As Xbox 360’s 4th reunion nears, I have decided to take a look back into this great franchises success. There have been many years of graphical improvement, multiplayer updates, and revised campaign techniques that we have all experienced together. Many companies have thrived because of the success of the Xbox 360 and many ground-breaking games have revolutionized the gaming industry. Below will be a Top Ten List of The Best Xbox 360 Games of all time, based upon single player and multiplayer.

10 – Guitar Hero II (GH II)
Release Date: April 3rd, 2007
Creator / Developer: Harmonix Music Systems

Lets take a step backward, into the past, to when  “rhythm games” were unheard of. Guitar Hero II changed that. Since that time, rhythm games have become just as popular as any other genre. What made this game special was a combination of originality, excellent song choices, a great interface and an easy to use controller. This game, because of its diversity in songs and many different difficulties to be mastered, could be played hour after hour, with each hour better than the last. This game, while breath-taxingly simple, is so advanced in technology! The controller could be used by a 5 year old, as well as the interface.  The simplicity of this game is what sky-rocketed sales. Guitar Hero II also comes with a feature known as “Practice”. This feature allows you to play a song, at any difficulty, and choose the speed the notes come at. To go along with that, it also takes away the fear of failing the song, because you can’t! If you cant complete that solo, you can just master it in the “Practice” section!

Some notable songs that are featured in this game are:

Message In a Bottle – As made famous by The Police

Crazy On You – As made famous by Heart

Carry On My Wayward Son – As made famous by Kansas

(Personal Favourite) Sweet Child O’ Mine – As made famous by Guns N’ Roses

All in all, Harmonix (Creators) did beyond what would have been needed for this game to be successful, and for that reason, it has been a game recognized by all gamers alike.

9 – Project Gotham Racing 4 (PGR4)
Release Date: October 2nd, 2007
Creator / Developer: Bizzare Creations

As the 4th installment in the Project Gotham series, this game was expected to be nothing less than perfection; and, in many cases, it has exceeds expectations. There have been many improvements and additions from Project Gotham Racing 3 (PGR3). The main, and potentially the most important, addition into Project Gotham Racing 4 (PGR4) is the weather aspects. The creators, Bizzare Creations, have put in the options of choosing which weather you want, in the city of your choice. This includes, rain, snow, sunshine, or clouds; whatever you prefer! Some other new features in this game include, many new tracks through modern cities (Shanghai, Québec City, and St. Petersburg) and a new multiplayer component called “Bulldog”. Bulldog is very similar to the popular kids’ game called Manhunt, in which the “bulldog” must tag all the other players, therefore, creating new “bulldogs” as he goes along. Motorcycles, which are brand new to the series, have also made a large impact on this game; though not all positive. Although they are very fun, and have been made to be quite realistic in the game – even to the point of allowing the rider to fall off when crashing – is a little over-powered. This creates the problem of people only using motorcycles, because they are superior to cars. Although this is an error, it is only a minor one and shouldn’t effect the long lasting fun this game will provide you with! Project Gotham Racing 4’s campaign was ingenious and endless. The graphics that were put into this campaign were outstanding.

8 – NHL ‘09
Release Date: September 10th, 2008
Creator / Developer: EA Canada

As all you sports genre fans await the arrival of NHL ‘09’s successor, NHL ‘10, be sure not to forget about what came before it. NHL ‘09’s creator has mastered all aspect of graphics, game play and customizable controls. This blend of perfection came as a surprise to us gamers, as the these games weren’t the most successful. As gaming technology improves, we have to expect some genres to take precedence over others, and the sports genre has begun to work towards that goal, nevertheless, it isn’t the only one. (More information below) ‘09 being the 18th instalment of the EA NHL series, we begin to question, what is left for them to fix, or improve? That question was answered very quickly as soon the game was released; positively, I might add. Following the trends, a new feature allows pre-made controller configuration controls, to make the game more simple for beginners. Online play is very similar to previous editions of NHL, but is fun if you want to play with your friends. A wider selection of alternate jerseys for each team brings something new into the game. As always, the graphics of NHL ‘09 were another positive to the game. NHL ‘09 is a fun game that brings out the competitiveness in people of all ages.

