Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion — I can’t even start to pretend to be objective about Oblivion, because not only do I think it’s the best game for the 360 but also a solid contender for best video game of all time.

Now, I suppose if I was a fan of Japanese RPGs or action games that call themselves RPGs, I might have too many barriers to overcome; third-person perspective, for one thing, and so much freedom that sometimes you just long for a linear path to narrow your choices. I suppose I could whine that the combat can get repetitive to players who are used to ridiculously convoluted chains of combos, or too lonely for RPG-er who are used to lugging around entire parties of adventurers with present personalities and cartoonish quirks.

Nope, the only complaints I have about Oblivion go in the absolute opposite direction. I think Bethesda made too much effort to attract a more mainstream audience with the fast-travel and expanded combat options, and traded some of the exotic and unique feel of Morrowind for a more conventional and stereotypical Medieval/ Lord of the Rings ambiance.

Otherwise, it’s all good; you play how you want, as much as you want, and start again at any time for an almost completely different experience. I’ve logged an embarrassing amount of hours into this game and i still find new sights and things to do. And speaking of sights, few games will astound you with so many immersive environments; how many other games can be so engrossing when all you’re doing is walking around?

Runner Up: Fallout 3 – same basic engine as Oblivion, but more mature (in subject matter and technical polish). It’s also full of classic Fallout-style dark post-apocalyptic semi-socially-conscious retro humor. Many people prefer this unique not-so-distant-future RPG to Oblivion, and I can understand why (though I don’t agree).

Runner Up: Mass Effect — Bioware makes great RPGs, and Mass Effect is a great gaming experience…though I tend to like my RPGs a little more, well, nerdy. Immersion is one of the goals, and ME excels at it, but it’s not an RPG for those of us who actually like obsessing over stats and levels and equipment.

Honorable mentions: Fable II — honestly, I’m still not sure that I like the original Fable, but I can sincerely say that the sequel gives you more of everything, and cleans up many of the problems. And for you Baldur’s Gate/ Neverwinter Nights fans, Dragon Age: Origins will give you that party-leading BioWare RPG feeling with outstanding graphics and narrative.