Batman. Not only was it a well done game, it managed to make a simple fighting mechanic feel fun and substantial. And it deserves a medal for using a stealth dynamic that isn't complete fail, and actually FUN.

Bayonetta, Demon's Souls is a close second though. (game is fantastic and I'm really ticked that it's not on PC).

For me, it would probably have to be Spelunky. Wonderful platformer roguelike. So many random situations, so many awful deaths. My roommate and I had a running competition this past spring about who could beat it first. We got really good at stealing from the shopkeeper.

Borderlands
Not the most ambitious game out there, but it's such a huge fun.

The best game I've played this year is Fallout 3.
The best game I've played this year that was released this year is Dragon Age: Origins.

Dragon Age Origins for PC (PS3 Version gave me headaches way to bright)
Valkryia Chronicles/Demon souls for ps3 (DS was fun, felt like i missed alot more fun with the whole online portion, and VC I picked up mainly cause the post exchange had that and a wwe game.... But glad I did, fun as hell, artwork is great, story is very interesting, sometimes long winded mind you but overall great)

Hm - Defence Grid: The Awakening and Plants vs. Zombies sucked up most of my time.
But I after I finished them, there is nothing left to do, and I don't have to re-play them necessarily. Which takes me back to two other games a happen to re-play again and again and again ... "Might and Magic 6" and "Evil Genius".
If it's gotta be a newer game, I would say King's Bounty.
Yeah - Turn based strategy is at it's knees, but we'll be back - all MMO gamer just have to see that the pricing system nowaday isn't right and that it's not always fun to play with some 13 year olds or some pros who have to gather items and gold for selling them ... :)

God of War, never played it since my ps2 died when it released and got the collection.

I think I will join the Dragon Age club :) Still not perfect and still not Baldurs Gate, but.... pretty close :) A bit slow to start, but enjoying it now more and more more and more and more and more... :)
When it comes to most original though, I have to say Mirror's Edge (I dont get how come it didnt get in the Gamasutra list). For me the most original game of the year, I cant believe that a parcour simulation on computer actually works and is so fun :)

Yeah probably Dragon Age too. Gets damn hard though. I've had to save and repeat battles more often than any other game I've played I think.

Dragon Age. Frustrating at times, but overall a fantastic experience.

guys, you should remember the frustration of Baldur's Gate dragons, liches, mind-flayers... hell, even generic late-game mages, before you complain about Dragon Age :D
But I have to say... it has been a loooong time, since an RPG game has given me such a feeling of satisfaction, after defeating a powerful monster (dragons for example).

Borderlands is probably going to consume more of my time than any other game released this year. It has its faults but it gets the core gameplay so firmly nailed you can tell their Blizzard influences have paid off.
Machinarium deserves a mention for being the beautiful game it is.

Heh, I certainly wouldn't mind seeing a few enemies on par with Kangaxx thrown into games these days. RPG players need to be reminded once in a while what it feels like to have your ass handed to you. :P

Dragon Age: Origins is very high on my list. Definitely of the BG pedigree. :)