It will challenge you, it will move you, and it will force you to make hard decisions. It is unbelievably immersive and tenaciously inventive. It is a game that sets the bar high for others to follow—for its art direction, narrative, and gameplay.

The gameplay is just as great as its predecessor was, but the amount of new content and features make it the far superior game.

With a world bigger than you can imagine dozens of random odd-jobs for you to perform and a story that keeps you hooked from beginning to end, Red Dead Redemption sets the standard for what games will judge themselves on in the future. Never has a game been this immersive in both randomness and story moments, and the visuals and sound only add on to the beauty the game encapsulates for every player.

Really, The Orange Box is a must-have game. There are few games that even begin to approach the value and quality that can be found here.

When it comes down to it, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots provides what may easily be the most memorable experience of this generation so far.

Really, The Orange Box is a must-have game. There are few games that even begin to approach the value and quality that can be found here.

It does a good job of easing people into the experience, and yet has all of the options to make the game as hardcore as you’d like. It’s a game that packs a lot of value into its two DVDs of content.

With a world bigger than you can imagine dozens of random odd-jobs for you to perform and a story that keeps you hooked from beginning to end, Red Dead Redemption sets the standard for what games will judge themselves on in the future. Never has a game been this immersive in both randomness and story moments, and the visuals and sound only add on to the beauty the game encapsulates for every player.

The more lifelike direction that the team went in takes a little getting used to, especially when it comes to getting behind the wheel, but once you get over the learning curve, you're handed an amazing experience and hands down the best work Rockstar North has ever put out.

A fantastic game that should be played by anybody with a PS3 that has a craving for some brutal combat and plenty of vengeance.

The game has been so well-made that it’s hard to even think of what can be added or improved to Guitar Hero III outside of a new soundtrack.

The more lifelike direction that the team went in takes a little getting used to, especially when it comes to getting behind the wheel, but once you get over the learning curve, you're handed an amazing experience and hands down the best work Rockstar North has ever put out.

Visually, Gears is astonishing. It undoubtedly breaks all previous technological barriers with the use of the Unreal Engine 3.0 and raises the bar to a stunningly unprecedented level.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 is one of those rare games where every single element comes together to deliver something truly special.

The standard has been set, and it’s been set ridiculously high. Whether it’s the fantastic production values or its nearly flawless gameplay mechanics, we couldn’t be happier with Oblivion.

So what you have here with Fallout 3 is a great addition to the series, even if you are a die-hard fan of Black Isle Studios’ work with the previous Fallout titles. It has some slight faults, but the quality of the rest of the package more than makes up for it all.

Kingdom Hearts 2 provides the most engrossing and polished gameplay experience available on the PS2, with enough variety to please any gamer and keep them entranced many hours past the ending.

So what you have here with Fallout 3 is a great addition to the series, even if you are a die-hard fan of Black Isle Studios' work with the previous Fallout titles. It has some slight faults, but the quality of the rest of the package more than makes up for it all.

It has more of what made the first one great, and lots of new features that set it apart from the rest of the games in this genre. With its deep customization and hearty online component, Forza 2 will keep you playing for months.

The Italian countryside was a perfect fit in both design and gameplay and many of the new features should keep fans entertained for quite a while. You simply could not have asked for a better addition to the Assassin’s Creed franchise.

So what you have here with Fallout 3 is a great addition to the series, even if you are a die-hard fan of Black Isle Studios’ work with the previous Fallout titles. It has some slight faults, but the quality of the rest of the package more than makes up for it all.

It’s a visually stunning, techno music fueled, old school arcade game mixed with new school gameplay.

This may not be Mario’s first appearance on the Wii, but it is definitely his best so far. Super Mario Galaxy may be Mario’s best adventure since he was last jumping on the Super Nintendo over a decade ago.

The Italian countryside was a perfect fit in both design and gameplay and many of the new features should keep fans entertained for quite a while. You simply could not have asked for a better addition to the Assassin’s Creed franchise.

Not just the best game in the series–which says a lot on its own–but it’s also one of, if not the very best strategy games ever made.

The standard has been set, and it’s been set ridiculously high. Whether it’s the fantastic production values or its nearly flawless gameplay mechanics, we couldn’t be happier with Oblivion.

When all is said and done, Naughty Dog has done an amazing job of fixing any issues that the original game had for Uncharted 2: Among Thieves while adding more to make this a package that anybody with an ounce of interest should not miss.

The story is bigger and more personal, the combat and inventory have been refined for better execution and the overall presentation trumps the quality from the first game. Everything you could have hoped for in a sequel is made clear in Mass Effect 2.

The simple truth is that Plants vs. Zombies on Xbox Live Arcade is one of the best values on the entire service.

The story is bigger and more personal, the combat and inventory have been refined for better execution and the overall presentation trumps the quality from the first game. Everything you could have hoped for in a sequel is made clear in Mass Effect 2.

The customization options and freedom to do anything in The Sims 3 allow players to not only make any person or any family, but they allow players to have their own story.

It has an excellent game system that's been honed considerably for this release. It offers plenty of game modes, online play for those that want it, and it also looks and sounds great. Whatever system you get it for, you won’t be disappointed.

