Game of the Year awards are almost never consensus picks. Different gamers like different types of games. Here at Snackbar Games, we have a diverse staff of writers and editors, and between now and the end of the year, they’ll each be telling you, however they choose, about their top ten of ’08. We round out the first week with head honcho Chris Rasco’s top…9. Budget cuts?

9. Warrior’s Orochi 2

More of the same hack and slash action that KOEI has been putting out for years, but I just can’t get enough of it. The tweaks this year have kept me playing since it’s release. Since there isn’t really anything groundbreaking going on here, I couldn’t put it any higher on my list for 2008.

8. Wii Fit

Despite the quirky nature of many of the Wii titles, Wii Fit included, I really enjoy what Wii Fit is doing for gaming. It really delivers on the promise that the Wii is the truly interactive gaming system. Not to mention that it’s a true workout if you stick with it and do it for 20-30 minutes a day.

7. Boom Blox

If the kids didn’t get this for me for my birthday, I would have missed out on one of the years top titles. Boom Blox is one part carnival game, one part reverse Jenga, and one part frustration. What you end up with is a really entertaining game that I love playing with the kids. READ MORE

Game of the Year awards are almost never consensus picks. Different gamers like different types of games. Here at Snackbar Games, we have a diverse staff of writers and editors, and between now and the end of the year, they’ll each be telling you, however they choose, about their top ten of ’08. Today, Justin Last, our new features editor, ranks a downloadable game #1– but not one you might think.

10. Castle Crashers
The Behemoth promised a triumphant return of the 4-player coop brawler except now I’d be able to play with all my friends no matter where they lived. They got it half right, and the fact that it shows up on my list despite being broken ought to be a testament to just how much fun the game is in local multiplayer. There’s something pure about picking a guy and wrecking levels with three friends. If I could take the game online without fear or destroying my save Castle Crashers would be much higher on my list. At least I know who to blame – featured programmer Tom Fulp!

9. Bionic Commando Rearmed
Old games are hard, and competent reimaginings are, too. There’s a sense of accomplishment when completing a level in BCR that just isn’t present in newer games. Add to that a good assortment of weapons, creative boss fights, and interesting mechanics (no jumping in a platformer!) and you’ve got a downloadable title that everybody should try. And in the chance that the story mode doesn’t offer enough challenge the numerous challenge rooms will be right up your alley.
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The loveable and huggable Mike and Marco are back with another great podcast. Just in time for the holidays, they talk about their top games for 2008 and throw in a Holiday Gift Guide for all you last minute shoppers.

You can hit the direct link of the podcast here, or if you aren’t subscribed to our Podcast Feed, you can find that here.

The Metal Gear and Silent Hill series have touched many gamers. Now, they’ll have the chance to touch back.

Metal Gear Solid Touch and Silent Hill: The Escape will be released as downloadable games for the iPhone and iPod Touch, Konami announced in a press release. A Dance Dance Revolution game and a Frogger game will also be available as part of the company’s new Touch Konami line.

Metal Gear Solid Touch uses characters and environments from Metal Gear Solid 4 in an eight-stage shooting-gallery game that will be available in Spring 2009. More stages will be available later, the press release says. READ MORE