Top Ten Games of 2006

Games are big business, and with the battle of the gaming consoles recently concluding, it's time to list the top ten games of 2006. While I understand that there are still a few days, and some great additions might be made to this list, the following are the best games of 2006 (minus 20 days). These games are not restricted by the gaming platform, and are in no particular order.

Half-Life 2 : Aftermath - The biggest questions before it's release were "Will Gordon finally speak?" or "Has Gordon discovered the meaning of life?". While answering either of the two will be ruining a part of the game, lets focus on the actual game. The story is developed more, the graphics and sounds are even more impressive than before, and the weaponry and animations are great. By all means, Half Life 2 matches up to the expectations that everyone had from it.

Star Wars: Empire at War - Who doesn't like the idea of being able to travel all over the galaxy swinging a light saber? A great multiplayer mode, the awesome graphics, the highly integrated and team-based play all add up together neatly in the great game that has earned its spot on the top ten games of 2006.

Shadows of the Colossus - Following its predecessor Ico with some amazing improvements, Shadows of Colossus is one of the best games for the PS2 console ever, and easily takes a spot in this top ten games list. You play a horse riding young lad who must go around taking down various giants (some of the largest ones in the gaming history with Serious Sam and Painkiller) in an attempt to save your significant other. I really hope that the PS3 gets some games that are worth it, as this one lost a lot of attention to the PS3.

Caesar IV - A great game that focuses on the building of your empire, anyone with any level of experience with the Ceaser series will want this in their hands within minutes. Not only are the graphics and sounds improved, the whole look of the series has been changed. Gameplay is also a lot more realistic and this is one game that is worth looking into if you like other simulation games.