In the simplest terms, Brawl makes Melee look like a demo sampler.

Hardcore fans will enjoy this game immensely, but casual fans will likely find WE9 too difficult. Even though the game is not for everyone, it is still the best soccer game to date.

The closer you get to the end, the more "nostalgic" it gets, if you want to call it that. There's really no question about this one. Just get it.

It has an excellent game system that's been honed considerably for this release. It offers plenty of game modes, online play for those that want it, and it also looks and sounds great. Whatever system you get it for, you won’t be disappointed.

While Burnout Paradise is certainly an addictive game that offers a ton of value for anyone to enjoy, it definitely won’t please everyone that gives it a shot.

Sega’s done an admiral job in updating the strategy RPG clichés to better fit the gameplay expectations brought on by the games of this generation so far for Valkyria Chronicles.

With an explosive single player, improved multiplayer, and an all-around polished feel, Gears of War 2 is better than the original by a large margin.

It’s a fun, addictive, fast paced, and fresh take on a very stale genre. This is not only one of the PC’s best this year, it’s one of the best games in the genre, period; and we’re talking in the infinite sense.

While Burnout Paradise is certainly an addictive game that offers a ton of value for anyone to enjoy, it definitely won’t please everyone that gives it a shot.

While LittleBigPlanet’s launch may have been a bit rough with the recall and such, the game itself definitely lives up to the hype with a very enjoyable story campaign and has almost limitless potential in the level creator tools for the community aspect of the game.

Tetris may not push new boundaries or explore the violent side of Wifi competition, but who needs a plasma gun for fragging when armed with a four-long Tetrimino?

With a dearth of features and tweaks that make this experience the best out there, gamers will have plenty to do before and after the first pitch of the season.

Bionic Commando Rearmed Is a fine example of how to take on old game and make it new again without stripping it of what made it unique and fun to begin with. It’s got a fantastic sense of style in its presentation.

It’s got a fantastic sense of style in its presentation.

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is an absolutely excellent game, download or otherwise.

Rock Band 2 is a solid sequel. Harmonix smoothed out most of the rough edges and added enough new stuff to warrant the full priced upgrade.

With so many fans already on board and many gamers itching to see what all the fuss was about, Secret of Monkey Island never disappoints and delivers a remarkable revision of this classic adventure.

It’s definitely a great game and will likely be on top ten lists at the end of the year. It’s just not a perfect 10.

Those of you who had doubts about this being just another glorified expansion need to stop yelling at Valve and give Left 4 Dead 2 a try, as it is incomparably better than the first game by a large margin.

Offers the same classic style of previous Castlevania titles, replete with the outrageous bosses, fitting game areas, puzzle solving and platforming aspects which are perfectly harmonious with the new soul-gathering and returning level-gaining aspects of the series.

Without a doubt, Arkham Asylum is one of the best games of the year, and from the solid single player experience, amazing voice acting, rewarding challenge maps and a slew of nearly dozens of unlockable bios and collectibles, any fan will be hard-pressed to not give this game a try.

On the whole, Street Fighter IV is a fantastic achievement. It has a great fighting system, excellent visuals and decent audio.

There is no reason not to buy Spore. Whether you take hours of enjoyment out of the actual game or spend days building nothing but city halls, cars, boats, planes, and spaceships, Spore is a delightful work of mastery that strikes a balance between sufficient and excessive, somehow finding a middle ground that satisfies on a primal level.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass pushes the envelope when it comes to taking advantage of every feature on the DS, and while many thought it would just turn out to be just another gimmick, Nintendo has once again proved them wrong and at the same time seems to have expanded the audience.

It's definitely a great game and will likely be on top ten lists at the end of the year. It's just not a perfect 10.

Those of you who had doubts about this being just another glorified expansion need to stop yelling at Valve and give Left 4 Dead 2 a try, as it is incomparably better than the first game by a large margin.

Every element is represented in a way that keeps the game balanced and familiar, yet extremely fresh.

On the whole, Street Fighter IV is a fantastic achievement. It has a great fighting system, excellent visuals and decent audio.

Black & White 2 is even more unique, more playable, more endearing than its antecedent, and so full of provocative moments that you may find it difficult to tear yourself away.

When it comes down to it, The Orange Box is a must-have no matter what system you have, but if you’re a PS3 owner that has yet to play the game on either the PC or Xbox 360, there’s no reason to miss out on it now.

Rock Band 2 is a solid sequel. Harmonix smoothed out most of the rough edges and added enough new stuff to warrant the full priced upgrade.

If you have a passing interest in guns, military, the near future, Mexico, or good games, this is a must-own on all accounts. This is the first real system seller for the Xbox 360 and it’s safe to say it’s the first real game of the year candidate.

Returning to its violent roots serves the game very well, and fans of the original top-down style of the first two games in the series are in for a nostalgiac treat. And when all the aspects come together, it’s a terrific package you shouldn’t be without.

Big Bang Mini is a game that will come as a pleasant surprise for anybody that gives it a shot.

