I have been reading all the top lists of games for 2008, and none of them depict accurate representations of the mid-core gamer. This I bring you the first annual top 5 mid-core gamer games of 2008!

Number 5: Braid

This game is an amazing achievement of video game science. Braid blends Mario type game-play with ingenious puzzle solving to create a gaming bliss. The game isn’t to long merely a few hours, but working with your family and friends to solve the crazy puzzles is what makes this my number 5 pick for the mid-core gamer. You can read my full review here.

Number 4: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Star Wars is one of those franchises where you get a good decent games, one out of three times. Although many would disagree I think this is one of the three. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed has a good fun story which fills the gap between the third and fourth episodes. Game-play is in the perspective of mostly fighting with a light saber which is every-one’s dream, I know its mine! Overall the battles and game-play are quick and fun. You rarely get lost or unsure about where to go, and although you know the end plot, there are still some good twists and turns.

Number 3: Tomb Raider: Underworld

I have never been to big of a fan on the original tomb raider games, the puzzle solving has always been to difficult and the controls were clunky. Since Crystal Dynamics took over with Tomb Raider: Legend, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, and now Tomb Raider: Underworld they have combined all the things I thought and now do love about Tomb Raider. Tomb Raider: Underworld has a really fun mythical storyline, which leaves off where the previous game ended. It catches you up via flash backs. The game has the feel of an epic story and has beautiful and rich world. It’s stunning to look at a stunning to play. Pick it up!

Number 2: Prince of Persia

The Prince of Persia games have always been about minimal action, some stealth, deep story, and amazing platforming. This game is no doubt about  the same plus beautiful worlds and insanely fun flowing platforming. The feel of tapping buttons to jump from one area to another in a swift smooth flow is exhilarating, even after you do it a bunch of times. The game is really nice to you, instead of dying, luckily your female companion Elika comes to your rescue when you are about to take a nasty  fall. Some would say this is an insult to gaming, I say its an amazing achievement for the mid-core gamer.

Number 1: Gears of War 2

This was a difficult choice for me especially since Gears of War 2 is really a main stream game, but its a main stream game because its easy to pickup and play for all ages. The sci-fi epic that is Gears of War 2 extends the story from the first game, pretty much doubling everything, bigger story, bigger levels, bigger vehicles, same fun game-play. The game really strives for the mid-core gamer in the way that its easily accessible to anyone, girlfriend, dad, uncle, they all love this game.  The graphics of course still set the bar for any game, and the Lancer gun is a genius design. You probably already own this game, if you don’t what are you waiting for?

Runner Ups:

• God of War: Chains of Olympus
• Little Big Planet
• Dead Space

If you haven’t picked up any of these games, I would suggest doing so now!

Full reviews for the rest of games above coming soon