The Shacknews Holiday Buyers' Guide 2007
We bring in a full panel of experts to help you pick the best holiday gaming gifts.
Shacknews is here for you, and we've brought in a full cast of gaming experts to lay down a solid list of recommendations. Or skip to the final page for a list by platform.
John "Duke" Pendergrass, Shacknews Diehard
Remember when this site only covered PC games? Those were the days. If it were up to me, it would still be just Quake, really. And bring back "Stuff that Sucks." Who the hell runs this site now, anyway?
Speaking of stuff that sucks, get that console crap off of the front page, if there even is one. Real games have guns. Guns that you shoot with a mouse and keyboard.
The Orange Box (Valve Software; PC, X360, PS3)
Now this is what I'm talking about. Five games with lots of action and shooting, including some of the best multiplayer around in Team Fortress 2. It's like 1998 all over again. The Half-Life games are some of the best around and this thing comes with all three of the Half-Life 2 ones. Portal has a lot less shooting, and it has a goofy song, which seems a little fruity to me. Everyone says it's great though, so what do I know? Just buy the PC version. (Review)
Crysis (Crytek; PC)
I just upgraded to an octocore CPU and four 8800GTs in double SLI, and this is pretty much the only game that does my rig justice. Plus, you can customize your guns. Totally leet. (Review)
BioShock (Irrational Games; PC, X360)
The System Shock 2 people made this, so big props there. It looks awesome, and the combat is pretty deep if you want it to be. Also I took a college class on Ayn Rand so I get all the references. (Review)
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. (GSC Game World; PC)
You can tell the guys who made this are old-school PC dudes. Rock on. Sure it's kind of buggy, but you can go pretty much anywhere, and it's brooding and open-ended and you shoot stuff a lot.
Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (Splash Damage; PC)
This is like Battlefield, but with more Quake. Hell yeah. They say it's coming to consoles, but it's on PC now. It has MegaTextures. Praise be to Carmack. (Demo, Preview)
Unreal Tournament 3 (Epic Games; PC)
I used to be all about Quake destroying UT, but I guess I'm getting soft. This game is pretty sweet too. The new Warfare node capture mode is fun, but you can't go wrong pwning fools in deathmatch. (Demo, Multiplayer Preview, Single-player Preview)
-C.R.
Little Jason Rosewood, Shacknews Diehard's Son
I've been saving my lunch money since kindergarten to buy video games instead of food. The secret is eating what I call a donutwich for breakfast--eggs, ham, and bacon smashed between two glazed donuts. You won't be hungry all day, I promise. My favorite games have lots of action but not a lot of violent stuff 'cause my dad says I'm not mature enough. I'm almost as tall as he is though and I'm way better at DDR so I don't see why. My dad's really strong so I guess he's right.
Metroid Prime 3 (Retro Studios; Wii)
This game's the most awesome of all the Metroid Prime games because you use the Wii remote to point galaxy-famous bounty hunter Samus Aran's arm cannon. (Did you know she's a girl? Probably not.) There's also lots of really cool places to explore and huge big bosses to fight. It is pretty tough but a lot of fun for anyone who likes games really. If I was a bounty hunter I'd be an awesome one like Boba Fett and Samus would be my girlfriend or wife. (Review)
Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (Insomniac Games; PS3)
So this is another Ratchet and Clank game but it's on PS3 so obviously it looks really good because of the Cell processor. It's really powerful maybe as powerful as my dad. Anyway there's lots of weapons and it's fun even though the story is pretty silly and doesn't have any wizards. (Preview)
Everyday Shooter (Queasy Games; PS3)
This game is awesome because it's only $10 (just one week's lunch money) and you download it from the PlayStation Store and play it right then. But it's even more great because you make music when you blow up the bad guys and every stage is a song and different from the last one and I'm going to play it right now 'cause I like it so much. (Preview, Interview)
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (Naughty Dog; PS3)
I saw this movie one time called Indian and Jones and this game is like that movie except a game kind of, but that movie didn't have an Indian in it just a guy whose last name was Jones. This game has pirates and you kill a lot of them. (Review)
Every Extend Extra Extreme (Q Entertainment; X360)
I'm really good at DDR (better than my dad) but it takes a lot of body energy so this game is great because you download it and it has cool techno music like DDR except you just explode lots of ships and guys. It takes mind energy but it's still cool to relax and the screen looks crazy like you smoked drugs maybe.
-C.B.