7 – Castle Crashers
Release Date: August 27th, 2008
Creator /Developer: The Behemoth

Castle Crashers is part of the Xbox Live Arcade and because of that, has very basic graphics. The majority of the time, these graphics do not take away from the overall success of this game. It starts out in a kingdom, where these mysterious bandits come and kidnap all the kingdoms princess’. You, then,  either by yourself, or with a group of up to four friends, save all the princess’. As you go along, you gain new pets, which each boost something that helps you throughout the game as well as new weapons. This game also includes levels, and each level you gain, you increase in skill points. Skill points are used to upgrade a certain skill of your choice. There are four categories, Attack, Defence, Archery, and Magic. Therefore, having a group of four, with each person specializing in different skills, is the preferred group to have. You may think this game doesn’t include online play, but it does; and its quite nasty. If you don’t excel at this game, and you try to enter an online battle, don’t get too comfortable. As with any game, this game has its devoted members, and they know how to play. Another thing about this game that makes it a little dull is last ability. This game is very repetitive. Although you may seem this as a major fault, it really isn’t. This game is only an inexpensive arcade title, and shouldn’t  be expected to be perfect.

6 – Assassins Creed
Release Date: November 14th, 2007
Creator / Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

Assassins Creed is a modern, games industry masterpiece. It will continue amaze you long after you compete the game. The amazing graphics make you feel as though you are inside the game. Practical controls make for unlimited fun as you run along rooftops, eliminate opponents, and sneak through cities. As well as technical perfection, Assassins Creed follows a great story that is very elegant and well-written. The voices in this game are amazing! They completely suit the characters the characters they are narrating. The story of this game revolves around an assassin named Altair, who is the best of his kind. He has mastered all forms of stealth and it has become his instinct to assassinate. As Altair, you will navigate around three main cities of the Holy Land: Jerusalem, Acre and Damascus. These cities are huge and can be a lot of fun to hone your skills in. Another interesting quality that this game has is lookout points. At the very top of temples you can sit stop a lookout point, and examine the entire city around you. You can hear a rush of wind and birds. One problem with this game is the length of the cinematic aspect of the game. They can be very long, and boring, but they do tell you good information, so pay attention. Assassins Creed will no doubted give you an unforgettable experience.

5 – Gears of War 2  (GOW2)
Release Date: November 7th, 2008
Creator / Developer: Epic Games

Gears of War 2 takes place under the ground of called Sera, where the COG army hopes to take out the Locust Army from there core. Many main characters have returned from Gears of War including Marcus Fenix, Tai Kaliso, Dominic Santiago, Augustus Cole and Damon Baird. A very interesting campaign level has been put into this game where you are swallowed by a giant worm called Riftworm. This worm is under the control of the Locusts and has been working on sinking entire cities! This spells disaster for the Delta Squad, as they are known as in the game, but, somehow they manage to kill the worm; having only one casualty. The campaign has co-op capabilities. The multiplayer of this game is phenomenal, allowing games as large as 5 players per team. Another excellent thing about the multiplayer of Gears of War 2 is they continue to update it. They are always fixing glitches and continue to come up with new map packs. The trademark of Gears of War also returned for the sequel: The Lancer. The thing that is so special about this gun is that it is mounted with a chainsaw bayonet, creating an unlimited amount of gore. Meat Shields are a new addition to this Third Person Shooter (TPS) that has only been used before in “The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena. Most maps in this game are of ruins, because they are in the midst of a war. Although this game does include some difficult control issues and some unresolved plot lines, it still makes for a great game!

4 – Rock Band / Rock Band 2
Release Date: November 20th, 2007 / September 14th 2008
Creator / Developer: Harmonix

Rock Band, created by the same company that created The Guitar Hero Series, is a game very similar to Guitar Hero. They are both rhythm games that include guitars. People may say Rock Band is an updated edition because it includes the capacity of four players playing at one. Also, they have added a drum set, and a microphone for people to play as well. This is a great game to play with a group of friends because they have now added a band tour feature, where you play gigs all over the world. Or, if you are lone wolf, they include a great single player for all three types of instruments. The difficulties match the ones used in the Guitar Hero games. Rock Band also has over eight-hundred available songs between both game discs and Downloadable Content (DLC). This almost guarantees they would have many songs that you would like. The next edition of the Rock Band series is going to be Beatles: Rock Band and is set to be released on September 9th, 2009.

