According to Microsoft's own IE8 site, the current version of IE8 is RC1, not a final release. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/Internet-explorer/beta/default.aspx

I agree that Halo is receiving praise where praise is not due. As for Metroid Prime, to me it was meant more as fan service for those of us who are Metroid fans. In terms of Oblivion, it had more steps forward than graphics (namely in physics), not to mention its one of the few RPGs out there that is truly open world.