The absolute best thing about Civilization IV is that previous experience with the series (or strategy games for that matter) isn’t necessary.

One of the most viscerally intense, emotionally entrapping, and downright gorgeous gaming experiences to ever hit a home console.

One of the best damn games ever, period. This is definitely at the top of my list for Game of the Year, due to addicting gameplay, fantastic presentation, some of the coolest looking blood ever in a game, and a combat system that is relatively second-to-none.

One of the best damn games ever, period. This is definitely at the top of my list for Game of the Year, due to addicting gameplay, fantastic presentation, some of the coolest looking blood ever in a game, and a combat system that is relatively second-to-none.

You absolutely, positively must buy this game if you own a PS2 – it’s that simple.

One of the best damn games ever, period. This is definitely at the top of my list for Game of the Year, due to addicting gameplay, fantastic presentation, some of the coolest looking blood ever in a game, and a combat system that is relatively second-to-none.

This is probably the best thirty bucks you'll spend on a game this year in terms of bang for your gaming buck.

One of the best damn games ever, period. This is definitely at the top of my list for Game of the Year, due to addicting gameplay, fantastic presentation, some of the coolest looking blood ever in a game, and a combat system that is relatively second-to-none.

A fantastic adventure that really draws the player into an emotional story with dramatic gameplay. The colossi battles are the greatest 16 boss battles you’ll ever play, and the later colossi really test your wits and patience.

In its elegant simplicity DQVIII comes together as one damn near flawless RPG that exemplifies superb game design, narrative work and presentation all in one sweeping stroke.

Hands-down, one of the best games I've played, period, and I've been gaming for over 30 years. Whether Raz is going at it with a masked wrestler or stomping down the streets of a mental city at 50 stories tall, there's nothing out there like this.

One of the best all-around games ever made.

Except for the slow first few hours of the game and an occasionally annoying camera, MGS 3 is damn near a perfect game.

One of the best combat systems ever created.

It’ll push your rigs to its limits, and when it does, you’ll know why Call of Duty 2 is one of the most visceral, exciting, and blisteringly addictive experiences in gaming ever.

I knew to expect greatness coming into playing the game for the first time, however words simply can't describe how blown away I am at how remarkable (and insanely addictive) it truly is. Not only is Dual Strike the best DS game to date and the best strategy game of the year so far, but it’s also one of the best overall games I've played all year.

If you've got an Xbox and want a superb gaming experience that will have you glued to your seat, sweaty palms and all for a solid 15-20 hours, absolutely buy Half-Life 2, no questions asked.

Anyone looking for an engrossing online RPG experience without a monthly fee draining your wallet, Guild Wars is the game you simply must own.

Easily the best console FPS experience I’ve played this generation.

The few rare problems in this game are able to go unnoticed without a second thought. For any true football fan that doesn’t own this game, you should feel very empty inside...very, very empty.

The scale, beauty and immersion of the game’s open-ended world is unprecedented, the character creation and progression systems are deep and involving and the gameplay that backs it all up is solid and insatiably addictive.

In plain English, don’t ask, "What’s it like?"- Just buy it, play it, and spread the word to anyone you know who’s a gamer about it by any legal means necessary.

The scale, beauty and immersion of the game’s open-ended world is unprecedented, the character creation and progression systems are deep and involving and the gameplay that backs it all up is solid and insatiably addictive.

And it goes like this... if you have a PS2 and even a passing interest in music, you need Guitar Hero- it’s that simple.

Sure, many of the bonus features could’ve been beefed up a bit more, but considering you’re getting the same masterful Devil May Cry 3 package with solid new content at a bargain basement price, there’s absolutely no reason not to go out and treat yourself to this action classic right away, whether you own the original already or not.

The few rare problems in this game are able to go unnoticed without a second thought. For any true football fan that doesn't own this game, you should feel very empty inside...very, very empty.

Easily the best console FPS experience I've played this generation.

Every aspect of the game has improved and that's saying a lot seeing as the first game was so brilliant.