I cannot say enough good about Bioshock so I will sum it all up in the same way I described the experience to my wife, "This is why I play video games."

There is something on this disc for everyone in the family and if you are a fan of the Half Life brand it should be a no-brainer purchase, I cannot recommend The Orange Box enough.

My journey with Commander Shepherd opened up a new view of what this form of entertainment can do, and allowed me to emotionally connect (and care) with the virtual characters on my television screen. The dialogue, story progression, graphics, soundtrack, controls, and presentation are all well above what so many other games of this genre are offering these days... PlanetXbox360.com has never given a perfect score, until now.

Whether you're wondering around the wilderness, enjoying the melodies from a bard in an inn, casually strutting about town, or going head to head with a dragon; the music and sound effects add to the immersion in the same way they do in a Lord of the Rings or Star Wars film.

Even if Red Dead Redemption doesn’t make your top ten favorites it will at the very least be a tale of outlaws, dead men and deceit that will remain with you for years.

Really, don't miss Portal 2. Even if you've never played the first game, the sheer brilliance that has gone into this game's design shouldn't be missed. It's wonderfully fun and creative, while looking and sounding like a true sequel should. Don't be surprised if this one pops up on our best of 2011 list.

Improved gameplay, new mechanics, and an even stronger story denote whether you care about Batman or not, it's still a game worthy of your time. With some easter eggs possibly hinting at plots for a third game, let's hope Rocksteady isn't quite done with the Dark Knight.

The term memorable comes to mind instantly when thinking about Gears of War. Epic and Microsoft have really done something awesome here and we, as gamers, should be grateful.

In the end when it was all said and done, out came a game that caters to the RPG hardcore crowd with the games longevity, and yet it provides an interesting and great experience for the non-RPG playing crowd.

At the end of the day there is only one reason not to buy Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and that is if you’re no longer breathing...I know people that hated FPS games up until they played COD4, now they are awaiting the next one with baited breath.

Bungie has spent three years and countless loads of money making Halo 3 and fortunately for them (and publisher Microsoft) it has paid off.

Graphically Modern Warfare 2 sets a bar so high that the game that our industry will look to it as a blueprint of what can be done on next-gen systems. The developers found a perfect balance between realistic and entertainment (just wait until you play-through the airport level) that there were points during our review period that we actually forgot we weren’t watching a HD movie.

The gameplay is incredibly addictive, the leaderboards will keep you busy for ages, and the presentation tops the original game in many ways. Drop a roll of quarters and let the fun commence. Wakka wakka wakka!

Brilliant.

The complexities of the fighting systems are incredible to take in. Hardcore Street Fighter fans will have a field day with developing strategies and putting them into effect. It’s deep enough to satisfy tournament loving players who’d rather win by skill, but it’ll also win over the praise of casual players who love to dabble with fighting games when they have a friend to play against and button-smash without worrying about Ultra Combos and Ex moves.

The presentation of the game, as a whole, is what really takes Fallout 3 and boosts it into a level high above most of the other games being released this year on the Xbox 360.

We have yet to play a perfect video game but Gears 2 get’s really freaking close; probably closer than any action game has gotten before. Every aspect of the game: gameplay, controls, features, graphics, and audio have a triple A feel to it and during the first play-through every single gamer will get multiple “oh sh.t” moments.

Whether you've been holding your breath since finishing Mass Effect 2 or just now looking to jump into a story-driven video game, Mass Effect 3 provides something for everyone from the single-player to co-op, it's just that f***ing good.

The fundamental multiplayer features and huge single-player challenges will keep you busy whether you're with friends or alone, the presentation is greatly improved, and the set list amazes us, with songs scattered between the 60's and today.

The feeling you get when hitting one of those hard 5 note combos is something that no other game out there can replace. Getting the chance to play this masterpiece on the Xbox 360, as the first time it has hit a next-gen console, is enough reason to go out and purchase this today.

Once everything gets updated and the new online features are available this game will only get better. There is already a thriving Rock Band community out there and plenty of information to digest. Rock Band is not a cheap investment but if played correctly can end up being one of the best social games ever played, and to me it was just that.

From the moment we placed Forza Motorsport 3 into our Xbox 360 the game just screamed polish and fine-tuned racing, from every angle...It’s simply the best racing game ever created.

The longevity of Batman: AA is tremendously astounding as a single-player only title.