Some notable songs featured in Rock Band:

Dani California – As made famous by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Detroit Rock City – As made famous by Kiss

Enter Sandman – As made famous by Metallica

(Personal Favourite) Wanted Dead or Alive – Bon Jovi

Some notable songs featured in Rock Band 2:

Carry on My Wayward Son – As made famous by Kansas

(Person Favourite) Hungry Like the Wolf – As made famous by Duran Duran

Ramblin’ Man - As made famous by The Allman Brothers Band

Eye of The Tiger – As made famous by Survivor

 3 – Halo Wars
Release Date: September 25th, 2007
Creator / Developer: Ensemble Studios

Having trouble understanding the complex and inconveniently difficult RTS’ games controls? Then don’t worry, Halo Wars’ entire goal was to create simple controls and interface, while also designing a great game. They accomplished that goal. RTS games are very rare for console games, as they are much better suited for the PC. The keyboard allows for a lot more controls than a controller, and that is why many RTS console games are very complicated to play if you are a beginner. However, Halo Wars is a game that has changed that, and possibly will bring more RTS games to consoles. The storyline of this game is set before that of the Halo Series; 20 years to be exact. In the single player campaign, you are playing the events surrounding Professor Ellen Ander, Sergeant James Forge, and Captain Cutter. In multiplayer, you have the option of playing as any of those leaders. Anders specializes in air units, Cutter in ground units, and Forge in vehicular units. You also have the option of playing as any of the three covenant leaders, The Prophet, The Brute Leader, and Arbiter. Each of them having there pros and cons as well. This game is played in a bird’s eye view, with many different game types. They stayed very true to the Halo universe with graphics, and storyline. Halo Wars is a great game whether playing alone, or with friends!

2 – Halo 3
Release Date: February 26th, 2009
Creator / Developer

Halo 3 is the third and final instalment of the Halo story arc that began with, Halo: Combat Evolved. The game revolves around a war between the United Nation Space Command (UNSC) and the Covenant: a military alliance of alien species consisting of many races. Halo 3, being an Fist Person Shooter (FPS), needed a great single player mode, but an equally as great multiplayer mode. When the announcements were made of the release date of this game, fans began to get excited. As the date drew near, tension grew. Would this game really finish off the series well? Will the multiplayer mode be good? Will they continue to update this game after it releases, or will they just drop it like they did Halo 2? Yes, yes, yes. Halo 3 finished off the series better than anyone could have imagined. The plot had a good, understandable ending, and the multiplayer mode could be played forever and you would still be loving it. Proof of them updating this game is in how many map packs they have added. In total, there have been three map packs released: Heroic, Legendary, and Mythic. Included in the Legendary map pack, is a revamped, edited version of the Halo 2 favourite map, Lockout. In Halo 3, it is nor known as Blackout, and rather than a winter-conditions map, it is now more of a warehouse-designed map.

1 – Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (COD4)
Release Date: November 6th, 2007
Creator / Developer: Infinity Ward

Last but not least – certainly not least – we have arrived at the best Xbox 360 game on the market today. This game, with an excellent combination of a realistic, well-designed campaign and a fluid multiplayer mode has become the game to play. The single player campaign features you not only as a British S.A.S, but an American Marine as well. Taking place in modern times, this campaign is played around a fictional war between the rebel forces in the Middle-East, and the American marines, the British S.A.S., and the Russian Spetznaz. The campaign has an excellent assortment of stealth missions and all-out gruesome battles to keep everyone satisfied. To go along with the campaign, Infinity Ward has come up with something called “Arcade Mode” which is similar Halo’s points system. It enables you to get points per kill, completion of the level, and the speed of the level. This in turn is left as a high scores for you and your friends to try and beat next time. The multiplayer mode consists of 16 original maps, and 4 downloadable maps. Crash, a very popular map is a desert town with a downed sea knight right in the middle of it, providing excellent cover, and an offensive position. There are six classifications of guns: Assault, Sub Machine Gun (SMG), Light Machine Guns (LMG), Demolitions, and Sniper. Spread out within all those categories, there is a total of 21 guns. It also included 4 types of grenades: frag, smoke, stun, and flash. Also, each class you create, you get to choose perks that advance one of your attributes. Be it health, damage, or stamina to run longer distances.

Honourable Mentions:

Mass Effect: Action RPG
Creator: Bioware

Fable II: Action RPG, Sandbox
Creator: Lionhead Studios