So I have time/money to buy a new game but at the same time I've cleared out my list of must-buys.  The six games above i am interested in but at the same time i'm not dying to play any of them.

Mod Nation Racer - I was really hyped prior to release but mixed reviews killed my hype.

Red Dead Redemption - I've always hated GTA but I like cowboys, not sure if this is the game for me.

Fallout 3 - Not even sure what to expect but other people seem to like it.

Metal Gear Solid 4 - Another highly rated game.  I've never played a MGS so I'm not sure if I can really jump into the series at this point and enjoy it.  however, the stealth elements of U2 was amazing which is was put MGS back on my list of games to consider.

Demon Souls - Looks fun but I'm also a pussy.

Dragon Age - I know I'd like the game but does it play well on ps3?  Seems like I should get this for PC if anything.

So...i'd appreciate any input in helping me choose the best game for me.

MGS4 can be hit or miss for you, I love it and that was my first MGS game ever. I watched some recaps of the old games on GameTrailers though, which made a pretty huge difference I think.

It's kind of hard to recommend games when you don't say what you're generally into.

Demon's Souls so you can remove your pussy.

I would go for RDR, it is a fantastic game

lol, good point.  i guess i forgot to mention it because more than anything i like to be a well rounded gamer as in I like to play all genres.  my only rule for myself is to not play the same genre two games in a row.  i just finished playing the hell out of critter crunch and before that 3D dot game heroes.

portal, lbp, uncharted, echochrome, infamous, rock band beatles, R&C:CiT round out some of my favorite games this gen.

There you go.

just how challenging is it.  ...play 3D dot game heroes and i'll be honest, i was kind of frustrated at how unforgiving it can be at times.  my impression is demon souls 10x harder still.

lol, well i already have a wii but i guess i could get cooking mama.  oh wait, no, the poll can't be changed.  oh darn.

Did you play Valkyria Chronicles ?

If yes then i recommend Demon's Souls

I picked Demon's Souls out of that list because of my lack of PS3 experience.  Demon's Souls is hard from an old school POV which makes it great for me.  The game is constantly saving for you so you don't have to.  Therefore, almost every action has consequences so you need to choose wisely what you do because there is normally no turning back when performing an action.  It's also very defensive combatwise which also reminds me of old schol gaming where you have to use a fair amount of strategy in real time to ensure your wins.  When you find your playing style with your preferred character class, it's fairly easy to get into to take on the challenge.  Very additive and rewarding because of the challange.