Between the steady stream of DLC and the ability to import your tracks from the first game, you are unlikely to stop playing Rock Band 2 anytime soon. The added ability to continue your World Tour band online, drum trainer, and daily challenges may sound like small additions, but they greatly enhance and extend the gameplay for what was already a must-own title; at least until the next Guitar Hero is released.

Halo: Reach is bar none the most developed, robust, and title in the franchise.

Other than the AI issues, graphical glitches, and insanely confusing equipment screen Mass Effect is the perfect video game. The storyline is right up there with Star Wars and Lord of the Rings and we are can barely hold back our excitement to see what happens in the next two games.

If there is one weak area, though, it's the soundtrack. Some of Forza 4's tunes are pretty good, but the techno tracks are kinda forgettable.

Gears of War 3 is the game all Gears Fans have dreamt of since playing the first title back in 2006.

Everything about Assassin’s Creed II screams believability, from the real life characters that you interact with to the conflict – it plays out as though direct from the history books. More than once while playing this game did I get that feeling of “this is why I love to play video games” and “it’s one of the best titles of 2009.”

This is one of the best action games on the Xbox 360, and it comes from the likes of Japan; go pick up a copy as soon as you can.

Killer App? It appears so! There are certainly exciting times coming up for 360 owners and GRAW can now be the flagship for next-gen titles done right.

Trials Evolution eclipses the original game, just as a good sequel should. RedLynx really took their time with this one, but it paid off, between some splendid track designs, plenty of replay value, challenging gameplay and one of the best presentation set-ups put into a downloadable game.

We never would have guessed it but they actually pulled it off, driving a motorcycle in LATD is a whole lot better than it was in the original disc-based game and we found ourselves using them exclusively during the play session.

Even if you aren't an avid fan of soccer, you owe it to yourself to check this title out and see just how good a sports game gets.

If gamers know what’s best for them, they’d pick up FIFA Soccer 10 the first chance they get; it's easily the best soccer game on the Xbox 360.

Don't be caught in limbo making a decision – buy this game as soon as it comes out on Xbox Live Arcade, and support this kind of creativity in the game industry. No matter what kind of gamer you are, you won't be disappointed.

With its demanding gameplay, Mark of the Ninja may not be a game for everyone. Those who prefer destroying everyone with kick-assery may prefer the more visceral Ninja Gaiden 3 instead. But for those seeking a challenge or a game that really makes you feel like you're in the ninja uniform, Klei's Mark of the Ninja immensely satisfies.

You just need to have an open mind about what's fun, and odds are Super Meat Boy will have you liking it provided you have enough patience to let its design philosophy sink in.

The design is well done, and the attention to detail, especially in the smaller air ducts, will blow your mind. The animations are good too, particularly with the blood. Stomping the crap out of a Necromorph has never overflowed with such gushiness.

Geometry Wars Evolved 2 is the new high-water mark for XBLA titles. They could have delivered half what they did and wowed gamers, but there is enough here to keep you playing this $10 bargain longer than most $60 retail titles.

Though it's more on the tactical side than straightforward action, Enemy Unknown brings plenty of challenge, along with thoughtful gameplay and more-than-acceptable management options. Developers, take note – this is how you bring a franchise back.

Forza 2 delivers on almost every level possible for what a sequel would have to offer. Better graphics, more tracks, tons more cars (300+); well the word tons does not even begin to describe the amount of cars this game has.

If you were a huge fan of last year's game, there might not be enough in 13 to warrant an immediate purchase but FIFA 13 is certainly the best football game to date until at least the next generation.

Unparalleled presentation, in-depth options and smooth-as-butta gameplay.

The sound design isn't going to do much for you if you're not a fan of the direction electronic music has taken these days, but I personally feel that the game's soundtrack is of incredible quality and matches perfectly with Borderland's style and how it plays. It's intense, powerful, edgy and exactly what a videogame of this caliber needs in order to stay immersed with the atmosphere.

Infinity Ward did a great job of capturing the feel of such an awful and devastating war. It is easy to dedicate hours of your life to playing Call of Duty 2, and when you do, you won’t be disappointed.

The game holds up better than the majority of games even half its age, and provides a rich gaming experience that will have 360 owners drooling in anticipation of the next great retro release on Arcade.

It’s a much more satisfying experience than Fable 1 and has a little of everything for all types of gamers.

