My top 10 games of 2009, with these stipulations: 
 
- If I haven't played the game, I can't rank it 
- All platforms are accounted for 
- This is in no particular order 
- If I said EVERYTHING about these games, this blog would be a novel, so this is my "Cliff-Notes" version.
 
Ok, get it? got it? good! Commence list! 
 
1. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3)
 - Nathan Drake continues to be one of the most likeable characters in gaming. It's not every day you get to play a blockbuster action movie. Everything just flows well, amazing graphics, great gameplay, great sound work (voice and otherwise), engaging story, addictive multiplayer and hot babes. Yeah, if you are on the fence on whether to buy a PS3 or not, DUDER, here is your reason!

2. Killzone 2 (PS3) 
- Yes, it's no Modern Warfare 2, but it doesn't have to be. Admittedly many of us gamers were maybe led astray with the mind-blowing initial trailer, but It still ended up being a REALLY good looking game. From the lighting of the guns in your hands, to the dust flying off the levels, to the crimson red Helghast eyes, the atmosphere in this game is really moody and makes you feel like you are in a warzone. The story may not be anything to write home about, but it makes up for that in sheer action and excitement. Multiplayer is a very unique experience that I hope to see forms of in upcoming FPS games. 
 
3. Borderlands (Xbox 360) 
- BAZILLIONS of guns. Shotguns that may shoot exploding rockets....electric pistols....the first RPS (Role-Playing Shooter)...Big-ASS ramp...WHAT? Yeah, I still find myself wanting to put that disc in and shoot skags. This world will draw you in and keep a hold on you while you shoot anything and everything and have hella fun doing it. As soon as I started getting hooked, I knew this was gonna be something special. While not the most graphically technical game on my list, it's on here because it is just a fun game that I could see me playing time and time again. Little touches like headshots being "Critical Hits" and Elite enemies being called "Badasses" just add to the colorful nature of Borderlands. 
 
4. Batman: Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360) 
- This game did and still does OWN MY SOUL! First off, I am a comic hero nerd. I have played all the Batman games I could get my hands on, as far back as "Batman" from Sunsoft on the NES (which was really good). I bought into the hype from day one for a number of reasons: 1) The premise. Batman trapped in the famous Arkham Asylum with many of his notorious enemies. 2) The media. All the videos and screenshots made this game look gorgeous, and the finished product did not disappoint. 3) The cast. THE Kevin Conroy as Batman and THE Mark Hamil as Joker. 'Nuff Said. 4) At least it's not a Superman game....cause those games suck!  
 
Everything about Batman: AA worked well, from the grimey look of the Asylum, to the detective phase of the game, to the interview tapes which may make you giggle and may disturb you. Lots of character here and I was utterly blown away. As a Batman fan, I was very happy with this.
 
5. Beatles: Rock Band (Xbox 360) 
- I am a Beatlemaniac, and I never thought I would be playing a rhythm game with the Fab Four's music. The artistic take is beautiful to behold, and sometimes I catch myself not paying attention to the note highway and taking in all the surroundings. The big thing with this game for me was that it didn't feel like a cheap "cash-in". Harmonix treated the subject matter with great care, from the bonus photos and videos you unlock, to the dreamscapes during the "post-touring era" to the introductions to each new section of the Beatles career. This game will hold a special place for me mainly because, its the Beatles. 
 
6. inFAMOUS (PS3) 
- What a debut! With a year full of "insert game name" 2's, it's great to see a fresh idea come out and work this well. Sure we have seen these mechanics before, the super-protagonist, will you be good or evil, collect lots of little things, open-world exploration, etc. But rarely does it work THIS well. It is just fun to traverse Empire City and use your powers. It's great that the "good" powers are not total weaksauce either, since there are practical uses for both the "good" and "evil" powers. Playing through this game and reaching its conclusion makes me excited for another inFAMOUS game and this title deserves to be in everyone's library. 
 
7. Dragon Age: Origins (PC) 
 - Just EPIC! I started playing this title on the 360, but watching and dabbling into the PC version it just reinforces that this game is a FO SHO PC GAME! The heavy storyline is great and you want to see it through to its conclusion, the characters are memorable, the combat is satisfying, the RP element is well implemented, it looks GREAT, and it will consume you. 

8. Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360) 
- You know what you are getting here: A Bad-ass game that kicks ass and takes names. When the game has to ask you if you want to skip a level because it may offend you, you know this is serious business. The over-the-top storyline doesn't bother me because hey, it's a video game. I like action movies, so playing MW2's campaign was a fun experience where I shouted "OH SHIT!" several times. Spec-Ops is the best co-op experience on the market today, period. Oh and there is multiplayer too....yeah it's the best multiplayer experience on the mark....hmm...yeah awesome! 

9. Assassin's Creed II (Xbox 360) 
-  Everything that felt "off" in the first AC was reworked and made better for AC II. Ezio is a more well-rounded character, the story is more engaging, the gameplay is smoother, and the environment just works better. Florence, Italy feels alive and looks great, so you get a real treat when you ascend high structures and use your Synchronize ability to behold the beauty that surrounds you. Everything fit right with this one and it makes me even more excited for AC III. 

10. Shadow Complex (Xbox 360)

- I was excited for this game to come out the moment I saw the first screenshot. What can be said about SC that hasn't already been said? It's "MetroidVania" approach was daring and well done. The "I must find every secret" aspect is second-to-none. It looks great, it plays great, it has Nolan North, it is genuinely FUN to play, and hey it's not a full $60. This is the bar to which all future downloadable games will be judged by.  
 
Game of the Year
 - In a VERY close call...I would give the award to... 
Batman: Arkham Asylum 
 
*Drops mic* 
OUT!