There are plenty of open-ended games out there, but few really emphasize player choice like Deus Ex: Human Revolution. The result is the follow-up Deus Ex fans have been waiting for and one of the year's best.

In terms of actual gameplay, Beatles: Rock Band does nothing revolutionary. Where the revolution occurs, instead, is in the game's presentation, which brings new life -- and a new type of life -- to the static genre.

Despite some technical hiccups and a slow story, L.A. Noire challenges the way you think about how great games can and perhaps should be made. It is undeniably interesting and shouldn't be passed up.

In Tools of Destruction, Insomniac is back doing what they do best, and they do it better than ever. This is the best Ratchet & Clank adventure to date, and at this point the best game the PS3 has to offer.

A shining example of what can be done on the platform. Aside from a frustratingly difficult endgame and a missed opportunity with online play, Peace Walker is an addictive and fun experience that takes portable games to new heights.

If the most important aspect of a 3D fighting game is the depth and balanced nature of the gameplay, then Virtua Fighter 5 has no rival.

Dark Souls is one of the best action-RPGs this generation, as it pulls of the combination of both elements perfectly. It may only be suited for hardcore gamers, but they are given heaven.

Burnout Paradise delivers as a fantastic racing game any racing fan should own, and that even non-racing fans will likely get some enjoyment out of it.

In terms of actual gameplay, Beatles: Rock Band does nothing revolutionary. Where the revolution occurs, instead, is in the game's presentation, which brings new life -- and a new type of life -- to the static genre.

While it is abundantly clear that this game doesn't strive for innovation, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 gives players an overall entertaining game and delivers exactly what fans of the series want..

Playing Dead Space is an experience which shouldn't be missed, and one which won't soon be forgotten.

NHL 10 is fantastic hockey videogame that fans of the sport would do well to check out. But its biggest problem is that it really doesn't make any major changes to from last year's tried-and-true formula.

It can't top the original, but BioShock 2 stands on its own as a great installment to a hopefully continuing series.

NHL 10 is fantastic hockey videogame that fans of the sport would do well to check out. But its biggest problem is that it really doesn't make any major changes to from last year's tried-and-true formula.

Despite me finding a majority of the combat boring (and I admit, many will love it -- I'm just very impatient at times and really thought it stopped the game cold) there's no questioning that Uncharted is a fantastic game, and has topped Ratchet & Clank as my favorite on the PS3.

Bad Company 2 is a great improvement over the original, and also one of the best FPS of this console generation. The single-player campaign is quite good despite a few minor issues, and the multiplayer will keep FPS fans playing for months on end.

Bad Company 2 is a great improvement over the original, and also one of the best FPS of this console generation. The single-player campaign is quite good despite a few minor issues, and the multiplayer will keep FPS fans playing for months on end.

The World Ends With You is hands-down one of the best DS games yet. It's fun and unique, and every DS-owning RPG fan needs to pick this up.

What it does, it does well, and it can be pretty darn entertaining. If you like pinball, and are in the market for a digital version, look no further.

While maintaining the quality standard set by its predecessors, this explosive adventure through the conflicts of the Cold War pushes the series and the genre one step further.

Overall, Medieval 2: Total War is an excellent real-time/turn-based strategy experience and definitely warrants a look, if not a sure-fire purchase, by fans.

It can't top the original, but BioShock 2 stands on its own as a great installment to a hopefully continuing series.

It can't top the original, but BioShock 2 stands on its own as a great installment to a hopefully continuing series.

While it is abundantly clear that this game doesn't strive for innovation, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 gives players an overall entertaining game and delivers exactly what fans of the series want.

Burnout Paradise is the best Burnout game yet. The only issues are minor ones, and the online play delivers better than I ever expected. It's a must-own for racing fans, and at least a must-play for everyone else.

GRID has something for everyone, and is enjoyable by all racing fans. The visuals are great, the gameplay is frantic and the atmosphere oozes perfection.

A terrific fighter in every sense of the word, BlazBlue is a game that you should be playing, whether fighting games are your thing or not. Do not miss it.

Rockstar may be a bit late to the zombie party, but Undead Nightmare is the best piece of DLC yet for one of 2010's best games.

Pokemon Black/White does a terrific job of blending the old, tried-and-true gameplay systems of yesteryear with updated graphics, a mature story, and new features that bring Pokemon into 2011.

With a strong story, a main character that is actually pretty interesting, a very competent visual package, and gameplay that is enjoyable, Jeanne D'Arc is a solid tactical-RPG overall, and arguably the best RPG available for the PSP at this point.

Bad Company 2 is a great improvement over the original, and also one of the best FPS of this console generation. The single-player campaign is quite good despite a few minor issues, and the multiplayer will keep FPS fans playing for months on end.

GRID has something for everyone, and is enjoyable by all racing fans. The visuals are great, the gameplay is frantic and the atmosphere oozes perfection.

