TV Verdict

It’s that time of the year, when every website in the English-speaking world poops out a Top Ten List of some sort, so who are we to break from the pack? Nonconformity will not be a New Year’s resolution around these parts.

Before I continue, a heads up. I do own a PS3, which I do enjoy, but mainly for its Blu-ray capability. Games like Little Big Planet, Resistance 2 and Metal Gear Solid 4 are no doubt super titles, so Sony fanboys don’t take this 360-centric list as a slight. As far as the Wii? @#$% that %@#$.

10. Guitar Hero 4
The interface is clumsier than Rock Band’s and the set-list isn’t as great, but only one word needs be uttered: Tool.

9. Dead Space
Survival horror and space and aliens are video game elements that have been used to varying effects, but EA–yes, that EA–has served up a top-shelf fusion. Creepy, atmospheric and at times startling in its jump-scare proficiency, Dead Space is excellent. And it looks awesome too.

8. Rock Band 2
Granted, it’s more or less an expansion pack, but the track list is dynamite (let’s hear it for “Come Out and Play”) and the added tweaks (no fail mode, easier band selection, better World Tour) make this Harmonix follow-up the king of the music game heap.

7. Castle Crashers
A fantastic throwback to 2D side-scrolling beat’em-ups, The Behemoth’s XBLA effort is packed with fun gameplay and loads of humor. And with the online co-op patch finally released, this is one of the best four player adventures you could take.

6. Pure
I’m usually not one for racing games, but this ATV racer is fantastic, arcade fun. The tricks are ridiculous, the control is tight and the frame-rate is blazing. Pop in a custom soundtrack (I recommend Zebrahead) and roll.

5. Braid
Simple, elegant and unlike anything you’ve played before.

4. Prince of Persia
It’s fairly easy and the Prince is more like the Prick of Persia, but Holy Cow is this a beautiful game. It’s also fun, wonderfully scored and features an authentically moving story.

3. Gears of War 2
I might actually prefer the single player campaign in the first game, nonsense storyline and all, but there is no denying the A-list execution for Epic’s sequel. It’s visceral and bloody and thrilling and Horde mode is some of the most multiplayer fun I’ve had. Ever.

2. Fable 2
Thank you Lionhead. The hype was realized. Fable 2 features real consequences to your actions and one of the best AI sidekicks ever and a legion of fun side quests, but the real charm is the astonishing level of creativity that is found in any corner of Albion. Even the item descriptions are hilarious. This game deserves every amount of praise it’s received.

1. Ninja Gaiden 2
This is nowhere to be found on any video game Top Ten list I’ve seen. And the forum word of mouth is that players were disappointed. For the life of me I can not understand why. Not only is Team Ninja’s action masterpiece the best action game of the year–by far–but in my estimation it’s the greatest action game of all time. Yes that includes you Streets of Rage 2. The control is the tightest around and the new additions–the blood, de-limbing, Ninpo, added weapons–render the original archaic. Man I love this game. I’ve played through it more times than I can remember. The Underworld Drop? So bad-ass.

Honorable Mentions Because These Games Are Reportedly Awesome But I Haven’t Gotten to Them Yet: Fallout 3, Left 4 Dead, Far Cry 2, Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, Lost Odyssey

Most Overrated Game: GTA IV
Why was I expecting anything else? Just like all GTA games–fun at first, but the action grows stale fast.

Best Graphics: Prince of Persia
Seeing is believing.

Best Sound: Gears of War 2
Testosterone in aural form.

Best Boss Fight: Dead Space
That giant blob thing.

Goriest Moment: Gears of War 2
The reverse chainsaw enema.

Worst Emo Hair: Prince of Persia
I’m surprise he didn’t break out into a Flyleaf song mid grip slide.