Everyone who loves video games owns at least one next-gen system now and it's probably an Xbox 360. These are the 20 best Xbox 360 games to buy from my own (16 years and counting) video game expertise. These, of course, are in no particular order.


1.      Assassin's Creed - Assassin's Creed has been given some bad reviews from game sites such as EGM for the game's repetitive information gathering missions, but we must be grateful for what Ubisoft has given us. This game sports the best next-generation graphics available and if you have an HDTV it's just another bonus for you. The game has a wonderful story, a great free-running system, and excellent voice acting. Any fan of Prince of Persia, God of War, or even Zelda should consider this a play through. You can pick the game up for less than $30 here on eBay and I promise you a wonderful experience you won't forget.

My score: 9.0/10         Also Available On: PS3, PC

2.       Gears of War 2 - Everyone loves and played 2006's game of the year Gears of War. GoW gave everyone a preview of what the Xbox 360 was capable of and gave us some revolutionary gameplay. GoW2 still keeps the over-the-shoulder camera, awesome arsenal of weapons, and introduced a richer, meatier story, vehicles, updated graphics, and amazing sound. The best of of GoW2 is the revamped multiplayer with all new modes such as Wingman, Horde, and Execution. If you loved GoW1 you HAVE to pick this up since it is just absolutely amazing. Also, be sure to pick up the limited edition which has a Making Of DVD, art book, and a code for a gold lancer during multiplayer.

My Score: 9.5/10         Also Available On: Xbox 360 Exclusive

My Score: 10/10         Also Available On: PC

3.      BioShock - Winning multiple 2007 game of the year awards BioShock is a completely different beast. The creators of System Shock (PC) bring us an underwater adventure like no other. In the city of Rapture reality is distorted to unimaginable heights as you try to stop the man men behind the destruction of the underwater utopia. Sporting amazing AI, a great weapon system, a roller coaster audio/visual experience, and characters you won't forget BioShock is one the best games ever made. Period.

My Score: 9.0/10         Also Available On: PC

4.     Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - Activision (Tony Hawk, Guitar Hero) swaps out that 'ol Thompson for an M16 in CoD4. What's so great about CoD4 is the amazing single player experience that puts the players in such stressful and sensitive positions that you feel like you are really there. The game provides excellent AI, astounding multiplayer, and even has a decent story too boot. If you are sick of the same WWII shooters that are out there pick up CoD4 and let the masters teach you a lesson.

My Score: 9.0/10         Also Available On: PS3, DS, PC

5.    The Orange Box - You should already know about 2004's game of the year Half-Life 2. If you do you probably also own it on the PC and The Orange Box just gives you more great reasons to own it again on the 360. With five superb games in this package there is something you will be bound to love. You'll love either the Half-Life 2 saga with both episodes, the amazing mind bending FPS puzzle game Portal, or the humorous and addictive multiplayer only game Team Fortress 2. There is hours of talented effort put into this compilation and everyone should own this game.

My Score: 9.5/10         Also Available On: PS3, PC

6.      Condemned 2: Bloodshot - With the original launching alongside the 360 back in November of '05 you have probably already played it. Now almost three years later we get a sequel that has everything we wanted in the first one plus more. With a gruesome and disturbing atmosphere that will make you cringe and grit your teeth with every deadly blow of your arsenal from toilet seats, to bowling balls, to conduit pipes. The game sports a horrific story involving the criminally insane and will twist your mind to it's limits. If you want a great scare pick up Condemned 2.

My Score: 8.5/10         Also Available On: PS3

7.     Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 - Being dubbed the best tactical game ever made RSV2 improves upon it's predecessor with better graphics, more weapons, more locales, and more multiplayer content. Backed by one of the biggest studios in the industry, Ubisoft (Assassin's Creed, Prince of Persia, Ghost Recon) you can expect the best of the best. So enlist today and join the fight.

My Score: 8.5/10         Also Available On: PS3, PC

8.     The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Following shortly after the launch Oblivion received numerous game of the year awards for 2006. Packing in over one hundred hours of gameplay, thousands of lines of spoken dialog, an open explore-everywhere world, and some great downloadable content you will have countless sleepless nights in the land of Oblivion. Create your character, and jump in the adventure.

My Score: 9.5/10         Also Available On: PS3, PC

9.     Forza Motorsport 2 - This list wouldn't be complete without something for your speed demons out there. Forza 2 is declared the best next-gen racer yet and Microsoft's answer to Gran Turismo. With thousands of cars, tons of tracks, and blazing fast Xbox LIVE multiplayer you'll be strapped in for one smooth ride. Also don't forget to pick up the Logitech Wireless Racing Wheel for the Xbox 360 now only starting at $99.99. The wheel features realistic pedals, clutch stick, and force feedback.

My Score: N/A         Also Available On: Xbox 360 Exclusive

10.         Halo 3 - What better way to end this list? Everyone knows and has played Halo at least once in their life. Halo 3 has the best multiplayer any game can offer. With millions of players online and constant maps being added you'll be in for one great ride. Also, concludes the Halo storyline with the grand finale that everyone has been waiting for since 2005's Halo 2. So grab a Needler, strap yourself in a Warthog, and have at it...just watch out for the plasma grenades.

My Score: 9.0/10         Also Available On: Xbox 360 Exclusive

Be sure to read my continued guide "11-20 Best Xbox 360 Games"