Colonel Bob, Professional Armchair General
Ever since I discovered these games and took 'em away from my idiot son, I've been havin' a hoot. Of course just like a lonely night with a bottle of Tennessee whiskey and a stack of dirty magazines, it's no substitute for a real piece of action--but like I said, his mother left after my second tour as Pfizer VP, so you do what you have to. Here are some of the best damn war games you can play without getting off your rocker.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Infinity Ward; PC, PS3, X360)
The AC-130 heavily-armored ground attack warplane is a thing of deadly beauty, and Call of Duty 4 brings it right into my living room. Picking off tangos from 20,000 feet has never felt this good, and when I get a little frisky and hit my own boys, there's no pesky court martial to deal with. Mostly it's a big damn modern first person shooter that drops you right into the suck. And I hear this multiplayer thing is fun for the kids, but I don't let little faggots call me a faggot without answering for it. (Demo, Preview)
World in Conflict (Massive Entertainment; PC)
My hunting buddy turned me on to this one, and let me tell you, this real time strategy is a darn good time. Plenty of realistic military units, carpet bombing, and nuclear combat toe-to-toe with the Russkies. The world of my dreams, all wrapped up in one slick package. (Demo, Preview)
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts (Relic Entertainment; PC)
I saw a commercial for this on The History Channel, and boy am I sure glad I did. It's a heavy helping of double-u double-u two strategy, with some neat whiz-bang effects. You can play as the German Panzer Elites, but I'd sooner dress up in women's clothing and stand on a corner across from the Carlton than turn traitor.
Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword (Firaxis Games; PC)
Here's a game for real men. This pack adds corporations to the mix of turn-based strategy, fulfilling my dream of running my own military-industrial complex. I name all of my enemies Eisenhower. (Demo 1, Demo 2)
Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance (Gas Powered Games; PC)
My son tells me this "RTS" is about world-conquering robots and other childish nonsense. Jesus H. Christ. I should never have let his mother breastfeed him that long. (Impressions)
-N.B.
Turn the page for thoughts from Bobby Jr., Dick Wisnewski, and Susan Bennett. _PAGE_BREAK_
Bobby Jr., Armchair Tactician and Closet LARPer
My dad beat me and took away my sword Maximillian when he found out that me and my buddies go on valorous, magical adventures in the woods behind the shed. It was only on weekends, anyway. He said no son of his is going to prance around in tights like that.
Now I just play turn-based strategy RPGs, write Marth fan-fiction, and dream.
Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (Intelligent Systems; Wii)
Wikipedia says Fire Emblem started the whole strategy RPG thing in 1990, even though they only started bringing it to America in 2003. They're hard, but now this version lets you save in the middle of a battle. It's too bad it doesn't use the Wii's pointy thing at all, but at least it's in widescreen now so it looks better on our new TV. You can even bring over your characters from the GameCube's Fire Emblem--just not if your old save was in Easy Mode. (Impressions)
Front Mission (Square Enix; NDS)
This has giant robots instead of wizards and stuff, which is still pretty cool. It's still turn-based and tactical, and it originally came out on Super Nintendo. That system was awesome.
Jeanne d'Arc (Level-5; PSP)
We learned about Joan of Arc in school, and I think this is the same person, but this version is cooler because of the monsters and magic. It has animated cutscenes too. (Preview)
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (Square Enix; NDS)
Most of these games are split up into turns, but this one is real-time. It can be hard to deal with that on the small screen, but it's still fun, and it has all the characters from the PS2 game!
Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness (Nippon Ichi Software; PSP)
I've been waiting for this, like, forever. I mean, you can level your guys up to 9999. It's a remake of a PS2 game, but it has a new story mode and a multiplayer mode.
-C.R.
Dick Wisnewski, Dorm God
So I'm a freshman in college and I own every game system. People call me The Wiz or The Newski or The Wisnewski so I roll with whatever. Just know that once it's lights out in the dorms it's a party over here, hells yeah. I've got the best games to play with my dorm bros (and hoes, am I right? Actually it's not a co-ed dorm. Bummersville, yeah?). Anyway, if you wanna have a good time, check out these games for an instant party. Toss in a kegger and it's a done deal, my man.
