does enough to make the overall product an enjoyable one.

Kirby's Epic Yarn is an absolutely fantastic game that offers so much enjoyment thanks to the large number of unlockables, stunning graphics and incredible stages. Fans of Kirby and those who enjoy a good side-scrolling platformer should not hesitate to give this a try.

The Need for Speed franchise has grown up. Dropping the street racing concept and moving to be a legit racing "simulation" was a good move. Not only did they name the game Shift, but I think they shifted into a new and exciting direction for the Need for Speed franchise.

While it is, at its core, an extremely simple RPG, it's art style is just so incredibly vibrant and its concept is so well-executed that CQ is elevated from merely a 'good for an arcade game' to a 'good game, period'.

If you’ve played the 360 version then you know exactly what you’re getting. If you’re new to the franchise, prepare yourself for one of the most satisfying and immersive first person shooter out on the market today. BioShock is a great game but what makes it incredible is its brilliant approach to making you emotionally invested in the game.

If you love JRPGs, Final Fantasy XIII is a must have, and even if you don’t, it’s still worth checking out as it’s one of the best RPGs to come out of Japan in a very long time.

There is enough bang in Crysis to justify the $20 price tag, if only to see the amazing Cryengine 3 at work.

By delivering a solid campaign mode, an incredibly vast open world, destructible environments and addictive multiplayer modes, THQ and Volition brings you a high quality game that you can’t miss. Red Faction: Guerrilla is a must have in your collection and it won’t be forgotten when award season starts somewhere by the end of the year. While people aren’t expecting the game that much, they will be extremely surprised by it. We highly recommend it.

It is one of those rare games that are perfect for the casual gamer who cannot spend much time gaming or is not very good at gaming in general or the hard core gamer who likes to play with friends and see this fast unique title in action. It is a must buy for all gamers and is a great way to start off Microsoft’s 2009 Summer of Arcade. If the rest of the titles are this good it will be a great summer to be indoors.

It is the quintessential rallying experience and really your only option for a racing game that not only gets the spirit of rally right, but also features it as the primary game mode. It’s fun, exciting, and the first game in five years to get me perched on the edge of the couch, coaching my car through turns by twisting my controller in the air. It’s brought out my inner five-year-old and I couldn’t be much happier.

Lara’s latest adventure is one of the most fun, immersive, emotional, and thrilling rides the series has ever taken us on.

Not only has the technology behind the Frostbite engine been improved but the multiplayer shows major signs of improvement and a willingness by DICE to push the boundaries further. The single player campaign, despite feeling like an added component to a 100% multiplayer focused experience, is much more streamlined and interesting this time around. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is a great game but it also does what many games with a ’2’ next to their name fail to do; improve.

Aside from the minimal framerate drops during Be A Pro and cut-scenes, it's hard to find notable faults to NHL 11. There's a lot to do in this game, whether you play online with EAUHL or Online Team Play or offline with Season, Be A Pro and Be A GM modes. There's no reason why a hockey gamer shouldn't be picking up this bad boy.

Aside from the minimal framerate drops during Be A Pro and cut-scenes, it's hard to find notable faults to NHL 11. There's a lot to do in this game, whether you play online with EAUHL or Online Team Play or offline with Season, Be A Pro and Be A GM modes. There's no reason why a hockey gamer shouldn't be picking up this bad boy.

Golf fans will love it, serious golfers will enjoy it and its fun for everyone at pretty much any age.

It won't court the anti-Haloites back into the fold, but it will more than satisfy the fans and will create plenty of news ones in the process. For Bungie's final stab at the Halo universe (for the foreseeable future), Reach is the swan song legacy that every developer strives for.

The game has been built to please both the newcomers and the hardcore MX vs ATV crowd and that’s a very tough balance to strike. Rainbow and THQ can be proud of their most recent offering and there’s no way anyone could complain.

Demigod is one of those games which surprised the hell out of me in many ways. From the overall presentation, the graphics and audio and the very fun and addictive gameplay, Demigod is one of the best PC games this year and is a shining example of how great game developers can continue to evolve old ideas into bigger and better games. This is a must buy for strategy fans looking for something new.

