It seems that my Christmas wish last year came true and we were all blessed with what was arguable the best year of gaming ever. I still have a bunch of great games that I have yet to finish or even start for that matter but the following are the games that left a permanent euphoric imprint on my brain and heart alike. 

Best Sports Title: FIFA 2008 

For those of you who don't know I am a huge sports nut in the non virtual world. The huge leaps gaming has made in the recent years has made my boyhood fantasy of playing as a professional athlete as tangable as it will ever get. I follow many different sports and leagues and the same applies to my gaming habits. 

Pro Evolution Soccer, the previous undisputed heavyweight, has been pumemelled off the number one spot this year and has been replaced my the simply amazing FIFA 08. Also worth a mention is another EA Sports title by the name of NHL 08, which is arguable more fun to play but the fact that ice hockey is not everyone cup of tea drops it to second. 

Best Multiplayer: Call of Duty 4 

On the multiplayer side of things we were swamped with shooters which seem to have taken up camp on the 360. FIFA 08 again seems to offer some fresh online options with 5 vs 5, streaming podcasts and the ability to play seasons with your friends. Halo 3 broke all sorts of records in its maiden week and with Forge Bungie has really thrown down the gauntlet for all future FPS, GRAW 2 offered bucket loads of options in its online mode and although Team Fortress 2 was a massive success on the PC its inferior brethren on the 360 failed to make an impact due to technical issues. 

Put the one game that nailed the whole package for me was Infinity Wards COD 4. It was the one game, outside of the sports realm, that suck its hooks deep into me. It may not offer anything new in terms of pure mechanics but the online set up had be coming back to complete one more challenge or rack up a few more kills as I aim to unlock my next weapon. 

Best Breath of Fresh Air: Portal 

SPOILER -------> Dont listen to if you havent finished the game!!