Oliver Banham’s verdict on another strong year for the computer game industry

2007 was an utterly fantastic year for gaming, with some of the greatest games for generations surfacing. Highlights included the mighty BioShock (now released on PS3, a year later), Super Mario Galaxy, Call of Duty 4, Halo 3 and The Orange Box – a generous compilation of five stellar games, including the incredibly innovative Portal, and the amazing Half Life 2. It seemed that 2008 didn’t stand a chance in replicating its brilliance; luckily for us gamers, it’s arguably just as significant a year in gaming. Here are the top five releases of 2008. Games you must own.

1 – Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360, PS3, PC – release tba)

As the first next-gen GTA iteration, GTA IV carried a lot of weight on its shoulders. Its precursor, GTA: San Andreas, was generally well received, and presented the gamer with a truly massive game world. As always, developers Rockstar have delivered with the fourth game, offering gamers highly impressive visuals, a realistically crafted game world and the most memorable characters to date in a GTA game. You could argue it’s an overrated game with its critical reception, but you can’t quibble over its overall brilliance. A PC release date is yet to be announced, so rest your Dell PC till then and enjoy it on a console.

2 – Little Big Planet (PS3)

This year, Sony needed to pull out something big, and with the introduction of Little Big Planet, they’ve just about managed it. Now the full game is out, its achievements are really beginning to be appreciated. Offering gamers an extremely extensive creation tool, as well as a sterling platforming game and massive online community, Little Big Planet represents everything great about gaming.

3 – Gears of War 2 (Xbox 360)

The first Gears of War was received with unanimous praise from critics and gamers alike, and deservedly so: it demonstrated an unprecedented level of polish in all departments. The sequel builds on the original’s breathtaking graphics and involving online play, and is sure to convert those who maybe didn’t warm to the original as much as they would’ve liked.

4 – Fallout 3 (PC, Xbox 360, PS3)

Continuing with this theme of sequels, Fallout 3 had a lot to live up to with both Fallout 1 and 2 a firm favourite between many devoted PC Gamers. Generally regarded as working best on the PC, Fallout 3 is everything fans were hoping for and more, with a stunningly deep world and so many endless possibilities. Much like the developer’s other series, The Elder Scrolls, Fallout 3 is the very definition of epic. For those running a Dell XPS or similar Alienware PC, you can’t go far wrong here.

5 – Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3)

Supposedly the last MGS title in the series, Metal Gear Solid 4 is very much a fan’s game. It may not reign in gamers who have never taken an interest in the series, but it sure does entertain the devoted MGS clan in ways never seen before. With some genius gameplay additions, high-quality cut-scenes and a story that answers many questions of the MGS universe, Metal Gear Solid 4 is a must for pretty much every PS3 owner.