Dead Rising (Xbox 360, 2006)

This game is everything I had hoped it would be. Gameplay is fairly smooth and controls are accurate. The aiming system could have used some work, it is difficult to manipulate, and the controls are different for the camera and the gun(or any other projectile objects). A similarity of control for these two major facets of the game would dramatically improve gameplay. The usable weapons in the game (of which there are hundreds, nay, thousands) all have a unique feel and timing to master which keeps plowing through the thousands of enemies interesting and entertaining.

The graphics are excellent, especially considering the quantity of objects and enemies on the screen. The draw distance is a little short for some of the environments, making some characters pop out of nothing as you approach them, but this is such a minor quirk for this title that it shouldn't hinder gameplay.

Sounds.. .well they're there. Voiceovers are unique and well done, but not nearly used enough. The game's mission assignment system, which utilizes the cell phone to call in orders (ala GTA San Andreas) uses nothing but subtitles, which can be difficult to read when you are trying to keep track of the zombie hordes that are quickly closing in. Voiceovers on the cell phone calls in addition to the subtitling would add a lot of quality to these mission assignments.

Overall this game is a great value. It can be replayed with various modes and your previous characters transferred back into your new games. There are enough side missions and easter eggs to warrant at least a couple of playthroughs. As always, Xbox 360 games are overpriced, and at 60.00 this makes a pricey (but very worthwhile) addition to any collection.