Rock Band (Harmonix Music Systems; PS3, X360)
The party game to destroy all party games has arrived, brosef. Check it out: guitar, drums, mic, bass. That's four on the floor right there, all rocking out like crazytown to classic rock and tons of other great stuff. My favorite track is by the esteemed Sir Jon Bon Jovi of course: "Wanted Dead or Alive." Every time I play online I think about that one line, "I've seen a million faces, and I've rocked them all." I always sucked at guitar and drums, and singing for that matter, but I destroy at this game. (Guide)
Halo 3 (Bungie Studios; X360)
Uh, this game's called Halo. Ever heard of it? Halo 3 just came out, and it beats the crap out of Halo 2 online. You can also play four-player splitscreen if you want. Along with Cool Ranch Doritos, this is a party mainstay. (Single-player Review, Multiplayer Review)
Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action (Screenlife Games, WXP; X360)
Think you know a lot about movies? This game lets you go head to head with four friends, and everybody gets their own buzzer controller. FYI: I've seen Boondock Saints about 100 times, so bring your A-game if you want some of this. (Preview)
Guitar Hero 3 (Neversoft Entertainment, Vicarious Visions; PC, PS2, PS3, X360, Wii)
Only two people can play this at once, making Rock Band better for entertaining multiple bros, but this game has ridiculous speed-metal songs if you've got some thrashmetal friends that are into that kinda thing. (Guide, Preview)
Buzz! The Mega Quiz (Relentless Software; PS2)
This game is nuts because up to eight people can play at once. Nobody's left out, so everyone's feeling great, and The Wiz has succeeded at entertaining his guests. It only comes with four buzzers in the box, though, so you might have to get more.
-C.B.
Susan Bennett, Mother of Four
I like playing games with my kids. But sometimes bedtime hits a little early so I can get my game on unhindered by my younger children's underdeveloped hand-eye coordination. The games I buy can be played by my little girl Isabelle, but even my teenage son Jeremy and husband Roy get a kick out of most of them. Some of my girlfriends can't believe I play video games. Well I can't believe they read sappy romance novels or watch soap operas. I'm pretty sure I win (like usual).
Super Mario Galaxy (Nintendo EAD; Wii)
I played the first Mario Bros. in the Pizza Hut where Roy proposed to me, so it's always held a special place in my heart. I've also got a thing for guys with moustaches--Roy hasn't shaved in 28 years. This game's much different than that first title, but it made me fall in love with Mario all over again. Hopping around little planets and doing all kinds of kooky things. The little guy even gets to wear more cute costumes that give him powers. And my kids can even play together, with one of them collecting star bits for Mario. (Review)
Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Capcom; Wii)
My son Jeremy thought this game looked too childish at first. Once he saw little Roy Jr. play, he couldn't stand to wait his turn. You do fun little puzzles using the Wii's remote thingamabob, and it even costs less than most other games. (Preview)
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (Nintendo; NDS)
This game on the Nintendo DS has you telling a little elf-boy where to go with the stylus. You also get to draw on maps and use all sorts of fun tools. And the whole thing looks like the darn cutest little cartoon you ever saw.
LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Traveller's Tales; PS3, X360, Wii, NDS)
I love Star Wars. My kids love LEGOs. This game brings us together in a perfect union. The game has LEGO versions of every Star Wars movie, new and old. I still remember when I first saw Billy Dee Williams' mustache so many years ago.
Super Paper Mario (Intelligent Systems; Wii)
This game is kind of like those other RPGs, but much more fun. It doesn't get wrapped up in all those statistics and business, and keeps things going with lots of the usual side-to-side Mario-type action.
SimCity Societies (Tilted Mill Entertainment; PC)
I've been playing SimCity for a long time, but none of my kids ever really liked it. This game takes out the hard parts like managing public works in favor of "social energies." Sounds like such a different experience, I just may get a kick out of it as well. (Impressions)
-C.B.
Turn the page for picks by Sean Callahan, Lord Cloudstrife, and Uncle Larry. _PAGE_BREAK_
Sean Callahan, Part-time Knight
Living in my parent's basement and working the night-stocking shift, I
don't get out much. That doesn't matter though, because I've totally got
a rad D&D character, which would probably be even more fun if my friends actually came over ever.
Or if I had friends.
I keep busy with virtual worlds now. And my cat, Dahanese.
The Witcher (CD-Projekt; PC)
The Witcher is pretty much everything I'd ever wanted in a single-player
RPG. Chock full of cleavage and monster killing and moral compromises,
it's for mature audiences only, but don't let that stop you. Oh and the
combat actually requires you to pay attention instead
of just mindlessly clicking the mouse, like in Diablo (it's not an RPG!).
