One of the most remarkable achievements of the story in Oblivion is the way that it provides context for such a breadth of content, without forcing anything upon the player. The Dark Brotherhood quest line is a perfect example of just how much a great story can enrich a game.

While the story in Final Fantasy XII carries plenty traditional role-playing themes, it's the intriguing and well-developed political conflict and endearing cast of characters that make the story as rich and engaging as that of any Final Fantasy game to date.

This game proves that a great science fiction story can go beyond the standard aliens-versus-humans plot. Endearing characters, gripping dialogue, and an imaginative world all combine to create one of the most engrossing stories of the year.

The developers at Rockstar have long been known for their sardonic, edgy sense of humor, but for Bully the writers had to curb their trademark mature humor to fit with the adolescent themes of the story. They achieved remarkable success in doing so, creating a story that is as genuine as it is entertaining.

This story succeeds through its excellent cast of characters and some of the best dialogue you'll find in any game this year. Not only that, but the dynamic nature of the story ensures that you'll discover something new each and every time you play.