Today's Hottest Video Games

The Galactic Civilizations series allows hardcore science fiction fans the opportunity to get hands-on with some of their favorite themes and clichés. From the evil Dread Lords bent on the domination of the Universe to the plethora of galactic cultures that are reminiscent of every cheap sci-fi movie you’ve ever seen, this game offers the total package in terms familiarity and resonance.

Game play is turn-based and takes place on a sweeping scale. For those who aren’t versed in the terminology, a turn-based game is a time-distorted experience, whereby all players commit to a primary action and the resulting interaction is played out in sequential units.

Twilight of Armor is the final title in a series that has spanned nearly five years. And Stardock – the creator of Galactic Civilizations and other fabulous titles - has clearly decided that bigger is better in terms of galactic finales.

Not only is the game map an estimated 50% larger than previous expansions, the various races that make up the 12 factions have been “upgraded” with unique personas, histories, and tech trees. And of course there is the obligatory introduction of bigger and better starships, including the wonderfully unoriginal Terror Star that allows players to embrace the planet-annihilating power of the Death Star station.

This video game allows you to immerse yourself in the scale and drama of all your favorite space epics, while in essence writing your own saga. It is as highly addictive as any turn-based battlefield environment with perhaps a bit more flash than many of the titles released in the past 18 months.

Imagine the best elements of Hitman and Splinter Cell combined and then whisked back in time to the medieval landscape of 1191 AD. As incredible as such a formula sounds, this visualization only scratches the surface of what Assassin’s Creed has to offer.

This is the game that many journalists and fans agree, “showed us what the 360 can really do” in 2007, and it remains at the top of most hot pick lists to this day. From a graphics display that can only be described as astonishing, to the highly lucid and intuitive game play, this title has earned the right to become an instant classic.The back-story puts you in the Holy Lands towards the close of the twelfth century. The fabled Knights Templar organization is growing into prominence, and the stage is set for all manner of religious and political intrigue. You’ll enjoy a winning combination of stealth play and vivid combat sequences. And the virtual landscape will blow you away; the level of detail is truly mesmerizing. This game is a real winner for players who demand substance with their action. The plot is fast moving, yet rich enough to provide you with a highly organic experience. And the creators have really raised the bar with the depth of the environmental sound integration. Assassin’s Creed is very much like reading an era appropriate novel in which you are able to interact as the primary character. A cliffhanger ending and the retail success of this title leave little doubt that a sequel is imminent. In all probability Assassin’s Creed will be the first title in a new trilogy that earns a place alongside HALO and Splinter Cell in the hearts of 360 fans.

Could there be more to gaming life than disintegrating aliens, working as a top-secret government agent, and leading mechanized armies into battle? Game creators Neversoft certainly believes there is, and Guitar Hero 3 is their most recent proof.

Guitar Hero 3 seems to have bee created with the existing fan base in mind, and would not be a good starting point for gamers looking to try the franchise on for the first time.