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Dan Zuccarelli says Super Mario Galaxy (Wii): While an exceptional title, I didn't fall in love with this game as much as I would've expected to, which explains why it's so deep in the list. I've been waiting for a Wii game to truly inspire me to play it, and while I loved playing Mario Galaxy I never felt like I HAD to play it. But it does what it does so damn well that it's a perfectly crafted platformer and the Wii controls didn't get in my way for once (I don't think I'll ever get used to them). But playing Mario still makes me feel like a kid, and reminds me of why I fell in love with games in the first place. 
Kevin Alexander says Peggle (PC/Mac): The biggest surprise of the PC version of The Orange Box? For me it wasn't Portal, it was Peggle. A small, Half-Life themed version of this addictive PopCrack game was included and it was enough to make me plunk down the cash for the full version. It's sort of like a reverse Bubble Bobble mashing up with Plinko from The Price Is Right. It's bright, colorful, and well...kinda gay but in that awesome way. The reason I say that is that it's full of unicorns and rainbows and all sorts of other fantastical things. It's one of those games that people will see you playing, say "WTF?" and then stare, completely fascinated, until you finish. 
Nathan Smart says Carcassonne (360): Another game I'm supposed to play the 'real' version of... As much as I talked up the trading aspect of Catan, it can get pretty frustrating and stressful at times when you're the one being rock-blocked. In my mind, Carcassone has that same boardgame feel to it but without all the stress of backstabbing your friends. I just love the feeling you get at the end of the game when they're tallying up the points and they are just flooding in when it's your turn. I'm the king of the field placement. In real life, my kingdom would fall in two seconds, but I'd still get to say I was king for a day. 
Dexie Oblivion says Zack and Wiki: The Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii): An amazing title from Capcom, Zack and Wiki brings the adventure genre to the Wii with stellar results. A hunt for a legendary pirates' treasure quickly gives way for a challenging series of puzzles, masked by a stunning musical score and quite nice celshaded graphics. The game uses several inventive uses for the Wii remote, forcing players to stay on their toes to find more creative ways to solve puzzles and get higher scores in each area. A true gem in the Wii's library, and sadly, a sorely overlooked title.  Hawty McBloggy says Guitar Hero III (PC/PS2/PS3/X360/Wii): Guitar Hero III brought us the same Guitar Hero we know and love, along with some new features to change things up and challenge us just enough to keep us happy. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are slightly easier to nail in a multitude of songs that are varied enough to please all ages and tastes. While battle mode is more of a chore in career mode, it is nothing short of a blast to play against your friends. Striving to be the ultimate guitar hero is still one of the most enjoyable games out there for new guitar heroes and veteran guitar heroes alike.  Jim Squires says Portal (PC/PS3/360): I'll be the first to admit it, I'm really new to the whole first person genre of gameplay. As you'll see from the rest of my list I picked one hell of a good year to get started. Portal took a genre where nothing ground breaking ever happens and made us rethink the way an FPS can be. It may have been a short ride, but it really got the brain buzzing in a way no other game has. Add a great sense of humour, a total shift in game structure during the last level that really throws you for a loop, and cake, and you've got a game that should be on every reviewers top ten list this year. Had I purchased the PC version, this would have easily ranked much higher on my list. But since I can't get any user-made content on my 360, there's only so much fun I can have until this one gets tucked back onto the shelf. Here's to hoping Valve puts some Portal DLC on Live sometime soon!  Grim Santo says Silent Hill Origins (PSP): Being a big Silent Hill fan, I was really worried about this game. I need not worry anymore, it nails down the feel and look of the series perfectly. They also did a hell of a great job fleshing out the back story of the first Silent Hill. Any game that can make me jump in a train full of people, has to be good.
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Zack and Wiki is a great game. Very rewarding when you figure something out. And a refreshing departure from recent gaming trends. If only people would buy it.