Don't even consider skipping the game for a second. While the story doesn't progress as much as we had hoped, it still adds some new questions and twists into Desmond's dilemma. The ever so fresh guild mechanic and addictive as hell multiplayer already feels like essential components in the series.

By no means is L4D2 a reinvention of the series, but with so many welcome additions, it feels close to being the perfection of it.

The lack of maps and variety in the weapons may keep some casual players at bay. Hopefully Valve will offer DLC to keep it fresh. Its mastery of teamwork and tactical demands will keep players online until then.

If you're more experienced and have an idea of what you might be getting into here, it's worth the pain and suffering – in a twisted way. The presentation is top-notch material; the gameplay, though punishing, does pick up over the course of the game; and the multiplayer is surprising, mainly because you don't know whether to expect a friend or foe.

Featuring a number of new features, a likeable protagonist and some new kickass weapons, this latest episode is a great reason to return to Liberty City, especially if you haven’t made the trip in a while.

Be warned: just like the games of our past Fez is a game that will constantly test you, frustrate you, and then reward you in ways only a game like this can.

In conclusion, Burnout Revenge for the Xbox 360 is the best racer out there in my opinion. If you are more into the action of racing and the wrecks then look no further, this is the racing game for you.

Dead Space is essentially your opportunity to play through a sci-fi horror flick; which is just about every gamer’s fantasy. It is a near-perfect package for those looking for to get their survival horror fix.

The graphics are really outstanding for a game of this type, and the combat/stealth/social scenarios are second-to-none, giving you a wide range of choices, whether it's how you play through the game or adapt your body to make situations fare better in your favor.

When push comes to shove, The Beatles: Rock Band is a fantastic addition to the genre and, it goes without saying, the music itself it out of this world.

The presentation is staggering, even managing to make Mafia II look second-rate. It really all comes together in a complete package that no one should missed; and that, folks, is case closed.

There are a few weak points, such as clumsy menu navigation, great but lacking online support, and reliance on the Microsoft D-pad, but overall VF5 is a very strong title, and fans of fighting games are going to love this game.

With NBA 2K11 striking up such a balance between gameplay, presentation and extra features, we're wondering if EA Sports delayed NBA Elite 11 out of fear that it simply couldn't keep up with such greatness.

Paradise breaks the mold of its previous franchise games, and pulls it off in a big way. Its rare that a developer can make large scale changes and still put out a winning product.

While the narrative could’ve used better pacing – and more antagonists to boot – Chair Entertainment did an overall great job at retaining the interest all throughout the storyline.

All of that aside the final product that is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is the complete package. It has a solid, single-player campaign (which is long enough if played correctly but feel free to complain if you want); a feature-rich multiplayer mode that has new modes and will be played by millions of gamers for years to come; a great Spec-Ops mode that includes an all-new Survival gameplay mode; and is the first Call of Duty title to launch with the new Elite service, something that will become a standard in the CoD franchise for years to come.

Though it's got its problems, Dishonored is a damn good game, one that makes use of a compelling storyline and wraps it into strong first-person gameplay, and a presentation that's pretty hard to beat.

EA deserves kudos for recognizing what worked well in the brilliant NHL 09 title, and making slight, smart tweaks and additions for the spectacular NHL 10. This one has the legs to keep you very busy until next year's inevitable NHL 11.

BioShock 2 is most enjoyable when it doesn't get clouded with a need to prove it can stand against literature or film; video games already trump these. As it stands, BioShock 2 is like its Little Sister, an ugly little thing that, if you stick with it, is rewarding.

NHL 09 is hands-down the best sports game yet.

Using the Vision Camera adds an element that has not been found in many games today and is definitely something that I have been looking forward to. Some good graphics and a complete sound system round out the beautiful title.

The single-player is incredibly challenging as is the online multiplayer, so Capcom has given you the chance to reminisce with the beloved series once again and use any one of your favorite 17 characters from the roster.

PGR3 may not have changed the winning formula but it’s hard to fault a title that stays true to such a successful recipe.

Bad Company 2's single-player proves far more compelling than its predecessor's, standing up as much more than just preparation for the multiplayer portion of the game, which is undoubtedly what most players will be buying Bad Company 2 for.

Even if you're not a complete comic book junkie, there's more than enough to see and play here to get your ten dollars' worth out of it.

