Microsoft reveals best-selling XBLA games of ’08

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Now that 2008 is well and truly over, Microsoft have taken the opportunity to let us know what downloadable games Xbox 360 owners have been enjoying these past twelve months. Here’s the top 20 list, courtesy of much-loved Microsoft spokesman Major Nelson:

1. Castle Crashers
2. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2
3. Braid
4. A Kingdom for Keflings
5. UNO
6. Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
7. Fable II Pub Games
8. Duke Nukem 3D
9. Bionic Commando: Rearmed
10. Worms
11. Soul Caliber
12. Portal: Still Alive
13. DOOM
14. 1942: Joint Strike
15. Bomberman Live
16. Mega Man 9
17. N+
18. Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3
19. Marble Blast Ultra
20. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3

So, it appears that Xbox Arcade gamers love the side-scrolling beat-’em-up’s of olden days, as Castle Crashers was the most purchased XBLA game of 2008. We rather liked it around here too, as it made our list of Top 20 games of the year at Number 19.

The first Geometry Wars was easily one of the best-selling games at the outset of Xbox Live Arcade, and the better, brighter sequel follows its trend to deservingly sell the 2nd highest number of downloads.

Pleasingly, the strikingly original Braid came 3rd in 2008 sales, but it did one better in out hearts as DarkZero felt is was the 2nd-best game of the year.

The first Avatar-enabled game on XBLA, Kingdom for Keflings did surprisingly well considering how late in the year it was released. And UNO, despite being over two-and-a-half years old is still selling strong, possibly due to added Avatar support and a fancy Street Fighter II themed deck. (Watch out for the Hadoken card!).

Although most of the list appears to be made up of remakes and rehashes, it’s heartwarming to see that the top of the list is still made up of original titles. Here’s hoping that 2009 is just as good, if not better!

So, what XBLA games did you buy in 2008? Please let us know in the comments section below.