Best of 2005

1. Resident Evil 4 (Gamecube): I've always felt that the controls for the survival horror genre were broken. The same fixed camera that gives the games a cinematic feel more often than not causes your character to move like a drunken retard. Capcom's long overdue refinement has transformed the game from a sluggish actioner to a quick, violent shooter without losing the creepy atmosphere that defines the series. Easily one of the best games this generation.

2. Shadow of the Colossus (PlayStation 2): It's time for gaming to get artful. People don't usually look for nuance in their video games -- a medium where chainsaws and rocket launchers are the best way to get your point across. But Team Ico, in their elegant and simplistic Shadow of the Colossus have managed to speak quietly even as 100-foot monsters thunder across the countryside.

3. Killer 7 (GameCube): Many hate Killer 7 for boiling down game play mechanics until there's barely any broth left in the soup. The game is stylish, painted with a stark, cel-shaded look. It moves like a survival horror game, but its on rails like a shooter. And the story feels like an anime written by Haruki Murakami and directed by David Lynch. Killer 7 is not a complete success, but it's unlike any game you've ever played. The kind of experimentation in design, control and storytelling that Killer 7 attempts is a vital shot in the arm to gaming. Add this one to the list of games that whose influence will long outlast its life on store shelves.

4. Guitar Hero (PlayStation 2): Music supervision has become a vital part of game design. Sadly, most music games have been lacking in the very same department. Rockstar still rules when it comes to song selection, most likely because they've got money to burn. But Guitar Hero's set list is strong -- a killer selection of quintessential rockers with only a handful of questionable selections.

5. Mario Kart DS (Nintendo DS): Nintendo has stumbled upon the perfect formula for multiplayer racing. The anarchy introduced by the many turtle shells, banana peels and mushrooms strewn around the tracks levels the playing field, making every race anybody's race. It's this democratic philosophy that makes the game fun for everybody to play -- not just the most skilled. Bringing this kind fun online (via Nintendo WFC) was a no-brainer.

6. Lumines (PSP): Part of me wants to pick Meteos over Lumines for this slot. Meteos is a deeper, more innovative game. But Lumines is a triumph of style. Trance inducing music, vibrant colors and a deceptively simple game mechanic generate the same kind of synesthesia that Rez aimed for. Still, sadly, one of the best games for the PSP.

7. Psychonauts (Xbox): The biggest crime of 2005 was the cold shoulder that Psychonauts got from the gaming public. Like Beyond Good and Evil, Pychonauts is a complete package -- a well written, finely tuned gaming experience from beginning to end. Tim Schaeffer's genius comes out in the writing. More than few moments are laugh-out-loud funny thanks to smart jokes delivered by top-notch voice actors. Majesco deserves a spanking for screwing the pooch on this gem.

8. Hot Shots Golf Open Tee (PSP): How does a game with absolutely nothing new to offer wind up on a top 10 list? By doing its job perfectly. The balancing act of strategy and skill demanded by this modest links simulator has kept me playing much longer than I suspected.

9. Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan (Nintendo DS): Watch next year's best of lists for the American version of this oddball title. This Japanese music game about male cheerleaders may be weird, but it's too great not to merit U.S. localization. It's the game's clever use of the DS touchpad that makes it so worthwhile. You tap, trace and swirl the stylus to the rhythm of J-pop. It's that simple. It's also crazy hard.

10. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (GameCube): The first time I touched Donkey Kong Jungle beat I got that "Nintendo feeling." It's probably just me, but every so often an exceptional game induces in me a sort of transcendent chill -- a sure sign I'm trying something that truly new. The demo was a boxing match between Donkey Kong and a Rhino. The left drum delivered a left punch. The right drum a right. I pummelled my opponent with a barrage of blows then gave him a devastating hook with the clap of my hands. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat is a visceral, entirely new gaming experience. One that far too few people have enjoyed.