2008 Game(s) of the Year

Here my top 10 games for 2008:

10. Mega Man 9 (Wii)

Yes, it's hard, but this game single-handedly proves that interesting gameplay and tight controls trump great presentation. It's odd that a game straight outta 1988 was the best downloadable game of the year, but that's exactly what this was. A masterful effort, and I hope Capcom makes another one.

9. No More Heroes (Wii)

Really the only reason to play a disc-based Wii game all year, but an outstanding reason nonetheless. Brilliantly unique from start to finish. This game is $20 new at this point, which is the best value on the Wii. There is a reason they've announced a sequel in 2010: this game is awesome.

8. Prince of Persia (360 and P23)

Action/Adventures of somewhat of a dying breed, but not because of Ubisoft. This game has pretty much everything you want in the genre: incredibly atmospheric music and graphic style, interesting characters and story, and tight gameplay. Another outstanding effort, and a shining example as to why Ubisoft is one of the best 3rd party publishers/developers out there.

7. LittleBigPlanet (PS3)

The controls could be tighter, the launch could've been smoother, and I'm not quite as compelled to create levels as I originally thought. All that said, this is one of the most innovative games of the year and is great fun.

6. Rock Band 2 (All Platforms)

Not a huge upgrade from last year's game, but worth every penny and then some. The online challenges in particular will ensure that this remains fun for at least another year or two. This is still the class of the rhythm genre, and still one of the funnest games ever made.

5. Burnout Paradise (360 and PS3)

I haven't really enjoyed a racing game since the NES days (Super Off-Road and RC Pro-Am!). A ridiculous value at $60 before all the free DLC (and it's now $30) this game has the most content of the year and is still fun after nearly 100 hours of gameplay. Probably one of the best vehicle based games ever (certainly one of the most enjoyable).

4. Resistance 2 (PS3)

Best exclusive FPS on the PS3 yet. This game has fantastic multiplayer (both Co-op and competitive) and the Campaign mode has been unfairly criticized. Also, some of the most original FPS weapons of the year.

3. Gears of War 2 (360)

It's too bad the multiplayer had (actually still having after 2 patches) so many issues. This game, while not having my favorite story of all time, is simply incredible. Even better graphics and gameplay than the first one.

2. Fable 2 (360)

I didn't see this game coming at all. Thank God I rented this when I had a week off. This game gave me pinched nerves in my right hand from so being played for so many consecutive hours. One of my favorite games ever.

1. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)

BEST. GAME. EVER.

Also, the best movie of the year.

{Edit}: Looking back, there are some obviously glaring omissions from this list:

-GTA IV probably would be #11. Frustrating play control and lack of mission checkpoints kept it out of my Top 10.
-Left 4 Dead is a great game to play here and there over a long period of time, but my zest for story-driven games kept it of my list (the lack of content is being addressed, so this is one that could very well be better in 2009 than it was it 2008)
-Fallout 3 is an extremely popular game that bored the hell out of me most of the time.