With a great story, fun gameplay, a dearth of modes to keep you busy for months, and an overall package that’s reminiscent of what you’d expect from a console Metal Gear Solid title, there’s just so much here that other developers need to pay attention to in order to compete on this level.

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is an absolutely excellent game, download or otherwise.

Bizarre Creations has not only managed to give fans more of what they wanted, but provided more modes and co-op options to make Evolved 2 last a lot longer.

Without a doubt, Arkham Asylum is one of the best games of the year, and from the solid single player experience, amazing voice acting, rewarding challenge maps and a slew of nearly dozens of unlockable bios and collectibles, any fan will be hard-pressed to not give this game a try.

All in all, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is a return to form for the Ratchet & Clank series and it shows that not every graphical showcase has to feature stunning realism.

Otherwise, NHL 09 is easily in the running for the title of Best Hockey Game Ever, with some people leaning towards one of the great games of the past and others leaning towards the dearth of great modes in NHL 09.

The game takes everything that was great from the phenomenal "Burnout 3" and not only improves upon those features, but builds upon them, creating a game that blows away the competition in its genre.

It's quality entertainment at its most jaw-dropping. Is Nintendogs cute and gimmicky? Absolutely. But for what its worth, so is the DS.

Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune really shines by borrowing elements of other games and making an experience all to its own that can be enjoyed greatly by those that give it a shot.

It may be difficult for some to overlook the new combat system, but once you get a grip on it, and look past the shoddy vehicular combat, you’ll find a game worthy purchasing.

Even if this is your second, third, fourth, or even your fifth time playing the game, the new camera angle adds a lot of freshness to the single player campaign. Not just that, but the online multiplayer is really amazing and it is clearly one of the best the PS2 has yet to get on the service.

What Okami ultimately offers is a satisfying adventure with memorable characters, intuitive play mechanics, and an astonishing visual presentation. Simply, it’s a ton of fun to play.

It is definitely the most engaging RPG experience you’ll find on the DS and will continue to be played and praised.

Crysis as a whole is really a phenomenal game. One of the richest and most visually striking games ever made combined with a fantastic single player campaign that really never lets up after it picks up until it ends.

For those of you who haven’t experienced this title in any of its iterations: now is as good a time as any to get with the program and play the game. You won’t regret it.

The game takes everything that was great from the phenomenal Burnout 3 and not only improves upon those features, but builds upon them, creating a game that blows away the competition in its genre.

It’s the best Call of Duty game so far and hopefully will spark other developers to follow suit by breaking out of the redundant World War II genre. It doesn’t matter what platform you get Call of Duty 4, all that matters is it deserves a spot in any action fan’s collection.

Lair of the Shadow Broker has everything you could have wanted: new weapons, new biotic powers and new characters to help branch together the events leading up to Mass Effect 3.

Lair of the Shadow Broker has everything you could have wanted: new weapons, new biotic powers and new characters to help branch together the events leading up to Mass Effect 3.

An exciting campaign, sweet Revenge kills, bad-ass interrogation sequences and an incredibly addicting co-op mode make Conviction one of the best Splinter Cell titles to date.

Project Gotham Racing 4 is truly a great racer. With solid gameplay both online and offline, PGR4 is sure to keep fans of racing games busy for months.

This is the spiritual successor to Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and you owe it to yourself to pick this one up—maybe it’ll influence more third parties to actually put some effort into the Wii.

Indigo Prophecy may not have the technical backings of a winner with its dated graphics and strange control scheme, but everything else screams classic.

To put it in the simplest terms, this is an example of real-time strategy done right. It’s a blast to play, and a game whose merits any gamer or WWII buff can appreciate.

While at times the action can make you whiz by the environments, slowing down will allow you to take in the beauty of the environments. There isn’t quite the real-life detail as seen in the last game with Chernobyl, but Modern Warfare 2 has its own great detailing. And best of all, you won’t have any hiccups or lag.

It’s the best Call of Duty game so far and hopefully will spark other developers to follow suit by breaking out of the redundant World War II genre. It doesn’t matter what platform you get Call of Duty 4, all that matters is it deserves a spot in any action fan’s collection.

Indigo Prophecy may not have the technical backings of a winner with its dated graphics and strange control scheme, but everything else screams classic.

Indigo Prophecy may not have the technical backings of a winner with its dated graphics and strange control scheme, but everything else screams classic.

It’s the best Call of Duty game so far and hopefully will spark other developers to follow suit by breaking out of the redundant World War II genre. It doesn’t matter what platform you get Call of Duty 4, all that matters is it deserves a spot in any action fan’s collection.

Castlevania has never had more content packed in than it does right here, taking what many consider the two greatest games in the series and including more dialogue, more playable characters, and other nice little extras, and throwing them into a nice, convenient, must-own $30 package.

It delivers some of the most thrilling, realistic gunfights in any shooter, and sports impressive visuals and above-average online multiplayer—all of which make it into one of the must-own titles for your Xbox 360 this year.

While at times the action can make you whiz by the environments, slowing down will allow you to take in the beauty of the environments. There isn’t quite the real-life detail as seen in the last game with Chernobyl, but Modern Warfare 2 has its own great detailing. And best of all, you won’t have any hiccups or lag.