BioShock

There's no beating around the bush - BioShock is a modern-day gaming masterpiece. Rarely does a game seem to fire on all cylinders, but this Xbox 360 first-person shooter does just that.

The game begins with you, as the protagonist, being involved in a plane crash and finding your way into a crumbling undersea utopia named Rapture. While your immediate concern is survival, there's also the underlying concern of Rapture itself. What went wrong? How was paradise lost? It makes for a fascinating, thought provoking storyline. Furthermore, the player is asked to make important moral choices throughout the game. It all equals a plot that has spurred deep, philosophical conversations not often born of video game software.

Plot aside, the game is also doggone fun to look at and play as well. The visuals are breathtaking, and the sights and sounds really help pull the gamer into the atmosphere of this world. Layered on top of the fairly standard first-person shooter controls are plasmids, or special powers that allow the protagonist to shoot fire, manipulate objects, and more. Again, like with other aspects of the game, BioShock showcases top-notch craftsmanship in this area. However, it should be noted that BioShock is a single-player experience only. No multiplayer whatsoever, online or off. It doesn't matter, though. BioShock offers an incredible journey - one every self-respecting Xbox 360 owner needs to experience.