If anyone still doubts that video games aren't just for kids, they need only look at end-of-year lists.

My list is a perfect example. After thinking long and hard about the games I liked best this year, I realized my list consisted of eight games that are rated Mature.

I think that says a lot about the industry. Not that a game has to be rated Mature to be good, but that developers know their audience and are willing to take chances with language and violence.

Also interesting is that the current console leader - the Wii - is nowhere to be found on my list. There were good games for the Wii, to be sure, but none made the cut for truly great games.

I have no problem with casual games (if they're good, I love them just as much), but I do believe focusing too much on casual games can alienate the more hardcore base. I don't believe I'm the only reviewer who subconsciously snubbed the Wii.

Regardless, I'm happy with the strides the gaming industry has made into the mainstream consciousness. Gamers are not just nerds playing in the darkness of their moms' basements.

Now if only something could be done about publishers simultaneously releasing all their big titles in October and November.

Here are my picks, in order of rank, for the best games of 2008:

Game of the year. "Fallout 3" (Bethesda Softworks; rated Mature; for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC). "Fallout" is "Mad Max"-meets-"Elder Scrolls," a massive tale that takes place in a post-apocalyptic Washington, D.C. "Fallout" grips you with a fascinating story, gorgeous visuals and interesting gameplay. The dramatic, slow-motion combat system had me cheering every time. Hours and hours can be poured into it without reaching the end. I left my heart in the nuclear wasteland this fall.

2. "LittleBigPlanet" (Sony; Everyone; PS3). This ambitious title is the perfect example of a rising trend: user-created content. Sure, you can enjoy the adorable Sackboy's adventures in the Sony-created levels, but it's the sheer genius of user levels and the ability to make your own that make "LittleBigPlanet" shine.

3. "Grand Theft Auto IV" (Rockstar Games; Mature; Xbox 360, PS3). Yes, Niko's annoying friends are always calling him on his phone, but "GTA IV" is still a deep adventure of epic proportions. Playing through the main storyline barely scratches the surface of this gem, a fantastic evolution in the series.

4. "Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4" (Atlus; Mature; PlayStation 2). It takes a few hours before you truly get to play any of this game, but once you're in full control, this PS2 latecomer has an unexpected depth and maturity. It's also laugh-out-loud funny.

5. "Gears of War 2" (Microsoft; Mature; Xbox 360). The first "Gears" was a great game - No. 2 on my 2006 list - and the sequel ups the ante, tweaking the gameplay to make it nearly perfect. Toss in a new Horde mode, in which you fight off waves of enemies, and you have hours of fun with friends.

6. "Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots" (Konami; Mature; PS3). The most cinematic game I've ever played, "MGS4" is chock full of lengthy cutscenes - and some people don't like that. For me, it lends Solid Snake's swan song an appropriate epic feel.

7. "Resistance 2" (Sony; Mature; PS3). This shooter boasts some of the most massive boss battles I've seen. The single-player story is fun and the weapons are fantastic, but online is "Resistance 2's" crowning achievement - lots of multiplayer games, leveling up and stats galore.

8. "God of War: Chains of Olympus" (Sony; Mature; PSP). This is the game that showcases the power of the PSP. It's hard to believe the graphics come out of such a tiny system. Meanwhile, the gameplay and story are true to the series - violent, quick and an absolute blast.

9. "Fable II" (Microsoft; Mature; Xbox 360). "Fable II" is just as ambitious as the first game, with a branching good/evil system, laugh-out-loud moments and even a dog to keep you company (and find you treasure). Many media outlets named it their game of the year. I disagree, but it's certainly earned its place in the top 10.

10. "Burnout Paradise" (Electronic Arts; Everyone 10+; Xbox 360, PS3). The "Burnout" franchise has long been the king of slow-motion collisions. "Paradise" takes that into an open world into which you can bring your friends. It's both fast and furious and easily the best racing game of the year.

Honorable mentions: "Rock Band 2," "Dead Space," "Prince of Persia."