1. Fallout 3 (360/PS3/PC) UFO V.A.T.S. vault 112 (spoilers)

Mass Effect was my game of the year last year, so I guess I have a thing for these epic sci-fi WRPG's. But Fallout 3 did not feel like the best game I played all year at first. Top 10 maybe, but this one grew on me over time more than anything else. It bears many hallmarks of a Bethesda title so it felt a lot like Oblivion right off the bat, both for better and worse, and it was tough for me to move past that. Eventually the game carved its own identity for me, and in the end the positives far outweighed any negatives or familiarities I experienced.

There's so much to take in, and many of the game's best moments are tucked away in the wasteland just begging for you to stumble upon. I didn't appreciate the full scope of the setting until a few dozen hours in, after I could look back on all the memorable situations and locations I had been through. The level of detail remains consistently high throughout, almost obsessively so, and it really makes the entire world come alive despite the fact that there's not a whole lot going on in D.C. after the bombs dropped. The VATS system works and I ended up really enjoying combat despite some rough early levels. Dialogue is impressive and quests are full of interesting choices. Explore vaults, radio channels, perks, Cherry, the Republic of Dave.. yep, Fallout 3 is huge.

Everyone won't be pleased here. The game has technical issues, stiff animation, requires a big time investment and there's a pretty underwhelming epilogue waiting at the end of the main story. None of that really mattered to me after a point. The more I played, the more I found inspired and memorable new content around every corner (or green arrow). And when that keeps happening over dozens of hours in a world as interesting and engrossing as Fallout 3's, it can leave quite an impression.

2. The World Ends With You (DS) review

This feels right coming in at #2, it's my favorite DS title yet after all. What more could I ask for? There's a unique story that keeps you guessing until the end, characters that evolve, addictive and original gameplay mechanics, great music, great art style, and tons to do after finishing the game. The dual screen combat is button mashy (stylus scribbly?) fun and surprisingly deep. Everything occurs in modern day Shibuya and it's a distinctly Japanese setting, even as the game itself plays like no JRPG before it. Fashion trends will be changed, thoughts will be replaced, beefy ramen will be eaten. A stellar DS title from beginning to end, one that should not be overlooked.

I live in Brooklyn and have been near the city all my life, so to play around in such an entertaining facsimile was half the fun of GTAIV for me. Being the best overall game in the series yet helps too, and though missions start to drag at around the 3/4 mark it was still worth playing to the end and I'm glad I did. It's the best kind of pop culture satire, blending reality and fiction and telling an engrossing story of a troubled outsider to the states taking it in, making dry comments, killing for hire and seeing Ricky Gervais. You still steal cars and shoot stuff but with the realistic tone, the urge to go on crime rampages has diminished significantly. The game stands on it's own without all that stuff now.

4. Fable 2 (360)

So many aspects this game came out right.  The melee/ranged/magic combat system is perfect for an action RPG, the dog totally works, the visuals are distinct and unique, your decisions do affect the world and the humor is British. There's a solid main story and plenty of side content but don't be surprised if you find yourself getting diverted by farting and flexing and showing off severed heads to your adoring public. And you'll earn money from in game real estate ventures even while the game is off, providing incentive to return to the world of Albion regularly. Fight some bandits, buy more land, visit the wives, maybe some farting and flexing.

5. Burnout Paradise (360/PS3)

I've never been a huge racing fan but ended up taking a chance on Burnout Paradise due to the high reviews and word of mouth. The mission variety, tight control, seamless multiplayer and amazing sense of speed made for an addicting experience. I always felt engaged with my progression in the open world setting, exploring for jumps and hidden paths between challenges instead of navigating menus or loading screens. The amazing free DLC support is just icing on the cake, and the game is now my favorite entry in the racing genre yet.