2008 was a year that saw various sequels and introduced a franchises that surprised the gaming community. Online cooperative play was a big theme this year and as usual, there were plenty of first-person-shooters to play. It wasn't easy, but we've narrowed down this year's releases to a select few. In no specific order, here are our picks for the top 10 video games of 2008.
Jeff Bakalar
Jeff is CNET Editor at Large and a host for CNET video. He's regularly featured on CBS and CBSN. He founded the site's longest-running podcast, The 404 Show, which ran for 10 years. He's currently featured on Giant Bomb's Giant Beastcast podcast and has an unhealthy obsession with ice hockey and pinball.
The Grand Theft Auto series has become not just a video game phenomenon, but a cultural one as well. With GTA IV, Rockstar Games showed that not only can GTA be fun to play, but it can tell a captivating story in the process. Read the full review of Grand Theft Auto IV.
2 of 10
Gears of War 2 (Xbox 360)
The follow-up to the 2006 blockbuster shooter features more weapons, new enemies, and plenty of gore. This time around, the battle to rid an alien race from Earth sends Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad underground to destroy the enemy from within. Not only is Gears of War 2 an intense roller coaster of nonstop action, it is arguably the best-looking game out there. Read the full review of Gears of War 2.
3 of 10
Mario Kart Wii (Wii)
Mario Kart Wii is easily the best Nintendo Wii game of 2008. Classic Mario Kart features combined with a modern overhaul saw great graphics, addictive gameplay, and for the first time ever on a console, online multiplayer. Read the full review of Mario Kart Wii.
4 of 10
Little Big Planet (PS3)
Little Big Planet is a unique look at platform gaming, allowing the user to create levels and share them over the PlayStation Network. Impressive visuals and adorable "sackboy" characters allowed Little Big Planet to find its way into the hearts of gamers of all ages. Read the full review of Little Big Planet.
5 of 10
Professor Layton and the Curious Village (DS)
A DS title great for all ages, Professor Layton provides hours of unique puzzles to solve, all while telling the story of a murder in a strange fiction town. Inventive use of the touch screen and tons of replay value make this DS title of one the year's best. Read the full review of Professor Layton and the Curious Village.
6 of 10
God of War: Chains of Olympus (PSP)
Arguably the most impressive technical achievement on the PSP, Chains of Olympus somehow packed an enormous action title into a handheld experience. Great graphics and superb level design make this the best PSP game of 2008. Read the full review of God of War: Chains of Olympus.
7 of 10
Dead Space (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Easily the most terrifying game of 2008, Dead Space puts you on a spaceship that is inhabited by a demonic alien race. It's up to you to figure out what has happened to the hundreds of crew members as you try and survive yourself. This is one game you won't want to play with the lights off. Read the full review of Dead Space.
8 of 10
Resistance 2 (PS3)
The sequel to the hit PlayStation 3 launch title, Resistance 2 continues the historical fiction story of an alternate World War II scenario in which Earth is invaded by an alien race known as the Chimera. Resistance 2 is a huge jump in graphics and performance from the original--everything a great sequel should be. Read the full the review of Resistance 2.
9 of 10
Fallout 3 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
The highly anticipated role-playing-game Fallout 3 has finally been released and it certainly does not disappoint. You play a resident of Vault 101 who must venture out into a post-apocalyptic Washington D.C. in search of your father. The game's open-world design is sure to keep anyone busy for months. Read the full review of Fallout 3.
10 of 10
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)
Metal Gear Solid 4 finishes the legendary franchise of stealth action games with the most ambitious combination of storytelling and gameplay to date. With literally hours of cutscenes and cinematics, you've never experienced anything like it in the world of video games. Read the full review of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.