There was several times during the game that I laughed out loud and that helped make this already enjoyable game much more fun. Certainly a must buy for fans of the original or just action fans in general but if you did not like the first game make sure you try out the demo first because the innovation from the first game is not that noticeable until you are well into playing it.

By delivering a solid campaign mode, an incredibly vast open world, destructible environments and addictive multiplayer modes, THQ and Volition brings you a high quality game that you can’t miss. Red Faction: Guerrilla is a must have in your collection and it won’t be forgotten when award season starts somewhere by the end of the year. While people aren’t expecting the game that much, they will be extremely surprised by it. We highly recommend it.

Not only has the technology behind the Frostbite engine been improved but the multiplayer shows major signs of improvement and a willingness by DICE to push the boundaries further. The single player campaign, despite feeling like an added component to a 100% multiplayer focused experience, is much more streamlined and interesting this time around. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is a great game but it also does what many games with a ’2’ next to their name fail to do; improve.

The game has been built to please both the newcomers and the hardcore MX vs ATV crowd and that’s a very tough balance to strike. Rainbow and THQ can be proud of their most recent offering and there’s no way anyone could complain.

MLB 10: The Show is still the top baseball sim in the business. There’s still some room for improvement when it comes to controls, but it’s about as close to perfect as you can get.

EA hasn’t marketed their new program for those looking to lose weight or get in shape; rather it’s been marketed to help keep people active, hence the name, EA Sports Active. Despite this, some will still add it as part of their weight loss program, some will still use it to help them get in shape (guilty as charged), other’s will see it as a good reason to stay fit. Whatever you’re reason, EA may have unlocked the way to get gamers’ off the couch and maybe, save us some money on gym fee’s during the current economy.

This 20th version of Madden NFL will sure be known as one of best of the series and will sure keep the whole Madden Nation happy…until next year of course. Expectations will continue to grow.

In more ways than one, this fifth installment (of the core console franchise) feels like the definitive Assassin's Creed experience.

Future Soldier finds the perfect balance between the classic tactical shooter experience and the more modern high-octane approach that today's gamers crave.

I may not be the greatest RISK: Factions player out there but it will definitely get my vote later this year when the time to choose our favorite downloadable games of the 2010.

Fantastic and epic story.

If you own a DS this is one title you must go out and buy and if you do not have a DS go out and buy one for this game as this is certainly by far the single best Role Playing Game on Nintendo’s amazing handheld platform. A near perfect game for RPG fans to enjoy for years to come.

It may sound like a broken record of past years, but the 2011 version of Madden truly is an improvement over its predecessor. Though it's not by a lot, it is absolutely enough to warrant a day-one purchase, especially if you're one of those who skipped last year's game.

You don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars for a US SNES version on eBay, import a Super Famicom and game from Japan or play the weaker PSOne version. This game is not only one of the best games ever made, but one of the best DS games available right now that every DS and RPG fan should have in their collection.

It may sound like a broken record of past years, but the 2011 version of Madden truly is an improvement over its predecessor. Though it's not by a lot, it is absolutely enough to warrant a day-one purchase, especially if you're one of those who skipped last year's game.

Fantastic game, but it has times which are boring and they feel like a total chore to get through, but once you do get past those in the game the game becomes something unique, special and is a worth while must buy for any PC fan.

There will always be room for improvement, but Crysis 2 has managed to surpass its competition in almost every category. There's little here that will convert non-FPS players, but fans of the genre would be doing themselves a disservice if they missed out on the Nanosuit 2.0.

A well-written story, a thrill-ride, summer tent-pole film presentation, and a much more fleshed out multiplayer experience all add up to one of the best games we've seen this year. Naughty Dog has once again given PlayStation 3 owners a reason to fire up their console.

While the classic Metroid gameplay might not appeal to a few gamers, this new 2.5D graphic twist with some excellent new gameplay choices we have an instant classic. If the 1200 MS (15$) point price scares you or even turns you off don’t let it, this is worth every penny and more.

