The year is half over, so I think it's time we discuss some early Game of the Year candidates. And I'm only going to name Console Exclusives, and 1 per console.

Nintendo DS: The World Ends With You
This RPG changes the rules for RPG's. With a unique style and combat system, TWEWY allows for multiple levels of customization involving clothing, pins, difficulty and level raising. You can actually raise and lower your level to increase/decrease item drop rates. The story is also the best Square has done in years, and it gets better and better until the very end.

Playstation Portable: God of War: Chains of Olympus
It's God of War...on a Handheld. Do I need to say anything else? I thought not.

Playstation 3: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
The best looking, highest production value, best sounding game of the generation. With unique and powerful gameplay elements and cutscenes, Metal Gear Solid 4 is a sight to behold. With improved gameplay and many hidden secrets, it not only leaves the story of Solid Snake at a satisfying end, but makes you want to play it over and over to find all the secrets in this linear sandbox stealth action title.

Nintendo Wii: Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Yes, it is more of the same, but it has more content than any game this generation. Which the largest soundtrack of Nintendo games in history, Brawl is a treat to listen to as well as to play. It is great alone, but is almost untouchable in terms of fun when playing with friends.

Xbox 360: Lost Odyssey
The game that would've been Final Fantasy XI was put out on the Xbox 360 this year with a rich storyline, ways to make the game less painful, and old school gameplay that not only leaves you frustrated but thankful that a game like this exists, and is a much needed escape from what the Xbox 360 offers mostly.

These are just my picks currently. I'm sure you have yours, but these are the ones that stand out. If the year ended today, these would be the best ones. And it's hard to deny that these games aren't special in some way. For me, Metal Gear Solid 4 wins out over TWEWY...but the margin is a lot closer than everyone might think.