30. Viva Piñata

Viva Piñata was Microsoft’s attempt at appealing to the family market while still providing a challenge to hardcore gamers. Viva Piñata was Rare’s second game for the Xbox 360 and it was expected that they would provide something different for Xbox players to experience. They did just that. While it may not have appealed initially to the more traditional Xbox gamer who’s main focus was on FPS’s, Viva Piñata’s addictive quality and unique style soon became a hit across the whole spectrum of Xbox players.

29. Fight Night Round 3

Fight Night Round 3 was EA’s first boxing game for the next generation and all the preview shots and videos of the Xbox 360 version, due to its earlier release, looked amazing. Upon its release on the Xbox 360, then some months later the PS3 version, everyone praised EA for their excellent use of the extra power that the new consoles provided. They had produced not only one of the best looking games, but without a doubt, the best boxing game ever released and still today it stands alone at the top, that is until FNR4 is released.

28. Dead or Alive 4

Team Ninja worked hard to their fourth installment of the Dead or Alive fighting game series ready for the launch of the Xbox 360. The hard work certainly paid off as Dead or Alive 4 was one sexy looking game and showed the power of the Xbox 360. Staying true to the Dead or Alive formula, there was voluptuous women and multi-level fighting arenas that looked amazing in HD. Even now, DOA4 is still one of the best looking fighting games around.

27. Ninja Gaiden II

Ninja Gaiden II makes the Top 30, as it is blood and guts action at its finest. Being one of the better action games out, Ninja Gaiden II’s addictive, but harsh gameplay make it a game that gets you extremely frustrated to the point of throwing your controller through the TV! Luckily, just before you do this, you make a breakthrough, which gives you a great sense of relief and achievement that makes you come back for more.

26. Motorstorm

Motorstorm made our Top 30 list, as its impact was greater than its sequel. The original Motorstorm was touted for being the PS3 launch game that would show people what the PS3 could do. The trailers looked awesome and when it finally released it was a game PS3 owners could hang their hat on to show doubters just how good games could look on their brand new PS3. 

25. Mass Effect

Mass Effect got the vote for the best console game and the best RPG of E3 2007. This built up the hype for the game right up until its late 2007 release. Fortunately, Mass Effect did not disappoint. It had an engaging story, gorgeous graphics and great gameplay all in one package. Of course, it had its faults, but it was so well received that PS3 owners have been looking for a version for their system, though despite many rumors, nothing has come of it.

24. Fable II

Microsoft’s follow up to the original Xbox hit, Fable II is a bold RPG as it allows you to be the character you want, with the world changing in response to your actions. Good, bad, man, woman, gay, straight, pure, corrupt – it's up to you. With the Xbox lacking many quality RPG games, Fable II was a very welcome addition to the Xbox Library. Its cop-op multiplayer gameplay, gorgeous graphics and potential for downloadable content, Fable II is one of the best RPG’s going around.  

23. Assassin’s Creed

Assassin’s Creed is a fantastic game. It is a platformer with action and a bit of stealth. This blend worked very well. The game handles everything so well and looks so damn good that those expecting an RPG or a GTA style game, although disappointed at first will soon learn that this is a game to be experienced.

22. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Oblivion is the latest chapter in the epic and highly successful saga from Bethesda Softworks and is the sequel to the best-selling, award-winning RPG The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, which was named 2002 RPG and Game of the year for the original Xbox. Oblivion was a very welcome addition to the Xbox 360 launch library and later on for the PS3. Its combination of freeform gameplay, cutting-edge graphics and excellent downloadable content, along with a huge environment to explore that gives gamers 100 plus hours of play made Oblivion a stunning RPG to start the next generation of consoles.

21. Soul Calibur IV

When Soul Calibur was ported from the arcade to the Dreamcast, it was one of the best home conversions ever. Since then it has had two sequels but they didn’t have the same impact that the Dreamcast version did. With the launch of the Xbox 360 and then the PS3, Namco finally had access to the power they needed to take the series forward. Soul Calibur IV is the best weapon based fighting game around and is one of the best looking fighting games ever made. With smooth online play, which is a first for the series and great gameplay, Soul Calibur IV was a great achievement by Namco.

Next week we reveal games 20-11, so stay tuned.

Article by Craig Cirillo