3. BioShock and System Shock 2 - August 21, 2007 and August 11, 1999

There are a lot of similarities between System Shock 2 and its spiritual successor, BioShock. Both offer the choice between psychic and weapon attacks. Both place a lone survivor against hordes of jacked up crazy people while being directed by a voice that may or may not be completely on their side. Both use audio logs to tell an excellent story. Both have an amazing "big reveal" to turn the game completely upside down and both are absolutely, terrifyingly amazing. Where they differ is in the type of stories they're trying to tell. System Shock 2 deals with man's uncomfortable alliance with technology, and what it truly means to be alive where BioShock shows us that there are no true utopias, not when greed and desire still remain in man's heart. Whichever setting you choose, be it on the Von Braun or in Rapture's murky depths, you'll be treated to an engrossing story, jump out of your seat moments, and memorable game play.

2. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic - July 17, 2003

Knights of the Old Republic: great Star Wars game, or the greatest Star Wars game? I vote for the latter. (Tie Fighter!! - ed) After being universally let down with the two Star Wars prequel movies, fans of Star Wars were looking for anything that would help them remember the universe they used to enjoy so much. Enter BioWare, with an RPG that would be phenomenal in any setting, but kicked massive amounts of Force assisted ass in the Star Wars universe. A fantastic story, satisfying combat, well balanced Force powers and a twist to the story that no one saw coming all combined to create one of the greatest Star Wars stories ever told. For one glorious summer, no one cared any more if Han shot first.