Kid Icarus: Uprising is without a doubt a must have title for the 3DS. The single player campaign is engaging and offers tons of character customization, and the multiplayer portion sports a very competitive arena. The amount of value here is incredible; this just isn't a game that can be played through once and put down. It's been a long time since Pit was the main character in a game, and we can easily say it was worth the wait.

Spirit Tracks is an absolutely fantastic way to cap off 2009. With so many great titles this year, it’s fitting that a series so many of us have grown up on is able to keep us entertained during the holiday period. Once again, it’s the story, interesting use of music and Link and Zelda’s partnership that makes this such a worthwhile title.

It's still the best wrestling experience on the market and is easily worth the $60 investment.

It's still the best wrestling experience on the market and is easily worth the $60 investment.

Criterion Games not only reinvented one of my favorite and unforgettable franchises but created the best "near perfect" arcade racer while setting the bar high for any upcoming arcade racer currently in the works.

Criterion Games not only reinvented one of my favorite and unforgettable franchises but created the best "near perfect" arcade racer while setting the bar high for any upcoming arcade racer currently in the works.

In more ways than one, this fifth installment (of the core console franchise) feels like the definitive Assassin's Creed experience.

Not only is Dance Central is the best dance game I've experienced thus far, but its also the game that truly showcases Kinect's potential and sets the bar high for any upcoming games in the genre. An almost-flawless body-controlled experience that every single Kinect buyer needs to have, whether they're dancing aficionados or not.

I was completely expecting this game to literally suck, but in fact it is well done and very fun game that does the Bourne name justice.

Soccer fans should finally be happy with what EA Sports has given them. The FIFA series is now back to its glory PS2/Xbox days and there is so much to do here. Virtual Pro options alone will occupy you for long periods of time and the on the field action sees the series soaring to new heights. This is without a doubt the best soccer game in a long time and one that every fan should own.

A masterful game that grasps players from the start and doesn't let go until the final battle.

One of the best XBLA games out there.

This 20th version of Madden NFL will sure be known as one of best of the series and will sure keep the whole Madden Nation happy…until next year of course. Expectations will continue to grow.

Joe Danger arrives on the gaming landscape as a refreshing experience despite its strong resemblances with other titles in the genre. It's cartoony visuals, bright colors and intuitive gameplay makes it a worth-checking out title.

It’s not just an RPG, not just a Diablo-style dungeon-crawling loot-whore game; no, Borderlands managed to actually cram in some satisfying FPS combat that doesn’t feel tacked-on. It succeeds as both an RPG AND a shooter and for that alone, it's definitely worth your money and your time.

Soccer fans should finally be happy with what EA Sports has given them. The FIFA series is now back to its glory PS2/Xbox days and there is so much to do here. Virtual Pro options alone will occupy you for long periods of time and the on the field action sees the series soaring to new heights. This is without a doubt the best soccer game in a long time and one that every fan should own.

Dragon Age 2 is a perfect example of how a great sequel should be put together.

For those who have been playing GT games since the PS1, Gran Turismo 5 will make them shed tears of joy. It may even make them feel like marrying the Blu-Ray disk. The incredible amount of content packed in is certainly what makes this title a must-see and not because it revolutionizes the genre.

This one is an easy recommendation for Sims fans; but questing/adventure game fans will get a kick out of it as well.

Bottom line, regardless of age, gender, or experience, this is a game that everyone will have fun with.

Essentially, Fable III is a much improved version of Fable II. It's more contoured, better balanced, and a lot more focused on experiencing the main storyline than its predecessor. However, to accomplish this, it did end up sacrificing some of the randomness that we could play around in. The options are all still there, but it doesn't feel as independent of the primary journey as it did in Fable II.

A plethora of content, an expansive career covering the 4 Grand Slams, a great roster of players, and an incredibly precise new control scheme makes this game certainly deserving of Grand Slam in its title.

If you enjoyed the original Crysis and are a fan of the big ‘Summer’ action game, this is the game to pick up, especially at its low price tag and wonderful multiplayer.

