Who says that you need a disk to have some fun playing video games? Sometimes all you need is a little bit of hard drive space. Ranging from updated classics to brave new takes on tried-and-true genres, here is my list of the top-ten downloadable games for your consoles.
1. Pac-Man: Championship Edition (Xbox 360)
The original "Pac-Man" was one of the games that changed the world, but the Championship Edition goes to a whole new pellet-munching level. Timed levels, crazy effects, and intense challenges make "Pac-Man C.E." a worthy successor to the Pac-Man crown. Hopefully 2008 will bring us "Ms. Pac-Man C.E." (I really do love her bow).
2. Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (Wii)
A classic finally made its way across the Pacific in its original form. The true sequel to the greatest game of all time, "Super Mario Bros. 2" (as it is known in Japan) picks up right where the first game left off, and keeps true to the game's 8-bit visual and audio style. Although it was released on the SNES "Super Mario All-Stars" compilation, true hardcore fans know it just wasn’t the same.
3. Everyday Shooter (Playstation 3)
First there was "Robotron," then "Geometry Wars" and now "Everyday Shooter," the next step in the line of great dual analog stick shooters. The brainchild of wunderkind developer Jonathan Mak takes shooting objects with just your thumbs to a truly sublime level. With constantly changing levels, combos, and soundtrack, this is an absolute must-have for any PS3 owner.
4. Puzzle Quest (Xbox 360)
The original "Puzzle Quest" was first released on the DS earlier this year, but it eventually made its way onto the Xbox Live Arcade in HD, and with full multiplayer support, the addiction really began. Competitive gameplay, similar to the soccer mom obsession "Bejeweled," coupled with RPG elements, and a deep quest mode, it's a winning combination whether you consider yourself a nerd or a geek.
5. Every Extend Extra Extreme (Xbox 360)
Much like "Puzzle Quest," "E4" was originally released to the retail market on a handheld (its first true iteration was a Flash game), but it really came to shine when it hit Xbox LIVE with added features. New modes, the ability to use your own music in the game and online multiplayer set "E4" apart from the pack, especially since it is easily the most hypnotic game on this list.
6. Sin & Punishment (Wii)
Aside from having the best name among our picks, "Sin & Punishment" has been one of the most sought after Japanese-only N64 games since it was released by Nintendo in 2000. Developed by Treasure, a company know for its shooters (everything from "Gunstar Heroes" to "Ikaruga") "Sin & Punishment" took an on-rails approach to saving humanity, and was a welcome addition to the Wii's Virtual Console library of games that were previously import-only titles.
7. Warhawk (Playstation 3)
"Warhawk" is a bit in the gray area in terms of downloadables since it was released simultaneously on a disk for the PS3. However, that's the real reason it made the list. "Warhawk" was the first newly released, full-scale game to be available on a console for download. Sony took a bit of a risk releasing this online multiplayer-only as a download, but it seems to have paid off, since it is one of the most successful PS3 games of the year.
8. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PSP)
What is considered the greatest game to ever appear on the PS1, "Symphony of the Night" made its downloadable debut on the Xbox 360, and then soon after on the PS3 and PSP. The gameplay and graphics haven't changed much, but do they really need to? Alucard is a badass no matter how pixilated his sprite is.
9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Arcade Game (Xbox 360)
If you spent any time in an arcade in the late 1980’s there is little doubt that you are familiar with the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" arcade game, since you, and three of your friends, probably spent pocketfuls of quarters on it. Now you get to pick your favorite turtle and kick Shredder's butt from the comfort of your home on your Xbox 360. (Now if we could just get "The Simpsons" arcade game released…)
10. Super Mario Bros. 3 (Wii)
It was really only a matter of time before the best-selling NES game of all time was released on the Wii's Virtual Console. "Super Mario Bros. 3" was Mario's most expanded 8-bit adventure, taking him to worlds that gamers never thought they would see. It's the same game you all know and love, but you get to buy it all over again, and, in all honesty, it's completely worth the money. Whether you grew up with the game or it's your first time wondering what exactly a “Tanooki” is, you’ll enjoy this download guaranteed.
Also, if you just can't get enough of Top 10 lists, check out MTV.com Video Games' picks for the best games of 2007 here, you might be surprised just what made the list.