Now that the gaming year of 2008 is over, it’s time to take a look back at some of the best titles released. There are top ten lists popping up all over the Internet, but this list is going to be a bit different. Instead of simply ranking what I consider the ten best games of the year, I am going to list them with no specific order or reasoning to them. That way, I can just be chastised for the normal things authors of these lists deal with, like being biased for or against a system instead of “How could you rank [X] ahead of [Y]! You’re a n00b!”

One final note, I have only included games that I played this year. No worries though; if I missed your favorite game on the list, I probably still played it, but you can post a comment anyway so I can experience it, if I have not. If you on the other hand have not played any of these games, go play them. With that, on to the best games of 2008:

Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)

If you liked the previous GTA titles, but wanted a bit more mature story-and not in the cussing and violent sense of the word-then the newest rendition is the game for you. Yes, there were/are problems in the game, but it’s ambitious while sticking to its roots at the same time, and it’s hard to find a better character in the franchise than Niko Bellic.

Dead Space (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)

It borrowed heavily from other horror and action games while also giving more than one nod to classic sci-fi, but the final product is far more than the sum of its parts. Put “Dead Space” in your gaming system of choice, turn up the speakers, and turn down the lights. That’s how EA and developer Redwood Shores intended it.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)

Arguably the best game on Wii this year, because it’s far more than a graphical upgrade to its GameCube predecessor. Online play-though sometimes lag filled-more characters, more unlockables, an amazing and historic soundtrack, with more fan service than you can pack on a standard Wii DVD. If you’re a Melee junkie who hasn’t upgraded yet, do yourself a favor: get the wallet, get to a store, and buy this game.

Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3)

The end of Solid Snake’s storyline, this entry into the series is loaded with twists, new abilities, futuristic weaponry, all with you in control of the same old Snake (emphasis on “old”) you know and love. Some may not have the stomach for the lengthy cut scenes, and others will dislike gunplay that at times seems intentionally horrid, but it’s worth playing for the same reason all of the other MGS titles were: it’s a fantastic game overall.

LittleBigPlanet (PS3)

One of the most charming titles of the year, “LittleBigPlanet” is, at its core, a fun platformer that you can play with a few friends at a time. It’s not fair to break it down so simply though, given the level of content available to you outside of what the developers gave you. Between the downloadable content and user-created levels, there’s no end to your LBP addiction in sight, and that’s a good thing.