Best Games of 2008: 50-41

Our countdown of the top games released this year begins now.

So, 2008 then? What a year. Everyone thought it would struggle following the stupendous year for quality games that was 2007, but it hasn't. There's been more 9/10 games than we can remember a year having, and even some perfect 10s. Yeah, 2008's been great, but that's not what you're here to be told. You're here for our run down of the top 50 games of the year. We'll be counting down 10 games at a time, from now till Christmas day itself when we'll unleash the top 10 in a special video feature, and reveal what game's nailed VideoGamer.com's coveted best game of 2008 award. Right, let's get this party started. Here's 50 to 41.

50. Bionic Commando Rearmed, Capcom - XBLA

What we said: Bionic Commando Rearmed is not a release for everyone. It's supposed to be hard, and you're supposed to like it. If you're short on patience or have a nervous disorder, then you should approach Rearmed with caution. If, however, you love the genre and harbour fond memories of the original, then this game will seem like a gift from the Eighties God of Shooty Bang-Bang. You may be slightly narked by the fact that you can't play co-op online, but hey - that wouldn't be very retro, would it?

49. Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Nintendo - Wii

What we said: It's impossible not to admire the series' remarkable accessibility and engrossing multiplayer battles. Indeed, Smash Bros. is as addicting as it's ever been, but it's certainly not perfect. Some of the character additions left us baffled, and the Subspace Emissary just doesn't live up to the polish seen in every other aspect of the game. Either way, with an epic online mode, dozens of unlockable characters and stages and hundreds of collectible trophies, Brawl deserves its place in every Wii-owner's collection.