2008 is forever going to go down in history as one of the greatest years for the gaming industry. No matter which platform or genre you follow religiously, there was something for everyone. To the casual gamer to the hardcore, there is something that will appeal to you. This is just one person’s modest opinion of what stood out in 2008.

1) Dead Space (XBOX 360, PS3, PC)

You are Isaac Clarke, engineer and resident badass. Stepping onto the USG Ishimura you are dragged into the beautifully twisted, horrifying atmosphere from start to finish. In an industry plagued by sequels and rehashes EA decided to start a new IP, and they did everything right. From the first five seconds of the game you are pulled into the atmosphere, and you never know where a Necromorph is going to hop out, knock you over, slice your head off, and make you soil yourself.

2) Fallout 3 (XBOX 360, PS3, PC)

Bethesda took a chance, moved away from their running Elder Scrolls series, and brought players back to the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout. You take the role as a resident of Vault 101 who leaves after his father disappears, something that never happens in the Vault. You are thrown into a sprawling wasteland, interacting with other survivors and looking for the secrets it has to offer. You will lose hundreds of hours to the desolate world of Fallout 3.

3) Braid (XBOX 360)

Platforming and manipulation of time have been done before, but never in a way so artistic, so simple, and so beautifully before. You play the role of a man named Tim, searching for a princess. This is a game that has to be experienced to truly see the beauty that this game truly beholds. If you think games aren’t art, Braid would like to speak with you.

4) Little Big Planet (PS3)

Media Molecule decided to do something different in the platforming genre, and made a game that is fun, addictive, and you can always find something new. With Little Big Planets’ level editor you are bound to find something new from the community every week. This game is bound to entertain and grow in the future.

5) Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3)

Metal Gear Solid 4 is a return to the series, ending the story of Solid Snake. The game gives you a rollercoaster ride throughout the final chapter of Snakes’ legacy. While a major complaint is that you spend more time watching the game unfold before you rather than playing it, it simply must be experiences. The writing, the characters, the world will draw you in from start to finish. You will find yourself going through a full set of emotions from start to finish.

6) Patapon (PSP)

Patapon is one of the few reasons that everyone should own a PS3. Featuring a mix of a rhythm-tactic-god game you will find yourself immediately addicted. You control a group of “Patapons” by using different rhythm combos to control their actions. This addictive, stylish game is a prime example that creative games still exist.

7) Castle Crashers (XBOX 360)

Castle Crashers is an XBOX Live arcade game developed by The Behemoth (same creators of Alien Hominid). The story is based on four knights as they chase down a wizard after his army steals a large magic crystal and four princesses from the palace. This stylized beat ‘em up will provide hours of entertainment as you and three friends run through mowing down anything in your path. If you miss games similar to Golden Axe you will want to give this game a shot.