My Favorite Video Games of 2009

2009 was a pretty good year for video games and for gamers. Like 2008, 2009 continued the trend of game exclusives slowing giving way to cross platform releases. An example of this happened early in the year with the Xbox exclusive DLC content for Fallout 3. The DLC was initially supposed to be exclusive to xbox 360 which eventually became "xbox first" content. PS3 owners did have to wait months for the content to be available but ultimately scored by being able to simply buy a Game of the Year edition of Fallout 3 which included all 5 downloadable expansions.

I have to preface my list of favorites from 2009 by saying that although I do own all three major current generation systems, I never play the Wii. Due to this, all my picks are from the PS3 or Xbox 360 platforms.

1. Uncharted 2 – Among Thieves (PS3)

Uncharted 2 was a spur of the moment purchase for me – I had heard nothing but positive things about this game and had an itch to go out and buy a game to play during my Winter break. I decided on Uncharted with some trepidation due to the fact that, although I’ve been a long time owner of the PS3, I had actually never used it to play any games. I’m happy to write that I had no need to worry about purchasing this game because it was amazing.

 

The game looks magnificent on a High Definition screen and really showcases the power of the PS3. The cut scenes in Uncharted 2 are all rendered with the in-game engine, which creates a seamless experience that keeps the player completely hooked and immersed in the Uncharted world and engrossed in the story. There are never any loading screens or wait times that interrupt the flow of the narrative. Simply put, the visuals in this game are fantastic.

The visuals are given life thanks to a really interesting and exciting story that takes the player all around the globe. The story and the characters, due to great dialogue and writing, are what make this game so special. Uncharted 2 is truly a character driven action-adventure story that is as good as a movie. In fact, I’d wager that it is better than the newest Indiana Jones movie (I can’t say for sure because I refuse to see it).

It is sometimes hard to justify spending $60 on a video game. You won’t regret a single cent when you buy and play through this game.

2. Modern Warfare 2 (PS3 / XBOX 360)

What can I say that hasn’t already been said about this game? The single player campaign is fun and provides an adrenalin rush during the initial play through. However, when all is said and done, it is in essence a big dumb Michael Bay / Jerry Bruckheimer explosions-and-stupid-dialogue-in-your-face-special-effects-extravaganza. Honestly, that isn’t always a bad thing. So why is this game on my list of favorite games of 2009? Two words: online multiplayer. What makes this game so enjoyable and worth the $60 price tag is the highly customizable multiplayer.  The multiplayer is the life-blood of this series and deserves all the praise it gets. One moment you can be infuriated, ready to throw your controller at the screen the next moment (or round) you end up on top with the most kills. It is a highly enjoyable game on a visceral level, which is exactly what you need sometimes. I can already tell that I'll be playing this game until the Modern Warfare 3 comes out. 

3. Arkham Asylum (PS3 / XBOX 360)

 

Arkham Asylum is a very rare game in the sense that it is based on an established franchise / material and doesn’t suck. Usually video games that are adaptations of existing properties or franchises (especially in the case of movies) end up being crap created simply as cash-ins. What makes Arkham Asylum so great is that it successfully melds established characters and histories with a brand new story. The key to it’s success, in regards to the story, is the fact that the writers of the game did not ignore the existing canon – they integrated it into the new story revolving around the Joker’s plan to control Arkham Asylum (I’m trying not to give anything away).  The game also benefits from the voice talent, which includes Mark Hamil and Kevin Conroy. The fact that the producers of this game decided to go with continuity and hired these two guys to reprise their iconic roles as these characters goes a long way into taking you, the gamer, back into a world (Gotham) that you were already familiar with.  Oh, and the game play is really fun too!

Honorable Mentions:

Assassins Creed 2

Halo ODST

Fallout 3 DLC