With 2008 well wrapped up and done it’s clear to see it was quite a year. After the stellar line-up of ’07 few were expecting ’08 to pack as much of a punch as it certainly did, shaping up in my opinion as a step above 2007 with many huge releases still being played into the new year.

Some big titles are already out and on the horizon for 2009 so it’s time to get down to the essentials of ’08 and make sure nothing is missed before the New Year consumes us all.

The following is a list of my favourite games released in 2008. Despite trying, my mere mortal self was not able to play every single game released last year. Unfortunately until I learn to complete multiple titles at once or invent some form of game skill enhancing bio-augmentation this will be the case, so take the following as only my personal picks for the best ten games of last year.

10. Gears of War 2
XBOX 360

For me Gears of War 2 is a multiplayer experience. Not having completed either installments single player component the variety of online options plus Horde mode have been quite entertaining on XBOX Live over the past few months. Despite a drab colour scheme and generally bland environment GoW 2 still managed to knock the graphics bar on the 360 up a notch and with some severe action and brutality too. Gears of War 2 is an engaging experience and essential for any XBOX Live fan.

9. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
XBOX 360, Playstation 3, PC

On the brighter end of colour schemes lies Red Alert 3, a vibrant strategy title from Electronic Arts that continues the popular series legacy with a wacky story and unique units such as Armored Bears and Sonic Dolphins.
With console counterparts that should be completely ignored for the only viable PC option, Red Alert 3 has a lot of charm with a co-operative single player campaign and addictive multiplayer modes that flesh out a worthy Command & Conquer installment.

8. Dead Space
XBOX 360, Playstation 3, PC

Dead Space did little that was new, but what it did, it did well. Chilling audio with impressive graphics lends itself greatly to establishing an atmospheric and spooky setting through an exciting adventure full of gore and guts and everything that makes third person survival horror great.
Similar to Resident Evil, Dead Space showed continual refinement of a popular genre that stands to gain a lot when utilising the power of next gen systems. Everything has tremendous polish that lends to establishing a true horror setting with convincing sound and graphics creating a very authentic experience. Hopefully the story can be branched out a little more in the upcoming sequels already in development.

7. Saints Row 2
XBOX 360, Playstation 3, PC

Saints Row 2 is hilarious. Where Grand Theft Auto IV was a more serious and refined third person action adventure, Saints Row 2 went the opposite direction, creating a crazy city of extreme characters and objectives that is a complete hoot to play through.
A few bugs and slow down problems could have used some work, but Saints Row 2 plays out well enough to support the piles of content there is to explore around Stilwater City, even with an online co-op partner.

6. LittleBigPlanet
Playstation 3

LittleBigPlanet is one of the most revolutionary titles to emerge from 2008. Letting players make their own game, the level editing tools and sudden devoted fan base have created an instant classic out of LittleBigPlanet.
Of course the gameplay is simple, but this isn’t the point. Every time LBP is booted up, a new world is presented to explore and create and thanks to a versatile engine with impressive graphics and user-friendly tools LBP will be continually rewarding for years to come.

5. Left 4 Dead
PC, XBOX 360

Left 4 Dead proves that the right concept can really make a game. Teaming up with three friends to endure a zombie apocalypse is a bonding experience many love to share over and over and over again.
Redefining co-operative FPS multiplayer, L4D lets friends truly team up to endure each scenario together, if only there weren’t so few to play through L4D would be a bit more of a worthy purchase at full price.

4. Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Wii

Multiplayer has been a big focus of the gaming industry in the past year, and what better way to top-off a friend-friendly year than with the granddaddy of multiplayer fighting games, Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Brawl has hit the Nintendo Wii in a big way, bringing a huge cast of new characters and features into the array to create an incredibly addictive and frenetic beat-em-up styled fighting romp. Four friends on a couch has always been the Brawling way, but now with added online multiplayer Brawl is a phenomenal fighter that’ll always give the more devoted gamers a reason to dust off their Wii.

3. Grand Theft Auto IV
XBOX 360, Playstation 3, PC

GTA IV is undoubtedly the biggest release of 2008. If immense critical acclaim wasn’t enough of an achievement, widespread controversy and publicity over a long established and popular series smashed Grand Theft Auto IV through all sorts of media sales records.
The publicity wasn’t ill placed, as GTA IV is indeed a stellar hit and exemplary action adventure game. The series traditional blend of driving and shooting action was revamped into a new modern engine that brought a redesigned Liberty City to life with new characters and sophisticated narrative.

2. Metal Gear Solid 4
Playstation 3

Metal Gear Solid 4 is an immense achievement in both technical prowess and storytelling. A fitting conclusion to the legacy that is Solid Snake, the man has certainly seen a lot in his time and Metal Gear Solid 4 is a perfect swansong for a gaming hero.
Arguably the greatest Playstation 3 game available, Snake has never look so chiseled and detailed before in a new immersive environment that used the consoles power to enhance the tactical stealth based gameplay. With more video segments than a full length movie, MGS 4 took the story to the extreme where the excessive and convoluted plot has never made more sense than in this thrilling conclusion.

1. Fallout 3
XBOX 360, Playstation 3, PC

Roaming the wastelands of Fallout 3 is the most authentic and expansive experience I can recall a video game providing in some time. Fallout 3 is immeasurable, an open universe completely susceptible to a players actions and decisions as they craft their way through their own epic journey.
Fallout 3 lets players really feel a significant role when playing a role playing game. Most quests can be approached and accomplished in numerous ways opening up for vast replayability, and the extra hidden content around the capital wasteland adds just so much more.
There’s always more to do in Fallout 3 and with new DLC available it’s one of the most expansive and rewarding RPG’s available. While similarities to the first two titles are few, Bethesda has managed to retain the series style of humour and presentation in another RPG of truly massive scope.

Honourable Mentions –

De Blob (Wii)

Star Wars The Force Unleashed (XBOX 360, PS3)

Burnout Paradise (XBOX 360, PS3, PC)

So how was your 2008? Think I missed or misplaced something? Let me know in the comments box below!