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.

I have never seen more effort put into a video game than what has been shown in Brawl. With unbelievable multiplayer fighting, an enormous single player mode, and collectibles that will last for years, there's no reason why you shouldn't buy it.

From standard Exhibitions to the Ultimate Team card game, everything about FIFA 12 is superb. This is sports gaming excellence personified.

From standard Exhibitions to the Ultimate Team card game, everything about FIFA 12 is superb. This is sports gaming excellence personified.

Media Molecule has practically perfected user-generated content for consoles. An improved story mode, increase in creation tools, and focus on community features make this a must-have for PlayStation 3 owners.

There's just a ton of content that has been packed into SMG2, and almost every single minute of it feels fun, fresh, and true to its roots. Another check in the "win" column for Nintendo.

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.

Take the multiplayer for what it is -- a fun digression from the enthralling action on The Sprawl -- and DS2 comfortably sits waiting for the other Game of the Year nominees for 2011.

Take the multiplayer for what it is -- a fun digression from the enthralling action on The Sprawl -- and DS2 comfortably sits waiting for the other Game of the Year nominees for 2011.

Resistance 3 should not be overshadowed by any other game this holiday season as it gives a unique and action-packed adventure from beginning to end.

It's easy to overlook the technical problems of Enslaved, simply because everything else is so damn compelling. This is not a checklist of what makes a game great, but taken as a whole, it IS a great game.

It's easy to overlook the technical problems of Enslaved, simply because everything else is so damn compelling. This is not a checklist of what makes a game great, but taken as a whole, it IS a great game.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood brings to the table so much more than was ever expected. Not only is it perhaps the best in the franchise, but is also an easy Game of the Year candidate.

RDR is a phenomenal game that stands out as one of the year's best. The utmost attention to detail is apparent in every aspect, and is something that no gamer should miss.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood brings to the table so much more than was ever expected. Not only is it perhaps the best in the franchise, but is also an easy Game of the Year candidate.

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 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.

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.

Team Ico has set the bar for many aspects of this industry, and it now can claim a new title: the Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection is the gold standard in game collections. This is the way to bring classics back to life.

Reminds us how interactivity, perspective, and player disempowerment can be highly engaging, and that a slow creep of fear with abrupt spikes of terror is ultimately the essence of the horror experience.

ACII so satisfyingly delivers upon every aspect first laid out in its prequel, as well as many new gameplay elements and non-gameplay additions that transcend the medium, that it is difficult to offer anything but praise for this superb 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.

LIMBO keeps you sucked into its bleak, grim universe with unique puzzles, simple controls, and an approach to game design Playdead calls "trial and death" gaming for long enough to be effective, but certainly leaves some length to be desired.

Orange Box is the best deal in terms of bang-for-the-buck since Mario All Stars. Not only that, but every game in it is a winner. Three classic games and two great games for this low price? You're an idiot not to get it.

Rock Band 3 is a complete package and quite possibly the definitive music game. Once again, Harmonix defines and sets the bar for what the music genre can achieve. It will be hard pressed for anyone, Harmonix included, to top this game.

Rock Band 3 is a complete package and quite possibly the definitive music game. Once again, Harmonix defines and sets the bar for what the music genre can achieve. It will be hard pressed for anyone, Harmonix included, to top this game.

The unconventional approach to delivering a triple-A game by centering the single-player game around more non-interactive elements than interactive is sure to ruffle a few feathers; the viability of different play styles might lead people to believe it's a second-rate third-person shooter; and the emphasis on nanomachines and PMCs, without being preachy, might be too topical for some. Regardless, right now it's one of the best-looking, engaging, and emotionally driven experiences, with the gameplay to match, on the PS3 or any console.

The brilliance of Rez isn't in some singular quality like graphics, but in the way everything comes together to create an audio and visual interactive experience that is uniquely its own.

Rocksteady Studios has done it again. It may not be perfect, but it has taken it's predecessor's place as the best superhero game of all time. One of the best that this year has to offer.