It's based on a book, one from Poland, no less, so you sound really
smart when you're talking about it and people are all "What's The
Witcher?" and you tell them it's a classic foreign allegory about racism. (Review)
Mass Effect (BioWare Corp.; X360)
It's got robots, aliens, a great dialogue system, suggestive encounters, and is one of the prettiest games on the Xbox
360. You should really own this. (Review)
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (Atlus; PS2)
One of the weirdest role-playing games I've ever seen, this has kids
shooting themselves in the head to summon monsters to uh, kill other
monsters. It's a...unique experience that is fun and well worth playing.
Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer (Obsidian Entertainment; PC)
Ah, more Dungeons and Dragons goodness comes to the PC. Updated rule
sets! The digital realization of fabled lands! Yes, yes, yes!
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion GOTY Edition (Bethesda Game Studios; PC, X360, PS3)
I lost myself in this big huge awesome world for months without
even actually getting anything done, and this version even has all the extra content that's
come out since it debuted. More importantly, it's got the voice of
Captain Picard himself, Patrick Stewart. Boomshakalaka! [What? -Ed.]
-C.F.
Lord Cloudstrife, Full-time Knight
I understand that you have homework to do, but seriously QQ more. This raid is more important than your education, man. Years from now, you're gonna think back to this time and wish you had had the guts to stand up to the Shadow Council. Unlike your fragile life, these worlds are persistent, and important. So get with the program, max out your mom's credit card, and become hooked on some of these massively multiplayer obsessions.
World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (Blizzard Entertainment; PC)
Oh sweet Azeroth, your bountiful battlegrounds never disappoint. If you don't play WoW you are missing out, especially with the awesome Wrath of the Lich King expansion pack on the way, which my GameStop manager tells me is going to have a new Death Knight hero class, cool! Also I would like to give a shout-out to my roommates John and Andy, aka Brilliex and Captainnando on Stormshroud. Clearing Karazhan with min heals ftw lol.
Lord of the Rings Online: The Shadows of Angmar (Turbine; PC)
My brother, my captain, my king. I keep my castle in this magical Tolkien-based MMO on Thursdays between 3-7 PM GMT. When you need a break from killing orcs, load it up to kill some orcs.
Hellgate: London (Flagship Studios; PC)
Waiting for patches is for bitches. This Diablo derivation is no slouch when it comes to combat, and though it has some bugs, it's still worth a few hundred days of your time. Tough it out and level up now, or you'll regret it later when I pwn you in a duel. (Review)
Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa (Destination Games; PC)
Where Lord British leads, I follow. This one is about spacemen, so there aren't any elves, but don't let that discourage you. It's all about the action MMO these days, and the Chinese guy I'm paying to play it for me says Tabula Rasa has a lot to offer. (Preview)
Everquest II: Rise of Kunark (Sony Online Entertainment; PC)
It's like going home. The Sarnak race looks pretty interesting and I'm sure the included lore will be extensive. I've completed three Wiki pages on the new zones, and if all goes well, I'll have a raiding guild up to level 80 in relatively little time provided we minimize bathroom breaks as planned. (Impressions)
Final Fantasy XI: Wings of the Goddess (Square Enix; PC, PS2, X360)
I don't play Final Fantasy XI, but I just installed a new gaming system in my secondary bathroom, so I'm willing to schedule a few minutes for a trial.
-N.B.
Uncle Larry, One-time Murder Suspect
After yet another mindless day at work, there's nothing like coming home
and killing some folks.
Innocent or not, they all die the same.
[Previous statements redacted by state-appointed legal counsel.]
Assassin's Creed (Ubisoft Montreal; X360, PS3)
True to its word, Assassin's Creed puts you in the role of a medieval
assassin tasked with taking out bad dudes. It's the perfect game for
hobbyist killers such as myself. Be stealthy and sneak through crowds, or
skip that whole mess and take to the roof tops. Or, you know, walk right
up to them. Even better, the bad guys often take off, providing that
oh-so-fulfilling thrill of the hunt. There's some other stuff to do too,
like collecting flags, but who wants that when there's killing to
be done? (Preview)
God of War 2 (SCE Studios Santa Monica; PS2)
Bloody, brutal, and relentless, Kratos gets even more pissed off about
his job and goes after his employers. I can relate.
Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition (Capcom; Wii)
Monsters aren't innocent, right? They're coming after me with
chainsaws and shit, of course I've got to shoot them in the head. It's
like, my civic duty, you know?
Manhunt 2 (Rockstar London, Rockstar Toronto, Rockstar Leeds; PS2, Wii, PSP)
Now here's a game that doesn't make any attempt to play things off.
You're a badass dude forced to kill other badass dudes in the most
violent ways possible. Hell. Yeah.
