Dead Space (Xbox 360, 2008)

First of all, let me just say that I'm not a fan of the "survival Horror" subgenre. The only Res Evil i liked was 4, although I havent had a chance to play 5 yet. But this game made me change my mind. First of all, it has a story line and creepyness factor on par with Bioshock, but with a definite style all its own. The "dismembering" system give is something unique, instead of the standard "body shot or head shot" system most games have. Theres something very satisfying about shooting the legs off a monster, and then boot stomping it as it crawls toward you.

Also, the leveling up system is very unique and give the game a great replayablity. Unlike bioshock, where by the end of the game you can have every weapon fully upgraded if you find everything, you really have to make choices in dead space. In fact, I found that it was more prudent to only own three weapons at a time and really maxing them out instead of trying to have everything, and having them all suck.

This game is a must have for survival horror/ and shooter fans.