If you’re a fan of the original or even if you’ve never picked up a Punch Out!! game before in your life, you owe it to yourself to get this game. Quite simply, one of the best NES games has now been re-made into one of the best Wii games available.

The series has certainly seen a lot of changes in its gameplay and thankfully, this third iteration, although still coupled with a few minor issues, is significantly more accessible than the previous release and a joy to play.

If you are motivated to lose that holiday weight (or gaming-on-the-couch-for-20-hours-a-day-playing-Skyrim weight), then Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2012 is the right fit.

By relying, and cashing in on, what made the Bioshock so great, 2K has made a worthy sequel. However, they did so without surpassing the original. Bioshock 2 isn’t exactly what its predecessor was in terms of novelty but remains a great game that every gamer should check out, whether you’ve played the first outing or not.

If you like the Command and Conquer series Red Alert 3 is a must buy. If you are new to real time strategy games this one might be a bit more daunting for some player then they may like, but the tutorial and the rest of the game make it a must buy as well.

While some kinks still need to be ironed out, like the off-balanced narrative and some weak moments in the campaign, the game remains one of the best experiences you can find on the system, and rises as the most impressive technical achievement we've seen on Nintendo's 3D handheld so far.

Single player gets old after about an 30 to 40 minutes a but with friends, this game is unstoppable. The multiplayer modes really shine and cause so much laughter that everyone wanted to get in a turn just to see what was so funny. The lack of online multiplayer is a disappointment but for a budget title it is understandable and acceptable. You are in for the time of your life when you have friends to play along. It’s value far surpasses its meager cost.

High Moon managed to recreate a classic formula in a different medium and make an extremely large amount of fans very happy. This is a great big step in the right direction for the franchise and brand-owner Hasbro knows it.

Certainly there are some similar games out there, but of them all I'd have to say UWO is a diamond among the rest of the common jewels.

Let’s applaud the development team over at EA Montréal. They’ve made many changes and added new things to please fans as well as the non-believers without destroying the essence of what makes an Army of Two game. Still, the game could do some things better, but, so long as improvements are being made, the Army of Two franchise will be around for another go.

While the Vita has had its fair share of console ports already in its short lifespan, none is as simple or fun to play as Rayman Origins.

If there was ever an example needed to prove the point that games can not only be entertaining but educational at the same time, the Professor Layton series is without a doubt the best choice to show. There is certainly something for everyone with a fantastic story, a plenty of mystery and enough to really stimulate the brain.

No God of War fan's collection is complete without this, er, collection.

If games can’t be called art unless they illicit an emotional response from their audience, then Alan Wake could easily take up a spot in the Louvre.

High Moon managed to recreate a classic formula in a different medium and make an extremely large amount of fans very happy. This is a great big step in the right direction for the franchise and brand-owner Hasbro knows it.

Owners of Dawn of War II should not hesitate to pick up Chaos Rising. You will be treated to over a dozen great missions, additional Heroes to use in multiplayer and the ability to play as the Chaos Space Marines, on top of some nice, new Multiplayer maps.

Killzone 3 might not be perfect, but it is still a fantastic game and well worth the investment. It improves upon a number of different things, doesn't remove anything substantial and should continue to be the de-facto, go-to FPS on the PS3 for a very long time.

I never would have expected such as basic game as “Tower Defense” to be given such a great make over with some gameplay tweaks and be such a worth while and addictive game. While you can play a very basic version of this type of game on thousands of websites, if you enjoy playing them this is the only commercial one that is worth your gaming dollar.

Minor tweaks and a top notch spit shine sets it up as the best designed Layton yet, even if it doesn't really push the series forward or outside of its comfort zone. Its charming, quirky, fun, and the puzzling will put your brain meat to the test at times.

By relying, and cashing in on, what made the Bioshock so great, 2K has made a worthy sequel. However, they did so without surpassing the original. Bioshock 2 isn't exactly what its predecessor was in terms of novelty but remains a great game that every gamer should check out, whether you've played the first outing or not.

There's enough in this collection to keep you busy for many sneaking, box-hiding, and bad guy eliminating hours.