Disclaimer: These are ONLY games I have played. I realize that there are many great games out there which I have not played.
14. Soulcalibur IV
Reason: I don't really care what other fighting-game whores say, Soulcalibur IV consistently is the most fun to play with a bunch of friends. Possibly the best part about SC4 is the addition of Star Wars characters to the game, the most interesting of note being the Secret Apprentice from The Force Unleashed. Going VS against any other Corps member continually proves to be timeless and is ALWAYS a safe bet for some heavy one on one beatdowns.
Why it's not ranked higher: The online multiplayer is simply brutal, it's basically as bad as UFC 2009 in terms of lagginess. I tried playing it over and over again but it sucked worse with each additional time I played. Plus, the people that play online are incredibly cheap and no fun to spar with. And concerning the single player, it's way too easy and not much of a challenge once you figure out the character you fight best with and the incredible ease at ringing people out.
"OH SHIT" moment: Getting a Critical Finish for the first time and just watching your player RAPE your opponent in a flurry of ridiculous moves
13. Burnout Paradise
Reason: My favorite racing game... ever. It's not a sim in the same vein as Forza or Gran Tourismo, but it's a hell of a lot more fun. Burnout has always been known for over-the-top crash sequences and Paradise definitely delivers. As you collide into oncoming traffic, a barricade in the road, or get bumped off the road into a billboard by an enemy passer-by every crash is awesome to witness and is beautifully detailed. Once the higher levels are reached, your car is going so wickedly fast it's almost impossible to navigate a race or other challenge from start to finish without some kind of huge rape-fest between several cars. Simply put, the game is just pure fun and adrenaline.
Why it's not ranked higher: While Burnout is a very good game, it doesn't meet the caliber of greatness to move it any higher in the rankings. There's nothing really wrong with it especially with a significant level of free after-market support from EA, but I suppose it gets somewhat repetitive once you really get to know the city and all the shortcuts.
"OH SHIT" moment: Road Rage challenge on the highway, going 140+ mph and colliding with an oncoming car, flying off the highway, crashing through a billboard, then landing on a bus. Win.
12. Batman: Arkham Asylum
Reason: Arkham Asylum really delivers on one simple premise, this game takes Batman at his core and really lets the player experience the classic traits and attributes of Batman, particularly his detective work. Although the Batvision mode (forgot what it's called) tends to make the game a little too easy at times and spoils some of the fun that could have been had figuring out puzzles, it doesn't detract enough to be a serious concern. A very large focus on stealth reminds us that Batman isn't invincible and relies on the predator-prey tactics we're familiar with from the comics or Batman Begins. Being Batman has never been so awesome.
Why it's not ranked higher: While I didn't play on the hardest difficulty, the game was still fairly easy and as I mentioned before, I didn't really have a problem with any of the puzzles. I also got kind of sick of some of the art direction; while I appreciate it being more comic-influenced than realism-influenced, I just was not a fan of the way some of the enemies looked.
"OH SHIT" moment: Fighting, rather, running away, from Killer Croc in the sewers
11. Gears of War 2
Reason: Gears of War 2's gameplay isn't all that different than the first title in the series, but it is refined and upgraded enough to be noted. I remember at the time, one of the big tech demos was seeing reflections in the water (which at this point isn't such a huge deal, but a couple years ago it was). The plot wasn't all that bad and focused more on the characters of Gears of War rather than the cookie cutter alien invasion plot. Horde mode was a fantastic gametype and is the mainstream predecessor to ODST's Firefight mode or Bad Company 2's Onslaught mode (and countless others). More weapons were added to your inventory in Gears 2, as well as fan favorites making second appearances. Again, the main selling point for the campaign is the co-op playability, and Gears of War remains the best co-op series to-date.
Why it's not ranked higher: I never really got into the multiplayer. It's not bad and I had fun with it, but I found myself swapping the disc out for Call of Duty 4 more often than not.
"OH SHIT" moment: When you're chainsawing your way out of the inside of some giant monster, and cutting open its heart and the blood pouring out and yada yada yada.... totally gory, bloody, and awesome.
10. Assassin's Creed
Reason: This was a total sleeper hit for Ubisoft, and a game I was rather fond of. I think I played through the game three times and loved it each time. The cities were beautifully constructed and each had its own personality, in a sense, and climbing to the top of the tallest buildings and staring out at the rest of the city was a visual treat. I don't know if others share my opinion, but I was pretty engaged by the plot and was really pissed off at the end of the game with the giant cliffhanger ending. This is a beautiful game and should be played at least once by everyone simply to appreciate the detail into the landscapes, cities, and buildings.
Why it's not ranked higher: Assassin's Creed got crazy repetitive after, say... the first hour or so. You found yourself doing the same thing over and over again with vary little variety. Definitely a big slash against the game and one that detracted many people away from playing all the way through.
"OH SHIT" moment: Performing a perfect assassination for the first time and feeling like a champ
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