Already a memorable year BioShock 2, due Feb. 9

2010 has already proven to be a singular year in the videogame world. With so many triple-A titles fleeing from the 2009 holiday season to stay clear of Modern Warfare 2's massive wake, the first few months of this year have an unusually star-studded feel to them. Traditionally a wastebin of average publisher inventory and delayed second-rate titles, the first two weeks of January have already seen the release of such critical gems as Bayonetta (90 on 360), Darksiders (84 on PS3), and Army of Two: The 40th Day (77 on 360), with highly anticipated Mass Effect 2 (9.5 from Official Xbox Magazine) hitting the shelves at the end of the month.

Also worth noting is the fact that the Xbox 360 is hitting its stride now that it is into its fifth year of existence, and the Playstation 3 and Wii are both in their fourth years (with no next-gen console announcements on the horizon), meaning developers are extremely familiar with the platforms and how to create and optimize games for them — enabling these creative teams to truly push their boundaries.

Finally, there is the theory that every three years, the gaming industry puts out a group of uniquely outstanding games. Three years ago, we played such groundbreaking titles as Bioshock, Halo 3, Resident Evil 4, Super Mario Galaxy, Uncharted, Rock Band, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, to name just a few. And three years before that, in 2004, we were graced with the such critical faves as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Halo 2, Half-Life 2, World of Warcraft, Ninja Gaiden, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and Far Cry. Coincidence? Probably. But competition among the consoles and publishers has never been more fierce, and 2010's still-growing list of releases is already impressive.

Not yet convinced? Below, we provide more reasons to start saving your money, as we preview the hottest titles expected to arrive over the next 12 months. We start with cross-platform games …

Multi-Platform Titles Which side are you on? Aliens vs. Predator
PC, 360, PS3 (Feb. 16)

This first-person shooter from the developer of the original Aliens vs. Predator game (that was back in 1999; there have been many sequels since) features creatures from the Aliens and Predator movies. An attempt to reboot the game franchise, AvP is divided into three campaigns (one for each species, including the Colonial Marines), and features a variety of solo and multiplayer modes.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2
PC, 360, PS3 (Mar. 2)

EA's sequel to its 2008 game Battlefield: Bad Company has fans of the series hoping that this new installment might surpass the similar multiplayer shooter Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 — one of the best-reviewed games of recent years. Customizable weapon selection and more destruction (take down entire buildings!) are some of new features in BF:BC2, which will include desert, mountain and jungle terrain.