Unless you have a high end PC capable of running the game smoothly on at least high settings, get the Xbox 360 version. It's a complete experience right out of the box that comes with some great content within in the box itself like a map, soundtrack and quest handbook.

FIFA 11's near perfection of the genre is what makes it the best, not its innovations.

The different challenges range from easy to exhaustingly difficult, and the gameplay is so addicting that you'll want to complete every one. The level design and multiplayer components are subpar, but Joe Danger: SE makes up for it with a stellar career mode that will keep you playing all night "for just one more star."

While Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit's AI issues and lacking soundtrack keep it from racing perfection; it's still well worth your time, thanks to a huge online component and plenty of fast-paced racing action.

It's ridiculous how Visual Concepts makes a monumental series and continues to improve upon it, even if it's in small and subtle ways. NBA 2K13 shows nothing but forward progress, and continues to be one of the best sports series on the planet.

A great game that comes up shy in being the ultimate Halo experience. Since this is 343's first installment in what is supposed to be a new trilogy, I think they deserve plenty of credit for making a game that may not be revolutionary but opens the doors for some major improvements in the future.

FIFA Soccer 09 is a step in the right direction with online play, but fails to have intelligent computer AI to give you a challenge by your lonesome. The on-field controls have improved though, at times, you won’t notice it since you’ll be exceedingly frustrated by your teammates kicking the ball out-of-bounds.

Despite some lackluster voicework, minor freezes and the need to activate an Online Pass, DiRT 3 is the best in the series to date, filled with wondrous gameplay, a remarkable variety of events online and off and some of the best graphics you'll see in a racing game.

There are few video games released this year that you simply cannot miss, Call of Duty: Black Ops is one of them.

DiRT 2 is honestly one of the year’s best surprises in the sense that it surpasses expectations. The multiplayer this time around is improved by leaps and bounds since it now supports up to eight players competing to cross the finish line. Even for gamers who don’t appreciate the racing genre, there’s a lot of fun to be had in DiRT 2.

I had a blast playing Rayman Origins, and it certainly stands out as a game that developers should take notes from if they're aiming to rejuvenate 2D gaming.

The game is very difficult and will require you many playthroughs before you even reach the second world much less beat the entire game. Death takes you back to the beginning of the game and you'll lose all the treasure and items you've earned in your time with the game. Still, Spelunky has an undeniable charm that will have you laughing as you die the first time and the hundredth time.

Puzzle Quest reinvents the puzzle genre with its unique RPG laden gameplay. It is the kind of game that will need its own support group to assist all the addicted in the near future.

Though not earth-shatteringly revolutionary, FNR4’s additions to its Legacy Mode, greater cohesiveness and focus of its controls and enhanced pseudo-realism has made it the definitive boxing experience on both the current-gen consoles.

Like the Pulp Fiction of high-fantasy, Dragon Age: Origins is an innovative homage to the greatest works of the genre, woven together with masterful dialogue and an acute sense of social interaction. In terms of storytelling and creating true emotional bonds, Dragon Age: Origins is one of the finest RPGs ever created.

Trials HD is at the same time both a perfectionist's wet dream and horrifying nightmare. Who would have thought the Summer Of Arcade game with the worst name and simplest concept would be among XBLA's finest games?

The gameplay is both intuitive and entertaining, while the presentation goes head and shoulders over most other shooters out there. You might have missed it the first time around on the Saturn – but whatever you do, don't miss it this time.

It plays superbly, looks fantastic, has features galore for both single player and multiplayer, and has all the gore and fatalities you missed so much in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. Welcome back, Kombat.

There are enough improvements in NCAA Football 11 to make it a worthwhile purchase for any college football fan, especially those who wear their respective school colors even during the off-season.

This is the way to make a comeback for a series.

We do wish the menu was a little more accessible, though. Sometimes the game has a hard time reading certain gestures of your hand. Luckily, the added voice control makes it a little better, so you can shout out what you want to do instead of forcibly moving pointers around.

Offering simplistic gameplay in an incredibly challenging package, the game is essentially a tricked-out edge-of-your-seat Asteroids clone on steroids.

Overall Fight Night Round 3 is a great game on its own merits, bringing with it some of the best commentary in any game, which is extremely informative and can really help during bouts.

Personally co-op was one of my favorite aspects of GRAW1 and I was blown away with the amount of effort Ubisoft put into it this time around.

The presentation is superbly polished, and having McCaffrey on board makes the Max magic happen all over again.