PlayStation fanboys will have you believe that the Xbox 360 is on its way out, but Microsoft Game Studios VP Shane Kim recently told GamesIndustry.biz that 2008 will be a great year for the 360, saying,

“…we are really focused on the strategy of tremendous exclusive content. Titles like Gears of War 2, Fable 2, Banjo, et cetera. as well as the continuing leadership we have in the online space with Xbox Live.”

I think that a key point here is the online space – right now, at least, it’s just something that the PlayStation 3 and Wii just aren’t delivering.

I’m self-admittedly a “casual gamer.” In other words, my life is complete without playing through Grand Theft Auto IV and I’m more excited about most Wii party games than about the upcoming Metal Gear Solid installment. So, in honor of the 360’s dominance in the online world, here’s my top five list of the best purchases you can make on XBL for the casual gamer:

#5: Zuma

Back when I was in college, I had a roommate who was pretty obsessed with playing Zuma on her PC. When I saw it on XBL, I had to buy it. I know, I know – to those of you who have never played the game, shooting colored balls out of a stone frog’s mouth might not seem like fun. Seriously, though – try it. It is STRESSFUL when those lines of balls are snaking toward you!

#4: N+

I recently discovered the wonderfulness that is N+ when a friend of mine downloaded it and began playing it in front of me. I’m hooked. It is simple enough to learn, and there’s no storyline involved, so you can play through the game at your own pace and without spending tons of time listening to people talk. This is the kind of game you can set down, but pick up a few months later and jump right back in with no problems.

#3: Pac-Man C.E.

Pac-Man C.E. is my most recent obsession. I played Pac-Man at arcades before, of course, but it didn’t cross my mind to download it until I was inspired by watching King of Kong. Now, I can’t stop! My roommate got the hight score and it bugs the hell out of me that I’m not on top. Does that take you back to the old arcade days or what?

#2: Bomberman LIVE

Bomberman = Love. This is be far one of the funnest games I’ve ever played, and I love that it is on Live – blowing up other people is much more fun than blowing up computer players. My favorite though, is the level where you run around painting squares. It’s kind of like basketball – only the last minute matters. When someone kills you, deleting your painted squares, it is a minor tragedy. Play it. Love it.

#1: Alien Hominid

Alien Hominid is seriously one of my favorite games of all time. I’m not just talking favorite casual games either – I rank this game up there among ALL games I’ve ever played. It’s fast paced, and even though the game play is super tough, I never get sick of playing it. And, while doing so, singing “Hominiiiiiiiiid…hominiiiiiiddd…” to the James Bond theme song music. But let’s keep that our little secret, OK?

What would you add to this list?

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