BioShock – 2007 (Xbox 360/PC/PlayStation 3)

Not only does the chilling, distinctive underwater 50s city of Rapture make BioShock an utterly immersive and spectacular first-person shooter, but the game’s narrative challenges video game conventions, providing an incredible twist that ensures its status as a thinking man’s FPS and modern masterpiece.

Braid – 2008 (Xbox 360/PC)

Braid undoubtedly has a high barrier to entry, but if players are patient with this short platformer then they’ll experience one of the most thought-provoking and intricately created video games ever made. Whatever you say against it, you cannot dispute that people will be talking about Braid for many years to come.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare – 2007 (Xbox 360/PlayStaton 3/PC)

Is there a better, tighter, more entertaining modern first-person shooter? CoD4’s single player campaign offers action, atmosphere and some politically charged, dramatic moments, but on top of that its online level-based multiplayer remains the best example of its kind, thus making it the most complete FPS made to date.
Civilization II – 1996 (PC)

The danger with including Civ II on this list is that it might be impossible to put it down and try the other 29 games. This classic turn-based strategy game eliminates messy micromanagement but perversely offers up a huge amount of choice to its players in their quest for world domination, whether it’s through diplomacy, war or simple monopoly. An addictive triumph everyone should try.

Dance Dance Revolution – 1998 (Arcade)

People wrongly point towards Wii Sports as the first physical video game. Not only did DDR get their first, but it did it so much better. The game eats up coin after coin as players put down their pride, step up onto the stage and throw themselves into the foot-tapping gameplay. Whether through the original or more modern iterations, DDR remains a unique and incredibly fun experience.

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