I played less video games this year than I listened to albums, but from what I did hit, here are the best:

Disgaea 2
Disgaea 2 is a more than worthy sequel to the charming and fucking awesome Disgaea, which is without a doubt one of my favorite games of this generation. It's hard to say which I like better; Disgaea laid the groundwork, but the sequel refines it, builds on it to a ludicrous extent, and otherwise improves virtually every aspect. If you're looking for an offline game to throw a couple hundred hours into, this one is for you.

Final Fantasy XII
I'm not sure if FFXII or Disgaea 2 is better. Tough call. Regardless, this is that game that has (hopefully) revitalized perhaps the most expansive franchise in video games. It features a completely revamped combat system, terrific writing and voice work, and, of course, the industry standard-setting production values which Squeenerix is known for. Despite my prejudices, I actually really, really enjoyed this game.

Oblivion
It's impossible not to mention Oblivion, which is probably the greatest fantasy sandbox game ever made. Like Disgaea 2, it takes the foundation laid by its predecessor - already a very good game - and expands and improves in every way. Ever wanted to pick flowers in-between beheading goblins? Ever wanted to craft wands of incomparable destructive power and blast random townsfolk into tiny little pieces with them? Ever wanted to trash the home of that bitch who made you run twenty recursive errands and only paid you one copper? This is your game. I'll probably get the itch to play this once every year or so from now till the next one. Hell, I kind of want to play it right now.

Dawn of War: Dark Crusade
It's an expansion! No, wait, it's a stand alone! No, wait, it's both! Dawn of War: Dark Crusade brings two new races, new units, new maps, and a bitchin' new campaign mode to the best multiplayer PC game I've played in years. This shit is hot.