In the end, Dirt 3 is a game with slick presentation, beautiful cars, stunning environments, and solid racing, but no depth. It's a game that does nothing wrong, but never wants to achieve anything greater.

Heavy Rain reigns supreme. PS3 owners, do yourself a favor and play this game.

Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is an excellent game, bringing turn-based strategy RPGs back to the forefront where they belong. RPG and strategy fans alike will be hooked on this for days.

Valve really has done a great job showing people that episodic content doesn't have to be such a bad thing and can give the developers a chance to implement changes to the code as hardware becomes more and more powerful with time. The game is absolutely worth playing through and should not be overlooked in any case.

No Mass Effect fan should be without this DLC package. It's too good to pass up, no doubt about it.

In the end, Dirt 3 is a game with slick presentation, beautiful cars, stunning environments, and solid racing, but no depth. It's a game that does nothing wrong, but never wants to achieve anything greater.

Rockstar may be a bit late to the zombie party, but Undead Nightmare is the best piece of DLC yet for one of 2010's best games.

Nintendo still knows how to make a damn good Mario game. NSMBW is leaps and bounds over the original DS title, and certainly holds it own against the masterpieces from the days of yore.

Coming off of a long session of playing Bully, you could easily feel like that time was spent with a GTA title. But whereas the countless knockoffs have simply tried to recreate that experience, Bully has taken the genre and used it in a completely different mold; it's this extremely fresh take on things that makes it so much fun.

While maintaining the quality standard set by its predecessors, this explosive adventure through the conflicts of the Cold War pushes the series and the genre one step further.

Though somewhat short on the MGS series' traditional pantheon of inhuman boss characters to puzzle out how to beat, it's polished, fun, and delivers in all aspects.

It gives a brand-new feeling to exploration an puzzle-solving.

An excellent fighter for both fighting amateurs and steeled veterans. The numerous tutorials, challenges, and inclusion of the Beginner's Mode will help newcomers, while the deep fighting system will keep fighting fans busy.

A perfectly solid representation of Zelda. The puzzles are not easy, despite the cartoon appearance of the main character, the characters are interesting, the controls work well, and the story is adequate.

The two minor gameplay additions and the Etna Mode make this superior to the PS2 original. If you've never played Disgaea before because of difficulty finding it, you have no excuse now.

An absolute must for Pokemon fans, HeartGold and SoulSilver is also a great introduction into the series for the new crowd. The craze that is Pokemon marches on.

Little King's Story is one of the best in the Wii's library. It is fun to play for hours on end, and offers much more depth than your average title.

Rayman Origins is further proof that even in 2011, expertly crafted 2D platformers still have a rightful place in any gamer's collection.

Pokemon Black/White does a terrific job of blending the old, tried-and-true gameplay systems of yesteryear with updated graphics, a mature story, and new features that bring Pokemon into 2011.

Gears of War on the PC is an excellent "port" by seasoned industry veterans and a testament to PC gaming. Everything transitioned smoothly, and there's no awful leftovers -- only delicious desserts.

Rayman Origins is further proof that even in 2011, expertly crafted 2D platformers still have a rightful place in any gamer's collection.

It really is just a simple amalgamation of two genres. It goes without saying that this amalgamation is going to spawn countless sequels and knock-offs, and hopefully then we will see what this new genre is truly capable of.

Hands down, Dark Crusade is a hell of an expansion. It adds even more longevity to the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War franchise, and really opens up the creativity behind all 7 factions.

GRID has something for everyone, and is enjoyable by all racing fans. The visuals are great, the gameplay is frantic and the atmosphere oozes perfection.

Bayonetta is a fantastic game. Aside from a difficult late game and a wacky, confusing narrative, it manages introduce a deep, fun combat system that is silky smooth and easy to learn.

Persona 3 is a fairly unique game, in that it combines stale and tried elements to make them fresh. The presentation is good, and the environments are crisp. This is definitely a game only for the true RPG faithful.

Don't let the game's kid-friendly approach fool you; Kirby's Epic Yarn will appeal to all ages. Beyond the striking visuals is a fantastic 2D platformer, making it one of the best titles available for the Wii.

An entirely new land to explore AND some of the most original environments in an Elder Scrolls game? Yes, please.

A very solid and super cool RTS game, and one that any RTS fan should pick up. It doesn't do anything revolutionary, but it perfects the common issues of the genre.

The Enhanced Edition of The Witcher corrects almost everything people complained about with the original release. Bugs have been fixed, loading times reduced, and the audio overhauled. This cements The Witcher's status as the best PC RPG in years.

You won't be disappointed about how great it looks or how much fun and full-on the game can be. If you frequent LAN's or enjoy slaughtering your mates (or strangers), online multiplayer is just as entertaining as the original and furthers longevity to the game once you've finished the single player campaign.

Serious soccer fans will appreciate the editing features of this game while non-fans will enjoy the gameplay.