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (Capcom; Wii)
I'll never complain about getting to shoot more zombies in the head,
especially if it's in a light-gun retelling of past Resident Evil games. (Preview 1, Preview 2)
Crackdown (Realtime Worlds; X360)
Explore a giant city, take out pesky criminals and gangs, and then blow
some shit up and make citizens fear your law-given power. (Review)
Earth Defense Force 2017 (Sandlot; X360)
Speaking of blowing shit up, I'm not going to complain about taking out
wave after wave of old-time movie monsters, especially when a stray shot
can topple over a skyscraper.
Heavenly Sword (Ninja Theory; PS3)
Sexy, scantily clad female protagonist? Check. Legions of jerks asking
to die at the sword-wielding hands of said sexy gal? Sold. Preview 1, Preview 2)
-C.F.
Turn the page for recommendations from Chris Remo, Frisco Wilkins, and Steve Gibson. _PAGE_BREAK_
Chris Remo, Tired Traveler
You know you travel too much when the airport security guys recognize you by name on a regular basis. Yeah buddy, I was just here two days ago, thanks for noticing.
Quick tip for hairy men: keep your hair cropped close and your beard shorn to decrease your chances of the full carry-on luggage search. Really.
Picross DS (Jupiter; NDS)
Picross DS has been my go-to portable game since it was released. It's similar to Sudoku, another of my travel standbys, but the pictorial aspect makes it feel like there's more variety. Often, you can complete puzzles in single-digit minute counts, but if your flight is called to board the DS can be hibernated in a second. And if you get through the massive built-in library of puzzles, you can download new ones. Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport has free wi-fi.
Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day (Nintendo; NDS)
So Dr. Kawashima's first title already trained your brain. Here's its accurately-named sequel--just avoid the spoken-word exercises in public places. Plus, more of the best portable Sudoku around.
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (Infinite Interactive; NDS, PSP, PC)
On a long trip? You'll be addicted for a long time with a bizarre but oddly natural mix of quick Bejeweled-esque action and overarching RPG structure.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations (Capcom; NDS)
While your fellow travelers thumb through the latest rehashed-but-readable Grisham and Steel, you can click through the latest rehashed-but-playable Phoenix Wright adventure.
The New York Times Crosswords (Budcat Creations; NDS)
It's frustrating when someone has already take a half-assed attempt at the in-flight magazine crossword. You've got over a thousand puzzles here with a great stylus interface, and they're probably better than the airplane ones.
Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles (Konami; PSP)
This 3D-2D remake of the original Rondo of Blood is not only a fantastic action game on its own, but also contains a port of the classic Castlevania title Symphony of the Night.
-C.R.
Frisco "Iceman" Wilkins, Speed Enthusiast
Speed is the best drug around, and ever since I entered rehab, video games are my only option. Nothing matches the adrenaline of steering cars around a looped track 500 times in a row, the pure bladder-busting pain of it.
Here's what I'm playing with my right eye, while I follow NASCAR with leftie.
Trackmania United (Nadeo; PC)
If you love racing games you have no excuse for passing
up on the Trackmania games. None. Some of the most solid and precise feeling
controls ever on a racer. It's great for throwing on the laptop, but it really shines when you plug in a 360 controller or other pad.
You'll spend countless hours trying to shave seconds off your lap times.
Plus, unlike many games out there with editors that no one actually uses,
custom tracks are really quite popular online with the built-in download
system. Hop online and check out all the crazy stuff everyone is making.
Project Gotham Racing 4 (Bizarre Creations; X360)
There wasn't a whole lot wrong with Project Gotham Racing 3, but it
was mostly more of the same. The same could be said for Project Gotham Racing 4,
but it's gorgeous, and motorcycles are a nice addition
to the series. (Preview)
Forza Motorsport 2 (Turn 10; X360)
A solidly built racer with tons of customization options, Forza 2
will probably keep you occupied for a very, very long time.
DiRT (Codemasters; PC, PS3, X360)
Easily the best rally game in a while, DiRT takes
everything you love about rally racing and puts a fine polish on it. Purists will love the crossover tracks, and the big rigs and buggies offer up a
nice change of pace. (Demo)
MotorStorm (Evolution Studios; PS3)
This game is still looping on some PS3 demo machines at your
local Wal-Mart because it's just so pretty. The controls are more
arcade than simulation, but it's a good challenge despite the repetitive tracks getting a bit boring.
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation (Namco; X360)
Namco's classic combat sim series takes its latest main entry to a non-PlayStation platform, and has made the transition intact as one of the strongest recent entries in the franchise. Hori sells a special edition with the impressive Ace Edge flight stick.
