There's no game that tries as many new things as Knights in the Nightmare. It doesn't just put a twist on the turn-based strategy; it redefines what this sort of game can be. From the involvement of frantic bullet hell battles in the middle of a match to a system that adds the aspect of seconds to resource management, Knights is truly unlike any game you've ever played. It's original, sure, but it's also executed well, with the only downside being the clutter that DS faces under the pressure of so many systems.  It's a game that's truly pushing the envelope in game design.

Runners-Up: Demon's Souls, DJ Hero