Rocksteady Studios has done it again. It may not be perfect, but it has taken it's predecessor's place as the best superhero game of all time. One of the best that this year has to offer.

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.

LIMBO keeps you sucked into its bleak, grim universe with unique puzzles, simple controls, and an approach to game design Playdead calls "trial and death" gaming for long enough to be effective, but certainly leaves some length to be desired.

Uncharted 3 isn't quite as memorable as its predecessor, but that doesn't mean it isn't one of the best games to come out this year.

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.

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!

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!

ACII so satisfyingly delivers upon every aspect first laid out in its prequel, as well as many new gameplay elements and non-gameplay additions that transcend the medium, that it is difficult to offer anything but praise for this superb title.

It's hard to overstate my satisfaction. Play Portal 2 as soon as you can.

It's hard to overstate my satisfaction. Play Portal 2 as soon as you can.

Any way you slice it, three games of this caliber all bundled together on one disc are definitely worth the price of entry.

Super Meat Boy's difficulty will likely turn off some gamers. But if you like your 2D platformers challenging and rewarding then you'll be hard pressed to find a better game out there.

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.

MvC3 is the same crazy, over-the-top fighting game that fans loved back in 2000, just with a fresh control scheme and a new coat of 3D, hi-res paint. Fighting game fans will fall in love with the "easy to play, hard to master" format.

MvC3 is the same crazy, over-the-top fighting game that fans loved back in 2000, just with a fresh control scheme and a new coat of 3D, hi-res paint. Fighting game fans will fall in love with the "easy to play, hard to master" format.

The best deal in terms of bang-for-the-buck since "Mario All Stars."

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.

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.

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.

Racing fans, rejoice. Your new love is here. WoW for racing fans in both its depth and its presentation, there's no reason why anyone who loves cars, games, or both should miss GT5.

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.

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.

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.

Persona 3 Portable takes the already massive console version of Persona 3 and translates it successfully to the PSP platform, streamlining most of the experience to make a game that is the definitive PSP RPG.

It's difficult to really describe what exonerates the game from being considered a lifeless, average game. Maybe it's the stunning visuals, or the satisfaction from chainsawing your opponents into chunks of flesh or the unparalleled sense of realism. It has its problems just like any game, but the experience of playing Gears of War is undeniably incredible.

Is it as good as the two PS2 God of War games? Not quite, but it's close. The fact that a PSP port of God of War can be this close to the legendary originals is amazing.

If you're looking for another run 'n gun game to play while you chug down a few Cokes, you'll probably be better off not picking BioShock up. If you want a good game you can play in the dark, immerse yourself in, and love well-crafted plots and great writing, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't go get BioShock tomorrow morning.

Overall, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is one game that should not be missed. Oblivion offers up an overwhelming amount of content, coupled with one of the largest and most realistic environments ever seen in a RPG.

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.

The move to PC allowed the developers to focus on enhancing the visuals for the game with sharper textures and higher resolution support. Along with the crisper graphics, plenty of attention was given to the game's performance.

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.

GTR 2 is the best installment thus far in the series, which, for many gamers, will make this the best racing game ever seen on the PC-if not of all time.

For $40 you get an HD version of two of the best action-adventure games ever made. There's almost nothing to complain about here, so just go buy it and enjoy yourself.

A triumph over the first in every way, Left 4 Dead 2 is not to be missed (or boycotted) if you loved the first one.

Don't pass on this one. It's more of an experience than a game, and if you own an Xbox 360 it's an experience that absolutely cannot be missed.

The first God of War was never about deep, involving combat -- it was about solving puzzles, having an entertaining classical setting and hacking your way through hordes of enemies. God of War II continues the tradition, but improves in just about every area.

Demon's Souls uses sprawling, atmospheric worlds, haunting game concepts and mechanics, an unconventional control scheme, and formidable difficulty to envelop players in an experience that is easily one of the best of the year.

A serious contender for Game of the Year with it's exceptional single player experience and solid multiplayer backbone.

