Best of 2009
MasterSquirrel: Best of 2009
List items
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The hype machine worked overtime trying to promote Rocksteady's foray into the world of Batman and all this hype did nothing to assure me that this game would turn out well. However, after just around an hour with this game in hand I knew that this was going to be a game to remember. Whether it be the beautifully simple yet elegant combat the tension-filled stealth or the frequent nods to the Batman universe this game had everything. There was almost nothing that I did not like about this game which is probably why I FCed it within two or three days of getting it.
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I played through Assassin's Creed just days before I got my hands on Assassin's Creed 2. While the intuitive free running and the assassinations of the former had pulled me in the oftentimes aggravating combat as well as the many useless and boring missions pushed me away. With those memories still fresh in mind I was happily surprised to find that almost all of my complaints from the first game were gone. Assassin's Creed to is the textbook example of an upgrade. From the improved combat and traversal to the much more interesting missions and characters the sequel was better than the first in every way (though it could have used a Hard mode).
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Uncharted 2 is at a severe disadvantage on this list for the sole reason that it is only playable on the PS3. Do not take that statement as a dis of Sony's incredible video game hardware, but understand that of the new generation's console's the only one of the big four I don't possess is the PS3 (PC is the fourth one if you didn't get that). Because of this empty spot on my video game shelf I have not acclimated myself to the PS3's controller which possesses the distinct difference of switching the d-pad and the left control stick from what I am used to.
Because of this my experience with Uncharted 2 was fraught with platforming errors and unintentional movements because I had to keep reminding myself that forward was now forward and left (compare how your thumb moves on a 360 controller to the PS3 and tell me I'm wrong). In spite of my lack of PS3 prowess Uncharted 2 was a game that astounded me with it's wonderful characters, interesting story, and spot on action sequences. Let it be known that if it were not for how much the controller change made me suck at this game it may have been my top pick.
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Okay I'll admit it. I was slightly miffed when I learned Valve was making a sequel to L4D only a year after the first had been released. However, after playing through the demo 3 times over I could tell that this game was significantly different than it's predecessor. The addition of three new special infected creating wonderful new gameplay elements and an all new mode in Scavenger this game had me gleefully shooting my was through the undead horde all over again. Add to that Ellis, who is officially my favorite L4D character for his southern roots, and a swatch of new weapons to defend your tasty flesh and you have my fourth favorite game of 2009.
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While it may not have the action, story, or characters to keep most people interested Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box had one thing that had me blazing through it from beginning to end. Puzzles. I freaking LOVE puzzles and the ones presented in Diabolical Box were so much fun for me to go through I couldn't help but go back and find (and solve) all the ones I missed my first time through. Now I know that there are some who find the idea of someone withholding information about a murder from you until you solve this one puzzle that's been bugging them for days rather odd, I didn't mind one bit. As far as I'm concerned if someone on the street were to walk up to me and say "Could you help me solve a puzzle?" I would immediately slap on my ridiculously tall hat and rub my chin with thought. That's just what a gentleman would do.
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