-S.G.
Steve Gibson, Sports Fan
Life is a game, man. You wake up, you play some games, and then you go to a stadium and watch some more. Then your editors write your introduction while you're at a game. Sometimes you can dream about games if you sleep with a basketball for instance.
The best thing about video games--every game is like a $60 season ticket. And those just don't exist. Here are some games for you to play during the halftime of other games.
NBA Street Homecourt (EA Canada; PS3, X360)
You can't really go wrong with either NBA 2K8 or NBA Live 08, but if
you're looking for something else, you could do a lot worse
than NBA Street Homecourt. The 3-on-3 hoops game looks and plays
great, with the moves crazier than ever thanks to the Trick Remixer,
which allows you pull off various tracks using different buttons and
bumpers. The game certainly isn't very deep though, and where's the
announcer?
FIFA Soccer 08 (EA Canada; PC, PS3, PS2, Wii, NDS, PSP)
Winning Eleven Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 didn't bring much new to the
table this year, but EA Canada got this year's version of FIFA
right thanks to improved gameplay and an excellent number of
game modes.
MLB Power Pros (Konami; PS2, Wii)
Konami finally brought its big-in-Japan exaggerated baseball series stateside this year with MLB Power Pros for PS2 and Wii. Gameplay depth makes up for the limited use of Wii motion controls.
The BIGS (Blue Castle Games; PS2, PS3, X360, Wii, PSP)
For more baseball, take a swing at The BIGS. It's a fun,
arcade-style game for those of you tired of authentic simulations of
America's favorite pastime.
NHL 08 (EA Canada; PS2, PS3, X360, PC)
After introducing the skill stick to much praise in 07, EA took the
last step required to get a really great hockey game--getting the gameplay right. NHL 08 skates past 2K Games' NHL 2K
franchise with good AI and solid simulation of the NHL game.
-M.G.
_PAGE_BREAK_
So you like pretty much everything, but can't afford every one of those $400 systems, huh? Yeah, we know how that feels. Here's a comprehensive list of the Shack staff's top picks, organized by platform.
PC
- The Orange Box (FPS)
- World in Conflict (RTS)
- Crysis (FPS)
- BioShock (FPS)
- The Witcher (RPG)
- Unreal Tournament 3 (FPS)
Other Picks
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. (FPS)
- Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (FPS)
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (FPS)
- Hellgate: London (RPG)
- World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (MMORPG)
- Trackmania United (Racing)
PS3
- Rock Band (Music)
- Assassin's Creed (Assassination)
- Ratchet and Clank Future (Action Adventure)
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (FPS)
- Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (Action Adventure)
- Heavenly Sword (Action)
Other Picks
- LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Action)
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion GOTY Edition (RPG)
- Guitar Hero 3 (Music)
PS2
- God of War 2 (Action)
- Rogue Galaxy (Action RPG)
- Buzz! The Mega Quiz (Party)
- Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (RPG)
- Guitar Hero 3 (Budcat; Music)
Xbox 360
- Rock Band (Music)
- Halo 3 (FPS)
- The Orange Box (FPS)
- BioShock (FPS)
- Mass Effect (RPG)
- Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action (Party)
Other Picks
- Crackdown (Action)
- LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Action)
- Project Gotham Racing 4 (Racing)
- Forza Motorsport 2 (Racing)
- Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation (Flight)
- Earth Defense Force 2017 (Action)
- Call of Duty 4 (FPS)
- Guitar Hero 3 (Music)
- Assassin's Creed (Hired Murder)
Wii
- Super Mario Galaxy (Platformer)
- Metroid Prime 3 (FPS)
- Super Paper Mario (Action RPG)
- Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (Strategy)
- Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Adventure)
Other Picks
- Guitar Hero 3 (Music)
- LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Action)
- Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition (Action Adventure)
- Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (Action)
Nintendo DS
- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (Action Adventure)
- Front Mission (Strategy)
- Picross DS (Puzzle)
- Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day (Puzzle)
Other Picks
- Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (Strategy)
- LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Action)
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations (Puzzle)
- Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (Puzzle)
PSP
- Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (Action)
- Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles (Action)
- Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness (Strategy)
- Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (Puzzle)
Other Picks
- Jeanne d'Arc (Strategy)
- SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs: Tactical Strike (Strategy)
By Nick Breckon, Chris Remo, Carlos Bergfeld, Chris Faylor, Steve Gibson, and Maarten Goldstein.
