Borderlands (2K; PC, PS3, Xbox 360; rated mature)

Humans colonized the planet Pandora years ago, but the only reason anyone still inhabits the wasteland is a legend. Somewhere on the planet, it's said, is a vault containing alien technology and untold wealth. Which means Pandora is like a giant goldfield; the only humans left are those searching for treasure and those selling them the tools they need. In this case, that's guns and ammo.

Blending elements from some of the best shooter and adventure games of the past few years—you'll catch hints of BioShock, Fallout 3, Crackdown, and others—Borderlands manages to be a completely playable game that is both fast and fun. There's more than 30 hours of gaming here, and a robust multiplayer mode that allows for split-screen or on-line cooperative play.