#20 Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions | PSP
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Developer: Square Enix
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As one of the most iconic strategy games in existence, Final Fantasy Tactics has a cult following that positively freaked out when this remake was announced. The remake is mostly a port, but includes a few new playable characters, a new script, new cut scenes, new jobs, new--you get the idea. FFT fans probably picked this up the day of release, but other strategy fans would be well-served to receive this game as well.
#19 Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles | PSP
- Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment
- Developer: Konami Digital Entertainment
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It's inevitable that many Castlevania titles should be left stranded on Japanese shores, but it was always a shock that Dracula X: Rondo of Blood never made it overseas. Until now, that is. The Dracula X Chronicles is a great example of how ports should be, with updates to almost every facet of the game, as well as packaging Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and the original Rondo of Blood as unlockables. It's a ridiculous deal that can't be missed!
#18 World in Conflict | PC
- Publisher: Sierra
- Developer: Massive Entertainment
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PCs may be home to the majority of excellent RTS games, but World in Conflict stands above the rest thanks to its inventive and explosive action. There's no base building in World of Conflict; instead, you're given a limited amount of units up front, which can be replenished over time if they're destroyed, taking away the tedium of regular the RTS order of operations. This innovation, along with great graphics, easily makes World in Conflict one of the best RTS games of the year.
#17 Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 | PS2
- Publisher: Atlus USA, Inc.
- Developer: Atlus
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Even if you hate Japanese life simulation games, Persona 3 will make your slog through mundane life an enthralling study in brain-wracking, critical decision making. "Who to hang out with after school?" becomes a life-altering decision as each friend you sustain a relationship with levels up your battle summon ability. The balance between dungeon crawling and daily life is expertly crafted, and has gamers pouring 60 or more hours into this game, and loving every moment of it.
#16 Mario Strikers Charged | Wii
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Developer: Nintendo
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- Buy Now
Mario Strikers Charged doesn't rate on the scale of soccer realism, but it's one of the most addictively fun Wii games out yet--and that's saying a lot. The characters you know and love are equipped with their own personal power ups that turn on the action, while the tons of single-player modes and online play for the Wii will keep you rushing across the pitch for weeks on end. It's addictive and exhilarating, and like most Wii games, this one's even better when played with friends.
