5. Shadow Complex (Xbox Live) - First off I’m not going to categorize my top five. So yes, number five is a DLC game. And one of the best download games I have ever played with a mixture of Indian Jones, Metroid, and Science fiction with some political intrigue in the backround.  Fun story and unique enough weapons and gameplay make this game stand out. If you haven’t yet played, this side scrolling adventure is worth your time.

4. Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360) - My favorite Halo game to date (coming from a Halo fanboy). Scepticism was brushed aside the minute this game came out of the plastic and into my Xbox. With a decent story, gorgeous visuals, amazing soundtrack, and an all new and very fun gameplay scheme, this game gave me plenty of enjoyment.  Throw in firefight with some friends and most Halo fans have enough goodies…But wait! You say I get the entire multiplayer of Halo 3 with new maps on a second disc? Great damn game.

3. Resistance: Retribution (Sony PSP) - Hands down one of the best titles to hit my little black oval. I have never considered myself a fan of this franchise but this game gave me everything a handheld title should. Fun shooting layout, good visuals, and tons and tons of new and old Chimera (baddies) to kill. This game was a blast to play from title screen to end credits and when push comes to shove that’s all you should be asking for.  Make it unique and fun enough, like this game here, and you make my number three spot on my not so coveted top 5.

2. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (Nintendo DS) - Well what can I say? It’s been a while since I’ve swung a keyblade but hey, It’s like riding a bike. And like that old companion rusting away in the garage, Kingdom Hearts was a joy to pick up and play again. Albeit on a new platform and with other characters but the metaphor stands.  The fusion of Final Fantasy and Disney holds true here as you explore Disney worlds and fight off the Heartless.  Though no RPG is quite like this franchise the DS does have a few options when it comes to fans of that genre. But the new unique leveling up system and a fun, though slightly esoteric, story make this game one for books. If you like Kingdom Hearts one or two you can bet your Genie Lamp you will like this one.

1. Batman: Arkham Asylum (Playstation 3) – There simply isn’t enough that can be said about this game.  It makes you feel like you’re controlling Batman. Between grappling up on a seven story building or kicking the crap out of seven thugs simultaneously you just feel like you’re hiding that your last name is Wayne.  Then you have this story that seems to come right out of the animated series, where most of us fell in love with the Caped Crusader. Then you have tech abilities that give the game even further dimension. Combat is slightly repetitive but this game comes across in how great it is presented.  The eye candy never dips so you always feel in the moment as Batman.  And there is plenty to see and do to keep the scourge of the Gotham underworld busy.  If someone told you you’d like this game they were probably right.  The best game of the year should go to the best all around experience and this, Gothomites, is it.

If you’re a fan of Star Wars-esque RPG fun , then you should be playing Mass Effect and excited as all hell for the Sequel.

For those of you who have played Mass Effect, you have no doubt noticed some Star Wars-esque elements to the game. Especially in the art design. And there is no shame in this, a lot of great games pull from amazing film and franchise elements.  For those who haven’t (and if you call yourself a Star Wars fan) at LEAST rent Mass Effect and play it for a while. The character charm and the intense pull and believability this universe has will entrance you. As well as an RPG that makes a lot of must own lists. Hopefully you will find yourself playing and wonder, “Where did the last four hours go?”

The strength of the game is in the gameplay mechanic, but the story is no slouch.  An action style shooter where you level up you and your teams abilities varying from your health and weapon proficiency to biotic (force) abilities. Meanwhile the story is pulling you through several galaxies as you unravel one of the coolest video game plots in history.  The characters are fun to talk to and side quests for some delve further into their already rich histories.  And here you will see more Star Wars similarities in the look and feel of certain alien species.  Playing through this game multiple times is a must in order to take advantage of multiple class choices and story arcs.  And for those returning please don’t play a soldier again, there are way funner classes.  The Vanguard and Infiltrator classes are two great choices.

In short how great the first one is plays in to how excited one can be for the sequel. Story and character based decisions will play over, so you will have a seamless and movie like video game experience.  They have improved the classes (yet another reason not to play a boring soldier class).  And the scale of the game has been turned up a notch, with a large roster of characters both returning and new, as well as a much larger section of universe to explore.  If you have yet to enjoy this wonderful game, then you have just under two weeks to take in it’s beauty before the sequel takes you on another unforgettable ride.