Modern Warfare 2's emotional and intense single-player game is a thrilling rollercoaster ride of exciting moments, while the multiplayer is truly a definitive experience for online FPS players everywhere. This game lives up to the hype.

Easily one of the best games released this year, World of Goo is a game you should not miss.

Capcom has done much more than slap on a few new characters and push the game out the door. They've taken the original title, reconstructed it, and produced a game that surpasses the original Street Fighter IV in every way possible.

Halo 3 takes every positive aspect from the first two Halo games, perfects them, puts them in a shinier and better looking package, tosses in wonderful community-driven content for a console game, establishes some awesome environments, and does it so damn well it's impossible to not have fun while playing.

This is an incredible game. It's got fun, innovative gameplay, great writing, entertaining VO, a frightening atmosphere, and even manages to provoke deep thought. P:BP is a perfect example of exactly why I play videogames.

A serious contender for Game of the Year with it's exceptional single player experience and solid multiplayer backbone.

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.

Rock Band is a must-have game. It's fun for even the most musically challenged, and it's a great game to play with friends and family. It may have a steep price tag, but you get more than your money's worth.

Braid is the only true gaming classic on XBLA. It's a masterpiece--an "art" game and a fun-to-play puzzle/platformer. There aren't enough nice things to say about it.

Easily the best game on the Wii, and arguably the best Mario adventure to date.

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

Mass Effect 2 is a captivating experience that begs to be played and replayed. Phenomenal presentation is augmented by enjoyable combat, deep characters, and epic narrative; only minor quibbles exist in these areas.

Capcom has done much more than slap on a few new characters and push the game out the door. They've taken the original title, reconstructed it, and produced a game that surpasses the original Street Fighter IV in every way possible.

Modern Warfare 2's emotional and intense single-player game is a thrilling rollercoaster ride of exciting moments, while the multiplayer is truly a definitive experience for online FPS players everywhere. This game lives up to the hype.

Call of Duty 4 offers an excellent gaming package with a thrilling campaign and addicting multiplayer action. It contains everything you would want in a FPS, and the game doesn't lack any polish, either.

If you're looking for another run 'n gun game to play while you chug down a few Cokes, you'll probably be better off not picking BioShock up. If you want a good game you can play in the dark, immerse yourself in, and love well-crafted plots and great writing, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't go get BioShock tomorrow morning.

From beginning to end, it's hard to find something not to like about Portal. Everything from the gameplay to the presentation are top-notch.

Rock Band is a must-have game. It's fun for even the most musically challenged, and it's a great game to play with friends and family. It may have a steep price tag, but you get more than your money's worth.

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.

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.

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.

An amazing game. It's almost perfect, and while a few things do pull it back from being that, it's still everything we've been waiting for from the Wii, wrapped in a nice fifty dollar package.

One of the best games to come out this year. An extremely immersive story, solid gameplay, great sound, addictive multiplayer, and one of the best-looking games of all time.

In the end, Okami is a truly great game, and one people have rightfully anticipated for a long time.

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.

As the last Final Fantasy of the current-gen, it delivers as the best of the bunch. An epic story, incredible characters, slightly-innovated battle system and some of the best graphics seen on the PS2 add up for an incredible journey any RPG fan shouldn't miss out on.

In the end, Guitar Hero II is basically the same game as Guitar Hero, but with a much higher difficulty and a completely revamped multiplayer mode.

Simply put, Forza 2 is much more than just another racing simulation on the console; it’s the closest thing to the realization of a racing fan’s dream game that we have ever seen.

The PS3 version may look and run slightly better, and it may include Knights of the Nine from the get-go, but the status of the expansion is something you have to consider, and the fact that there's really nothing new should convince you to stick with what you have.

The gameplay is widely addictive and chaotic in Company of Heroes, and that's something you don't see very often in RTS titles these days. Relic continues to redefine themselves as a top RTS developer, and with two solid franchises under their belt, they're up there with Blizzard as the masters of the genre.

Bomberman Live is accurately priced at 800 Microsoft Points and is really a must-have for anyone's 360, whether they primarily play online or off.