Even if you don't take into account the incredible multiplayer which allows for up to 40 players per match, and includes a co-op mode almost as fun as the one in Gears, Resistance is a very fun game to play.

A terrific fighter in every sense of the word, BlazBlue is a game that you should be playing, whether fighting games are your thing or not. Do not miss it.

It's an odd fusion of the rhythm and strategy genres, but it all comes together so well that players can't help but to be drawn in and strike the drums over and over...and over.

If you never really "got" why people played the games, The Sims 3 might give you the answer you've been seeking.

Pinball FX 2 is the best downloadable pinball available, and the Marvel boards are the best yet. It's still pinball, but it's the cream of the pinball crop.

Ghost of Sparta uses the PSP's full potential and nails the franchise's big-screen feel in the handheld format. It may not elevate the franchise to new heights, but is the best we've seen from it on the PSP.

Mortal Kombat is BACK. Remember how you felt when you walked through the arcade and saw MK for the first time? That feeling will come shooting back as soon as you put the disc in. FIGHT!

NHL 12 somehow was able to take what NHL 11 did so well, improve upon, then completely run away with it. The best hockey title of this console generation.

NCAA Football 2011 is slowly creeping into elite sports game territory.

Capcom has done more than just slap an online multiplayer mode on its classic game, and the work has paid off! The few shortcomings are easily overlooked if you're a fan and most should have a great time playing it.

Capcom has done more than just slap an online multiplayer mode on its classic game, and the work has paid off! The few shortcomings are easily overlooked if you're a fan and most should have a great time playing it.

The only reason not to play this is if you despise puzzles more than anything else. It has the story, characters, music, and more to keep any gamer satiated. The Professor delivers.

The best kind of games got unity, got cohesion, and this game, well, it ain't got it. That don't mean it's not the best kind though. I wouldn't of known it to look at the runt, but hell, it is.

The best MMO launch experience I've had since the days of Ultima Online.

If you're looking for a new online RPG to entertain you when you're bored of WoW, WAR should easily be at the top of your list. It's the smoothest MMO launch in history, and within its first month is arguably the best on the market.

NHL 12 somehow was able to take what NHL 11 did so well, improve upon, then completely run away with it. The best hockey title of this console generation.

An awesome DS game for strategy veterans and recruits alike. While this doesn't bring anything groundbreaking to the table, it's still the solidest Advance Wars title to date.

It seems that Madden has finally caught up to the new generation. Madden NFL 10 is a hit, and football fans everywhere will rejoice at what it has to offer.

For hockey fans, NHL 08 is the best hockey offering this year. For non-hockey fans, it's a fun game, but not a must-buy sports title.

Shivering Isles is an excellent addition, and any Oblivion fan would be well advised to purchase it. An entirely new land to explore AND some of the most original environments in an Elder Scrolls game? Yes, please.

This is another very solid entry into the Castlevania series, and is one of the best games of the year. But where is the innovation?

It isn't perfect and it doesn't stand out so much as to make it the be-all, end-all of stealth games, but Conviction has definitely put the Splinter Cell series back among the genre's elite.

With magnificent visuals, a ton of vehicles, and a beefy single and multiplayer experience, PGR4 is a great way to quench that speed demon thirst.

For hockey fans, NHL 08 is the best hockey offering this year. For non-hockey fans, it's a fun game, but not a must-buy sports title.

Undisputed 2010 builds on the foundation of last year's game, tweaking it where it needed to be and adding other modes and events that re-create the UFC experience to a T. EA has its work cut out for it, because right now there is no better MMA game.

Madden 09 is the best Madden of this generation. It's the first of the series which feels like it actually belongs on these consoles, and wasn't just ported with prettier graphics.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will have you addicted until Guitar Hero IV comes out, and I can guarantee that your money will not go to waste on this game.

There aren't many reasons not to play The Sly Collection, barring a bitter hatred of all things platforming. For three excellent platformers, The Sly Collection is truly a great deal.

Capcom fighting fans will not be disappointed by their latest offering, even if half the roster is unknown. Make sure you get to know them, because they're just as good as the Capcom guys.

MLB 08 is the best baseball game on the market, and the best sports game of this generation. For the first time since "NFL 2K," a sports game is a must-buy for any console owner.

Fighting fans who picked up a 3DS would be foolish not to make Super Street Fighter IV 3D part of their collection. It's a very faithful representation of the franchise, available anywhere you want to play it. Don't miss it.

In the end, it's more of the same with some added critters. If you're hankerin' for a batch of Pokemon on the DS, pick it up. If you haven't beaten the other versions, though, you may want to go the cheaper route.

The best Lara Croft game in years. Great local co-op action built on a tested foundation with modern gaming sensibilities layered on top was absolutely the right way to go. Proves that games needn't be huge-budget, cutting-edge releases to be fun.

It provides plenty of glorious visuals, the audio is top-notch and the missions are pretty damn fun.