BEST PS3 GAME & BEST OVERALL

Demon’s Souls by Atlus

Demon’s Souls provided an extremely challenging and unique experience to PS3 owners. Its creative utilization of online play ensures that everyone will have a different experience and probably suffer a few deaths along the way.

• Read my review

BEST NINTENDO WII GAME

Muramasa: The Demon Blade by Ignition

Here is a game which perfectly encapsulates ancient Japanese culture and presents it with stunning, hand-drawn 2D art. Muramasa’s Wii exclusivity means a lot of people may not have gotten to play this gem, but it comes highly recommended from all of us at Kotowari.

• Watch the review Vlog

BEST PSP GAME

Half-Minute Hero by XSeed

This game is arguably where the current-generation’s pixel craze began.  Half-Minute Hero provides incredibly fun, fast gameplay which appeals to RPG fans or anyone else.  I love the variety of modes available to the player as well as a multiplayer option.

BEST NINTENDO DS GAME

Knights in the Nightmare by Atlus

Knights in the Nightmare is as unique visually as it is in terms of story and battle system.  The player recruits an army of felled knights to uncover the truth of what became of a once great kingdom.  The game’s uniqueness lends itself to a pretty steep learning curve making it ideal for those looking for a handheld challenge.

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BEST DLC

Fallout 3 (All DLC/GOTY) for XBOX, PC, and PS3 by Bethesda

The Game of the Year Edition of Fallout 3 includes substantial extensions in the form of both side stories as well as a continuation of the game’s main story. While the gameplay remains largely unchanged, as a fan of Fallout 3, I highly recommend this to others who already own the title.

• Listen to my podcast on PSNation about Fallout 3: GOTY

BEST FIGHTER

Dissidia proved to be one of the funnest fighters I played this year, combining RPG elements as well as aspects of the Final Fantasy series fans appreciate. I also really enjoyed the re-designs of all the characters in the game, new and old, good and bad.

BEST SRPG

Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days for PSP by NIS America

I have waited forever for an awesome, modern SRPG on a portable system and in my opinion, Disgaea 2: DHD is the best one out there. It incorporates many of the advances since the third installment of the series as well as a number of other bonuses which really appealed to me as a fan of the series.

• Read my review

BEST ACTION GAME

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves for PS3 by Naughtydog

MOST IMPROVED

Assassins Creed II for PS3 and Xbox by Ubisoft

It’s rare that a sequel so greatly surpasses the original. It’s clear that Ubisoft took the advice of fans to heart and really built on the franchise in a number of ways. The game’s unique setting and aesthetic really set it apart from other titles in the same genre.

MOST UNDERRATED

Mini-Ninjas For PS3 and Xbox 360 by Eidos Interactive

Beyond the ambiguous Asian accents, Mini-Ninjas provides a simply enjoyable, humorous game. The unique system will have the player switching characters, transforming into animals, climbing trees, riding in bamboo hats, and more — all with easy to understand controls and some ninja flair.