Xbox 360 - The Greatest

Over the last 5 years the Xbox 360 has gathered a plethora of brilliant games all begging to be played. Some for the perfect gameplay, others for their story and several just for how ridiculously addictive they are. What I have decided to do for you is write a little list (or big if I get too excited) about the games that really should already be in your collection. While this list could get enormous I’ll mention particular game that will stay in your mind. These will be broken down by franchises too as I don’t want you to miss out on the original Mass Effect if I happen to write a 2 next to the title. 

Let me start:

Batman: Arkham Asylum – I’m guess the majority of you are probably fans of Batman and if not I’m sure this great game could change your mind. It doesn’t require you to know the comic lore or find out about his brilliant multimillion pound gadgets. Instead you will get an easy to learn, hard to perfect action-adventure game that really is exceptionally solid. If you liked ‘The Dark Knight’ then you will love this. It’s clear from the get go though that Rocksteady have experience with the Batman Universe. Their final product is so true to the world that even the loyalist of fan’s won’t find a fault with it. This is by far and away the best superhero inspired video game ever and the best thing to keep your fingers occupied on in anticipation for Arkham City.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – This game launched during a time when the Xbox 360  was still early in it’s life cycle and showed us first hand exactly what the new console could do. Bethesda are well known for their brilliant open world RPG’s and this is one of the best (only Morrowind trumps it in my opinion). The world was is fleshed out and feels alive. Featuring exceptionally compelling gameplay and story. Even now few games on the Xbox 360 have reached the high bar this game set upon it’s released and with Skyrim launching in November there is no better time to run around Tamriel.

Red Dead Redemption – Rockstar took what they learnt from Grand Theft Auto and created a vast open world game set in the west. The story was original and compelling with all sorts of interesting characters to interact with. Not only was the gameplay great but the story made you feel for the characters of the world around you. Rockstar have made whats great about GTA and basically added cowboys, The finale is one of the best pieces of storytelling on the current generation and one I’m sure will be spoken about for years to come.

Grand Theft Auto IV – While we are on the subject of Rockstar we should really mention GTA. The series has been a brilliant franchise but the most recent outing took the story in a new direction. The whole concept became even more serious while it’s main competition in Saints Row went the other way. While many expressed their dislike for it's new gritty direction many believe this to be the best installment yet. The level of detail has also stood firm over time with Liberty City looking better now then ever.

                      

Mass Effect 2 - This is one of the best series to have come out this generation; it takes choice and consequence to a whole new level. The story consequences are carried over and give this game the next generation feel. Combat is fluid but slightly varied in both. The cast of squad based characters are well crated rival the best in the industry. That said the lack of customisation is poor. Buy this series now and it has the hours to last you until Mass Effect 3 releases next year.

Fallout 3 - When Bethesda announced that they'd be developing a new Fallout title that would be played through a first-person perspective, fans of the franchise were outraged. The team at Bethesda stepped up to the plate though and delivered a witty open world RPG a'la the Elder Scrolls. The beautiful post apocalyptic world was fantastic. Obsidion also had a go with the highly recognised Las Vegas. The Characters even make you feel like helping them in this dark, hopeless time.

BioShock - No game this generation features a better plot twist than the original BioShock. The underwater world of Rapture was completely unique and Irrational games gave this one a dark twist too. Choices and consequences were the new words on everyones lips and enemy design was great. Take a journey into Rapture! The second one is great too and fleshes out the world from another perspective. 

Halo: Reach - Definitely the most complete game of the magnificent series so far. This was pretty much a homage to the brilliant outer space shooter. The Halo Universe has been a massive winner for Bungie and the life of the Xbox 360 for most of it's life. Halo 4 has been confirmed but is under the new watchful eye of 343 Industries. The prequel of the original series has a vast multiplayer with well handles map creation. With a plethora of gameplay options this game has far and away many hundreds of gameplay hours.