War never changes. Sometimes developers do, which is exactly what happened when Bethesda took over and resurrected the classic Fallout franchise. The result? Only one of the best open-world RPGs in recent memory. It’s a game that asks you just how you’ll survive the apocalypse, and what lengths you’ll go to do so.

2. Left 4 Dead
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Valve
Platform: PC , Xbox 360

Valve learned from TF2 and Portal that characterization and clever writing can make a good game great, and from Michael Jackson’s Thriller that zombies can make a great game excellent. The levels were bite-sized, the Director ensured that every playthrough felt like a new experience. Also, Francis made hating Ayn Rand cool again.

3. Grand Theft Auto IV
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar North
Platform: PC , PS3 , Xbox 360

While San Andreas was the bloated behemoth that took the GTA series to its extremes, Grand Theft Auto IV took the franchise back to basics, focusing on Rockstar’s masterful ability to create a world brimming with life and character. But it was Liberty City that stole the show, its streets and back alleys a buzzing metropolis that’s an absolute joy to get lost in.

4. LittleBigPlanet
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Media Molecule
Platform: PS3

Want a game? How about a beautiful platformer packed with ingenious levels, catchy tunes, and plenty of adorable outfits for your character? What about a game with all of that and the ability to make your own levels, upload them, and download other people’s work for free. That’s LittleBigPlanet. That’s groovy.

5. World of Goo
Publisher: 2D Boy
Developer: 2D Boy
Platform: PC , Wii

The best WiiWare game wasn’t made by Nintendo – it was made by two guys working in coffee shops. World of Goo makes great use of the Wii’s unique controls, resulting in an experience that avoids gimmicks. Fantastic art and sound and addictive physics-based gameplay earned Goo our Wii Game of the Year award in 2008.

6. Mirror’s Edge
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: DICE Sweden (Digital Illusions)
Platform: PC , PS3 , Xbox 360

While most first-person games on current-gen platforms have emphasized shooting, Mirror’s Edge was trying something new. This visually striking title was all about running. Players guided the brilliantly-designed heroine, Faith, over gleaming rooftops and through dark sewers in an effort to clear her sister’s name. Mirror’s Edge was one of the definite highlights of 2008.

7. Prince of Persia
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Platform: PC , PS3 , Xbox 360

Sands of Time might still be the fan favourite Prince of Persia outing but this next-gen reimaging took a brave stab at bringing the series into a new era. Gorgeous cell-shaded visuals and heart-racing acrobatic platforming offered exemplary action, only marred by a slightly repetitive structure. Ubisoft has ditched the fresh direction for its newest movie tie-in and it’s sad to think this delightful offering might be one of a kind.

8. Braid
Publisher: Number None Inc.
Developer: Number None Inc.
Platform: Xbox 360

Like Sands of Time, Braid is built on a time-manipulation mechanic. But instead of rewinding boo-boos, you create doppelgangers to help solve wicked puzzles. Combined with a classic, 2D side-scroller aesthetic, Braid broke out as one of the best XBLA games of 2008 and demands a sequel. Preferably in 2010, please.

9. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Kojima Productions
Platform: PS3

Old Snake took PS3 owners on a strange and obtuse journey through aged care, dementia and – no. Wait. It was all about war never changing, blurred lines of responsibility, cooking eggs in a pan on a plane鈥攍ook. Nobody knew what the heck was going on in MGS4, but it sure was pretty and the boss fights were pretty cool, I guess.

10. Dead Space
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: EA Redwood Shores Studio
Platform: PC , PS3 , Xbox 360

In a time when survival-horror games are few and far between, it was Electronic Arts who rose to the challenge and delivered one of the most frightening games of this generation in Dead Space. Its blend of Aliens, Event Horizon, and other classic horror flicks meld with wonderfully refined gameplay to deliver a memorably haunting experience.

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