2006 was a great year for gaming. With some crap and some really good titles. Also, 2 new system launches, didnt really help my wallet (I was lucky enough to pick up a Wii on day one). Every system had a few (or just one *coughgamecubecough*) really good games, so i'll try and compress all the great titles i've played this year into a top 10 list. (btw, spoilers)

10. Black
Platform: Playstation 2

At first, this game just blows you away. I had to double check if this was a PS2 game, because these are without a doubt, some of the BEST graphics a playstation 2 can pump out. Criterion Games did a spectacular job with this first-person shooter. The weapons actually feel real, and each bullet takes a big bite out of every enemy, building, piece of scenery, tree, door, gas tank, almost anything you see in this game can be blown apart. The explosions and destruction in this game are astounding, and they really make you drop your jaw in awe as you play through this 8 hour shooter.

But even though this game has a ton of good things about it, there are a lot of quirks that can turn you off quickly. First of all, the enemies take about 15-20 shots to kill, which is a total pain because the game is pretty damn hard, and it's annoying to go back to a checkpoint 20 minutes back just because you run out of ammo and have to resort to the pistol when theres 5 or 6 enemies out to get you. The biggest fault is the replay value, because there is none. The first time you play through is all you need to satisfy your needs, and the novelty wears thin after that.

A title that definitely deserves to be in the top 10 for technical achievement, but if it had tried a bit harder, it would've been a lot higher on this list.

9. Xenosaga Episode 3: Also Sprach Zarathustra
Platform: Playstation 2

As a fan of the Xenosaga series, I had to put this into my top 10. This installment was the best of all 3, it incorporated all the best elements of the previous 2 games and put it into one huge 50 hour package with a satisfying ending to an epic trilogy. Although the story was still confusing, it felt like most of the loose-end were finally tied up. I recommend only picking this one up if you've played and enjoyed the first two, or a rental if you've never played the other two before.

8. Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
Platform: Nintendo DS

Another year, another great Castlevania game. Just like last year's Dawn of Sorrow, this installment impresses on all fronts and leaves you satisfied after killing Dracula AND Death in one awesome climactic duel. The two character set-up reminded me a lot of Resident Evil 0. Its system wasnt used to that same extent, but some of the puzzles were similar.

What else can I say? Great Music, great gameplay, awesome levels, (although there are a ton of re-used rooms throughout the game), and characters make this game a worthy purchase with TONS of replay value. Another typical Castlevania, which isnt a bad thing at all.

So in conclusion, it's not as good as last year's Dawn of Sorrow, but only marginally. Overall, a great game.

7. Elite Beat Agents
Platform: Nintendo DS

Love rhythm games? Hate rhythm games? Either way, this game is for you, and thats what's so great about this title. This game is really overlooked, and more people should be buying this, because it really is one of this year's best titles. With tons of awesome songs that you'll shamefully admit to liking and great gameplay, you will be playing this for hours on end. The difficulty is perfect and the fun is all there. Go get it, it deserves more credit than it gets.

6. Guitar Hero 2
Platform: Playstation 2

Another rhythm action game for people who either love or hate the genre. Almost anyone can find this game to be fun and accessible. A definite improvement over the first one, which was astounding on its own. With updated graphics, more songs, more modes, better multiplayer and tons to unlock, you'll be rocking out with your tiny plastic guitar until your fingers literally melt or bend out of shape. Trust me, you'll NEVER stop.

5. Final Fantasy V
Platform: Game Boy Advance

WOW, a GBA game in the top 5? You bet. This re-make of one the most overlooked and greatest Final Fantasy in the whole series finally makes its way to the palm of your hand. The first game to incorporate the ATB system, a great, epic story and focusing mainly on combat and customization make this THE game for strategists or someone who just wants non-stop RPG action. I havent finished this game yet, but from what i've played so far, it is definitely one of the best the series has to offer, so go play it.

4. Okami
Platform: Playstation 2

This game was a truly refreshing experience. It felt new, and refined, with a great visual style that is rarely seen in today's videogames. The paintbrush system was fun all the way through, and it never felt like it dragged on, for all 40 hours of the game. Buy this now, support ingenuity and originality! If you dont have a Playstation 2, BUY ONE.

3. Gears of War
Platform: XBox 360

Good graphics. Awesome gameplay. Fun multiplayer. 'Nuff said.

2. Final Fantasy XII
Platform: Playstation 2

Another great installment in this on-going RPG series. Finally Squenix had the balls to change up the formula and break from the norm by changing the way you play the game. I had doubts about this title, but after playing it my opinion was greatly changed, and it had exceeded all my expectations.

With a great story, really good gameplay and a likeable cast of characters, this game is a definite buy. If you even remotely like RPG's, you'll love what Square-Enix has done with this truly epic and awe-inspiring game.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Platform: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Gamecube

This is really going to contradict everything i've said about this game, because to me, it was a great dissapointment as a HUGE Zelda fan. Ocarina of Time is my favourite game of all time, and this was meant as a love letter to everyone who loved it, so why did I think this one was dissapointing? Well, it just felt like it tried too hard to be like Ocarina, without really trying anything new and evolving the franchise like it should be. Its more of the same, but its Zelda, and if i look past my fanboyish view on the game I find a game I truly love.

The pacing of the game is surprising. It throws something new at you every step of the way, making it fun all the way through. It was epic, lengthy, but also too easy and dissapointing story-wise. But it's ZELDA, and you'll love it as I did, just because it's Zelda. So go play it, because it is THE game of the year. Rejoice, Zelda Fans.

Honorable Mention:

New Super Mario Bros.
Platform: Nintendo DS

Finally, a true sequel in the continuation of Super Mario games. Nintendo went back to the basics in this new installment and they also incorporated a few new elements that were introduced later in the 3D Mario games. This game is true Nintendo fan-service, and they do it extremely well.

The levels are well constructed, with lots of alternate paths and secrets to find, fun gameplay mechanics and addicting multiplayer. It's everything you expect from a Mario title, a definite Nintendo DS buy. If you've been dying for a new mario game, go get it, NOW.